Practical visitor info
Everything you need for a smooth visit: where to park, how to come by public transport, accessibility, food & drink and where to go in an emergency.
Parking
The municipality advises parking at the edge of the centre and then walking, cycling or taking the bus.
- P+R Weeskinderendijk (along the Dokweg, 270 spaces) — € 1 for the first 24 hours, then € 0.50 per hour. On Saturdays the bus runs every 5 min between 10:00–17:30 (lines 2, 4, 7, 92).
- Energiehuis car park (325 spaces) — open 24/7, pay per minute, card only.
- Prefer to be closer? The Spuihaven, Achterom or Riedijkshaven car parks in the centre.
By public transport
Train: from Dordrecht station it is a ±10–15 minute walk to the centre, or take bus 2, 4, 7 or 92.
Waterbus: get off at the Merwekade stop, right in the festival area.
Accessibility
Wheelchair users & visitors with limited mobility: The festival heart at Het Hof and the Kloostertuin is easily accessible. Please note that parts of the historic city centre have cobblestone streets, which may make access more difficult.
In the Kloostertuin, some of the programme takes place on raised grass areas.
Please note: the Hoog & Droog Attic Route is not accessible for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.
Prams and strollers are welcome throughout the festival.
Food & drink
The festival bar and kitchen in the Kloostertuin — the bar by Café ’t Peerdt and the food by Baklab — ran until Saturday 26 September.
The city centre has plenty of cafés and restaurants.
First aid, AED & help
For an accident or medical assistance, please go to the First Aid (EHBO) station on Het Hof, located near the Lifeguard Association stand.
First aid staff will also be present in the Kloostertuin. Our first aid responders will be walking around the area throughout the day and are available if you have any questions or need assistance.
Life-threatening emergency? Always call 112. If a cardiac arrest is suspected, HartslagNu immediately alerts nearby citizen responders; an AED is available on site at the first-aid post.
Toilets
Toilets are available inside Filmtheater & Stadsbrasserie De Witt. You can also use the toilet facilities at cafés and restaurants throughout the city centre.
By bike
The city centre is quickest and easiest to reach by bike. Park your bike in one of the guarded bicycle parking facilities around the centre.
Frequently asked questions
Is the festival free?
Yes. The street program — street theatre, art installations and the festival heart at Het Hof — is free and open without registration.
A few special parts, such as the Hoog & Droog attic route, do require a ticket.
Do I need to register for anything?
Not for the general program — you simply walk in. Registration is needed for parts with limited places, such as the attic route and the dyke walk.
What happens in bad weather?
The festival is mostly outdoors and goes ahead in ordinary rain — bring an umbrella or raincoat. In extreme weather a part may change or be cancelled; updates appear on this site and on our socials.
Is it fun for children?
Absolutely! There is plenty to discover for families, including the Redders van Dordt Vloedcamp in the Kloostertuin, where children can learn about water and safety in a fun and interactive way.
Most activities are free of charge and do not require registration.
Am I welcome with a wheelchair or limited mobility?
Yes, the festival heart and most street acts are easy to reach. Mind the cobbles in the historic centre. The Hoog & Droog attic route is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
Where can I park?
The municipality advises P+R Weeskinderendijk or the Energiehuis car park, both at the edge of the centre. From there the centre is a short walk, bus or shared-bike ride away. See also the Parking card above.
Can I bring my dog?
Your dog is welcome at most outdoor locations, on a lead.
Not allowed in the Kloostertuin or on the Hoog & Droog Attic Route.
What time does it start and end?
The festival has no fixed opening hours: the programme differs from day to day. Saturday 26 September is the big festival day — from 11:00 until late, with the parade at 16:00 and the Silent Nood Disco XXL running until 23:00. On the other days there are individual events at varying times, usually in the afternoon or evening.
Check the programme to see which times apply to which day.
Another question? Email us at help@festivalvoordevloed.nl
