The Opening
We’re kicking off the new cultural season with a creative weekend full of inspiration!
- Starting date
- End date
- Opening times
- Price
- Free
- Location
- CKE
Welcome to De Opening! The national kickoff of the cultural season. De Opening takes place in a different city every year. This year, Eindhoven has the honor of hosting this opening weekend. During De Opening, CKE serves as a meeting place for creators and the public for three days.
A weekend full of fun workshops, exhibitions, and performances—plus a dance battle in the tunnel just around the corner. There’s always something to see, do, and experience. You decide what to check out. Drop by and let yourself be surprised.
What’s on?
During The Opening, the entire building turns into one big place to explore. Among other things, you can:
- An accessible introduction to our 2026–2027 course offerings
- Participate in a variety of workshops
- Enjoy shows, presentations, and performances
- View works by various amateur artists from Eindhoven
Check out the program for The Opening at CKE (program details in Dutch)
Plan your route using the timetable
With so much to see and do, it’s nice to have a general overview in advance. Concerts, performances, workshops: the schedule lets you see at a glance what’s happening and when! This makes it easy to choose what you want to watch, listen to, or participate in.
Timetable
Derailed: Emoves x CKE dance battle
A special spot on our program is reserved for Emoves! For two days, Eindhoven’s dance community will come together under the railroad tracks. A strip of linoleum. A boombox. From breaking to modern, from hip-hop to freestyle. No distance between performers and audience. Just the culture as it truly is: cyphers, jams, battles, showcases, and spontaneous moments you can’t plan for. This is where generations come together. Experienced dancers share the floor with new talent. Crews challenge each other and learn from one another. The audience is welcome to watch, cheer, or step into the circle themselves.
In our programme there is always something to experience
Draadkracht XL
Draadkracht XL is a day filled with textiles, technology, and tradition. Discover centuries-old crafts, learn new techniques, and meet creators who approach textiles from different cultures and perspectives. Take a workshop, listen to inspiring stories, or join the collaborative quilt project. A day for curious creators of all skill levels.
Natemah Open Mic
Natemah Storytelling is an open-mic evening bringing together stories, comedy, music and poetry. Experienced performers and first-time storytellers share their work with an international audience. The open mic gives everyone the opportunity to step onto the stage, experiment, and share something meaningful in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Kick-off: DARK Halloween festival Eindhoven
Would you like to join DARK? During the kick-off, participants will get to know the project, the creators, and each other. It’s the perfect start to a spooky and creative adventure.
Monthly sketch café
Artists of all levels gather monthly, alternating between Thursdays and Saturdays, at Café C to sketch, learn, and meet each other.