Crossing Border is one of the oldest and most innovative music and literature festivals in Europe, and the leading international festival of its kind in The Netherlands.
Since 1992, we have been welcoming the biggest names in music and literature, as well as showcasing new and exciting talent from The Netherlands and beyond.
We create a space where the borders between audiences, artists and disciplines disappear, and where visitors are invited to venture outside the boundaries of the familiar.
Every November, the historic city centre of The Hague is taken over by more than 80 contemporary writers, poets, musicians, spoken-word performers and other storytellers in 12+ venues, fusing genres and art forms for an unforgettable festival experience.
International music and literary stars including Salman Rushdie, Sally Rooney, Ed Sheeran, Nick Cave, and Hilary Mantel have all stepped onto the stage at Crossing Border over the last three decades. But we are equally excited about the raw talent we help promote, welcoming artists from every background in an inclusive space giving voice to diverse experience.
From the world of literature, guests have included:
Isabel Allende, Michael Cunningham, Dave Eggers, Allen Ginsberg, Germaine Greer, Michel Houellebecq, Karl Ove Knausgård, Elmore Leonard, Norman Mailer, Hilary Mantel, Ian McEwan, Marilynne Robinson, Sally Rooney, Salman Rushdie, David Sedaris, Colson Whitehead
Crossing Border also features an extensive live music programme, often fusing genres with poets giving readings accompanied by sound artists, and musicians presenting their literary projects. Here are some of the top-class musical artists who have joined us over the years.
Coldplay, Boubacar Traoré, David Byrne, Nick Cave, Fleet Foxes, Bob Geldof, PJ Harvey, Emmylou Harris, Lou Reed, Mumford & Sons, Ed Sheeran, St. Vincent, Patti Smith, Kate Tempest, The National, The Black Keys, Rufus Wainwright
