Kunstnacht Warms Up with a Pre-Party on September 19

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Posted: 04 September 2025, 13:50 hour

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4 Locations, Free Entry

On Saturday, September 20, Nijmegen will once again transform into one big cultural playground during Kunstnacht 2025. But for those who simply can’t wait, or who aren’t quite sure what to expect, there’s already a sneak peek on Friday evening, September 19: the Kunstnacht Pre-Party. This accessible and free cultural teaser takes place across four hospitality venues in the city.

The Kunstnacht Pre-Party is the perfect way to get a surprising introduction to the world of art—even for people who don’t typically engage with cultural programming. Art meets nightlife in a mix of performance, music, installations, and atmosphere.

The Pre-Party unfolds across the following four locations: Novia, Bloemerbar, Paak, and Hubert. Each venue offers its own unique program, ranging from experimental DJ sets to interactive art installations. Entry is free, and visitors are welcome to hop between locations, creating their own personalized cultural discovery route.

Novia

23:00 – 05:00
Novia kicks off the night with a dynamic lineup of electronic acts. Visitors will be treated to an energetic mix of house, techno, and experimental sounds, delivered by:

A musical journey that lasts until the early hours.

Bloemerbar

23:00 – 03:00
At the recently renovated Bloemerbar, $wagmachine92 takes the stage behind the decks. Expect a danceable set where funky vibes and unexpected twists come together effortlessly — an energetic performance that perfectly captures the mood of the night.

Paak

21:00 – 23:00

The evening kicks off at Paak with a hybrid live performance by Left Bank. Blending live music and a DJ set, electronic beats and organic sounds flow seamlessly together. A sensory journey that sets the tone for the rest of the night.



Hubert

Hubert presents two experimental and art-focused program elements during the Pre-Party at the NYMA site:

The Confession Booth

From 19:00
An interactive installation where visitors are invited to confess something—something weird, something silly, or something they wish they hadn’t done. What began as a religious ritual is reimagined here as an artistic space for radical honesty.

2Tracks

20:00 – 01:00
In collaboration with Kunstnacht, Hubert launches a brand-new concept: 2Tracks. Local DJs are given the chance to play just two tracks in a row, resulting in an evening full of musical surprises, unusual transitions, and an eclectic mix of styles. A curated chaos where anything is possible.


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A Taste of the Big Night to Come

With the Pre-Party, Kunstnacht aims to introduce new audiences to art and culture in an accessible way. By combining it with nightlife, the organizers hope to spark the curiosity of people who wouldn’t normally seek out art. Visitors who are excited by the Pre-Party can keep the momentum going: the full Kunstnacht takes place the very next day, Saturday, September 20, featuring over 60 participating cultural organizations across more than 20 locations throughout the city and at the NYMA site.