Rooted Festival Saturday 29 august 2026:
come experience the society we’re able to become
Imagine a world where we truly live together. Where differences don’t divide us, but enrich us. Where you are seen as you are, and where every story has space to be heard. Where questions such as ‘where do you come from’ feel as either entirely irrelevant or as loving curiosity. A society that feels connected, inclusive, and alive – not as a distant ideal, but as something we can create together.
On Saturday 29th of August 2026, Rooted Festival invites you for the third edition to step into that world. A place where you can simply be, connect, and experience new ways of being together. Throughout the day, you’ll explore what an inclusive and cohesive society can look and feel like – not just in theory, but in reality. Through conversations, workshops, music, and shared moments, you’ll get a glimpse of what’s possible.
Rooted is more than a festival. It’s an invitation. To reflect, to connect, and to discover how you can help shape the world around you. Because that change starts with us.
Step into the future. Experience what could be. And return with the power to shape it. Let’s build that society we’re capable of becoming.
We will announce the first names of the line-up with you as soon as we can (mid-June latest).
“At first I wanted to be Dutch. Now I want to be myself. I was walking on eggshells. Now I know I’ve got a footprint to leave behind.” – Inaas, former Rooted participant
Tickets
We offer different ticket prices. All tickets include access to the workshops, performances and food during the Festival. We trust you to choose the ticket that best fits your financial capacity. Rooted Festival is a non-profit initiative, depending entirely on subsidiaries and funds.
If any of the ticket options below form a financial barrier for you in attending Rooted Festival, please submit this form (confidentially) and we will find a way together. Everybody is welcome at Rooted, regardless of your financial situation. Below you find further explanation of the different ticket options to decide which one fits you best.
True ticket price: €49,50 for people who can afford the standard price.
Solidarity ticket: €35 for people for whom the true ticket price isn’t feasible right now.
Pay it forward ticket: €59,50 for people who can afford to add a small contribution, which directly funds the solidarity tickets for those who need them and helps opening doors for them to join.
Bosbios – Forest film festival
In addition to Rooted Festival, the forest of De Hoorneboeg will be transforming again this summer to host the annual Bosbios.
On Friday 28, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August the Bosbios (forest film festival) will feature 3 evenings of outdoor film screenings specifically curated around Diversity & Inclusion, to create more inspiration and safe spaces to reflect and connect. Where differences have the power to connect.
Please find the program on the Bosbios website (in Dutch) here.
MEET ROOTED
Rooted is thought leader on belonging. We challenge and reshape what it means to feel at home in a world shaped by movement. Our knowledge is grounded in research and lived experience of the people we support in rooting in The Netherlands. Rooting is about embracing your layered identities, dancing between them and authentically being a part of society. This leads to a deep sense of belonging and feeling at home – a basic human need and the foundation of a cohesive society.
Besides group programming and community events, Rooted advocates on a societal level for an inclusive and cohesive society, in which all people wholly and authentically belong. Rooted publicly shares expertise as thought-leader on belonging to inform policy, build bridges and strengthen our capacity to live together in all our diversity.
why ROOTED?
We live in an increasingly diverse and interconnected society, shaped by movement, multiple identities and constant change. Yet many people, whether they have a migration background or not, struggle to fully feel at home, connected and seen within this changing social landscape. Belonging is a universal human need, and an essential foundation for individual well-being and cohesive communities.
Rooted exists to strengthen that sense of belonging. We support people in navigating questions of identity, connection and participation in a society where differences are part of everyday life. Some people may experience this through migration, displacement or living between cultures; others through social change, polarization or uncertainty about how to relate to an increasingly diverse world.
Our methodology, grounded in research and lived experience, helps people build rootedness across eight dimensions. By creating space for reflection, dialogue and authentic participation, we empower people to embrace layered identities, relate across differences and take up space in society with confidence and openness.
Rooted contributes to a society in which everyone can wholly and authentically belong. Because when people feel rooted, communities become stronger, more inclusive and more cohesive.
Previous ROOTED Festival editions
Have a look at the aftermovie of the second edition of Rooted Festival on Saturday 30 August 2025:
And the aftermovie of the debut edition of Rooted Festival on 20 June 2024 during World Refugee Day:
“Feeling at home starts in your heart. From there the roots grow between the walls through to the pavement and then across the world. If the seed doesn’t grow in your heart, you are nowhere at home. ROOTED lets that seed sprout to then take root again.”
Rodaan Al Galidi, award-winning author and poet, ambassador of Rooted
Program
This year’s edition will start at 11.30 until 17:30. More details regarding the full program will be announced soon.
Activities
What does it take to integrate in a new society, while staying true to who you are? How do we build a collective home, with room for all our identities and roots? How can we give shape to integration systems in which people are supported in rooting and creating a sense of belonging? How do we let our authentic voices be heard? How may we feel rooted in Dutch nature? You will explore these questions through engaging workshops, films and enjoy music, inspiring speakers and performances. We invite you to come home and root with us.
Workshops
During the festival, we create a world in which you can experience what a cohesive, connected society could look like — one in which you can be your authentic self — not as an idealistic vision, but as something we can actively build together.
Throughout two workshop blocks, we explore these questions. First, we experience what it feels like to be part of a cohesive society in which we can be your authentic self. Then, we move into action: developing ideas, skills and insights that enable us to actively contribute to a society in which everyone can feel at home. The tools we gain are meant not only for the festival, but also for how we navigate and contribute to our everyday life.
Food & drinks
Lunch and drinks (coffee, tea and/or water) are included in your ticket. A variety of other drinks will be available at the festival.
SETTING
The festival takes place outdoors. Enjoy the lush and beautiful nature at De Hoorneboeg! Don’t worry about the weather, as there will be a large festival tent. Immerse yourself in nature, slow down as we gather to explore this year’s theme to become builders of belonging.
How to GET THERE
The address is: Hoorneboeg 3, 1213 RE, Hilversum (The Netherlands). We are easily accessible by public transport or OV-bike. Our parking space is limited, but if you have no other option, you can reserve a parking spot for €10 per day. You will see this option automatically when you purchase your ticket.
language
The interactive activities at the festival will be mostly in English. Some will be in Dutch. A basic level of English is recommended. If you do not speak English nor Dutch, you are still welcome. There will be enough opportunity to connect through dance and music, where no spoken words shall be necessary.
Do you have A question?
We are happy to help you. Please contact the festival team via ontmoeten@dehoorneboeg.nl
“Rooted is where we come home to ourselves and each other, discover that our diversity is our strength. It is where our different facets, cultural backgrounds and experiences merge into a beautiful whole, where we feel fully understood and accepted. It is a journey inward, where we find our true selves amidst the diversity that defines us.” – Esmah Lahlah, Member of Parliament, ambassador of Rooted
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