Carnival 2026 in Kruikenstad: more space together for the celebration

“Carnival in Kruikenstad, I know I am not the only one who eagerly looks forward to it every year. In recent years, we have seen more and more people come to Tilburg to join the festivities. With their family, friends, or relatives. And that is wonderful; we are proud of our traditions and gladly let others join in. That is only possible if everyone contributes. Take responsibility and look out for each other. That is how we Kruiken and Kruikinnen do it!” said alderman Maarten van Asten (Events).

Parkring completely closed

This year, the Parkring between Spoorlaan and Bisschop Zwijsenstraat remains closed longer and completely to car traffic. From Friday, February 13 at 1:00 PM until Wednesday, February 18 at 9:00 AM, the ring is only accessible to residents with a permit, suppliers, and emergency services. This closure creates more space for partygoers and means hardly any fences are needed in the city center. Parking garages remain accessible as much as possible, except the Emmapassage (which is closed).

Safe and accessible for everyone

We celebrate carnival in Tilburg together: cozy, open, and with care for each other. So that everyone, young and old, can enjoy carnival and we maintain a good balance between accessibility and safety. Throughout the event area, there are several hospitality gates. House rules apply within these gates; for more information, see https://www.tilburg.nl/gemeente/stad-en-dorpen/cultuur-vrije-tijd/carnaval/.

The larger squares such as Stadsforum, Stadhuisplein, and Heuvelplein remain open. There is plenty of space to find a nice spot and celebrate carnival together. At the busiest places, such as Piusplein, Stadhuisstraat, Korte Heuvel, and Paleisring, fences are placed. If it becomes too crowded there, these squares can be temporarily closed. This keeps it pleasant and safe for everyone.

At Stadhuisplein there is a first aid post that also serves as a safe space location for people who feel unsafe or overstimulated for any reason, so they can catch their breath. Security guards, enforcement officers, and NIX18 teams are visibly present and pay extra attention to alcohol use by youths under 18 years old.  

Smart to Kruikenstad

Come by bike if possible. Throughout the center, extra (unattended) bike parking has been placed, and some regular parking is open day and night. Those coming by train or bus can walk directly from Tilburg station to the celebration; Arriva runs extra night buses and there are more trains at night. Those coming by car should expect detours during the Parkring closure and the route of D’n Opstoet on Sunday, February 15.

Taxis can use three fixed pick-up points in the city center. Only drivers with the Tilburg Taxi Quality Mark may park here. For quick drop-off or pick-up, there are two kiss & ride locations: at Schouwburgring and Spoorlaan.

D’n Opstoet on Sunday

On Sunday, February 15, D’n Opstoet parades through the center. This causes closures from 10:00 AM to 6:00 AM around Piushaven and the center. Parking may be limited that day and temporary parking bans apply in some places.

Sustainable cups and deposits

During carnival, the hospitality industry uses reusable cups. For your first drink, you pay 0.50 euros for the cup. If you return your cup, you receive a Tilly Token that can be used again at the next event for a cup. Additionally, there are deposit machines for plastic bottles and cans at three locations in the city center.

Report nuisance

Despite all measures, residents may experience nuisance. This can be reported via WhatsApp, the Environmental Complaints Center, or the Fixi app. On https://www.tilburg.nl/gemeente/stad-en-dorpen/cultuur-vrije-tijd/carnaval/ you can find exactly how this works.