Festival Information
You’re on the official festival info page! All key details are here, with the full line-up and workshop schedule available on separate pages. Still have questions? Check the FAQ or contact us anytime.
Date for the next edition: 4, 5 & 6 of september 2026
Mark your calendars! Every year we celebrate on the first weekend of September!
Our 5th anniversary edition will be on 3, 4 & 5 September 2027.
Festival Venue: Musis Sacrum (Arnhem, The Netherlands)
We host our event in one of the most spectacular venues the Salsa & Bachata scene knows in the Netherlands:
Musis Sacrum. Our main area (Muzenzaal) has a breathtaking interior, perfect wooden dance floor and professional sound system.
The other areas we also use for workshops are Balkonzaal, Van Beinumzaal, Muzen Foyer and Fromberg Foyer.
Tickets & Access
In general we have 3 types of activities: Parties (evening), Workshops (morning and afternoon) and Day-time Social dancing (afternoon).
To attend;
- The workshops: You need a full pass or a day pass
- The parties: You need a party ticket, day pass or a party ticket
- The day-time social dancing: You need a full pass
* Day passes and party tickets are specific for 1 day!
Program & Line-up
At the moment we have not revealed the full program and line-up yet. However, a general schedule is online on the Program page.
Salsa & Bachata Area
Both during the day as during the evening we have a separate area for the salsa dancers and another area for the bachata dancers.
So to all the bachata lovers; we got you covered as well!
Accomodation & Travel
Traveling by car:
If you are just coming to the party: park your car in Muzen Garage for just €1,70 per/hour.
If you are looking for a free parking, try this street: Rosendaalsestraat 27, 6824 CA Arnhem
Traveling by public transportation:
Take the train to Arnhem Central Station and walk about 10 minutes to Musis Sacrum.
You can also take a bus from Arnhem CS to the venue, get out at “Velperplein”.
There are many busses going there (it’s the second stop from Arnhem CS).
Traveling by airplane:
- Fly to Amsterdam Schiphol and take 1 train to Arnhem Central station
or
- Fly to Eindhoven, grab the airport shuttle to central station and travel Eindhoven > ‘S Hertogenbosch > Arnhem
Frequently Asked Question
Is this festival for all levels?
Yes! We welcome everyone. Our workshops are designed for all levels — from beginners to very experienced dancers. With world-class instructors and a friendly community, you’ll feel at home no matter your level.
Do you also have Bachata at the festival
Yes. Bachata is part of our weekend. You’ll find a dedicated bachata area at the evening parties, workshops throughout the weekend, and mixed salsa & bachata during social dancing.
I am a beginners, can I join the workshops?
Definitely. We provide a beginner area with salsa and bachata workshops tailored for first steps. You can follow beginner-level classes all day.
Why does the parties stop at 01.30h?
We want you to enjoy the entire weekend with energy — not just one late night. By closing at 01:30, you can recharge for workshops the next day. We also follow city policy for event hours.
Is the festival close to hotels?
Yes, Musis Sacrum is located in the city centre of Arnhem. Hotels are within 10 minutes walking, and there are plenty of Airbnb options nearby.
How do I know which workshops are On1 or On2, or what style they are?
Our schedule shows the style and level of each workshop (On1, On2, Cuban, Dominican bachata, styling, etc.) so you can choose what fits you best.
Are there both partnerwork and solo workshops?
Yes, we balance solo and partnerwork workshops. Partnerwork is always part of the program, but we also offer solo classes for styling, body movement, and musicality.
What happens if there are more followers than leaders in a workshop?
We encourage role rotation, and our instructors adapt workshops to keep everyone engaged. In general partners rotate often, so everyone dances.
Is the showcase really long?
In the past we used to put all the shows on Friday to inspire our visitors and help them choose their weekend workshops. From our 2026 edition on we will spread our shows over 3 days, so each showcase will have a maximum of 6 shows.
Shows are an important part of the Watapana vibe, it offers a stage to our local talents where they can display their art and reach a greater audience than they are used to.
Can I dance during the live band?
Yes, the live music is for dancing! You can also enjoy watching, but the floor is open.
Will there be catering or food options?
We are exploring more food and drink options during parties and socials.
Up until now most of our visitors go to the city after the party to have a midnight snack. The closest pizzeria is 2 minutes walking from the venue!
Is there space to relax or take a break?
Yes, there are lounge areas and seating spaces. We know breaks are important, and we’re working on making these areas even more comfortable.
Follow the signs in the venue!
Does the Full Pass include the Sunday (after-) party?
Because we are still growing we didn’t have Sunday parties up until the 2025 edition.
We did promote other events as an option for after-party.
From 2026 on we will have a closing weekend day-time social (in the same venue) which will be included in the full pass. Stay tuned for more information.
How do I stay updated on artists and schedules?
We update our website and Instagram with the latest information. During the weekend, schedules are available online, on posters inside the venue, and in flyers.
From our 2026 edition on, we recommend you to check our website since we have a dedicated Watapana Weekend website.
Do you invite only international stars?
No, we believe Dutch artists deserve just as much stage time. Our lineup always includes top talent from the Netherlands alongside international guests.
Our mission is to make Watapana Weekend an event where all the in-demand artists are booked and can share their art with you!
Is there merchandise?
Yes! We offer Watapana merch like shirts, hoodies, and bags. Sometimes with early bird discounts before the festival.
Contact us