Amsterdam Cabaret Festival

The semi-finalists of the Amsterdam Cabaret Festival are here to perform their original programmes. After three preliminary rounds, a professional jury and audience selected this generation of cabaret artists: independent-minded, sharp-witted, and uncompromising.

During the semi-finals tour, they travel across the country to test and refine their self-written shows under the guidance of a professional director. The goal is to reach the grand finals at De Kleine Komedie. At the same time, they participate in the AKF Keep an Eye Masterclass programme, with lessons from three industry figures on dramaturgy, musicality, timing, and stage presence.

This year the AKF celebrates its 40th anniversary. Since 1988, the festival has guided new generations of cabaret artists and performers with dedication and personal attention, creating space for experimentation while maintaining a focus on quality and substance. Previous winners include Maarten van Roozendaal, Van der Laan and Woe, Yentl and de Boer, Stefano Keizers, Glodi Lugungu, Rosa da Silva, Lotte Velvet, n00b, Valentina Tóth, Luuk Ransijn, Ayoub, and Wina Ricardo.