In autumn, the days grow shorter, the jumpers get cosier and the diaries fill up: the perfect time to make room for creativity. On 8 June at 12 noon, registration opens for the autumn courses at Parnassos Cultural Centre, part of Utrecht University.
From September 2026, you’ll dive into a season full of new skills, creative energy and wonderful encounters. This autumn is your chance to dance, write, sing, design, relax or push your artistic boundaries!
Wide range of courses: new season, new skills
The autumn season starts in September and once again offers nearly 100 courses in disciplines such as dance, music, theatre, visual arts, digital media, writing, and body & mind. There are courses for everyone from beginners to advanced creators, in Dutch and in English!
🩰 Dance: let it all go for a while
Looking for an energetic break from your studies or working day? Step into the dance studio and let it all slip away for a while. From powerful moves in Afro Dance to the versatility of Dancemix and the elegance of Ballet: at Parnassos, you dance for fun, energy and self-confidence.
🎭 Theatre: spotlight season
Autumn is the perfect season to finally take that step onto the stage. Act, improvise and discover new sides of yourself during Musical, Cabaret & Stand-up Comedy or one of the basic theatre courses in Dutch and English.
📸 Photography & media: stories that stick
Create, film, design and capture the world through your eyes. Learn to tell your own story in ‘Podcast Production’ or ‘Documentary Making’, head out with ‘Photography: On the Road’ or delve into ‘Portrait Photography’. Prefer working with your hands? Breathe new life into old ideas in ‘Bookbinding: Your Own Project’.
🖊️ Writing: from random thoughts to real stories
Autumn is the perfect season for writing. Settle into your favourite corner of the café and discover how your ideas come to life during Creative Writing, its follow-up course, Short Stories, or Sci-Fi & Fantasy Writing. For dreamers, thinkers and anyone with a head full of stories.
🎨 Visual arts: create something with your hands
Take a break from the digital world and get creative. Discover how relaxing and inspiring it is to make something tangible during courses such as Sewing, Upcycling, Illustration or Acrylic Painting. Perfect for anyone in need of a creative reset.
🎤 Music: playing together, sounding together
Whether you’re just starting out or have been making music for years: at Parnassos you’ll find your sound. Sing along with the UUniversal Choir or Sing with the Band, learn the basics of singing or guitar, or dive deeper with Composition or Electronic Music Production. Solo or together: music connects.
🧘♀️ Body & Mind: a gentler transition into autumn
Not everything has to be productive. Sometimes you just want to move, breathe and recharge. Rediscover yourself during Burlesque or let go of control with Flow Improvisation.
🎬 Productions: shine on stage
Want more than just a course? At Parnassos, you can also take part in larger productions and work together towards a performance on stage. This autumn, you can take part in a musical production or a theatre performance based on the famous Nachtgasten method.
What else is there to do?
Parnassos Culture Café
During the day: a cosy spot to study, hold meetings or play games. In the evening: a lively student café with drinks, events and great music. Read more about our Culture Café here.
Cabaret and theatre performances
We organise various performances in our own theatre. Students get a discount!
Events & more
There’s always something going on: from karaoke to cabaret, open mic nights to workshops, the writing café and much more. Check the calendar on our website.
KOSMU
The music scene for students in Utrecht is thriving. Parnassos is home to the student music societies of KOSMU and to theatre groups. There are open rehearsals every year and new members are welcome to join. Tip: To mark the University of Utrecht’s 50th anniversary, KOSMU will be performing with UUnited on Tour in 2026. Buy your ticket now for the UUnited Music Festival on 13 June, come and meet us during the UIT, or pop in for a look on 13 and 14 September during the Lustrum Festival!
Join the Parnassos community
Parnassos is your place to take a break from the daily hustle and bustle of study or work. A place where you can challenge yourself, discover new talents or simply enjoy a drink in the cosy Parnassos Culture Café. Where you meet like-minded people, surprise yourself, spark new passions and can always drop by during events.
With the Parnassos Pass, you can also rehearse in our spaces at a reduced rate. Parnassos isn’t just any cultural centre; it’s a second home. A place to recharge, experiment and find inspiration. Everyone is welcome. Will we see you this autumn?
Practical information
The autumn courses start in September 2026. The full programme will be available on the website from the end of May. Students from UU, HU, HKU and UVH receive a 50% discount; staff receive a 25% discount. Check the terms and conditions.