MELTING POT?

(voor Nederlands, check deze pagina)

On February 19th, we will transform our beloved Grote Kerk into the radiant heart of Wageningen once again. Join us for a heartwarming evening and meet people you may have encountered before but never really got to know.

That evening, the Grote Kerk will host a cozy winter three-course dinner, complemented by a fine selection of cultural delights. The randomly assigned seating will give you the chance to engage in conversations with (for now) unfamiliar faces. Get ready for an evening full of entertainment and unexpected twists. We’re ready—are you?

Later in the evening, the fusion continues with an expansive art and music festival at multiple locations in Wageningen’s city center. Together with local and national artists, we’ll celebrate our Wageningen community in a Melting Pot of music, comedy, jam sessions, poetry, short films, dance, a vinyl party, and more!

MELTING POT DINER

Long tables, delicious food, wonderful people, engaging conversations, and cultural amuse-bouches—that’s the Melting Pot dinner in a nutshell.

In a few more words, it goes like this: Melting Pot Wageningen brings together people and cultures that are all present in Wageningen but don’t often sit at the same table. We’re bringing that table to you—literally! We’re opening the church for a vegan dinner where we’ll seat you next to someone you don’t know, giving you the chance to connect during the winter season. And yes, even if you come with a group, we’ll ask you to sit next to someone new during the meal. No, it’s not a dating event, but we do hope you’ll meet someone you wouldn’t ordinarily encounter and that you’ll share stories—or the story of the evening. Because in addition to food and great company, you’ll also enjoy performances by local artists. Unforgettable, right?

MELTING POT FESTIVAL

Are you familiar with the Popronde? Hold onto that thought. Multiple locations throughout the city, but this time not "just bands"—but a much broader lineup. With a core program that’s open to both dinner guests and festival-goers.

So, grab the schedule at home or during dinner and plan your route for the evening and night. And don’t miss the after-party at Junushoff!

FAQ

But what about my friends?

It might feel strange, but we’re confident you can do it—truly connect with a stranger. It’s something we believe is often missing in our society, which is why we’re serving it as the main course of this dinner. Don’t worry though: after dinner, there’s an evening program that runs well past midnight, where you can hang out with your crew as much as you like.

Vegan?

Yes. And that’s a deliberate choice too. Are we trying to impose something on you? Absolutely not. You’re free to enjoy meat and fish, just as you might love football but still go to a concert without bringing a ball once every while! So let go of your preconceptions here. It’s not about forcing vegan food on you—it’s about eating well, healthily, and deliciously. We promise you'll be getting all three of those. Everything else is secondary, right?

Why is it so expensive?

Believe us, we’re doing everything we can to keep this event as affordable as possible for everyone. But things do cost money, especially if you want to do them right and by the rules. This evening wouldn’t be possible without subsidies, financial contributions from our partners and ourselves, and above all, the countless voluntary hours of many enthusiastic fellow Wageningen residents.

I really can’t afford it...

We ask those who can afford it to make an extra donation. We’re also working with Wageningen DOET, which allows us to provide free entry to a number of people. We want everyone to feel welcome, and we don’t want a tight budget to be a barrier. The only hurdle you’d need to cross is sending us an email. We trust that if you take that step, it’s for a good reason. You’ll receive a regular ticket, your email will be deleted, and we won’t mention it again. Availability is limited, though!