SloW ^UP

the softest protest
Against exhaustion of people and planet

Participants

They have signed up already. If you haven’t, why not do it now?

Why and how?

We live in a world that keeps speeding up. From fast fashion to fast food, from constant notifications to endless advertising, we are encouraged to consume more, produce more, perform more and always be “on”. This comes with clear consequences: rising stress, insomnia, burnout and anxiety, while ecosystems are pushed beyond their limits and planetary boundaries are being exceeded. We are undermining both our own wellbeing and the livability of the planet. It raises a simple question: who benefits from a system where “enough” no longer seems to exist? Slow Up is our response: a collective moment to slow down, reflect, and question how we organize our lives, our work and our economy. Not as an individual fix, but as a shared signal that something needs to change.

Join us

By slowing up together, we send a clear collective signal: this pace is not sustainable. Sign up and stay up to date about how to claim your spot at one of our locations. Everyone who participates sends the same message:
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“We are outrunning ourselves and the planet. And I protest this.”

save the date

On the weekend of 24–25 October 2026, as we shift to winter time, we invite everyone to slow down for 25 hours. We are using the bed-in as a symbol to protest a rushed society. But you don’t need to stay in bed all weekend to be part of this. Choose a way that feels comfortable and accessible to you.
At home or at one of our locations.

Check locations

Spread THE word

Imagine the whole country slowed down for 25 hours. Invite friends and family to Slow Up too. The bigger our movement, the stronger our message. Want to go all the way? Create your own sleepover or slowed down activity at your sports club, at work, in your school.

Get organised

create impact

Slow Up is more than just a 25 hour protest, it could also be the start of a more conscious life. You don't need to be an expert or an activist to make a difference. Discover how you can increase your positive impact

get inspired

Locations

These locations are joining Slow Up already.
Click on the images to learn more.

C-Mine, Genk

KMSKA, AntwerpEN

Wintercircus Gent

De auteurs at Canapé, Brussel

All Locations

Ambassadors

These people are joining the movement already.
Why don’t you join us as well?

Manifesto

By DAVID VAN REYBROUCK

We putten onszelf uit
We putten elkaar uit
We putten de planeet uit

Dit houden we niet vol
We moeten vertragen
Niet even, maar stevig
‍
Om weer te weten wie we zijn
Om weer te voelen wie met ons is
Om weer te koesteren wat ons draagt

Eind oktober krijgen we een uur extra
Het ideale moment om stil te staan
Leef trager, leef voller
Slow Up For Humanity

We disconnect to reconnect
With ourselves
With each other
With the earth

En dan weer verder
Wijzer, warmer, weerbaarder
--en minder afgemat

‍

Join us

fAQ

What is Show Up for Humanity?

Show Up for Humanity is a positive, celebratory event focused on music and bringing people together around one shared goal: more humanity in our society.

Our mission is to inspire meaningful action by amplifying voices that advocate for a more just and sustainable world. We want to show up for a world where everyone gets a fair chance, where every person matters. It’s a simple idea. Because it should be.

What is the goal?

The state of our world in 2025 is deeply worrying. Human rights are under attack. Climate change accelerates. Authoritarianism grows. And change is happening too slowly — or not at all. Many people are starting to feel powerless. Some even fatalistic. Worried Citizens is a citizens collective with a clear goal: turn worry into action. We see so many people who want to do good but don’t know how.

This is not the time to sit still and remain silent. This is the time to unite and stir up action. We believe that when people gather, not just to protest but to dance, listen, and feel together, we can spark empathy, solidarity and humanity. And from there, change becomes possible. We also believe that the intertwining of music and global thought leaders will make this event more than just a festival.

All public, media and political attention Show Up For Humanity will receive, will be guided towards the causes that need way more attention than they currently get.

Why September 2025?

At this moment in time we see a clear momentum: the crucial climate conference COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Ten years after the Paris Agreement, meaningful action is still missing.

With only five years left to halve emissions, and the 1.5°C limit already breached, urgent action is needed — action rooted in empathy for people, animals and nature. Climate justice begins with recognising inequality, and responding with compassion.

How can we support Show Up for Humanity?

First and foremost, by showing up. Be there, bring your neighbours, parents and friends. Sharing is caring: spread the word. But there’s much more you can help us with. Organizing an event like ours in a top-notch and safe way needs a lot of hands and resources. Discover all ways you can support right here.

SloW UP

the softest protestAgainst exhaustion of people and planet