The Netherlands has vibrant and diverse music festivals which attract millions of music lovers from across the globe each year. From huge multi-genre events to gatherings that are focused on niche sounds, there’s a festival to cater to every musical taste.
The Dutch festivals are famous for their excellent organization, stunning locations, and consistently stellar lineups, making it a must-visit destination for any avid festival-goer.
In this article, we will provide details about the heart of the Netherlands’ music festival culture, giving a comprehensive guide to some of the biggest and best events the country has to offer.
Biggest Music Festival In Netherlands
The Netherlands hosts numerous large-scale music festivals, each with its unique charm and dedicated fanbase.
Here is a list of the top 10 music festivals that consistently bring massive crowds and feature world-class artists.
| Music Festival | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) | October 22-26 | Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam |
| Awakenings Festival | July 11-13 | Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands |
| Defqon.1 | June 26-39 | Evenemententerrein Biddinghuizen |
| Dekmantel | July 30- Aug 8 | Het Amsterdamse Bos |
| DGTL | April 18 – 20 | NDSM, Amsterdam |
| Intents Festival | 30 May-1 June | Oisterwijk |
| Liquicity Festival | July 25-27 | Recreatiegebied Geestmerambacht |
| Loveland Festival | August 9-10 | Sloterpark, Amsterdam |
| Mysteryland | August 22-24 | Haarlemmermeer |
| Roadburn Festival | April 17-20 | Tilburg |
Let’s get into details of the biggest festivals, examining what makes each event special and what visitors can expect from the experience.
1. Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)
| Date | October 22-26, 2025 |
| Location | Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam |
| Headliners | Not Yet Announced |
| Ticket Prices | Starting at €79 |
The Amsterdam Dance Event is a five-day conference and festival featuring over a thousand events with thousands of artists. Expect a diverse lineup across various venues, including prominent names like Jeff Mills and Peggy Gou.
ADE is significant for its networking opportunities and showcases both mainstream and underground acts. It’s a hub for both professionals and fans, offering a unique blend of music and industry insights.
2. Awakenings Festival
| Date | July 11-13, 2025 |
| Location | Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands |
| Headliners | Carl Cox, Charlotte de Witte, and Richie Hawtin |
| Ticket Prices | Starting at € 63,95 |
Awakenings Festival specializes in techno, offering a diverse lineup with legends like Richie Hawtin and Adam Beyer alongside rising stars such as VTSS. The festival is known for its friendly atmosphere and variety of techno styles.
It’s a must-visit for techno fans, featuring nearly 100,000 attendees from around the globe. Attendees can expect a vibrant mix of world-renowned names and emerging talents.
3. Defqon.1
| Date | June 26-29, 2025 |
| Location | Evenemententerrein Biddinghuizen |
| Headliners | Not Yet Announced |
| Ticket Prices | Starting at €180 for weekend passes |
Defqon.1 is renowned for its hardstyle and hardcore music, featuring elaborate stage designs and a lively crowd. It’s a must-visit for fans of energetic electronic music. The festival offers a unique experience with its high-energy performances and stunning visuals.
Since the lineup has not been announced yet, attendees can expect a lineup filled with top hardstyle artists and a festival atmosphere that’s both intense and exhilarating.
4. Dekmantel
| Date | July 30- Aug 8, 2025 |
| Location | Het Amsterdamse Bos |
| Headliners | Four Tet, Jeff Mills, Honey Dijon, Avalon Emerson, and Richie Hawtin. |
| Ticket Prices | Starting at € 32.00 for Opening Concert Ticket |
Dekmantel stands out for its eclectic lineup, blending techno with other genres. It’s praised for its unique sets and diverse musical offerings. The festival is a haven for fans of experimental and underground music, offering a chance to discover new artists.
The 2025 lineup has many renowned artists like Jeff Mills, Richie Hawtin, Four Tet, and Honey Dijon, promising a weekend of cutting-edge electronic music across different subgenres. The festival is significant for its innovative approach to electronic music and its ability to bring together a wide range of musical styles.
5. DGTL Amsterdam
| Date | April 18 – 20, 2025 |
| Location | NDSM, Amsterdam |
| Headliners | 999999999, Anetha, Brutalismus 3000, Carlita, Folamour and many more. |
| Ticket Prices | Starting at €63 for Sunday Loyalty Tickets |
Dekmantel stands out for its eclectic lineup, blending techno with other genres. It’s praised for its unique sets and diverse musical offerings. The festival is a haven for fans of experimental and underground music, offering a chance to discover new artists.
DGTL Amsterdam 2025 features a strong lineup with artists like Honey Dijon, Joris Voorn, Mall Grab, and Monolink, giving a weekend full of exciting electronic music experiences. Dekmantel is significant for its innovative approach to electronic music and its ability to bring together a wide range of musical styles.
6. Intents Festival
| Date | 30 May-1 June 2025 |
| Location | Oisterwijk, Netherlands |
| Headliners | Rooler, Da Tweekaz, Warface, and Radical Redemption |
| Ticket Prices | Starting at €180 for weekend passes |
Intents Festival is a hardcore and hardstyle event with a strong focus on community and camaraderie. It features a variety of stages and activities beyond music, creating a lively atmosphere.
People attending the Intents Festival in 2025 can look forward to high-energy performances from leading figures like Brennan Heart, D-Block & S-te-Fan, and Sub Zero Project, alongside the powerful sounds of Da Tweekaz.
7. Liquicity Festival
| Date | July 25-27, 2025 |
| Location | Recreatiegebied Geestmerambacht |
| Headliners | Sub Focus, Pendulum, Camo & Krooked, A.M.C., Andromedik, DJ Marky, Metrik, Rusko, and more. |
| Ticket Prices | Starting at €180 for Festival & Campsite Ticket |
Liquicity Festival is a 3-day drum and bass weekend festival with campsites and multiple stages, offering the best atmosphere with a focus on melodic electronic music. The festival is known for its beautiful setting and friendly crowd.
Liquicity Festival 2025 is set to deliver a stellar drum & bass experience with performances from leading artists like Sub Focus, Pendulum, Dimension, and the dynamic duo Camo & Krooked.
8. Loveland Festival
| Date | August 9-10, 2025 |
| Location | Sloterpark, Amsterdam |
| Headliners | Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, Artbat, Camelphat, and many more. |
| Ticket Prices | Starting from €56.00 for Entry Tickets |
Loveland Festival is known for its scenic setting and diverse electronic lineup, featuring both established and emerging artists. The festival offers a unique blend of music and nature, with its picturesque location enhancing the overall experience.
Expect a variety of genres, from techno to house, and a lively atmosphere that combines music with natural beauty and a great lineup featuring famous names in house and techno, such as Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, Jamie Jones, and the legendary duo Sasha & John Digweed.
9. Mysteryland
| Date | Aug 22–24, 2025 |
| Location | Haarlemmermeer |
| Headliners | Hardwell, Marlon Hoffstadt, Eric Prydz, Paul van Dyk and Adriatique |
| Ticket Prices | Starting at €74.95 for Earliest Tickets |
As one of the oldest electronic music festivals, Mysteryland offers a rich tapestry of music genres, immersive art, and interactive experiences.
Mysteryland 2025 has a massive and diverse lineup featuring headliners like Eric Prydz, Hardwell, Marlon Hoffstadt, and trance legend Paul van Dyk, promising an unforgettable weekend for electronic music fans. The festival’s legacy and commitment to creativity make it a must-visit.
10. Roadburn Festival
| Date | April 17-20, 2025 |
| Location | Tilburg, Netherlands |
| Headliners | Chat Pile, Kylesa, and Altin Gün |
| Ticket Prices | Starting at €269 for Regular Ticket |
Roadburn is renowned for its focus on underground and experimental music, spanning genres like doom, sludge, and avant-garde metal.
Attendees can expect a compelling lineup featuring influential heavy and experimental acts such as Thou, Sumac & Moor Mother, The Body, and Michael Gira of Swans. The festival’s dedication to pushing musical boundaries has earned it a cult following.
Netherlands Music Festivals List
Beyond the major festivals covered above, the Netherlands hosts many other music events catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Here is a list of other notable music festivals across the Netherlands.
| Music Festival | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 909 Festival | May 2025 | Amsterdam |
| Decibel Outdoor | August 2025 | Hilvarenbeek |
| DGTL | Easter weekend 2025 | Amsterdam |
| Drumcode Festival | Summer 2025 | Amsterdam |
| Dutch Valley | August 2025 | Velsen-Zuid |
| Into the Great Wide Open | September 2025 | Vlieland |
| Into the Woods | September 2025 | Amersfoort |
| Korsakov | January 2025 | Rotterdam |
| Kwaku Festival | July-August 2025 | Amsterdam |
| Liquicity Festival | July 2025 | Amsterdam |
Tips For Attending Music Festivals In Netherlands
If you have decided to attend one of the festivals mentioned above, it is essential to be fully prepared to have the best festival experience.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of it:
- Book Tickets and Accommodation Early: Popular festivals often sell out quickly, so it’s wise to purchase your tickets and book your accommodation well in advance.
- Check the Weather Forecast: The Dutch weather can be unpredictable, so pack clothing suitable for both warm and rainy conditions.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and dancing, so comfortable footwear is essential.
- Bring Layers: Temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day and night, so layering your clothing is a good idea.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially during warmer weather. Consider bringing a reusable water bottle.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Festival Rules: Check the festival’s website for rules regarding prohibited items, age restrictions, and other important information.
- Plan Your Travel: Research transportation options to and from the festival site. Many festivals offer shuttle services from nearby train stations.
- Consider Camping Options: If you’re attending a multi-day festival, explore the camping options available. Some festivals offer pre-pitched tents or glamping for added comfort.
- Bring Essentials: Pack essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a portable phone charger, and any necessary medications.
- Be Prepared for Token Systems: Many Dutch festivals use a token system to purchase food and drinks.
- Respect Sustainability Efforts: Many festivals in the Netherlands have sustainability initiatives, so be mindful of waste and participate in recycling programs.
- Check the Lineup and Schedule: Plan which artists you want to see and check the stage schedules to avoid missing your favorites.
- Be Open to Discovering New Music: While planning is good, also allow yourself time to wander and discover new artists and stages.
- Secure Your Valuables: Consider using lockers to store your valuables safely.
- Have Fun and Be Respectful: Enjoy the music, the atmosphere, and the company of fellow festival-goers. Be respectful of others and the festival environment.
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Conclusion: Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) Is The Best Music Festival In The Netherlands
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is the undisputed king of Netherlands music festivals. Transforming Amsterdam into an electronic music paradise each October, ADE uniquely blends a massive public festival with an important industry conference.
Boasting thousands of artists across hundreds of venues, ADE’s unparalleled diversity and scale cater to every electronic music fan.
From the global prominence of electronic music events like ADE and Awakenings to the long-standing tradition of pop and rock giants such as Pinkpop and Lowlands, the Dutch festivals have an extraordinarily broad range of musical tastes and preferences.
FAQs
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is the largest overall electronic music event, spanning the entire city with hundreds of events, while Awakenings stands as the biggest dedicated techno festival.
Amsterdam Dance Event attracts the largest attendance across its multiple events, making it the Netherlands’ most popular music festival celebration, followed closely by Awakenings and Defqon.1.
The Netherlands is internationally renowned for electronic music, particularly techno, hardstyle, and trance, with Dutch DJs achieving global prominence in these genres.
Verknipt has hosted what’s billed as “the biggest hard techno rave” with 40,000 attendees, while Awakenings Festival remains the premier large-scale techno event in the country.
Beyond music festivals, the Netherlands is famous for its historic windmills, tulip fields, canal systems, cycling culture, art history, and progressive social policies.
Tomorrowland primarily takes place in Belgium, not the Netherlands. The Netherlands hosts its own major EDM festivals, like Mysteryland, that offer similar experiences.
Awakenings is widely regarded as the best techno festival in the Netherlands, known for its exceptional production quality and consistently strong techno-focused lineups.