Uncover the Hidden Gems of Dutch EDM Festivals: A Must-Attend List

May 10, 2023

In search of new festivals to attend? The Netherlands has a huge festival culture with hundreds of festivals happening each year. Some festivals are small, some attract thousands of international visitors each year. The EDM scene is also hugely popular in the Netherlands. There are so many EDM festivals, it might even get a little confusing. Since it is improbable that you will attend all of them, we have made a list of festivals you might not have heard of yet, but most definitely should attend.

ADE DGTL

Let’s start with DGTL festival, specifically the one happening during Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). ADE is one of the largest EDM events in the world featuring an incredible number of national and international artists in mainly the house, trance and techno scene. Every October, ADE is held in Amsterdam and features thousands of events happening all around the city. DGTL is a popular music festival held all over the world, with upcoming festivals taking place in Guadalajara, Mexico and São Paulo, Brazil. DGTL features a mix of house, techno and trance with names like Honey Dijon, Jamie Jones and Michael Bibi, alongside a lot of upcoming talent.

Besides music, DGTL also incorporates art into the overall festival experience. They aim to connect cultures and create revolutionary, innovative art experiences in addition to being a platform for new talent. This year, DGTL will be taking place on the 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd of October.

Awakenings Gashouder

Another festival you should have been to at least once in your life is Awakenings, specifically Awakenings in the Gashouder. The Gashouder is a former gas storage facility that has been converted into a venue for events. The industrial atmosphere, unique circular shape and capacity to hold 3500 people makes it the perfect location for a techno event like Awakenings. Awakenings features techno and house music sets, usually taking place in the Gashouder twice a year, but more often in other locations around the Netherlands. Awakenings is known for the music played by international and national DJ’s, mesmerizing light shows and visuals. It attracts international EDM lovers from all over the world and is known to be one of the most important techno festivals in Europe. The exact date of the upcoming Awakenings event in the Gashouder is yet to be announced.

Onder de Radar

The third festival I want to discuss is ‘Onder de Radar’ festival, taking place on the 26th of August. In the midst of shelters and barracks visitors will be entertained by over 30 artists like Peggy Gou, I Hate Models and KI/KI. Onder de Radar takes place on a deserted military airbase in Twente, spreading the artists over 5 areas, making it an incredible unique location for a festival. This festival is still quite unknown, so there is not a lot of information. But this location, filled with an old F-16 shelter, landingstrip, incredible DJ’s and much more, brings back history and promises a good festival, perfect for people looking for new experiences.

Into the woods

The next festival worth paying a visit, is Into the Woods. Into the Woods may already give it away, but it is special for its location. It takes place in the Amersfoortse Bos in Amersfoort on the 15th and 16th of September. In the midst of the forest, you’ll find a variety of EDM stages and art installations. Focusing on giving festival goers an intimate and immersive experience is what distinguishes Into the Woods from other festivals on this list. A natural and enchanting environment is created by the festival’s forest location, its carefully assembled lineup, and the attention to production detail. With programs that reduce waste and carbon emissions, the festival also places a big emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness. Fans of electronic music and art will find Into the Woods to be an amazing experience overall. For anybody interested in the combination of music, nature, and culture, this event is definitely worth paying a visit.

mysteryland

The next Dutch festival not to be missed is Mysteryland, which might be the best known one in this list. This year, Mysteryland takes place on the 25th, 26th and 27th of August, in Haarlemmermeer, near Amsterdam. Mysteryland already has quite a long history hosting its first festival all the way back in 1993, meaning it’s celebrating its 30th birthday this year. Mysteryland also features many international and national DJ’s, in addition to art installations, circus acts and elaborate gorgeous stage designs with, again, submersive lighting and special effects. There’s also a camping site for visitors to stay the night. Just like DGTL festival, Mysteryland also finds sustainability and eco-friendliness very important. Although Mysteryland is known for its EDM line-up, it also offers some urban names. Overall, they’re hosting more than 300 artists solely this year!

music on

Last but not least, Music On. Music On’s 2023 edition has already passed the 6th and 7th of may, but this festival is still worth mentioning. Music On is founded by DJ and producer Marco Carola. The festival takes place all around the world in places like London, Ibiza and Buenos Aires, but of course we’re talking about Music On Amsterdam right now. Music On Amsterdam features a lot of International DJ’s, with the majority being English DJ’s. Marco Carola and the other DJ’s are internationally known for their house and techno sets. Therefore also attracting people internationally. Besides the music and light shows, the international aspect makes this festival an amazing experience.