Summer is nearly here and that means festival season is about to kick off in the Northern Hemisphere. There are countless countries hosting amazing festivals but I think many people would agree that The Netherlands has mastered the art of producing the world’s best house and techno playgrounds! Some of these festivals have become a Dutch tradition, and some are quite new, but old or fresh, these festivals all have their unique flavour that attract party punters and music lovers from all around the world.
It wasn’t easy to choose only ten, but all of these festivals have what we are looking for: top-notch lineups, state of the art production and sound, topped off with beautiful surroundings and lots of surprises.
Top ten guide to the best Dutch festivals of 2017
Down the Rabbit Hole – Eindhoven (June 23-25th)
This three-day camping festival in De Groene Heuvels park will get any music lover salivating over a line up which includes basically every top live electronic act one could want to see and then some!
Plus you can party legally, just keep it soft, as the website states ‘soft drugs are tolerated with a maximum of 5 grams per person’, happy days!
Awakenings Festival – Amsterdam (June 24-25th)
Awakenings is synonymous with techno. The brand first born in the Gashouder exactly 20 years ago to date has become an outdoor festival since 2015. With eight stages and carnival rides spread out over a gorgeous park, it really is a techno playground. The production scale of the open air stages would make any production manager or even architect feel inspired; making Awakenings Festival more than worthy to host the cream of the techno crop. This will be two days of techno you won’t want to miss!
Buiten Weisen – Amsterdam (July 15th)
Located in another beautiful park just south of Amsterdam called the Ouderkerkerplas, this festival is made in collaboration with six of Amsterdam’s top promoters who will draw in their party animals to dance to the incredible line up they have curated across their stages.
Check out the peacocks singing and chameleons dancing in this amazingly produced trailer.
Welcome To The Future – Amsterdam (July 22nd)
Party sustainably for a day at one of the 10 greenest festivals in the world. Now in its 11th year, you’ll be able to find the best house and techno DJ’s playing across eight stages throughout the gorgeous Het Twiske park. Pray to the sun gods for a clear day and you’ll be guaranteed an incredible day dancing into the future!
Dekmantel – Amsterdam (August 2nd-3rd)
Dekmantel has quickly become the must-do festival for many music aficionados. This is the place where you will find some of the most sought after artists, ranging from techno to disco. It also hosts stages from other brands like Boiler Room, Red Light Radio and this year Shelter, Amsterdam’s newest nightclub. The main stage resembles a UFO with a massive LED screen that curves around the dance floor. When fully lit with trippy visuals and smoke effects it will make you feel like you are about to lift off into outer space!
Paradigm – Groningen (August 11th-13th)
This boutique festival that is put on by the promoters of the Paradigm night club in Groningen has kept a loyal following over the past seven years for its creativity. After receiving a handwritten letter asking him to play, Richie Hawtin decided this will be the only Dutch festival he will play this summer, which I think is a testament to how much love and passion is behind the making of Paradigm Festival.
Loveland – Amsterdam (August 12th)
This is the festival for seasoned house veterans and new comers that want to enjoy the best live acts and DJ’s, at arguably the most scenic park in Amsterdam. The stages are inspiring and impressive and you can even take a party boat ride inclusive of free beers across the lake to the chill out zone. There is something for everyone here and if we are lucky enough to get another gorgeous day like last year then everyone will be feeling the love of the land!
Straf_werk – Amsterdam (August 19th)
It’s rare to party on a beach in Amsterdam so when you get the chance, take it! Not only will you be able to dip your feet into the sand with the wind in your hair while your ears feast on amazing music but the size and production level of this beach party will also impress you. You can find intimate settings or large stages, whatever mood you’re in, you’ll find a spot that suits you at the Bjliburg Aan Zee during Straf_Werk.
Lowlands – Amsterdam (August 18th-20th)
For 25 years now, this three-day camping festival has seen some of the biggest and best live acts and is full of entertainment every one of every age can enjoy. Over three days, you’ll be able to see acts as diverse at The XX to Cypres Hill, along with some of the most in-demand DJs from around the globe. This festival isn’t just about music, though. It’s about creativity, film, comedy and visual arts. Plus you’ll be able to take part in scientific research from some of the leading universities in the Netherlands. Whether you’re a right or left brained person, you’ll be able to activate all your neurons during these three unforgettable days!
Into the Woods – Amersfoort (September 8th-9th)
This festival which is tucked far into the woods will take you on an adventure fit for magical creatures. You’ll find huge art installations, adult sized tree forts and gnomes decorating the pathways to the stages. It’s a very interactive setting that shows the true Dutch culture and attended by a more of a local crowd. Check out the trailer and I’m sure you’ll be convinced that this will be a great way to finish your summer festival season!
