The 10 Best Music Festivals in The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a country known for its vibrant and diverse culture, and this is reflected in the many festivals that take place throughout the year. No matter what type of music genre you like, there’s something for everybody’s taste.

In this article, I will explore the top ten festivals in The Netherlands. Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at what the Netherlands has to offer to music festival-goers.

1. Pinkpop Festival

Landgraaf

When: June (3 days)

The Pinkpop Festival is a multi-genre music festival that takes place in Landgraaf, Netherlands. The festival features over 100 performances from a variety of artists, including both established and up-and-coming acts. Pinkpop is known for its relaxed atmosphere and attracts around 70,000 visitors annually.

In addition to the music, Pinkpop also offers a variety of activities such as art installations, food/drink vendors, and camping options for festival-goers. The festival is held at Megaland, a large outdoor venue in Landgraaf, and features multiple stages to accommodate the large lineup of performers.

2. Best Kept Secret Festival

Hilvarenbeek

When: June (3 days)

The Best Kept Secret Festival is held inside the Safaripark Beekse Bergen, in the village of Hilvarenbeek, in the south of The Netherlands. The festival features over 100 performances from a variety of artists. Past performers at Best Kept Secret have included a wide range of genres, such as rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.

The festival is held at a unique and beautiful location that provides a stunning backdrop for music and other activities. It is well-organized and offers a variety of amenities for attendees, including clean restrooms, food and drink options, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the music. The festival has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and is known for its attention to detail and commitment to providing a great experience for attendees.

3. Awakenings

Spaarnwoude / Hilvarenbeek

When: July (2 days)

Awakenings is one of the best techno music festivals in the world. Over the two days, more than 100,000 people visit the festival to enjoy techno music from more than 250 world-renowned artists. Awakenings has a summer festival which is traditionally taking place at Hilvarenbeek at the end of July, as well as a two-day spring festival that is held in Spaarnwoude in May.

Overall, Awakenings is a must-attend festival for electronic music fans in the Netherlands and beyond. It provides a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience for everyone who attends with its diverse roster of artists and underground vibe.

4. Mystic Garden Festival

Amsterdam

When: June (single-day event)

The Mystic Garden Festival is an electronic, techno music festival that is held in Sloterpark, Amsterdam for a single day. The festival advertises as a place where you discover the magic of an enchanted secret place. While I’m not sure about that, I am sure that you will discover great music from world-class DJs as well as amazing decor throughout the festival.

If you are a techno music fan, and you enjoy great live performances, then the one-day event of Mystic Garden Festival is the place to be.

5. Don’t Let Daddy Know Festival

Amsterdam

When: March (single-day event)

The electronic music festival Don’t Let Daddy Know (DLDK) is held in the Netherlands and other nations worldwide. The festival is well-known for its vibrant atmosphere and enthusiastic crowd, and it features a lineup of DJs and electronic music artists. DLDK is usually held in March and has been held in several Dutch cities, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Maastricht.

The festival is known for its party-like atmosphere, which draws a younger crowd. Participants that visit the festival frequently dress up in costumes and dance the night away. Overall, DLDK is a popular festival for fans of electronic music in the Netherlands and elsewhere. It provides a one-of-a-kind and memorable experience for all who attend.

6. Amsterdam Open Air

Amsterdam

When: June (2 days)

The Amsterdam Open Air festival is an electronic music festival held in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Since 2011, the festival has been held annually and is well-known for its diverse lineup of electronic music artists and DJs. It’s traditionally held in June and draws approximately 30,000 visitors each year.

In a nutshell, Amsterdam Open Air is a popular festival for electronic music fans in the Netherlands and beyond. With its diverse lineup of artists and high-energy atmosphere, it offers a unique and memorable experience for all festival-goers.

7. Lowlands

Biddinghuizen

When: August (three days)

Lowlands is a multi-genre music festival that takes place in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands. The festival features over 200 performances from a variety of artists, including both established and up-and-coming acts. You can listen to rock, pop, dance, hip-hop, and alternative genres.

In addition to music, the festival also offers a variety of activities such as theater, comedy, and literature. Lowlands is known for its laid-back atmosphere and attracts around 55,000 visitors each year and has a long history behind it.

8. Mysteryland

Haarlemmermeer

When: August (3 days)

Mysteryland is a Dutch electronic music festival that takes place in Haarlemmermeer. The festival includes over 300 performances by a variety of electronic music artists, as well as art installations, theater, and workshops. Being in business since 1993, it has a long and battle-tested legacy!

Mysteryland, which attracts approximately 65,000 visitors each year, is known for its creative and innovative atmosphere and it’s sure an exciting place to be if you’re from The Netherlands, or just visiting.

9. Zwarte Cross

Lichtenvoorde

When: July (4 days)

Zwarte Cross is a multi-genre music festival held in the Dutch town of Lichtenvoorde. The festival, which has been held annually since 1997, is known for its diverse music lineup as well as its emphasis on motorcycle culture and stunts. It is traditionally held in July and draws approximately 200,000 visitors each year.

The festival is well-organized and provides attendees with a variety of amenities such as clean restrooms, food and drink options, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the music. It is a popular music and motorcycle festival in the Netherlands with a diverse lineup of artists and an emphasis on motorcycle culture.

10. Paaspop

Schijndel

When: April (3 days)

Paaspop is the largest festival/motor event held in Schijndel annually and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse musical lineup. It is traditionally held over the Easter weekend in April and draws approximately 50,000 visitors each year.

The festival features a wide range of musical genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Paaspop has previously featured artists such as Coldplay, The Black Keys, and David Guetta. In addition to music, the festival provides a variety of activities for festival-goers, such as art installations, food and drink vendors, and camping options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Netherlands has a diverse range of festivals that cater to a wide range of tastes and interests. There is something for everyone, from electronic music festivals to metal and rock festivals to more diverse festivals like Lowlands and Pinkpop. Whether you want a big party or a more intimate experience, one of the top ten festivals in the Netherlands has it.

Each of these festivals has a distinct atmosphere and lineup of artists, making them all worthwhile for any music fan to attend. So, if you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands and want to experience some of the country’s best festivals, make sure to include these events on your route map.