Best festivals in the Netherlands: A guide to the top 42 for your bucket list in 2026

Some of the most popular festivals in the Netherlands in 2026 include Awakenings Festival, DGTL Amsterdam, Dekmantel, Lowlands, Pinkpop, Down The Rabbit Hole, Best Kept Secret, North Sea Jazz Festival, and Defqon.1: a mix of global headliners, iconic Dutch festival culture, and genre-defining experiences.

Let’s explore the festivals in the Netherlands that keep everyone coming back and discover where you’ll want to be from spring through autumn.

Key takeaways

- The Netherlands is home to over 1,000 festivals every year, including massive events like Dance Valley and Oerol Festival.

- Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague are the hotspots for the most diverse festival scenes.

- Genres cover dance, house, elektronische muziek, techno, jazz, rock, and much more.

- Liberation Day in May and summer months like June, July, and August feature the largest celebrations.

- Ticketswap allows festival lovers to safely buy and sell tickets for upcoming events in 2026.

Dutch festivals: history

Festivals in the Netherlands have deep roots, shaped by local traditions and international influences. Each year, cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam keep that culture moving: mixing huge crowd events with smaller, more intimate gatherings.

A classic example is Woodstock Opening 2026 in Bloemendaal, which kicks off the season with relaxed beach vibes and a strong community feel. Amsterdam alone hosts hundreds of festivals, spanning electronic and dance to jazz, art, and theatre.

Festival Calendar 2026

March 2026

Woodstock Opening 2026

📍 Woodstock Bloemendaal, Bloemendaal | 📅 27 Mar 2026

Woodstock Opening 2026 is the unofficial “winter’s over” kickoff on the Dutch coast: laid-back beach energy, feel-good house/disco, and a crowd that shows up early for spring. The 2026 music is billed as a residents-focused program, so the full line-up is typically kept close until later.

April 2026

Paaspop

📍 Festivalsite De Molenheide, Schijndel | 📅 3–5 Apr 2026

Paaspop is a full-spectrum, anything-goes kickoff to the Dutch festival season: big pop and hip-hop hooks, plenty of party energy, and a lineup that moves fast across styles so you can keep bouncing between stages without overthinking it. In 2026, Paaspop brings that hands-up momentum with Bizzey, Antoon, and 90s RIOT!

Oude Liefde Roest Niet 2026 – Our Kingdom

📍 The Loods (Graffiti Hall of Fame), Roosendaal | 📅 4 Apr 2026

Oude Liefde Roest Niet 2026 – Our Kingdom is early harddance nostalgia done right: high-tempo classics, a no-nonsense crowd, and that “everyone knows the drop” energy all day. In 2026, Oude Liefde Roest Niet 2026 – Our Kingdom stays relentlessly heavy with Alpha Twins, B-FRONT, and Darkraver.

DGTL Amsterdam

📍 NDSM Docklands, Amsterdam | 📅 4–5 Apr 2026

DGTL Amsterdam is built for electronic heads who care about both sound and design: driving sets, sharp production, and a futuristic warehouse-meets-festival feel. In 2026, DGTL Amsterdam doubles down with Dom Dolla, I Hate Models, and Jan Blomqvist.

Roadburn Festival

📍 Poppodium 013, Tilburg | 📅 16–19 Apr 2026

Roadburn Festival is Tilburg’s heavy-music pilgrimage: forward-thinking metal, hardcore, sludge, doom, and the kind of left-field bookings that turn curious listeners into fans. In 2026, Roadburn Festival leans into boundary-pushing heaviness with Oathbreaker, Agriculture, and Coalesce.

May 2026

Music On Festival

📍 Meerpark, Amsterdam | 📅 9–10 May 2026

Music On Festival is a straight shot of sleek, rolling house and techno: long blends, heavy grooves, and a crowd that’s there to dance first and talk later. In 2026, Music On Festival keeps the groove locked in with Marco Carola, Luciano, and Franky Rizardo.

Lentekabinet

📍 Recreatiegebied Het Twiske, Oostzaan | 📅 23–24 May 2026

Lentekabinet is a spring-time sweet spot: left-leaning electronic, indie crossover, and a “come early, stay all day” atmosphere that keeps things playful rather than punishing. In 2026, Lentekabinet puts taste first with Bonobo, Bicep, Overmono.

Ribs & Blues

📍 Domineesekamp 1, Raalte | 📅 23–25 May 2026

Ribs & Blues does exactly what the name promises: blues, roots, and soulful live bands paired with a laid-back food-festival spirit. In 2026, Ribs & Blues brings the live-soul feel with Robert Cray Band, Ilse Delange, and Nona.

Dauwpop

📍 Hellendoorn, Hellendoorn | 📅 29–30 May 2026

Dauwpop is a bright, accessible pop-and-rock weekend with crowd-friendly programming: big choruses, indie staples, and Dutch favorites that keep the field singing along. In 2026, Dauwpop adds extra bite with Skunk Anansie, The Wombats, and Douwe Bob.

VESTROCK

📍 Eiland Buitenvest, Hulst | 📅 29–31 May 2026

VESTROCK is a compact, characterful festival with a sharp indie-and-alt lean: guitar bands, buzzy acts, and just enough genre mixing to keep it from feeling predictable. In 2026, VESTROCK leans into that edge with The Wombats, shame, and Son Mieux.

June 2026

Pitfest

📍 Terrein Rugbyclub Emmen, Emmen | 📅 4–6 Jun 2026

Pitfest is for the heavy-lifers: metal, hardcore, and no-nonsense live energy with pits that start early and don’t really stop. In 2026, Pitfest keeps it raw and heavy with Autopsy, Venom, and Gorilla Biscuits.

South of Heaven Open Air

📍 Muziekgieterij, Maastricht | 📅 6–7 Jun 2026

South of Heaven Open Air blends melodic metal spectacle with festival-scale theatrics: power riffs, big singalongs, and a crowd that treats every chorus like a mission. In 2026, the lineup turns that drama all the way up with Alestorm, Wind Rose, and Gloryhammer.

Free Your Mind Festival

📍 Stadsblokken, Arnhem | 📅 6–7 Jun 2026

Free Your Mind Festival is a proper techno-first weekend: driving BPMs, big stage moments, and that classic “one more set” spiral when the night programming locks in. In 2026, Free Your Mind Festival hits hard with Charlotte de Witte, Reinier Zonneveld, and Fantasm.

Verknipt Festival

📍 Recreatieplas Strijkviertel, Utrecht | 📅 6–7 Jun 2026

Verknipt Festival is high-voltage hard techno: relentless tempo, heavy drops, and a crowd that wants it faster: not softer. In 2026, Verknipt Festival keeps the intensity high with SANTØS, KRUELTY, and TOXIC MACHINERY.

Best Kept Secret

📍 Beekse Bergen, Hilvarenbeek | 📅 12–14 Jun 2026

Best Kept Secret is the Netherlands’ polished boutique multi-genre pick: indie prestige, alternative headliners, and smart left-field programming that rewards exploration without ever feeling messy. In 2026, Best Kept Secret balances prestige and punch with Gorillaz, Jack White, and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.

Into The Grave

📍 Het Oldehoofsterkerkhof, Leeuwarden | 📅 12–14 Jun 2026

Into The Grave is a focused metal gathering: classic names, modern heavy hitters, and a crowd that’s serious about guitars and live impact. In 2026, Into The Grave goes straight for heavyweight impact with Anthrax, Mastodon, and The Gathering.

Oerol Festival 2026

📍 Oerol Terschelling, West-Terschelling | 📅 12–21 Jun 2026

Oerol Festival 2026 is the outlier you include to prove the Netherlands isn’t only about music fields: it’s theatre, art, site-specific performances, and discovery across dunes, forests, and beaches. The “line-up” here is essentially the program, so in 2026 you’ll want to describe it as a curated multi-arts schedule rather than named headliners.

Hello Festival

📍 Grote Rietplas, Emmen | 📅 13 Jun 2026

Hello Festival is a one-day hit of big, familiar live music: classic singalong energy, radio-ready rock/pop, and a “bring everyone” vibe that works whether you’re there for nostalgia or sheer scale. In 2026, Hello Festival leans into big live moments with Foreigner, Roxette, and De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig.

Pinkpop

📍 Megaland, Landgraaf | 📅 18–22 Jun 2026

Pinkpop is a cornerstone festival for pop and rock in the Netherlands: huge production, major international headliners, and that classic “main-stage moment” feeling when the whole crowd locks into the same chorus. In 2026, Pinkpop stays unapologetically headline-driven with Foo Fighters, The Cure, and Twenty One Pilots.

Holland International Blues Festival

📍 Holland International Blues Festival, Grolloo | 📅 19–20 Jun 2026

Holland International Blues Festival is roots-first and performance-heavy: guitar tone, groove, and musicianship up close, without the pressure-cooker pace of bigger multi-stage weekends. In 2026, Holland International Blues Festivalspotlights roots mastery with Warren Haynes Band, Robben Ford, and The Devon Allman Project.

Qmusic Foute Party – The Big One

📍 Philips Stadion, Eindhoven | 📅 20 Jun 2026

Qmusic Foute Party – The Big One is the guilty-pleasure stadium blowout: singalong pop, throwbacks, and pure “no shame, all fun” production at full volume. The 2026 program highlights include Melanie C, Vengaboys and K3.

Jera On Air

📍 Ysselsteyn, Ysselsteyn | 📅 25–27 Jun 2026

Jera On Air is a punk/hardcore powerhouse: big riffs, fast tempos, and crowds that show up ready to move, with a lineup style that’s stacked for maximum live impact. In 2026, Jera On Air brings full-throttle firepower with Architects, The Offspring, and Papa Roach.

Defqon.1 Weekend Festival

📍 Evenemententerrein Walibi, Biddinghuizen | 📅 25–28 Jun 2026

Defqon.1 Weekend Festival is hardstyle at maximum scale: massive stages, laser-heavy production, and a community atmosphere that feels like its own universe for four straight days. 2026 lineup not announced yet; the most recent featured names include Sub Zero Project, Warface, and Rooler.

Concert at Sea

📍 Brouwersdam, Renesse | 📅 25–27 Jun 2026

Concert at Sea is beachside pop at its most crowd-friendly: big choruses, sunset sets, and a relaxed seaside rhythm where the vibe matters as much as the lineup. In 2026, Concert at Sea pairs seaside singalongs with BLØF, James Arthur, and Frenna.

Nous’Klaer Festival 2026

📍 Brutus, Rotterdam | 📅 27 Jun 2026

Nous’Klaer Festival 2026 is the sharper Rotterdam option: electronic and experimental-minded bookings in an industrial venue that fits the sound. The 2026 program highlights include Beatrice M., CCL, and GiGi FM.

July 2026

Down The Rabbit Hole

📍 De Groene Heuvels, Ewijk | 📅 3–5 Jul 2026

Down The Rabbit Hole is a high-end multi-genre weekend with a strong alternative backbone: headline-scale international acts, adventurous bookings, and a layout that encourages wandering until something surprising pulls you in. In 2026, Down The Rabbit Hole stacks the top line with Florence + The Machine, Little Simz, and The xx.

WiSH Outdoor

📍 Bavaria Brouwerij, Lieshout | 📅 3–5 Jul 2026

WiSH Outdoor is a big-field party festival: Dutch pop, hip-hop and EDM energy, with a lineup designed for maximum hands-up moments and minimal downtime. In 2026, WiSH Outdoor goes big on Dutch crowd favorites like Antoon, Ronnie Flex, and Kraantje Pappie.

Wilde Weide

📍 Netl, Kraggenburg | 📅 3–5 Jul 2026

Wilde Weide leans eclectic and outdoorsy: modern alternative, global sounds, and electronic curveballs in a setting that feels more like a creative playground than a mega-event. In 2026, Wilde Weide keeps things adventurous with Sef, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, and Special Request.

Awakenings Festival 2026

📍 Beekse Bergen, Hilvarenbeek | 📅 10–12 Jul 2026

Awakenings Festival 2026 is the Dutch techno superpower: big open-air stages, serious production, and wall-to-wall BPMs from afternoon into night. For 2026, the early announced wave includes Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte, and Adam Beyer.

NN North Sea Jazz Festival 2026

📍 Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam | 📅 10–12 Jul 2026

NN North Sea Jazz Festival 2026 is the heavyweight for jazz, soul, funk, and R&B: huge names, tons of parallel shows, and a “build your own perfect day” schedule inside Ahoy. The 2026 program highlights include Diana Krall, John Legend, and Nile Rodgers.

Bospop

📍 Evenemententerrein Weert Noord, Weert | 📅 10–12 Jul 2026

Bospop is classic open-air rock and pop: big live bands, crowd-pleasing setlists, and a straightforward “show up and enjoy” structure where the main-stage performance is the point. In 2026, Bospop serves classic festival power with Lenny Kravitz, Volbeat, and Moby.

Zwarte Cross

📍 Festivalterrein De Schans, Lichtenvoorde | 📅 16–19 Jul 2026

Zwarte Cross is a cultural explosion more than a single-genre festival: rock, punk, Dutch party music, and whatever else fits the chaos, wrapped in a wild carnival atmosphere. In 2026, Zwarte Cross embraces its anything-goes spirit with BÖKKERS, Afuma (TG), and Call It Off.

Liquicity Festival

📍 Geestmerambacht, Oudkarspel | 📅 24–26 Jul 2026

Liquicity Festival is melodic drum & bass with a warm, community feel: uplifting anthems, crisp production, and a crowd that’s there for both the drops and the good vibes. In 2026, Liquicity Festival brings melodic DnB euphoria with Netsky, Wilkinson, and Andy C.

Milkshake Festival 2026

📍 Westerpark Amsterdam, Amsterdam | 📅 25–26 Jul 2026

Milkshake Festival 2026 is the bright, inclusive summer party where house, disco, pop and queer club culture blend into one big, joyful weekend. 2026 lineup not announced yet; the most recent featured names include Loreen, Crystal Waters, and Beth Ditto.

Solar Weekend

📍 De Weerd, Roermond | 📅 30 Jul–2 Aug 2026

Solar Weekend is a glossy, summer-party blend: dance, pop, and Dutch crowd favorites tuned for long days and late nights. 2026 lineup not announced yet; the most recent featured names include Ronnie Flex, Kraantje Pappie, and Netsky.

Dekmantel Festival

📍 Fietsverhuur Amsterdamse Bos De Boshalte, Amstelveen | 📅 31 Jul–2 Aug 2026

Dekmantel Festival is precision-programmed electronic music: forward techno, left-field selectors, and deep-digging curation that rewards serious listening. In 2026, Dekmantel Festival goes deep on selector culture with Jeff Mills, DJ Sprinkles, and Sampha.

August 2026

Dynamo Metalfest

📍 IJssportcentrum Eindhoven, Eindhoven | 📅 14–16 Aug 2026

Dynamo Metalfest is pure metal pressure: big riffs, big stages, and a lineup built for headbanging momentum from afternoon to night. In 2026, Dynamo Metalfest stays relentlessly heavy with Helloween, In Flames, and Lamb of God.

Lowlands

📍 Evenemententerrein Walibi, Biddinghuizen | 📅 21–23 Aug 2026

Lowlands is the Netherlands’ flagship for “everything at once”: major international headliners, cutting-edge electronic, hip-hop, rock, and deep culture programming beyond music. 2026 lineup not announced yet; the most recent featured names include A$AP Rocky, Frenna, and The Blessed Madonna.

September 2026

A Day at the Park Festival 2026

📍 Kralingse Bos, Rotterdam | 📅 12 Sep 2026

A Day at the Park Festival 2026 is built for a single perfect dance-day: open-air house/tech-house energy, big crowd moments, and an easy “arrive in the afternoon, leave buzzing at night” flow. The 2026 program highlights include Kerri Chandler, Menesix, and Speedy J.

October 2026

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)

📍 Multiple venues, Amsterdam | 📅 21–25 Oct 2026

Amsterdam Dance Event is less a single festival site and more a full-city takeover: club nights, label showcases, and genre-spanning electronic programming stacked across venues all over town. 2026 lineup not announced yet; the most recent featured names include Charlotte de Witte, Honey Dijon, and Adam Beyer.

November 2026

Le Guess Who? 2026

📍 City takeover, Utrecht | 📅 5–8 Nov 2026

Le Guess Who? 2026 is for people who want tomorrow’s music today: adventurous, international, and programmed to challenge your taste (in a good way). 2026 lineup not announced yet; the most recent featured names include Unwound, Amirtha Kidambi, and gyrofield.

Where to find and enjoy upcoming festivals safely

With so many upcoming festivals in the Netherlands, finding safe entry is essential. Ticketswap is the trusted way to buy and sell official tickets for these must-see 2026 events.

All transactions are protected, with transparent pricing and easy transfers. This helps thousands of us grab a spot at our favoriete festivals, even after early tickets sell out.

Look up your favourite genre, from elektronische muziek and house to jazz and theater, and get ready for unforgettable celebrations across the country.

FAQ

What are the most popular festivals in the Netherlands for 2026?

The most popular festivals in the Netherlands include Dance Valley, North Sea Jazz, Oerol Festival, and Le Guess Who?, with line ups spanning dance, elektronische muziek, and jazz. Each festival is held in iconic venues like Olympisch Stadion, Rotterdam Ahoy, and Terschelling Island.

Which Netherlands festivals are best for electronic music?

Top choices for elektronische muziek are Music On Festival in Amsterdam, The Crave Festival in The Hague, and Dance Valley in Spaarnwoude. These events draw thousands every year and feature house, techno, and a diverse international line up.

When does festival season take place in the Netherlands?

Festival season runs from April through September, with highlights during June, July, and August. The opening usually coincides with Woodstock Opening in March, and A Day at the Park often marks the closing act in September.

What genres are represented at Dutch festivals?

You’ll find dance, house, jazz, elektronische muziek, techno, rock, Americana, and more. Venues in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, and Tilburg offer multi-genre line ups every summer.

Are there any free festivals in the Netherlands?

Liberation Day on May 5th is the country’s largest free festival event, with citywide performances in Amsterdam, Groningen, and The Hague. Many smaller city festivals also offer no-charge entry to local music and theater shows.

Which Dutch city hosts the most festivals?

Amsterdam leads in both number and diversity, hosting hundreds of festivals in the city yearly, including large-scale, international, and experimental genre events.

What makes Oerol Festival unique?

Oerol transforms Terschelling Island into a stage each June, with theater, art, music, and performances set in dunes, forests, and beaches. It’s credited as one of the most creative festivals in the Netherlands.

Where can I experience jazz in the Netherlands?

North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam is the largest, but cities like Utrecht and Maastricht also host prominent jazz events. Most major festivals feature at least one jazz-oriented stage or night.

How do I find upcoming festival line ups?

Main festival websites, Ticketswap, and local city agendas regularly update with detailed line up announcements. Genres including dance, house, elektronische muziek, and jazz are represented in their programmes.

What are some new or rising festivals in 2026?

Nous'Klaer Festival in Rotterdam and Oude Liefde Roest Niet in Alkmaar are acclaimed newer festivals, focusing on electronic and creative arts with both Dutch and international artiesten.

Why does the Netherlands have so many festivals?

The Netherlands is known for its open and creative society, plus a history of community events. Today, cities support diverse festivals to enjoy all genres and cultures together throughout the year.

Already know where you want to go?

The Netherlands is built for festivals: big-name weekends, niche scenes, and cultural events that take over entire cities. This guide is here to help you cut through the noise, pick what actually fits your taste, and plan a 2026 calendar that’s worth travelling (and bragging) for: whether you’re chasing techno in Amsterdam, live bands in open fields, or arts on the islands.

Ready to lock in your 2026 plans? With TicketSwap, you can safely buy and sell tickets for the biggest festivals and the hidden gems. Set a ticket alert when your favourite event sells out, and don’t miss the next drop: download app and grab your tickets in a few taps.