Amsterdam's major music festivals
From blockbuster dance festivals to exotic canal parades, here are some of the best music festivals taking place in and around Amsterdam each year.
Dekmantel Festival
This multi-day electronic music festival takes place each summer, growing every year. With the Amsterdamse Bos still serving as the festival's bucolic base, Dekmantel has added several other locations such as the contemporary music venue Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, Bimhuis, the Eye Filmmuseum and Tolhuistuin in Amsterdam Noord.
Famous acts: Four Tet, Nina Kraviz, Jamie XX, Jeff Mills, Jon Hopkins, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Thundercat.
Amsterdam Dance Event
For over 25 years, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is the leading electronic music festival in the world. ADE takes place for five days every October bringing over 2,500 of the world's biggest dance artists to play in 140 of Amsterdam's best clubs. The festival also brings music industry professionals together: connecting musicians, producers, VJs and artists at a massive music conference featuring hundreds of guest speakers. Read all our ADE coverage on our dedicated page.
Famous acts: Hardwell, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Boys Noize.
Awakenings
An institution in the Netherlands, Awakenings are behind some of the country’s most legendary techno events. Alongside a summer appearance in Spaarnwoude and a four-day Easter spectacle, Awakenings traditionally comes to the Gashouder at Westergas every October for a five-night event as part of the Amsterdam Dance Event.
Famous acts: Richie Hawtin, Robert Hood, Joris Voorn, Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte, Paul Kalkbrenner.
26-27 June 2021 | Awakenings | Awakenings.com | Spaarnwoude
Milkshake Festival
An iconic festival during Pride Amsterdam, Milkshake is an event with a clear message about respect, freedom, love and tolerance. Each stage has its own defining character and acts. Expect everything from top DJs to drag acts and performance art (and, ofcourse, loads of glitter). Read more about the best Pride party's in our dedicated article.
24-25 July 2021 | Milkshake Festival | Westerpark
Lowlands
Every year, more than 55,000 pilgrims make the trek to the middle of the Dutch countryside for this musical paradise. The line-up invariably features some of the world’s best performers and musicians from the more alternative side of the spectrum. There are also restaurants, a market, relaxation rooms, arts, theatre, literature and a sauna and hot tub area.
Famous acts: Kendrick Lamar, Coldplay, Muse, The Prodigy, Bjork, Gorillaz, The XX, Foo Fighters.
20-22 August 2021 | Lowlands | lowlands.nl | Biddinghuizen
