6 of the best festivals in the Netherlands in 2024

Did you know that over 1,100 music festivals take place in the Netherlands each year?

And, beyond that, the country boasts a huge (and we mean huge) load of cultural celebrations, parades and days of recognition, from King’s Day in Amsterdam is (where the entire city transforms into an orange sea of street markets, impromptu DJ sets, and canal-side parties in celebration of King Willem Alexander's birthday) to Amsterdam Pride (in which the city’s canals are packed with boats blasting music, people dancing, and a general sense of freedom).

There's also, of course Bloemencorso, (not just any flower parade; more of a it’s a Dutch creative horticultural explosion on wheels), along with Rotterdam International Film Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, the Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival, and of course, the infamously chilly dive on New Year's Day - plus many more dates for the diary.

But to Netherlands is also highly regarded for its enormous selection of music festivals - so many, in fact, that it can get a little overwhelming to choose which Dutch festival to try first.

So, that in mind, we've handpicked a few to get you started. Without further ado, here's six festivals we recommend trying in 2024 in the Netherlands.

Netherlands festivals 2024

Six must-experience music festivals to try this year in the Netherlands.

Zwarte Cross 2024

18 – 21 July, Zwarte Cross, Lichtenvoorde, Netherlands

The only festival where you can watch a man fly over a dozen cars on a motorbike, then go on to mosh to a punk band.

Zwarte Cross began in 1997 in the small town of Hummelo, Netherlands, as a motocross event put together by the local motorcross club and the band Jovink en de Voederbietels.

What started as a modest gathering with just a few hundred attendees and a single race has evolved into one of the largest and most diverse festivals in the Netherlands, attracting over 220,000 visitors.

The festival prides itself on promoting a message of love, courage, and a bit of madness, encouraging attendees to live freely and enjoy life to the fullest. This year's big names include Armin van Buuren, The Darkness, NOFX and Status Quo.

Defqon.1 2024

27–30 June, Evenemententerrein Walibi, Biddinghuizen, Netherlands

A major tour de force in the world of hardstyle and dance music festivals, this festival's where it's at if you're after a comprehensive celebration of the hardstyle genre.

The 2024 line-up features headliners including Sound Rush (this year’s anthem makers), D-Block & S-te-Fan, Sub Zero Project, Rooler, Sefa, Showtek, Ran-D & Angerfist.

Don't miss the festival's grand finale, known as The Endshow, where a fireworks show is synchronised to hardstyle to see attendees out in style.

Intents Festival 2024

31 May – 2 June, Oisterwijk, Netherlands

Intents Festival 2024 is where the heart of the dance community beats in Oisterwijk. From May 31 to June 2, expect an explosive mix of EDM, hardstyle, and house, complete with jaw-dropping stage designs and a crowd that's all in for the vibe.

For the 19th edition of this Netherlands festival circuit staple, you'll be treated to more than 130 artists across 9 spaces, including Aversion (live), D-BLOCK & S-TE-FAN, Dual Damage (live), Warface, Rebelion, Radical Redemption, Da Tweekaz and many more.

Dekmantel Festival 2024

26 Jul – 4 Aug, Amsterdamse Bos, Amstelveen, Netherlands

Don't worry if you've never made it to Dekmantel in the past... it's all been leading up to this very moment: Dekmantel Ten.

The festival is marking a decade of brilliance with an enormous ten-dayer, with all the usuals, plus a bonus three-day programme at Het HEM, a further concert night at the Oude Kerk, and even a football tournament at Skate Cafe.

Known for its meticulously curated lineups, Dekmantel is practically a pilgrimage site at this point, and the line-up is genuinely colossal: BICEP, Ben UFO & Joy Orbison, Avalon Emerson, Helena Hauff, Jeff Mills, Hunee & Orpheu The Wizard, Marcel Dettmann, Actress, Eris Drew, Octave One to mention just a handful of icons ready to take the wheel.

By the Creek 2024

6–7 Jul, Recreatieterrein Middelwaard, Vianen, Netherlands

Prefer your festivals a little more chilled? Opt for something scenic, and take your beats amid nature in Vianen.

By The Creek offers a relaxed kind of atmosphere, and with a gorgeous programme across house, techno, rap, and hip-hop, you can rest assured you'll stumble upon something unmissable

With a lineup that sweeps through house, techno, rap, and hip-hop, By The Creek is curated for discovery and relaxation. Among the notable acts are Courtesy, Toman, Bizzey, and Cynthia Spiering, ensuring a varied selection that caters to a spectrum of musical tastes.

Wildeburg 2024

12–14 Jul, Wildeburg, Kraggenburg, Netherlands

Wildeburg attendees - or Wildeburgers, as they're affectionately known - can look forward to a festival experience rich with unexpected discoveries and musical gems.

Wildeburg’s secret stages are nestled within the landscape, presenting intimate gigs that surprise and delight those wandering its verdant spaces.

The 2024 lineup is yet to be announced, but the 2023 edition featured artists like Florence Adooni, Nnelg, Mauskovic Dance Band, Satori & The Band From Space, and Young Marco - so prepare for an eclectic mix of soulful grooves, electronic beats, and world rhythms at this year’s festival.