07
November
2015
Europe’s top 10 EDM festivals (where you should go in 2016)
1. Tomorrowland (Belgium)
Still the best festival of dance music in the world (beats Ultra Miami), with annually one of the biggest and best lineups. If you like EDM, it should be on your bucket list . Tomorrowland is a large electronic music festival held in Belgium. It used to be organized as a joint venture by the original founders, the brothers Beers. The festival takes place in the town of Boom, Belgium (16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Antwerp, 32 kilometers (20 miles) north of Brussels), and has been organized since 2005.
2. Mysteryland (Netherlands)
I think Dag Nabbit form Foreign Beggars once told me: if you want to succeed in EDM you have to be Dutch. So, The Netherlands is the best place to be for EDM and Mysteryland has been a leading pioneer on the dance festival scene in Europe and the US since 1993. This festival has inspired numerous other organizers and events. Even Tomorrowland, also produced by ID&T, emerged from the key values of the Mysteryland festival. Furthermore Mysteryland has also been a major catalyst for the electronic music revolution since the early 1990s.
3. Untold Festival (Romania)
The first edition of the festival took place in 2015 in Cluj, Romania. So, a newcomer. In 2016 the festival will take place on 4-7 August. The line up was impressive in 2015 including: Fred le Grand, Lost Frequencies, Cazzette, ATB, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Avicii, Armin van Buuren and David Guetta. During the four days of the festival, more than 240,000 people attended the concerts held on several stages in the centre of Cluj-Napoca. If they come up with a similar line-up and the same price for beer 😉 this festival will be for sure no. 2 next year. Untold Festival is truly is a hidden gem festival on the Europe’s EDM Agenda and if you ask me… it is better to remain “Untold” :). Tip: book your Ryanair cheap flight to Cluj in advance.
4. Electric Love Festival ( Austria )
Electric Love is an EDM festival held annually since 2013. Takes place at the second weekend in July at the Salzburgring in Plainfeld, Austria. Headliners have included Hardwell, Dimitri Vegas David Guetta, etc. According to Technoton Magazine, the 2014 festival attracted over 100,000 attendees. Something tells me that with the pressure from Untold in Cluj and Balaton Sound (see next) in Hungary, both offering a much better price-quality experience, Electric Love will miss its lovers and will not make it to the top 10 in 2017.
5. Balaton Sound ( Hungary )
Balaton Sound (between 2007 and 2012 also known as Heineken Balaton Sound, since 2013 as MasterCard Balaton Sound for sponsorship reasons) is one of Europe’s largest open air electronic music festivals. Held annually since 2007 on the southern bank of Lake Balaton, Hungary, it features live acts and DJ’s from all around the world, from established artists to new names. See an unofficial movie below.
6. RELIVE Ultra Europe ( Croatia )
Having made it’s mark on the USA dance scene at the annual Ultra Festival held in Miami, Ultra began it’s European journey in 2013 in Croatia. Running over 3 days, Ultra Europe includes some of the biggest names in EDM. What makes this festival really special is that it basically allows you to enjoy a beach holiday during the day and attend the festival at nights. The perfect combination, if you can wake up after a heavy night! (advice: lots of sun protection cream if you you decide to sleep on the beach and wake up at noon). I think the 2014 edition was better then 2015 and this festival lost its spark. But you can’t beat the beach-party combination…
7. Creamfields (UK)
Creamfields is a large British dance music festival featuring DJs and live acts. It is held annually on the August Bank Holiday weekend in Daresbury, England. The festival began as an offshoot from Liverpool’s Cream nightclub. It is a great festival but the weather is your enemy.
8. Amsterdam Open Air (The Netherlands)
I am Dutch and you may say “It’s not fair to place two Dutch festivals in the top”. Actually it is because Amsterdam Open Air is a great festival. I will not include other festivals in The Netherlands like
Sensation or Parkpop to avoid being accused of impartiality but probably Sensation they will make the top 10 on others top.
During the weekend of 6th and 7th of June, Amsterdam’s most beautiful park will be host to a musical, culinary and cultural adventure which reflects the Dutch capital’s nightlife to the fullest. Oh, and don’t forget to find a sunny spot for your tent. As with prior editions there’s an option to stay the complete weekend on our campsite as well!
9. Magnetic festival (Czech Republic)
Organised twice a year (in May and in December), Magnetic is a unique festival and nice addition on the EDM Calender. It was awarded ‘Best New European Festival’ at the European Festivals Awards in 2012. Past MAGNETIC artists: Avicii, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Fedde Le Grand, NERVO, Showtek Hardwell, Chuckie, Laidback Luke, Dada Life, Bingo Players, Dimitri Vegas& Like Mike, Swanky Tunes, Hard Rock Sofa, Bassjackers, David Tort, Oliver Twizt, John Culter.
During it’s existence, this festival has become a place of exclusive performances where the artists enjoy themselves together with their audience, jump into the crowd, play sets together and miss their flights because it is just not possible to go away from such a party. Exactly these experiences make the MAGNETIC Festival one of the most sought after events of this kind in Europe.
10. Weekend Festival (Finland)
Weekend Festival is a Finnish music festival taking place in the mid-August in Helsinki capital area. The festival was organised for the first time in Luukki, Espoo (about 25 km from the centre of Helsinki). Every year the festival has a different theme which reflects mainly in the visual side of the festival.
ADVICE:
So, which festival you should attend in 2016? I will say – without hesitation – Tomorrowland.
But if you cannot make it or you think it is too expensive my advice will be Untold Festival in Cluj which wil offers the best price / line-up / party quality in 2016!
But if you cannot make it or you think it is too expensive my advice will be Untold Festival in Cluj which wil offers the best price / line-up / party quality in 2016!
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