Awakenings has been setting the bar for techno festivals for decades. For 27 years and counting, it’s built a reputation on the stuff that actually matters when you care about dance music: properly dialled-in sound, ambitious staging, and light shows that make you forget you’re standing in a field. It all started back in 1997 at Amsterdam’s Gashouder and, somehow, it’s grown from that iconic warehouse energy into something genuinely global, pulling in artists and crowds from everywhere.
This year’s Awakenings Festival ran from 5 to 7 July in Hilvarenbeek, a green little pocket of the Netherlands that feels worlds away from the industrial roots of the brand, until the gates open and it turns into a three-day techno city. Across the weekend, close to 100,000 people from over 100 nationalities showed up to do the same thing: chase that shared, unmistakable Awakenings feeling from the first kick drum to the last lights-out moment.
The Music & Stages
Awakenings Festival 2024 felt like a proper safe place for techno lovers, the kind of weekend where you look up at some point and realise you’ve been smiling for hours. The line-up was ridiculous in the best way, and over three days I kept finding myself gravitating back to the same stages like they were familiar meeting points. Wandering the site, you’d catch different pockets of energy everywhere, a new groove pulling you in, a crowd fully locked in, that constant hum that makes you forget about anything outside the fences.
The outdoor main stage, V&W, was the heartbeat of it all. There’s something about standing in that sea of people, feeling the bass thump right through your chest, while the lights stretch out across the whole space. It’s one of those moments that’s hard to put into words without sounding dramatic, but it genuinely hits. The scale alone is wild, and from the right angle you get this panoramic view of the crowd that’s honestly unlike anything else. Across the weekend, names like Amelie Lens, Indira Paganotto, Adriatique, Stefan Bodzin, Tale of Us and Nina Kraviz took turns steering the mood, building that day-to-night momentum that Awakenings does so well, where you tell yourself you’ll take a break after this set and somehow… you never do.
But it wasn’t just the big stages that captured my heart. The intimate rave stage hidden in the forest became my sanctuary. Surrounded by trees and enveloped in sound, it felt like a magical escape from reality. The natural setting, combined with the beats, created an exhilarating and surreal atmosphere. Here, I discovered some of my favourite sets of the festival, losing myself in the music and the moment.
The variety of stages meant there was always something new to explore. The indoor stages, in particular, offered a unique atmosphere, blending the thrill of emerging talents with the mastery of legendary names. This mix created an irresistible pull, and I constantly moved between stages, eager to soak in the full spectrum of music and savour each unique set. The seamless transition from one musical journey to another kept my energy high and my enthusiasm unwavering.
One of the standout aspects of this year’s festival was the incredible female talent on display. Seeing Honey Dijon, Mha Iri, and Giorgia Angiuli perform for the first time at Awakenings was inspiring. Their energy and skill behind the decks were palpable, and they commanded the crowd with ease. Familiar faces like ANNA and Nina Kraviz delivered powerful performances that reminded me why they are such beloved figures in the techno community.
The special back-to-back sets were another highlight. Adam Beyer & Joseph Capriati’s synergy on stage was electric, and their seamless transitions kept the energy high. Kölsch & Kevin de Vries brought a unique dynamic, their contrasting styles blending perfectly to create something truly special. These collaborations added an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the festival.
The debut performances from artists like Nico Moreno, Mochakk, and Vintage Culture brought a thrilling new energy to the festival. Their sets were some of the most talked about, and it was clear they had made a strong impression on everyone, myself included. It was also a treat to witness Rødhåd and Umek celebrating their 25th appearance at Awakenings, adding a sense of history and continuity to the festival.
The music and stages at Awakenings Festival 2024 provided a rich and immersive experience. Each performance, each stage, had its own unique vibe and energy, creating a symphony of sound and emotion that was truly unforgettable. Every moment felt like a personal journey through the very best of techno, from the massive outdoor spectacles to the cosy forest raves. This festival wasn’t just about the music; it was about the connections made, the memories created, and the feeling of being part of something truly special.
The Campgrounds
Camping at Awakenings is its own little world. It’s not just where you sleep between sets, it’s where the weekend really stretches out and becomes a full experience. In 2024, there were two main camping options, and they were genuinely different vibes depending on what you’re after.
Grand Camping is the lively one. It feels like the festival energy spills straight through the gates and keeps going, from the first coffee run in the morning to the last late-night chats. There’s loads of space for pre-pitched tents and lodges, as well as people bringing their own set-ups, so you can arrive, get settled quickly, and get on with the fun. It’s social without trying too hard. You end up chatting to strangers over breakfast at Coffeesalon, or parked up on Meller Beach, and suddenly you’ve got new mates for the day.
If you want the same festival access with a bit more comfort (and a bit more quiet), Relax Resort is the one. Think pre-set tents with proper bedding and electricity, plus a dedicated wellness area for when your body starts reminding you you’re not 21 anymore. It’s that sweet spot where you can reset properly and still feel part of the weekend, not like you’ve disappeared off-site.
What I loved is that the campsites didn’t feel like a practical necessity. They felt like mini communities. There were DJ workshops, buddy workouts, deep house yoga, and even a cocoa ceremony with House of Beats, which is exactly the kind of unexpectedly wholesome moment you end up talking about long after you’re home. Throw in vintage clothing stalls for last-minute outfit upgrades, beach areas for daytime decompression, and a night café that turns into the cosy end-of-night hangout for games and wind-down chats, and you’ve got a campsite that’s actually worth exploring, not just crashing in.
The Festival Grounds and Activities
Awakenings Festival was a feast for the senses. Beyond the incredible music, the festival grounds were adorned with captivating art installations that added a touch of magic to the experience. The “Watercolor” waterfall by Estranged Studio was a personal favourite, with its dynamic, colourful flow that seemed almost alive. Lisa Bast’s “OMGEVINGSBEWUSTZIJN” light pillars created a mesmerising space that felt both serene and powerful.
The food and drink options were plentiful and diverse, catering to all tastes. I particularly enjoyed the Beyond Meat burgers and the refreshing organic banana smoothies from Bionana. Brand activations like the BUD tech house stage and the Red Bull cocktail lounge added an extra layer of fun, allowing us to enjoy great music with a refreshing drink in hand.
The Thoughtful Details
Awakenings Festival’s commitment to sustainability was evident everywhere. Every effort was made to minimise environmental impact, from the deposit recycling system for cups, cans, and bottles to the 100% vegetarian menu. The smart energy plan, which included using green diesel and renewable energy sources, showed a genuine commitment to making the festival as eco-friendly as possible.
Travel to the festival was encouraged to be as sustainable as possible, with bike rides and public transport options heavily promoted. The partnership with Trees for All to offset CO2 emissions was another commendable initiative, highlighting the festival’s dedication to protecting the environment.
Inclusivity was also a major focus. The festival provided extensive facilities for people with disabilities, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the event to the fullest. The Social Safety Hub and the dedicated teams walking the grounds were a reassuring presence, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.
A Final Word
Awakenings Festival 2024 was more than just a music festival; it was a vibrant community where people from all walks of life came together to celebrate techno music, art, and culture. There wasn’t a single stage where I didn’t find myself connecting with new friends and feeling the collective love and energy of the crowd. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone dancing and sharing in the joyous experience.
To conclude, Awakenings Festival 2024 was a masterclass in festival organisation, offering an unparalleled blend of music, art, and community. It set a new standard for sustainability and inclusivity in the festival scene, making it an unforgettable experience for all who attended. Whether you’re a seasoned raver or a first-time festival-goer, Awakenings is an event that should be on everyone’s bucket list. As the excitement of this summer lingers, mark your calendars for the upcoming Awakenings events during Amsterdam Dance Event this October, where the magic continues at the iconic Gashouder and the grand Ziggo Dome. Lineups for all seven Awakenings ADE events have been released, tickets are selling fast, get yours now!
