As the days get longer and the countdown to summer festivals kicks in, the techno crowd starts looking towards one thing — Awakenings. Few names in the scene carry the same weight. Year after year, they pull together lineups that make the trip worth it, whether it’s in the middle of Amsterdam or out in some beautiful European spot. It’s where the biggest names in techno share the bill with artists you’ll be talking about for years.
Some of their events are huge, others are a little more low-key, but every single one has that unmistakable Awakenings energy. Things kick off with the fresh, buzzing vibes of Easter, then keep building until you hit those peak summer moments. Whether you’re dancing under the lights in Amsterdam or out in the open air with a horizon that seems endless, it’s always about the same thing — the music, the people, and that shared feeling you can’t quite put into words.
If you find that these events are already sold out, give Ticketswap a try to score some last-minute tickets.
Easter Shows
29 & 30 March | Gashouder | Tickets
Awakenings Easter is a three-part celebration that takes over the legendary Gashouder every spring. It kicks off with a hypnotic Friday night session, rolls into a rare Saturday daytime party with a super limited capacity, and ends with a high-energy Saturday night that keeps you moving until the early hours.
There’s something about this weekend that just fits the Easter mood — fresh starts, a new season, and that rush of energy only techno can deliver. Inside the Gashouder’s iconic round walls, the sound wraps around you, with big-name DJs and rising stars sharing the same decks. It’s intimate, intense, and pure Amsterdam techno at its best — the kind of weekend you won’t forget anytime soon.
Awakenings Upclose
18 & 19 May | Spaarnwoude-park (outskirts of Amsterdam) | Tickets
Awakenings Upclose is all about stripping things back to the pure, unfiltered heart of techno. It takes place in Spaarnwoude-park, a gorgeous green spot just outside Amsterdam, and the whole idea is to close the gap between the DJ booth and the dancefloor. You’re right there in the middle of it — no massive mainstage, no endless sea of people — just you, the music, and that connection you can’t fake.
It runs for two days in May, with each set chosen to pull you deeper into the sound. One minute you’re lost in a hypnotic groove, the next you’re catching your breath by the water or under the trees. It’s intense, but in the best way — and the setting gives it this calm balance that makes the experience hit even harder. If you want a festival that feels personal, this is it.
Awakenings Summer Festival
5-7 July | Hilvarenbeek | Tickets
Awakenings Summer Festival is the big one — three days of pure techno heaven in the lush green fields of Hilvarenbeek. Think of it as a full-blown techno holiday, where the music doesn’t just soundtrack your weekend, it completely takes over. With camping on site, you’re not just coming for a few sets and heading home; you’re living and breathing it from the first beat to the last.
The days roll into nights with a lineup stacked with heavyweights and fresh talent from all over the world, spread across stages that each have their own personality and vibe. One moment you’re deep in a hypnotic set under the trees, the next you’re surrounded by thousands, losing it together at a massive open-air stage. It’s more than a festival — it’s a gathering of people who all get why this music means so much. If there’s one date you circle in your summer calendar, make it this one.
As we edge closer to summer, the lineup of Awakenings events from now until the sunny season promises an unparalleled journey through the realms of techno and electronic music. From the intimate gatherings of the Easter shows to the expansive horizons of the Awakenings Summer Festival, each event is a beacon for techno lovers across the globe. These gatherings are not just about the music; they’re a celebration of community, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of the beat that connects us all. As techno continues to evolve and inspire, Awakenings stands at the forefront, curating experiences that resonate with the essence of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned raver or a curious newcomer, there’s a place for you in the Awakenings family. So, dust off your dancing shoes, mark your calendars, and prepare for a summer filled with the pulsating rhythms of techno. In the vibrant cityscapes of Amsterdam and the lush landscapes of Europe, Awakenings is your gateway to the ultimate electronic music experience.
Need a little help to plan your next Awakenings adventure? Check out these guides now!
Guide to Awakenings Summer Festival
Awakenings NYE 2023: A Techno Voyage at the Gashouder
Guide to Awakenings Spring Festival
Ultimate Guide to Getting Ready for a Music Festival
*Disclaimer: Please note that these dates are subject to change, so it’s important to check the festival’s website for the most up-to-date information.
