Awakenings Festival just keeps getting better. I spent all three days in Hilvarenbeek for this year’s edition, and it felt like the most refined version yet—a refreshed layout, incredible stages, standout sets, and a crowd that made the experience feel as much about connection as it was about music.
Whether you were deep in the forest, front and centre at the mainstage, or catching your breath by the lake, there was always something worth your attention. This year felt immersive in all the right ways—bold, expressive, and full of those little moments that stick with you long after the music stops.
The Music: A Journey Through Seven Stages
One of the most compelling things about Awakenings is how each stage feels like its own world. Moving between them isn’t just about changing location—it’s like stepping into a different rhythm, a new emotion. Across the weekend, I let the music guide me through all seven.
I kicked things off at Area V, the festival’s towering mainstage. With its mirrored roof and dramatic fireworks, it was made for those full-throttle, high-impact moments. Sets from Carl Cox, Reinier Zonneveld, and Charlotte de Witte filled the space with confidence and power—huge sound, without losing any finesse.
Area Y, under its cathedral-like frame, brought pure intensity. It was the place to get lost in something harder, darker, and more relentless. Azyr’s acid-fuelled closing set on Saturday night was electrifying—raw, charged, and impossible to look away from. And on Sunday, a stacked lineup featuring I Hate Models, Novah, Milo Spykers, AnD, and 6EJOU kept the energy surging from start to finish.
Area B offered a more expansive, melodic feel. Framed by a floating roof and wide lakeside views, it felt spacious but still fully connected. Kevin de Vries punched through with a set that snapped everyone to attention—his transitions sharp, his builds tight, and the dancefloor absolutely locked in. When Mind Against took over, the mood deepened without losing momentum.
Tucked into the woods, Area A felt like a hidden rave—mirrors, towers of light, and just enough chaos to keep it fun. I ended up spending more time here than expected, especially during sets from Funk Tribu, Freddy K, Twiena and DJ Gigola. It had that no-frills magic you can’t fake.
Area C shifted its tone as the day wore on—starting with deeper, moodier sets before building into full-blown melodic techno and classic Awakenings energy. Meanwhile, Area H, with its frosted glass roof and Red Bull curation, gave newer artists and minimal house sounds a space to shine.
And then there was Area X—a low-ceilinged, LED-draped tunnel that felt like a proper after-hours club. It brought out a different side of people, one you only really see when the music’s deep, the lights are low, and no one’s looking at the time.
One thing that stood out this year was the strength of the female talent across the lineup. From Sara Landry’s driving, high-impact sound to the fluid, melodic sets from Miss Monique, and artists like The Lady Machine, DJ Gigola, and Yulia Niko each carving out their own space, it felt like more than just representation—it felt natural, deserved, and long overdue. Seeing so many women hold their own on major stages added real depth to the weekend.
A Crowd That Felt Like Community
Despite being one of the largest electronic music festivals in Europe, Awakenings somehow maintains a friendly, grounded vibe. With people from over 100 countries, it’s a global gathering—but it never felt overwhelming. Everyone was just there for the same reason: the music.
The energy across the weekend was open and positive. Whether you were striking up a conversation at the food stalls or dancing shoulder-to-shoulder, the people around you added to the experience. That sense of community is hard to manufacture, but Awakenings seems to get it right every time.
Camping That Goes Beyond the Basics
I stayed at the Relax Resort, Awakenings’ most luxurious camping option. The Safari Lodges are a world away from typical festival accommodation—fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and even a private sauna. Waking up to giraffes strolling past your window was equal parts serene and surreal, and the extra comfort and privacy made it feel more like a boutique retreat than a campsite. It was the perfect place to unwind between stages and recharge for another full day of dancing.
Elsewhere, Awakenings continues to evolve its camping offering. While I didn’t stay at Grand Camping or Comfort Camping, it was clear from friends and the programme that both had been thoughtfully expanded. Whether you booked a pre-setup tent, reserved a Friends Field for your crew, or just made the most of the onsite supermarket, everything was designed to make the weekend feel smooth and stress-free.
The wellness and activity programme was also a big step up. From deep house yoga and buddy bootcamps, to sound healing and cacao ceremonies, the schedule offered plenty of ways to start the day intentionally—or recover gently before heading back in. For those looking to balance the rave with a bit of grounding, there was a lot to explore.
More Than Just the Music
One of the best things about Awakenings is how much thought goes into the full experience. Across the site, art installations and design details gave the festival texture—mirrored structures catching the light, hidden walkways, and the debut of a brand new secret stage, Area S, waiting to be discovered.
The food offering was fully vegetarian again this year, and impressively diverse. Whether you were after something fresh and nourishing or something quick to grab between sets, there were plenty of options.
Everything felt intentional—from the way the areas transitioned into each other, to the chill-out zones, shaded seating spots, and access points. It felt designed for us—not just around us.
What’s Next? See You in October!
Although summer’s not over just yet, Awakenings already has its sights set on Amsterdam Dance Event this October. With the iconic Gashouder currently undergoing renovations, they’ll be hosting several events at a brand-new venue – Sugarfactory – and it’s shaping up to be something special. The lineups will be released July 24th, with ticket sales starting shortly after on July 28th.
If Hilvarenbeek left you wanting more (and let’s be honest, it always does), keep an eye on the Awakenings website for details on their ADE shows. The next chapter is just around the corner—and they’re ready to welcome you back onto the dancefloor.
Final Thoughts
Awakenings Festival 2025 didn’t just meet expectations—it raised the bar once again. The refined site layout, next-level production, and welcoming atmosphere made it my favourite edition so far. It’s rare to find a festival of this size that still feels so personal, but Awakenings has nailed that balance between scale and soul.
If you’ve been before, you’ll notice the upgrades. If you haven’t, this is your sign to go.
Awakenings Festival 2026 takes place 10th–12th July. I already know I’ll be there.
