From June 26 to 29, the mighty lands of Biddinghuizen will once again shake under the thunderous roar of the harder styles. But this year isn’t just any year—it’s 25 years of hardstyle and Q-dance, the festival’s founding organisation. That’s right. A quarter-century of uniting hardstyle lovers from across the globe through relentless kicks, fire-filled shows, and the unbreakable energy of the Tribe.
Whether it’s your first Defqon.1 or your fifteenth, 2025 promises to be an anniversary edition for the books.
A Historic Line-up Across Four Days
With over 370 artists spread across the RED, BLUE, BLACK, UV, INDIGO, PINK, and beyond, this year’s line-up reads like a love letter to every corner of the Hard Dance spectrum.
It all kicks off on Thursday with The Gathering, where anthem-maker Vertile sets the tone in the BLUE. Expect raw, emotional power from the get-go, followed by high-voltage sets from names like Warface & Rooler and a classics-charged set by TNT.
Prefer it dark and fast? The BLACK and INDIGO will be fully loaded with chaos from Angerfist, HYSTA, The Saints, Adaro & Unresolved, and many more. And if you’re still buzzing after that? There’s a Silent Disco to keep the vibe alive deep into the night.
The Friday You’ll Never Forget
Friday’s Opening Ceremony is where things go from epic to legendary. In a mind-bending twist, Dr. Peacock will open the RED with a full concert experience. That’s right—Tripping with Peacock in Concert. If that doesn’t give you goosebumps, we don’t know what will.
And it doesn’t stop there:
- Dual Damage make their mainstage debut
- D-Block & S-Te-Fan headline The Spotlight on the RED
- Partyraiser unleashes chaos with his own Spotlight on the BLACK
And for the first time ever… Drum & Bass enters the PINK stage
Saturday: POWER HOUR, Warrior Workout & Raw Mayhem
Saturday starts strong with the Warrior Workout—part fitness class, part mosh pit, and completely wild. Then it’s time for what many consider the festival’s highlight: POWER HOUR. Expect smoke, fire, lasers, dancers, explosions, and that iconic left-right moment we all wait for.
Raw heads and live act fans are in for a treat:
- Adjuzt: LVLDUP – ENDGAME
- The Purge: HYTRIP
- Back-to-backs like Phuture Noize & Devin Wild, and Sub Zero Project & Hard Driver
- Plus, Paul Elstak finally debuts on the RED. Long overdue? Absolutely.
By nightfall, Dual Damage return to tear up the RED with their prime-time aggression. It’s going to be loud. It’s going to be sweaty. And it’s going to be unforgettable.
Sunday: Costumes, Legends & One Final Roar
Sunday Funday is all about going out with a bang. Dig out your craziest outfits and let your wild side loose. Across all stages, artists give it their all one last time—but it’s the RED that steals the show.
The Closing Ceremony will take us on a five-hour time travel journey through 25 years of Hard Dance. Each hour represents a different era, from 2000 to 2025, stacked with legendary sets, surprise guests, and emotional moments that will hit you right in the feels.
The final hour rolls right into The Closing Ritual, wrapping up the weekend with one last eruption of sound, light, and fireworks.
More Than Just Music
This year, Defqon.1 introduces something completely different: the Defqon.1 Theatre. In collaboration with Amsterdam’s Boom Chicago, get ready for the world’s first hardstyle comedy show, “BOOM BOOM BOOM Chicago.” It’s 30 minutes of improv chaos, twice a day from Thursday to Sunday. Tickets are available in the app, and DEDIQATED members get early access.
Need to recharge? The UV stage continues to serve up melodic goodness with Melo-3 featuring Ecstatic, Jay Reeve, and Solstice—plus the hilarious and wild Shitshow Closing on Sunday.
And if you want to skip the queues, pre-order your drinks, merch, and even experiences directly through the Defqon.1 app’s Click & Collect. It’s all about more dancing, less waiting.
BLUE Nightparty, Spoontech Tribute & Raw Rumble
The BLUE stage will be relentless this year, hosting massive night parties with End of Line and the AR Gang. Then on Sunday night, prepare for a special one: 15 Years of Spoontech – Jailbreak Set. For the real ones, this one’s not to miss.
Meanwhile, the INDIGO remains a safe haven for the raw lovers, with epic face-offs like Revolve & Cold Confusion, Malice & Kenai, and Element & Faceless.
Ready to Join the Tribe?
Saturday and Sunday tickets are already sold out, but there are still ways to be part of this historic weekend. Visit their website to grab your remaining tickets and merch, secure your campsite, and prepare for one of the most unforgettable weekends of your life.
