Mysteryland 2024 was nothing short of magical, marking another phenomenal year for the world’s longest-running electronic music festival. With a rich history spanning 31 years, this iconic event once again brought together music lovers from all corners of the globe for a weekend of vibrant performances, unique experiences, and sustainable practices. With 125,000 visitors from nearly 100 nationalities, Mysteryland 2024 solidified its place as a leader in the festival world, blending music, creativity, and sustainability like never before. Let’s dive into everything that made Mysteryland 2024 a truly unforgettable experience.
The Music & Stages: A Sonic Journey Across Genres
Mysteryland 2024 left no stone unturned when it came to delivering a diverse and thrilling musical lineup. With over 300 artists across multiple stages, festival-goers were treated to an eclectic mix of sounds that catered to every musical taste. The Main Stage, featuring its iconic design with two large hands unveiling a grand Mystery Box, embodied the festival’s core values of Peace, Love, and Mystery. This “positive Pandora’s Box” unleashed a wave of joy and creativity, with highlights including performances by R3HAB, Oliver Heldens, and Charlotte de Witte, who closed the festival with a mesmerising techno set.
But the magic didn’t stop there. The Pyramid Stage was transformed into a haven for techno lovers, hosting Drumcode on Saturday and the hard techno concept Nooit Meer Naar Huis on Sunday. For the first time, the stage was built with a focus on 3D video content, enhancing the overall visual experience.
After three days of sun-soaked celebration, Mysteryland 2024 closed with an awe-inspiring finale that firmly established its reputation as a trailblazer in the festival world. In a groundbreaking 10-minute spectacle, 600 drones danced in perfect harmony with fireworks, 3D video, lighting, music, and vocals, creating an unforgettable end show that captivated the audience. This state-of-the-art performance, developed in partnership with TWOFIFTYK DRNS—famed for their shows at Burning Man—and the global beer giant BUD, redefined what a festival finale could be. The drones, seamlessly woven into the choreography, transformed the main stage from a 30-meter focal point into a towering 120-meter marvel of light and technology, pushing the boundaries of festival experiences to a whole new level.
The Campgrounds: A Festival Within a Festival
The Mysteryland campsite was a destination in itself, welcoming 15,000 visitors to a range of unique activities and serene relaxation spots. The Comfort Zone offered a luxurious escape with a swimming pool, jacuzzis, a sauna, and a restaurant, while those craving a more spiritual experience could dive into breathing courses, ice baths, cocoa ceremonies, and yoga meditations. The Hangout Stage was a hub of activity, where diverse artists like Freddy Moreira and Club TNT kept the energy alive all weekend.
If you wanted to dance, the poolside parties were the place to be, complete with aquarobics sessions led by the enthusiastic Bartmeister. For those who preferred a slower pace, the campsite also featured campfires with live music, a range of analog games in the Arcade, and cosy chill areas hosted by the Camping Guardians. From sports tournaments to Tarot card readings, there was something for everyone, making the campsite an essential part of the Mysteryland experience.
The Festival Grounds and Activities: An Immersive Wonderland
Mysteryland 2024 was more than just a music festival—it was a celebration of creativity and exploration. The festival grounds were filled with hidden gems and unexpected surprises, from the colourful and decorated secret pathways to the hidden parties that captured the spirit of an illegal forest rave. Attendees were encouraged to uncover these secrets, like the raucous Paardenrave, a high-energy barn party that blended Wild West fantasy with pulsating beats, and Lady Joker’s Bedroom, where surreal theatre, dance, and electronic music came together in a fantastical fusion.
Other highlights included the Psychedelic Farm, a bizarre and magical place where nothing was as it seemed. Visitors could meet Gloria, a quirky pink character, and enjoy unexpected performances like a Mariachi band or Farmer Harm’s antics. The Senzosphere installation by Wouter Blom captivated festival-goers with its kaleidoscopic light art, while the Be The Tree experience allowed participants to become part of the festival landscape by projecting their faces onto one of the trees.
The end shows were, as always, a crowd favourite, with four dazzling finales across the two biggest stages. Sunday’s drone spectacle, combined with fireworks and nature sounds from Genevieve Coté, was an awe-inspiring reminder of the festival’s theme: “Celebrate Life.” Whether you were scaling painted stairs for a breathtaking view, experiencing sound travel through water, or attending the Midnight Bingo on the Main Stage, every corner of Mysteryland 2024 offered a new adventure.
Sustainability Highlights: Leading the Way in Green Festivals
Mysteryland 2024 was not just a leader in music and creativity but also in sustainability. Approximately 80% of the festival was powered by locally generated green energy, thanks to a partnership with Tegenstroom and local solar panel installations. This initiative saved around 60,000 litres of diesel, reducing CO₂ emissions by 196 tons—the equivalent of one million fewer car kilometres.
In addition to energy sustainability, Mysteryland implemented a circular cup system for all drink containers and ensured that all food packaging was 100% compostable. The festival’s commitment to the environment extended to its food offerings, with fresh fries made from locally sourced potatoes grown on the very land where the campsite was located. Over 12,000 kilograms of potatoes were harvested to create 30,000 portions of fries, reducing the festival’s carbon footprint and supporting local agriculture.
A Final Word: The Magic of Mysteryland 2024
Mysteryland 2024 delivered on every promise, offering a rich blend of music, art, and sustainable practices that created an unforgettable experience for all who attended. Whether you came for the music, the creative installations, or the sense of community, there was something for everyone to love. With pre-registration already open for Mysteryland 2025, set to take place from September 22nd to 24th, the excitement is already building for another year of unforgettable memories.
If you missed out this year or want to relive the magic, be sure to check out the highlights on Mysteryland’s YouTube channel and start planning your next adventure at this legendary festival!