Where to be this summer: festivals to note in your calendar

More than 1,150 music festivals are organized in the Netherlands every year. Together they attract more than 10 million festival-goers.

More than 1.150 music festivals are organised in the Netherlands every year. Together they attract more than 10 million partygoers. And if there is one city where that festival heart beats extra hard, it is Amsterdam. This weekend the capital kicks off the season. Where else should you be this summer?

DGTL | April 18 – 20 

DGTL traditionally kicks off the Amsterdam festival season. From 18 to 20 April, the three-day event will once again be held at the NDSM wharf. Expect a varied line-up with both well-known names and emerging talent from the electronic music scene. With creative stages and a strong sustainable character, DGTL has managed to create its own unique atmosphere.

The Sun | June 8

The Gardens of West traditionally host the De Zon Festival. There is a stage for everyone to go wild, from disco to techno and from punk to even carnival hits. Let's hope that the sun will actually shine to bring the day to a climax.

Mystic Garden | June 14

Mystic Garden takes place in the green setting of the Sloterpark. There, between trees and water features, a festival unfolds that brings together music, art and imagination. The programming offers a mix of techno, house and trance, with room for both big names and new talent.

Festival on the Ring | June 21

Partying on the A10? Absolutely. As part of Amsterdam 750, the ring road will temporarily become a stage for art, music and spectacle. A once-in-a-lifetime experience where city and highway merge. 

No Art | July 26 

No Art was created from the desire to bring art and music together in a total experience. What started as an intimate party has now grown into an international festival concept. Visitors can count on a visually sophisticated setting and an electronic line-up in which experience is at least as important as the music itself. MASTERS previously spoke with co-organizer Ruud Boymans. Curious? Read the interview here.