Awakenings Festival in the Netherlands

Awakenings is not one party, it is a year of techno at its best. Awakenings organises several parties, but if you really want to pop, you have to be at one of the Awakenings festivals. This is the time when tens of thousands of techno lovers come together for a weekend full of music, sun (hopefully), and unforgettable moments. Awakenings is the festival for everyone who loves techno. Imagine rock-hard beats, insane light shows, and an atmosphere that energises you - that's Awakenings in a nutshell. The festival is known worldwide as a techno mecca where you can see and hear the biggest names in the scene.

In 2025, there will be two different Awakenings festival. The 3-day Awakenings Festival in Hilvarenbeek from 11 to 13 July and the 2-day Awakenings Upclose festival in Spaarnwoude on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May. 

Awakenings festival takes place in the Netherlands. Outdoor festivals usually take place in Spaarnwoude, a green oasis just outside Amsterdam, and in the south of the country in Hilvarenbeek. But it doesn't stop there: throughout the year Awakenings also organises fat indoor parties, such as in the iconic Gashouder in Amsterdam. Among other special occasions like Easter, New Year's Eve, but also ADE, Awakenings events are organised. Whether you are a seasoned raver or just starting your techno journey, Awakenings is a must-see!

Awakenings is not a small party - it draws huge crowds every year. Its festivals in Spaarnwoude and Hilvarenbeek attract as many as 80,000 to 100,000 visitors. Yes, you read it right, it's a massive techno party where you can completely lose yourself in the music and the people around you. And whether you go solo or with a group of friends, you will always meet like-minded people who, like you, are there for the music and the vibes. Moreover, Awakenings Festival also attracts many visitors from other countries. 

Awakenings prices, of course, depend on which event you want to go to. A day ticket for a festival usually costs between €70 and €100, depending on how early you get there. A weekend ticket? That's often between €130 and €160. But beware: those tickets sell like hot cakes, so make sure you score your ticket in time. For the luxury raver, there are also VIP tickets that give you access to exclusive areas and other perks - but you will have to pay for those too, with prices that can go up to around €250. Tickets are best bought easily online via the Awakenings website. 

Awakenings is packed with highlights that make it a must-visit for any techno lover. Here are some of the things you can expect:

1. Epic Line-ups
   Awakenings is known for its epic line-ups. From legendary headliners like Carl Cox and Adam Beyer to rising stars, here you get the chance to hear sets that will stay with you for a long time. It's the place to see your favourite DJs live and maybe even discover new favourites.
    
2. Legendary stages and overwhelming light and sound shows
   The stages at Awakenings are a spectacle in themselves. With multiple stages, each with its own vibe and theme, you can hop from one stage to another and experience something new every time. What also really sets Awakenings apart are the insane light and sound shows. Expect lasers blasting through the night, visuals that take you on a psychedelic journey, and sound systems that ensure every beat is felt throughout your body. No half-baked shows are put on here - everything is aimed at giving you a complete experience.
    
3. International Atmosphere
   With visitors coming from all over the world, at Awakenings you immediately feel part of a large, international community. You'll meet people who are just as passionate about techno as you are, and the atmosphere is always positive and energetic. No matter where you come from, everyone is here for the love of music.
    
4. Fantastic Location
   Both the location in Spaarnwoude and the venue in Hilvarenbeek are perfect for a festival like Awakenings. The green festival grounds provide a beautiful, natural backdrop for all the electronic beats. And despite the large turnout, the grounds never feel too crowded; there is plenty of room to dance, chill, or just enjoy the surroundings. Both venues are a playground for adults, with art installations, chill zones, and food trucks where you can get everything from greasy bites to healthy snacks. Everything is geared towards giving you an unforgettable time. And if the weather cooperates, at Awakenings Festival you can even enjoy a beautiful sunset while you go wild to the music.
    
5. Afterparties
   If you think the party stops when the festival grounds close, you're wrong. Awakenings is known for its legendary afterparties where the vibe just keeps going until deep into the night (or morning). Perfect for the diehards who can't get enough.

In terms of accommodation, it's best to look for accommodation near the festival site. Are you going to Upclose in Spaarnwoude? Then we recommend looking for accommodation in Haarlem or Amsterdam, for example. If you want to visit the biggest 3-day festival in Hilvarenbeek for a whole weekend, you also have the option to stay near the festival site, at the campsite or in a holiday home.

Are you only going for one day or do you just prefer to return to a soft and clean bed after a day full of musical highlights and dancing? Then, of course, you can also look for comfortable accommodation in Hilvarenbeek. Especially if you plan to party for a whole weekend, a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast waiting for you for the next day is no luxury. Make sure you book accommodation on time, though. Whether you opt for a hotel room, a holiday park or a cosy bed & breakfast near the festival site. Demand for accommodation during Awakenings and prices shoot up as soon as the event approaches. 
 

Want to attend the next edition of Awakenings and still have a Hotelgiftcard at home? That comes in handy! With a Hotelgiftcard you can stay overnight at countless accommodation in the area. From hotels to holiday parks. Thanks to the versatility of the Hotelgiftcard, you can flexibly choose from numerous options that fit your budget and wishes. Be on time, though, so you don't miss out on a place to sleep!

Want someone to experience Awakenings? Then a Hotelgiftcard is a great gift. After all, with the Hotelgiftcard the recipient can easily book comfortable accommodation. No Awakenings after all? No problem. Hotelgiftcard is valid for two years and can be redeemed at over 600,000 accommodations worldwide. Our tip to make this gift even more festive: in addition to the Hotelgiftcard, add a personal message and a good bottle of wine (to get you in the mood).