Looking for the best techno festivals!? Well, you’ve certainly come to the right place, because anyone who knows me knows full well that techno is one of my favorite things in the world!
It all started for me when I moved to Europe back in 2010, and my life has never been the same! I fell in love with underground house and techno music scene, and am constantly searching out for my next big party! From raving it up at the famous Tomorrowland festival, to getting dusty in desert for Burning Man – it’s safe to say I’m a connoisseur for a good time!
After years of attending different music festivals around the world, following my favorite DJ’s on social-media, and chatting with friends who are also big music connoseuirs, I’d like to think I’ve become quite knowledgeable about the best festivals in Europe.
I’m planning my travels in Europe this 2019 summer season, and can’t wait to hit up some of these techno festivals!!
1) Awakenings
When: 29-30 June, 2019
Where: Spaarnwoude, Netherlands
https://www.awakeningsfestival.nl/en/
“Awakenings Festival is a massive techno festival just outside of Amsterdam, in Spaarnwoude Houtrak.
An institution, the festival features a lineup of the biggest and brightest from the genre. Hosting events throughout the year in the Dutch capital’s legendary Gashouder, Awakenings is one of the biggest names in electronic music. Their annual pilgrimage outside to the scenic forest setting of their Spaarnwoude home is the techno festival of the year in the Netherlands.”
2) Time Warp
When: April 6, 2019
Where: Mannheim, Germany
https://www.time-warp.de/germany/index_eng.html
“So here we are still after all those years with the same passion and energy. It has been a long, crazy, emotional ride with unique encounters and endless memories. The first 25 years have led us to various cities, countries and continents. From 1994 onwards, our journey has been driven by our true love for electronic music. On April 6th 2019, we will celebrate our 25 Years anniversary party in Mannheim, and we invite you to join us! We will do what we do best: make you dance!
We will once again create the space known as Time Warp. Complete with it’s various floors, all of which will have their own special energy circling around, grabbing you to the dancefloor. Each with its own distinctive synthesis of sound and visuals, to enhance your Time Warp experience.”
3) Sonus Festival
When: 18-22 August, 2019
Where: Novalja, Croatia
https://www.sonus-festival.com
“Sonus Festival is a famous 5-day techno party at Zrce Beach, Novalja, in Croatia. The legendary creators behind Time Warp have steered the ship to the Croatian coast for one of Europe’s most celebrated house and techno festivals. Sonus occupies Zrce’s coastal clubs Aquarius, Kalypso and Papaya for both day and night stages, while boat parties spread the vibe across the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
Brimming with both burgeoning superstars and the royalty of electronic music, if it’s a superior lineup combined with stunning scenery you’re looking for, nothing beats Sonus Festival.”
4) B My Lake
When: 21-24 August, 2019
Where: Zamárdi, Hungary
“B.my.Lake is an electronic music festival in Keszthely, Hungary. The country’s number one dance music destination, the festival is anchored by its prolific techno lineup. Delving into other electronic genres as well, B.my.Lake takes place on the shores of the serene Lake Balaton, the largest lake in central Europe. Winning best new festival in Europe in 2013, B.my.Lake has since been nominated for a number of awards and is dream experience for party animals.”
5) Sonar (Barcelona & Iceland)
When: 18-20 July, 2019 (Barcelona) & 24 April, 2019 (Iceland)
Where: Barcelona, Spain & Reykjavík, Iceland
“Sónar is an arts, design, and electronic music festival held annual in Barcelona, Spain. The festival has been divided into two parts since its inception: Sónar by Day and Sónar by Night, with Sónar+D, a three-day congress dedicated to creativity, technology and business running concurrently since 2013. The 2019 edition of the festival takes place July 18th-20th, and promises over 130 live performances.”
“Sónar Reykjavík is an offspring of Sónar Barcelona, which has been held in sunny Spain since 1994. Very unlike its parent, Sónar Reykjavík is set in winter, with snow, darkness and northern lights to be expected. The venues are the music halls of Harpa, with the parking basement transformed into a nightclub.”
6) Street Parade (Switzerland)
When: August 10, 2019
Where: Lake Zurich, Switzerland
http://www.streetparade.com/en/
“The world’s most beautiful, colourful house and techno parade will be making its way around Zurich’s lakeside for the 28th time on Saturday, 10 August 2019.
The 2.4 km–long Street Parade route will be the same as in the previous year. The Street Parade will begin at Utoquai in the Zürich neighbourhood of Seefeld, from where it will head around the lakefront via Bellevue, Quaibrücke and Bürkliplatz, arriving at Hafendamm Enge at around 10 pm. The fun will continue at the after-parties at Mythenquai, Bellevue, Bürkliplatz, Rentenanstalt and Limmatquai until midnight.”
7) BPM Festival: Portugal
When: 12-15 September, 2019
Where: Portimão & Lagoa, Portugal
“The BPM Festival: Portugal is an electronic music festival in the southern coastal towns of Portimão and Lagoa. The expansive programming across four days and nights sees some of underground house and techno’s biggest DJs playing on beachside stages, in clubs and in music venues spread over the host towns. Each year, the festival offers up an array of showcases featuring some of the scene’s most respected names – from record labels to world-renowned promoters and party brands. And it’s that reputation for almost unrivalled lineups that keeps dance music fans coming back year on year. This year’s edition will feature a new format for the festival – with parties taking place on the beach each day and night.”
8) Caprices
When: 11-14 April, 2019
Where: Crans-Montana, Switzerland
“Caprices Festival is a famous electronic music festival held in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana. Fans of underground house and techno are now well aware that the mountain-top party is one of the finest meeting points for the scene’s most respected names. With the likes of Sven Väth and Ricardo Villalobos counting themselves among the festival’s regulars, the four day affair hosts parties both in the town’s clubs, and in the now iconic MDRNTY stage perched atop the mountain, with far-reaching views across the Alps.”
9) Dekmantel
When: 31 July – 4 August, 2019
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
https://www.dekmantelfestival.com
“2019 marks the 7th edition of our summer centrepiece, and the options available have never felt more exciting. This ‘choose your own adventure’ programming is no accident. We love music of all stripes, so why not put the broadest possible array on display for those who travel from around the world to the Amsterdamse Bos? The cast changes year by year, but our guiding mission objective does not. Whether you’re searching for EBM or jazz fusion, you’ll find only the best on offer. Plus, of course, music lovers as eager and receptive as you are to share the experience with – whichever experience it is that you decide upon. Welcome back.”
10) Kappa Futur Festival
When: July 6-7, 2019
Where: Torino, Italy
https://www.kappafuturfestival.it
“A true giant of the European electronic music scene, Kappa FuturFestival has become something of an annual pilgrimage for techno fans, heading to the city of Turin for a weekend in the company of the industry’s finest.
Amidst the imposing industrial environs of the city’s Parco Dora, the festival showcases a lineup of underground house and techno’s leading lights – from Detroit legends and Berlin favourites, to homegrown Italian talent and everything in between.”
11) The Peacock Society Festival
When: July 6-7, 2019
Where: Paris, France
“The Peacock Society Festival is an electronic music festival in Paris, France. Held in the capital’s Parc Floral, the festival regularly plays host to one of the most impressive lineups of the year, with a wealth of scene veterans and exciting new talent from house and techno’s vibrant underground. Looking back at posters from the previous editions gives a a flavour for the pedigree of performers you can expect to see, from Richie Hawtin and Luciano at the very first party in 2013 to Nina Kraviz, Dixon and Kaytranada last time out. From the bright lights and big sounds of the warehouse to the beautiful surrounds of the botanical garden, the festival is a haven for discerning electronic music fans.”
12) Château Perché Festival
When: July 25-28, 2019
Where: Arboretum de Balaine, Central France
http://chateauperche.com/en/2019-edition/
“Humanity is used to struggle on the Earth, eternally eager to eventually enter a superior world. Château Perché is an invitation to create together our own paradise. This unique venue, where time and space will fade away is called “L’Arboretum de Balaine”. At once glade and exotic forest, France’s oldest private arboretum and its 3 500 plant species will provide the decor for a 4-day life celebration from Thursday the 25th to Sunday the 28th of July 2019.
Your ears and eyes will be nourished by 11 stages as your soul is transported to another dimension. In perpetual evolution, Château Perché will open a space dedicated only to experiments and expression, where fun, convivial, unexpected workshops and sexy, crazy, preposterous performances will guide you along the path to euphoria.
Spotted for their talent, away from the spotlight, 250 creators of paradisiacal universe, melodious wizards, maestros of decoration, will place you in a crowd in perfect cohesion, enjoying true freedom, allowing your body and spirit to dance like they never did before, or did they?
You are an important piece of this beautiful heaven, this is why you are going to bring as many insane costumes and indecent totems as possible, you will be curious and lovely, and something magical will happen.”
Join the Château Perché Festival Facebook Event
Berlin Atonal Techno Festival
When: August 28 – September 1, 2019
Where: Berlin, Germany
“This techno marathon is held inside the cavernous walls of the old power plant Kraftwerk, with afterparties running in the depths of Tresor below. It showcases a diverse techno lineup from Wednesday through to Sunday, but combines it with workshops and exhibitions exploring the link between music, visual arts and technology… in case you get tired of the stomping.”
13) DGTL (Barcelona & Amsterdam)
When: 23-24 August, 2019 (Barcelona) & 19-21 April, 2019 (Amsterdam)
Where: Barcelona, Spain & Amsterdam, Netherlands
“DGTL Barcelona is an electronic music festival held in the famous Spanish city. An off-shoot of the long-running Dutch festival, the Barcelona edition is now well-established itself having been held in the Parc del Fòrum since 2015. As we have come to expect from all of the DGTL events across the globe, the festival features a lineup of underground house and techno’s finest proponents – from skilled selectors and prodigious DJs to enthralling live acts.”
“DGTL Amsterdam is a zeitgeist-chasing electronic music festival in the Dutch capital that has been putting together cutting edge lineups since 2013. A global brand with festivals around the world, DGTL’s Amsterdam edition is unquestionably it’s flagship party and gives a platform to influential legends and up-and-comers alike. Taking place over Easter weekend, the festival has made a home in the industrial NDSM Docklands, a multi-purpose cultural hub for the city.”
14) The Ark | Techno Music Festival Cruise
When: May 13-16, 2020
Where: Venice (Italy) – Koper (Slovenia) – Zadar (Croatia) – Venice (Italy)
“While everyone is making plans for summer ’19, The Ark takes things one step further.
Plan your early summer 2020 trip ahead and enjoy some unique advantages and extra’s.
Check out our new installment plans and choose which one fits your budget.
Disconnect from everyday life and dive in our fresh and tasty buffets, have as many powernaps as you want, join yoga-sessions, get treated like royals in the spa or dance in the middle of the ocean to some of the worlds finest artists. The story continues…”
Join The Ark Cruise 2020 Facebook Event
15) Extrema Outdoor Belgium
When: June 7-9, 2019
Where: Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium
“Extrema Outdoor Belgium is an electronic music festival held in Houthalen-Helchteren, in the northeast of the country. Lineups of underground house and techno’s heavy-hitters make the festival one of the region’s biggest and best, and the demand for tickets is seemingly ever-increasing as dance music fans flock to the enchanting woodland and lakeside. Central to this is an unerring commitment to promoting inclusivity, positivity and a sense of family. The festival makes everyone feel at home, from the superstar DJs at the top of the bill to the thousands of music fans on the every one of the dance-floors.”
16) Meadow in the Mountains
When: June 6-9, 2019
Where: Polkovnik Serafimovo, Bulgaria
http://www.meadowsinthemountains.com
“Meadows In The Mountains has become one of the world’s most unique music festivals, taking place in Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains. This truly inspiring music and arts adventure is all about breaking free from the shackles of urban life and escaping into the wilderness and tranquility of this local Bulgarian community, with whom most festival-goers stay with. Its lineup is defiantly underground and free-spirited, shunning commercial artists to showcase those who share their values of social harmony and self-expression, making it a festival of exploration for those lucky enough to make the trip up into the mountains. And believe us, there is no better sight than watching the sunrise over a mountain.”
17) Glitch Festival
When: August 14-16, 2019
Where: Rabat, Malta
https://www.glitchfestival.com
“Glitch Festival is back at its Maltese house and techno fortress for the fourth time this August, showcasing royalty such as Ben Klock, Carl Cox, Bicep and Helena Hauff on the beautiful Mediterranean island. From rooftop pool parties and secret rave caves, to chaotic boat parties and inspiring headline sets at the festival’s main stage, Glitch invites house and techno fans to join them on their sonic adventure across one of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. And away from the festival, festival-goers are encouraged to explore the rest of the island, including its stunning beaches, caves, cultural ruins and historical towns like Valletta and Mdina.”
18) Elrow Town (Antwerp, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, London)
When: 6 July, 2019 (Antwerp), 7 September, 2019 (Amsterdam), 27 July, 2019 (Edinburgh), 17 August, 2019 (London)
Where: Antwerp, Amsterdam, Edinburgh & London
Inflatables, Confetti, and Booming beats.
Elrow Town has become one of the biggest travel events in the underground house & music industry, and there’s simply no other party in the world like it! Known for it’s delirious dancing, kooky characters, thrilling themes, and confetti cannons, attending one of these Elrow festivals will certainly be an experience you’ll never forget. It also helps they always provide a top-tier lineup of underground electronic and heavy techno!
19) Sunwaves
When: April 25- May 1, 2019
Where: Constanta, Romania
“We are more than happy to see you for the 25th edition of Sunwaves! “It takes place in Mamaia Nord, Constanta, starting Thursday 25th, ending on the following Wednesday, on the 1st of May.” With an unbelievably stacked line-up with names like Loco Dice, Marco Carola, Seth Troxler, and The Martinez Brothers – you know you’re in for a week long techno Romanian adventure.
20) Tomorrowland
When: July 19-28, 2019 (Two Weekend Events)
Where: Boom, Belgium
https://www.tomorrowland.com/en/festival/welcome
Last, but certainly not least, Tomorrowland is easily one of the best festivals in europe! While it’s primarily known for being an E.D.M festival, the line-up is always ridiculously stacked when it comes to proper underground house & techno. I attended Tomorrowland 2018 | The Story of Planaxis, and it was truly a 4-day techno bender for me, lol.
Even though the mainstages are all pumping mainstream, there are several other stages for the techno fans!
“Tomorrowland is the world’s biggest dance music festival, bringing an A-list lineup of DJs from across the dance music spectrum to Boom in Belgium each summer. That means whether you’re into EDM, house, techno, hardstyle, or all of the above, you’ll be surrounded by only the best.
Throw in its incredible stage design, production and quirky surprises, and it’s easy to see why Tomorrowland’s tickets sell out in record time each year. Now regarded as a mecca for all dance music fans, immersing yourself into this mythological wonderland has to be high up on every music fan’s bucket list.”
Bonus Techno Festival | Music On
When: May 11 – 12, 2019
Where: Havenpark, Amsterdam
Music On Weekend 2019, the iconic musical experience hosted by Marco Carola, invites Jamie Jones, The Martinez Brothers, Loco Dice, Paco Osuna, Nic Fanciulli, Danny Tenaglia and many more. The festival in Amsterdam will be preceded by shows in London, New York, Miami, Detroit, Las Vegas, and afterwards Music On will head to Ibiza for its 8th annual residency.
Am I Missing Any Epic Techno Festivals…?
I would consider myself an expert on the music festival scene, especially when it comes to the best techno events! These festivals are what I would say are Top 20, but I would love to hear of any other festivals you think should be included on this list!! Comment below, shoot me an email, or reach out to me on social media, because I’m always looking for more techno festivals to attend !!
Looking for more European Music Festivals…?
My website is filled with articles just like this, so check out a few of my favorites below and start planning your next international adventure!
- The 22 Best Music Festivals in Barcelona
- Top 12 Music Festivals in Spain To Experience Before You Die
- The 20 Best Music Festivals in Madrid to Experience Before You Die
- The 19 Best Music Festivals in Paris That’ll Keep You Dancing All Year Long
- The 23 Best Music Festivals in Italy for the Bucket List
- Top 22 Music Festivals in Malta to Experience Before You Die
- The 18 Best Music Festivals in Scotland To Experience Before You Die
- The 10 Best Music Festivals in Leeds, U.K
- Top 21 Music Festivals in Berlin To Add to Your Bucket List
- The 25 Best Music Festivals in ASIA
- Top 16 Music Festivals in Portugal to Experience Before You Die
- The 15 Best Music Festivals in Iceland To Experience Before You Die
As well, I’ve put together a few blog posts that can help you out with some fun ideas for what to wear, bring, and camping survival, etc for all these upcoming music festivals! They’ve helped countless people so far, and I know you’ll get some amazing products from them!
- 44 Festival Accessories, Gear, and Must Haves | Festival Packing List
- The Ultimate Music Festival Camping Packing List
- The 7 Best Music Festival Hydration Packs & Camelbaks
Thanks for reading about these Techno Festivals!
Share this article with your European Festival squad for this summer!
Hello!! I think you forget Neopop Festival in Portugal
Also, check Dava Festival! A small and young techno festival in an epic location.
https://davafestival.com/
Draaimolen !
Hello,
how about Unlimited in Chamonix France?
http://www.unlimited-festival.com
How could you forget Exit festival in Serbia?
Festival Forte ?
I land sound in estonia