Best Techno Festivals 2026 in Europe
The new year is here, and in case your resolution for 2026 is to have more memorable experiences, festivals are a great way to achieve that! However, to avoid being disappointed by some mediocre adventure, I present you with a small selection of great festivals you should seriously consider attending if you are into electronic music and are in Europe.
Please keep in mind I can't mention every existing event — this is just a selection. Also, you won't find any mega festivals here. Listing Tomorrowland, Nature One, or Sonar isn't anything new, and I am always an advocate of looking outside the box. Here I'll mostly focus on smaller, independent, and special festivals.
Looking rationally at it, this also means that not every festival on this list is worth to go above and beyond to attend it. But if you're not far away, or you want to visit a certain region, combining it with one of those festivals might be a great idea! In my opinion, this list collects the most special festivals across europe as they aren't exclusively about partying but often bring variety, like art exhibitions, lectures, yoga sessions, as well as a very high attention to the music played.
[22.01 – 24.01.2026 | Austria]
Yes, yes, yes, I know. I am late to the game and by the time this list comes out the festival is already over. So see it as a honerable first mention. I heard great things from friends who were there and if you're into skiing or snowboarding imo it's a no-brainer for next year!
[13.05 – 17.05.2026 | France]
I don't have much to say about Nuits Sonores. I just know it as being an institution, and if I would ever decide to go to a festival in france it would be this one. It reinventss the urban landscape of Lyon for five days and blends electronic music with the city’s industrial and Renaissance heritage. From former SNCF factories to historic theaters, it offers an eclectic array of styles that explore the relationship between sound and architecture.
[14.05 – 16.05.2026 | Belgium]
Returning to Asiat Park, an old military telecommunication base, Horst is a DIY-spirited festival. It seamlessly integrates arts and architecture with a music program that balances local experimental artists with bigger names. It's a pure joy for the eyes to stroll around the site as the festival is basically a whole outdoor exhibition. It's good that they've pushed the date back a bit, but be aware that it's still early in the year - be prepared when camping!
[20.05 – 24.05.2026 | Belgium]
In 2023 I briefly lived in Antwerp and stumbled upon this festival. Festival is even an overstatement as it's more of a weekend long day-party. I absolutly loved it. The stage design was minimal, but very well crafted and artistic. Everything was done with intention. The focus heavily lies on the quality. So if you're around Antwerp during that time of the year, definitly check it out. It's probably also the cheapest event to attend on this list.
[22.05 – 24.05.2026 | UK]
For the first time I heard of Gala when a photographer exhibited his festival photographs in Berlin. The vibe, the people, the spirit. When I saw that this year marks its 10 year anniversary and the line-up I was sold! Saturday it is for me. I'm excited for what London has to offer durin one of it's largest independent and community oriented festival.
[06.06.2026 | Netherlands]
To be honest, the crave doesn't fit the definition of a classic festival, and thus normally wouldn't have made this list. However, the organizers are deeply rooted in the music scene and are contributing in an amazing way to the local Den Haag scene. I think it is absolutly worth it to support these efforts, also because they will do their best to maintain a high quality booking and experience.
[17.06 – 22.06.2026 | Portugal]
A week-long midsummer festival in Crato that embraces artistic experimentation and collective "imagineering". Set around a beautiful lake, it encourages attendees to disconnect from the world and participate in a community-driven psychedelic adventure. I highly respect their decision to keep the line-up unnanounced this year. But with all their experience it will be good, that's for sure. You come for the music, you stay for the vibe.
[19.06 – 21.06.2026 | UK]
I don't even remember how I stumbled upon this festival. Probably the smallest event on this list. But it just looks sooo good! An intimate and independent gathering for 2,000 people set in a beautiful South Cambridgeshire. Created "For the Love of a Good Party," it focuses on a heart warming community vibe.
[19.06 – 21.06.2026 | Germany]
Let me be honest. Would I go to Hive? Probably not. It's just not my type of tea. It's gathered to faster styles, especially hard techno. But I respect, that for people who love this genre it is probably the best festival to attend. The organizers are pros. The location is incredible, and the line-up is unmatched. There is also a decent bit of groove and trance, so maybe don't follow my lead and don't be too intimidated.
[24.06 – 28.06.2026 | Germany]
In theory I am also late with Fusion. The official registration is over and it's sold out. However, with over 70.000 attendees you should be able to secure a ticket through their official resale platform. Let me rephrase: you should secure one! The Fusion festival is pure hedonism spanned from 5 days. The biggest non commercial festival in europe. No advertising, VIP sections, sponsorships. A sense of belonging, the love for art and music, mutual respect. Probably the most intense experience on this list.
[26.06 – 28.06.2026 | Belgium]
Some recommendations will just always appear in my lists. Paradise City is one of those. Set in a beautiful 15th-century castle garden surrounded by water, this festival combines a great selection of artists spanning from classic house, techno, to electronica and new school techno. And everything with an unmatched approach to sustainability.
[10.07 – 12.07.2026 | Netherlands]
Pitched by my friends as the Dutch version of Fusion festival, I'm not sure if that does Wildeburg justice. Renowned for its vibrant energy and unique stage designs, it's a unique experience within natural surroundings. It is well-organized with a relaxed vibe, making it a favorite for those seeking a fun getaway.
[10.07 – 12.07.2026 | Germany]
This is a music lovers festival! Especially for techno purists and hardgroove lovers. The location within the industrial UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein in Essen is raw and perfect for that type of music. The striking industrial architecture provides a distinctive backdrop for a world class musical experience.Due to this vibe it attracts all of the biggest names within that scene to play here - and their fans, that come specifically for the music!,
[18.07 – 19.07.2026 | Germany]
I am very regularly in Hamburg and thus a bit familiar with their clubbing scene. Habitat always striked me as one of those festivals, where the whole city gathers. The regular party kids bring their friends who usually don't go out that much. Everyone mingles, has fun, and decides how intense it should get (32h non-stop) for themselves. One can just love the Hamburg vibe!
[17.07 - 20.07.2026 | Germany]
You're gay, lesbian, bi or simply queer? You wanna live it, breath it, express it and spend a whole weekend with likeminded people? Whole is the world's largest queer electronic music festival - I think you might like it. Situated at the same scenic location as Hive (and in the past Melt festival), this place transform into a non-hetero heaven (of course allies are always welcome).
[25.07.2026 | Belgium]
Nestled in a "ghost town" near Antwerp, this festival celebrates the intersection of art, music, and place. The experience is a living dialogue between heritage and creativity, with a portion of ticket sales supporting local restoration efforts. It is again one of those little, unknown, and predominantly local festivals, that just has an amazing approach to creativity.
[06.08 – 09.08.2026 | Germany]
Set against the enchanting backdrop of Rittergut Etzdorf, Mahagoni is an intimate cultural festival with a communal atmosphere. It's run by different collectives and is very DIY heavy. A truly unique festival and one could even say small enclave of freedom in an otherwise (unfortunately) very conservative and right-leaning part of Germany.
[13.08 – 17.08.2026 | Germany]
I mostly know Bucht as one of those festivals where a lot of Berlin club regulars go to. Be it Sisyphos or Berghain. At this festival they unite. Party expers so to say, with a good understanding of dance floor etiquet, respect, and quality. But also there to fucking let loose and party (maybe non-stop)
[14.08–17.08.2026 | Germany]
Ahh, maybe I was wrong about Wild Wood earlier?! This might actually be even smaller and more intimate. But not in a bad way. The festival takes place in a secluded forest setting where an old industrial warehouse transforms into a playground. During the day, attendees enjoy an outdoor stage with lower BPM music, while at night two indoor floors with custom-made sound systems create a proper rave atmosphere.
[14.08 – 15.08.2026 | Belgium]
Also known as Crossroads, this festival in Brussels is curated by the crew behind the world-famous Fuse Club. It takes place partly beneath a highway overpasses and the Vijverspark. However, not only the scenery is diverse, the musical programming is as well. Ranging from house and techno till drum & bass and electronica.
[20.08 – 24.08.2026 | Croatia]
Dekmantel is such a long-running brand doing festivals, podcasts and label work for years with amazing output. They also host the "normal" Dekmantel festival in Amsterdam in July, which is nice as well, but has a more mainstream (*cough* British-bro type) crowd. Alternatively, they do the Lentekabinet festival in May in Amsterdam. The line-up looks amazing, but the weather during that time of year can be hit or miss in the Netherlands. So my recommendation goes out to the Croatia edition. If the dates don't fit you, but you're interested, definitely check out Dimensions festival only happening a week later, basically at the exact same spot.
[04.09 – 05.09.2026 | Netherlands]
This is a big one. Like Stone Techno I would label this one as a pure music lover's place, just with a completely different approach. Instead of an industrial site, Draaimolen takes place in a forest. And that lucky, because last year it looked like they wouldn't get the location again. Is the 2026 edition the last one here? How will it continue? There are many open questions, but one thing is for sure: enjoy it while it lasts! This is one of the best and most amazing festivals in the Netherlands.
[11.09 – 13.09.2026 | Belgium]
This independent, boutique festival heads to the castle grounds of Humbeek. It features five unique stages inspired by different elements and stands out for its holistic focus on wellness and self-care alongside its musical program. Cacao ceremonies, Yoga sessions, breathing workshops, or lectures. Somewhere between yuppie and truthfully enlightening. I don't know about you, but I for a change could use a festival that's not only abusing my serotonin receptors, but also recovers them.
[18.09 – 19.09.2026 | Netherlands]
Deep in the forest of Amersfoort, a small town around 40 minutes away from Amsterdam, this festival unfolds. Wouldn't it have been for my friends who live in that city I would probably never have heard of it. But the stage design, the setting, the production quality is insane. I don't think many people outside of the Netherlands have heard about this festival. Yet it is always instantly sold out. This is honestly the only downside: securing tickets. If you get lucky you should go. You won't regret it, promised!
To finish this article, I wish you a great 2026 season! For whatever event you decide, I hope you have an awesome time, meet great people, listen to some stunning music, and broaden your horizon. Stay safe and keep an eye out for your peers!
