Looking for the best techno festivals in Europe in 2024!? Well, you’ve certainly come to the right place, because anyone who knows me knows full well that a good techno festival is one thing I’ll never say no to!
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 the underground house and techno music scene, and am constantly searching for my next big party! From raving it up at the famous Tomorrowland festival to getting dusty in the desert for Burning Man – I’m always looking for my next rave.
After years of attending different music festivals around the world, following my favorite DJs on social media, and chatting with friends who are also big music connoisseurs, I’d like to think I’ve become quite knowledgeable about the best festivals in Europe – especially the biggest and best techno parties.
I’m planning on moving back to Europe this year, and can’t wait to hit up some of these incredible techno festivals and also discover tons of new ones to add to this list!
1) Awakenings Festival 2024
Credit: Tim Buiting
When: March 29-30, 2024 (Easter), May 18-19, 2024 (Spring), July 12-14, 2024 (Summer)
Where: Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands (summer), Spaarnwoude (Easter)
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!
With unbelievable massive stages, completely stacked line-ups, and an incredible venue – there’s no better time to visit The Netherlands to experience Awakenings Festivals for yourself!
In recent years, the brand name of Awakenings has exploded in popularity, and has increased the amount of techno festivals they organize each year – in 2024 they’re offering four different events to choose from! Be sure to check out their website for upcoming events, as it’s my top-choice for people looking for a techno festival this year!
2) Time Warp Germany 2024
Credit: Elephant Studio
When: April 6-7, 2024
Where: Mannheim, Germany
https://www.time-warp.de/germany/index_eng.html
https://www.facebook.com/timewarpofficial
30 YEARS | 30 HOURS
Time Warp has been a staple in the German techno scene for decades, and in 2024 Time Warp celebrates their 30th anniversary and it simply should not be missed! Make the pilgrimage out to Mannheim for an insane weekend of pulsing techno music that you will never forget!
“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.From 1994 onwards, our journey has been driven by our true love for electronic music.
We will once again create the space known as Time Warp. Complete with its 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.”
Time Warp has also taken their grand internationally, and has hosted festivals in Spain, Brasil, and New York!
3) EXIT Festival 2024
Credit: Exit Photo Team
When: July 11-14, 2024
Where: Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad, Serbia
https://www.facebook.com/exit.festival
“EXIT Festival takes you to the EXIT Universe – a place woven from the emotions of everyone who has set foot on the Fortress, where miracles happen, and the brightest star is YOU!
Exit Festival returns to its iconic fortress location in Serbia for another weekend filled with basslines, beer, and debauchery (and lots of techno)! It’s easily the biggest and most popular techno festival in Eastern Europe that brings travelers from all over the world to enjoy tunes in a truly unique venue for unbelievable sets from some of the biggest acts in techno, house, and electronic music.
4) Sonus Festival 2024
Credit: Antonio Hant Corallo
When: August 18-22, 2024
Where: Novalja, Croatia
https://www.sonus-festival.com
https://www.facebook.com/sonusfestival
5 DAYS & NIGHTS OF OPEN AIR PARTY AT THE CROATIAN SEA!
“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!”
Picture a small, sunny island just off the coast of Croatia. Imagine your favourite artists playing open air, just a few steps away from the beach. Envision yourself taking a dip in the crystal clear Adriatic Sea in between parties. Sounds like a dream? Well, at Sonus it all comes true: Your perfect summer rave adventure happens right on the shores of Pag Island!
5) B My Lake | Balaton Sound 2024
When: July 3-6, 2024
Where: Lake Balaton, Hungary
B my Lake is famed for its location on Lake Balaton, Hungary’s premier dance music destination, and its prolific techno lineup. In recent years, it’s now changed things up and they’ve combined B My Lake Festival by hosting a stage at Balaton Sound, which is one of the coolest festivals I’ve been to in Europe.
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in central Europe, and is the ideal place for a music festival getaway. Offering plenty of camping and accommodation options, a trip to Balaton Sound is guaranteed to impress. While B my Lake Festival was strictly a techno festival and won best new festival in Europe back in 2013, Balaton Sound offers a diverse range of electronic music as well making it an ideal experience for party animals.
6) Sonar Festival 2024
When: June 13-15, 2024
Where: Barcelona, Spain
https://www.facebook.com/SonarFestival
There is simply no better city in the world for techno fans in Europe than Barcelona during summertime, and SONAR is a remarkable destination festival experience! Having lived in Barcelona and attended several Sonar festival editions myself, I can attest to its sheer brilliance!
Sónar is an arts, design, and electronic music event which has been divided into two parts since its inception in 2013: Sónar by Day and Sónar by Night, with Sónar+D – a three-day congress dedicated to creativity, technology, and all things discussing the music industry.
While the Sónar Festival itself is epic on its own, there’s a whole separate series of events called Off Sonar during the week – and the entire city comes alive with so many different offerings.
7) Street Parade
Credit: Street Parade
When: August 10, 2024
Where: Lake Zurich, Switzerland
http://www.streetparade.com/en/
Take part in the world’s biggest event for electronic music. Get ready to dance on the streets of Zurich for Love, Peace, Freedom & Tolerance.
Nearly 1 million techno fans make their way to Zurich for the annual Street Parade, and it’s a truly a fun-filled day listening to incredible music with people from all over the world!
It’s a 2.4km long street parade but also has several massive stages throughout the city to host the throngs of parters. The entire city comes alive, and of course the party doesn’t end as there are a bunch of wild after-hours events at various venues.
It’s also one of the only FREE techno festivals with massive DJs playing sets in Europe. So grab a pair of comfy dancing shoes, and make your way to Zurich this summer for an experience you’ll never forget!
8) BPM Festival: Ibiza Showcases 2024
When: Future Europe dates unknown
Where: Ibiza, Spain
BPM Festival has grown over the years to become one of the most globally recognized names in the techno festival industry. What started out as as a week-long event with the most impressively stacked line-ups in Tulum, Mexico – BPM has now changed it’s ways and has thrown festivals in places like Costa Rica, Portugal, and Tel Aviv. At the moment, when it returns to Europe is up in the air, so stay tuned!
9) Caprices Festival 2024
When: March 29-April 7, 2024 (Two-Weekends)
Where: Crans-Montana, Switzerland
https://www.facebook.com/capricesfest/
Caprices Festival is an iconic and bucket-list 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.
“Over the last 20 years, Caprices Festival has established itself as an idyllic travel experience, winter sports haven, and world-class music festival all rolled into two unmissable weekends. It has also put Crans-Montana back on the map as a popular resort for music, sport, and culture lovers and once again this Spring it will offer not just top-level music but also endless daytime adventures in the Alps and body and soul-enriching experiences.
It is a true feast for all the senses with breathtaking panoramic views across the Alps, luxury gastronomic experiences, an eco-museum, mountain activities, to multiple spa and wellness centres, 140km of pistes for skiing and snowboarding, a next-level snowpark, husky sledding and so much more.”
10) Dekmantel Festival 2024
Credit: Dekmantel Festival
When: July 26 – August 4, 2024
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
https://www.dekmantelfestival.com
https://www.facebook.com/dkmntl
TEN YEARS. TEN DAYS
“2024 marks the 10th edition of our summer centerpiece, 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.”
While some techno fans might need no introduction to Dekmantel, I think it’s one of Europe’s best kept secrets in the festival scene. The Netherlands really do know how to throw a solid party, so don’t miss this one!
11) Kappa Futur Festival 2024
Image: ©Sinestésia Inc.
When: July 5-7, 2024
Where: Torino, Italy
https://www.kappafuturfestival.it
https://www.facebook.com/FuturFestival
“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 favorites to homegrown Italian talent and everything in between.”
It’s the biggest and best music festival in Italy, and an excellent excuse to plan that Italian vacation you’ve always wanted to! Book that ticket and find your hotel so you can dance underneath the hot Italian summer sun at one of the most famous post-industrial backdrops in the world!
12) The Peacock Society Open Air Techno Festival 2024
When: July 8-9, 2024
Where: Paris, France
https://www.facebook.com/thepeacocksociety/
“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.”
13) Château Perché Festival 2024
When: June 27-30, 2024
Where: Location TBD, Central France
https://www.facebook.com/ChateauPercheFestival
It’s about Music, an old beautiful Castle, Summer, Love, Art, Culture, Magic, and Freedom.
If that doesn’t sound like a damn good time, I don’t know what does…
Château Perché has been designed to awaken the senses and body through immersive and interactive activities, and to awaken the mind through debates, exhibitions and performances. Located at a super cool and unique venue including a stunning castle with France’s oldest private arboretum, this is a weekend camping getaway that will keep you coming back every single year as they’ve grown such a wacky and weird community!
Château Perché offers a whopping 11 different stages to explore, as well as plenty of dedicated spaces where fun, convivial, unexpected workshops and sexy, crazy, preposterous performances will guide you along the path to euphoria.
14) DGTL Amsterdam 2024
Credit: DGTL Festival
When: March 29-31, 2024
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
https://www.facebook.com/dgtlfestival
“DGTL Amsterdam is a zeitgeist-chasing electronic music festival in the Dutch capital that has been putting together cutting-edge lineups since 2013.
“DGTL is a festival full of discovery, inspiration, and innovation. At DGTL we constantly strive for a balance between the leading names in art and music, the newest discoveries and exciting local treasures. We design impressive stages within raw, industrial settings. Partnering with the best VJs, we create mesmerizing light effects and visuals.”
DGTL has made themselves a key-figure in the global techno community, and while Amsterdam is their homebase – they’ve successfully thrown events in Spain, India, Chile, Mexico, and Brazil! It’s also one of the most budget-friendly techno festivals on the list, with tickets as low as 27 euro for a single-day pass!
15) Music On Festival 2024
When: May 11-12, 2024
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
https://www.musiconfestival.nl
https://www.facebook.com/musiconfestival/
Music On Festival in Amsterdam is the first and only festival brought to you by Marco Carola’s record label.
The 2-day weekend festival takes you to Havenpark, Amsterdam offering plenty of space, green areas, and an industrial touch for an incredible festival location! The 2024 line-up is looking nice and juicy with heavy hitters like Loco Dice, Joseph Capriati, Seth Troxler, and tons more for two-days of techno bliss.
16) Extrema Outdoor Belgium 2024
When: May 17-19, 2024
Where: Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium
https://www.facebook.com/ExtremaOutdoor.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.”
17) Meadow in the Mountains Festival 2024
When: June 6-9, 2024
Where: Polkovnik Serafimovo, Bulgaria
http://www.meadowsinthemountains.com
https://www.facebook.com/MeadowsInTheMountainsFestival
Imagine arriving to a place where the land touches the sky. A secret paradise nestled in the clouds. A place where the summer dew glistens every colour of the rainbow against the breathtaking morning sunrise, where magic and adventure converge. A secret space full of like minds, open hearts and unforgettable memories. Welcome to Meadows in the Mountains
“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.”
18) Glitch Festival 2024
When: August 13-16, 2024
Where: Rabat, Malta
https://www.facebook.com/glitchfestival/
“Glitch Festival is Malta’s unmissable house and techno experience. The sights, sounds and wonderfully warm vibe of Glitch are a highlight on which we’re pleased the memories will rest” – Mixmag
“Glitch Festival is back again at its Maltese house and techno fortress for the seventh time this August, showcasing techno and underground talent from around the world!
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.”
19) Elrow Town 2024
When: June 8, 2024 (Antwerp, Belgium) | August 17, 2024 (London) | September 5, 2024 (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Where: Antwerp, London and Amsterdam.
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!
20) Tomorrowland Festival 2024
When: July, 2024
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 EDM 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 main stages 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.”
Techno Festivals Possibly Returning to Europe in 2024
With everything going on in the world since Covid, there have been many events that have not posted much about their return plans, but still wanted to give them some recognition in case they do decide to come back for their techno fanbase. Here are just a couple of my favorites!
Sunwaves Festival
When: April, 2024 (TBC)
Where: Constanta, Romania
After a forced hiatus last year, Sunwaves festival announced they’d be moving their Romanian techno festival staple to Zanzibar! While no news have been anounced yet for a 2022 edition back in Romania, I would expect them for make a big return (and will try and update this article with more information when details have been shared). From what I’ve heard about friends who have been to Sunwaves, is that it’s an magical experience, and one not to be missed!
Berlin Atonal Techno Festival
When: August, 2024 (returned in 2023 after 4 year hiatus)
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.”
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 check out!
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!
I’ve also put together a bunch of blog posts that can help you out with some fun ideas for what to wear and pack, especially when camping at all these music festivals! They’ve helped countless people so far, and I know you’ll get some amazing products from them!
Thanks for reading about these Techno Festivals 2024!
Share this article with your European festival squad!
