Defqon.1 Festival 2019

Biddinghuizen, Netherlands

Defqon.1 Festival 2019: One Tribe

Defqon.1 Festival is the ultimate sanctuary for those with a passion for the harder styles. Each year at the end of June, over 85,000 weekend warriors unite for three days of pure madness. Since its origin in 2003, the festival has grown to become one of the most popular events in The Netherlands; and the biggest and most recognized harder styles festival in the world. After its expansion to Biddinghuizen in 2011, the larger festival space opened up endless opportunities for creative highlights.

Warriors embark on the journey on Friday where the official party ‘The Gathering’, takes place across two stages on the festival grounds. Saturday reveals the remainder of the festival, including the iconic main stage design; which changes each year. Saturday is also home to ‘power hour’ – 60 minutes of fast-paced festivities; and ‘The Endshow’ – one of the most iconic festival fireworks finales in the world. The final day concludes with a range of early morning events such as live piano concerts, aerobic style activities, breakfast at the stages and the official ‘Closing Ceremony’.

“Uniting everyone with a passion for the harder styles during the ultimate weekend of madness”

Each year, hundreds of local and international artists ranging from up and coming talent to the top DJ’s in the world, gather under the ‘orange sun’ to showcase their brand new sounds, collaborations and projects. This year’s edition features everyone’s favourite names, representing all areas of the harder styles across ten different stages. The opening party will take place across two stages and showcase the likes of Bass Modulators, Brennan Heart, D-Block & S-te-Fan, Angerfist, Evil Activities and more; as well as a brand new ‘Spotlight’ concept, starring Phuture Noize and Dr. Peacock. Notable main stage headliners include Coone, Noisecontrollers, Wildstylez, D-Block & S-te-Fan and Headhunterz.

In addition to the opening party, Saturday also offers an official afterparty; so warriors can keep the party going until the break of dawn. Psyko Punkz, Rebelion & Delete, The Sickest Squad and Zatox will play at this year’s afterparty.

 Where to view Defqon.1 Festival

Defqon.1 Festival takes place at Evenmententerrein in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands. You can find the event at Spijkweg 30, Biddinghuizen, The Netherlands.

How to get around Biddinghuizen

The festival grounds in Biddingjuizen are located approximately two hours northeast of Amsterdam. The easiest way to travel to and from the festival is via the official shuttles. Travel packages include a range of transfer options between Schiphol Airport and the festival grounds, departing on Friday morning and returning on Monday morning. This year, transfers are also available from Amsterdam Centraal station. Shuttles are also available to transfer weekend warriors from the nearby train station to the event on Friday and Monday. It is important to note that the festival cannot be accessed by public transport on Saturday. Weekend warriors who have not purchased a travel package can reserve coach transfers departing from most major cities in The Netherlands, offering return transfers each day.

Where to stay for Defqon.1 Festival

For a full weekend experience, ‘true weekend warriors’ stay at the Defqon.1 Campground. Located on the festival grounds, the Defqon.1 Campground offers six dedicated campsites and an exclusive camping entrance to the festival. All three-day ticket holders have access to the campgrounds and are free to bring their own camping supplies. Travel packages are also available, which include a three-day ticket, as well as a pre-set up tent. Tent options range from pop-up to premium and can accommodate up to 9 people.

The most basic and affordable package is the official Defqon.1 pop-up tents, which can fit up to two people. The next tier is a range of pre-set up tipis. Festipi’s are available for 1-2 people, while the basic tipi is suited for 2-4 people. The tipi pro ranges from 2-10 people, the bell tent suits up to 6 people and yurts are available for 7-9 people. All pre-set up tent options come with sleeping bags, pillows, air mattresses and tent locks; and everything from the Tipi Pro and above also includes power outlets. If you are coming with a large group, it is recommended to book the friends camp in advance, to reserve your own area on the campgrounds for up to 50 people.

For luxury weekend warriors, comfort camping offers the ultimate weekend experience, with more space, privacy and comfort. The closed area of the campground is located near the camping and festival entrance, and all options include real beds, electricity, tent locks and separate toilets and showers. Options include two-person lodges, deluxe cabins and deluxe suites, four-person safari tents, and an exclusive 20 people Defqon.1 villa. Comfort camping also features an exclusive bar and chill out area, as well as a 24-hour service desk and even a spa area! Comfort campers will also be treated to a complimentary welcome BBQ on Friday upon arrival.

If you want the full weekend experience without the camping, Defqon.1 also offers cottages, located just off the festival site. A range of apartments, cottages, chalets and tents are available from 2 to 22 people; and include free daily transfers to the festival. Finally, a number of hotel packages are also available directly through the festival and include free transfers to and from the festival.

A number of nearby options are also available for those wanting to book accommodation separately. A number of Airbnb options are available nearby and can be explored below. For other types of accommodation, it is recommended to stay in a nearby major city and purchase return shuttles to and from the event.

Things to do at Defqon.1 Festival

Defqon.1 Festival offers a world of possibilities and countless things to see and do. Aside from the world-class acts performing across ten different stages all weekend long, a range of activities and attractions can be found both on the festival grounds and the campgrounds. After recent expansions, the Defqon.1 campgrounds include a range of facilities and activities, including an on-site arcade, gym and even a physiotherapy station! Food trucks and a number of unique art installations can also be found on the campgrounds. On Friday, weekend warriors are treated to the official opening party ‘The Gathering’, which showcases some of the most notable names in the harder styles.

Saturday is the biggest day of the weekend, featuring unmissable events such as Power Hour and The End show. Power Hour takes place each year on Saturday and can be summed up as the craziest 60 minutes of your life. Numerous DJ’s take the stage to perform one epic and fast-paced back to back set, while the entire crowd is showered in confetti, pool noodles, giant inflatables and just about anything else. The official end show takes place on Saturday, closing out the main day of the festival with one of the most iconic and notable fireworks finales in the world.

A smaller version of this end show will take place again on Sunday, officially closing out the event. The festival grounds also feature a wide range of dining options, including local and international cuisine and a number of food trucks. An official chill out zone can also be found just across from the main stage, featuring hammocks and other unique seating areas, while still within range of the music.

 Who to see at Defqon.1 Festival 2019

This year’s festival will welcome back all the biggest and best names in the harder styles. There will be a range of exclusive performances and brand new concepts. Here are three sets you absolutely should not miss at this year’s festival.

Phuture Noize – Having the honour of performing, as the very first ‘spotlight’ artist during the gathering is Phuture Noize. The Dutch DJ and producer has been topping the hardstyle charts with his unique raw and euphoric sounds. One of three anthem makers for this year’s official Defqon.1 anthem, the musician will showcase his talent; and host the very first gathering end show and should not be missed.

Sefa – Closing out the main stage on Sunday night is none other than Frenchcore prodigy Sefa. The 18-year-old DJ and producer has skyrocketed into the hard dance world with his addictive tracks. Combining elements of hardcore with classical sounds and even a range of instruments, the young DJ has won the hearts of weekend warriors all over the world with his talent and dedication. Even if you’re not a fan of hardcore, you’ll definitely be a fan of Sefa. 

Sound Rush – The hardstyle twins Sound Rush will be making their main stage debut at Defqon.1 this year. The brothers have grown rapidly with their catchy tracks and popular collaborations with notable DJ’s including Headhunterz. Their energetic performance will have the entire Red stage dancing and singing along.

Defqon.1 Festival 2019 Dates

The seventeenth edition will take place from June 28-30, 2019.