ULTIMATE DEFQON GUIDE: everything you need to know before tackling four days of madness
This blog has embarrassingly been a year in the making, but as the 21st edition of Defqon is fast approaching, I really wanted to get this out into the world.
I have been to a total of 5 Defqons; three in the Netherlands (2018, 2023, 2024), and two in Sydney (2017, 2018) ((RIP)). This year will be my 6th edition of Defqon 1, and my fourth time at the Dutch holy grounds. This year is a special edition, as Defqon will be celebrating 25 years of Q-Dance. Without further ado, here is everything you need to know when deciding to make the pilgrimage to Defqon 1!
IMPORTANT DATES:
The planning for Defqon starts loooong before you arrive at the holy grounds, so here are some important dates to keep in mind when planning your visit:
Defqon 1 Weekend Festival: last weekend of June
The Kick Off: a live-stream hosted by Audiofreq, E-Life and Stephanie Magic, posted at the beginning of October with everything you need to know about the upcoming edition
Ticket sales: last week of October, usually split up into Dediqated sale (for those with a membership), travel sale (for those looking for accommodation and transport options), and the general sale (remaining tickets).
The Release: another live-stream posted at the end of March, featuring the anthem debut, full line-up reveal, amd what to expect of the upcoming edition
The Warming Up: you guessed it, another live-stream thats posted in May including a full breakdown of highlights and experiences for that year
TICKETS:
Probably the most confusing part about Defqon; actually securing your tickets. With a plethora of ticket types, accommodation options, and add-ons, buying tickets can be a stressful experience; but here’s the breakdown:
Weekend tickets: entry into the festival and camping grounds from Thursday - Monday
Day tickets: entry into just the festival grounds on Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday
Premium add-on: access to premium viewing decks at the Red, Blue, and Black stage with separate bar and toilets
Travel & Stay options: entry into the festival and more premium camping grounds, including hotels and cottages. NOTE: you can purchase accommodation from the Travel & Stay option either with a festival ticket or without, meaning you don’t have to purchase festival entry and camping accommodation all at once if you are still undecided.
One feature to make use of is the Defqon “Wishlist” This gives you the chance to explore all different ticket and accommodation types, as well as add-ons such as bus transfers, merchandise, and lockers prior to ticket sales.. Once you’ve created your wishlist, you’ll automatically be able to check-out once tickets go on sale.
The last two years I have booked Defqon through Festigo Travel; an Australian-based travel agency specialising in bringing Aussies to the biggest music festivals across the world #notsponsored. When I went with them in 2024, I was able to put down a 30% deposit in October for a weekend ticket (including comfort camping), and didn’t have to pay the remainder until the following January. This year I believe payment was taken in three instalments, making it even easier to secure your spot. Festigo allows you to connect with other Aussies and streamlines the ticketing process, so you don’t have to be up at an ungodly hour to secure the package you want. I would definitely recommend giving them a sus if you are planning an overseas festival for the first time.
CAMPING:
If you are planning to stay onsite for the weekend, here are the different type of accommodation options which you will be able to pick from when purchasing your ticket:
Sanctuary Campground
After staying in their “Flex Cabin” option the last two years, the Sanctuary Campground is an incredible experience that I highly recommend. This luxury camping option offers a range of accommodations, including cabins, tipis, and even mini hotels that come with your own bathroom. All accommodation in the Sanctuary comes with electricity and bedding, which I find super helpful for those travelling from overseas. As a bonus, each accommodation type comes with a welcome gift. We got a towel in 2023 and an overnight bag in 2024, so I’m keen to see what the 2025 gift will be!
Guests are welcomed with a complimentary drink and have access to a wellness area featuring a spa (thats open 24/7 mind you), massages, and even hair and makeup artists. There's also a 24-hour service desk to answer any questions you may have. There’s free wifi across the Sanctuary campground, but I find the best reception to be around the service desk and restaurant. Oh yeah, there’s a whole ass restaurant and bar that’s also open 24/7 within the campground. I’ve booked the breakfast box for the past two years and highly recommend it for convenience. The box, which is only available pre-order for those staying in the Sanctuary campgrounds, comes with a juice, pastry, sandwich, fruit, and yoghurt and muesli. I definitely recommend it as breakfast is the most important meal of the day especially for four days of madness, and the breakfast box is a quick and efficient way to make sure you are energised for the long days ahead!
Highlands Campground
I can’t speak much for the Highlands, as I have never camped there, but here you will find more pre-pitched tents similar to the type you would find in the Sanctuary campground. The Highlands campground is somewhat similar to that of the Sanctuary as it offers an elevated camping experience for festival go-ers, without breaking the budget as much. Here you will find areas to chill out and charge your phones in, a 24-hour service desk, and other various camping amenities. Unfortunately, most of the Highlands accommodation options do not come with electricity.
Friendship Camp
I stayed within a Friendship Camp back in 2018 which I organised through a third-party touring company based in the UK. Starting at 50 euros per person (dependant on how many are in your crew), you and up to 50 friends can set up camp in your own dedicated area. Depending on the package you choose, your campsite can come decked out with a picnic table and marquee. Keep in mind this is not comfort camping; you are still required to supply your own camping equipment. If you have somehow managed to convince at least 10 of your friends to come to Defqon, the friendship camp could definitely be worth it.
Regular Camping
If you want to kick it old school and pitch a tent, campsites 1-4 is the place to be. Here you can bring your own camping equipment, as well as purchase a Defqon pick-up tent which you can then take home with you at the end of the weekend. This is definitely the most budget friendly way to camp at Defqon 1, however don’t be alarmed by the sight and smell of the toilets after day 2. NOTE: if you are bringing your own equipment, be sure to skip the “Travel & Stay” option of the ticket purchasing stage
Warning: there will be uptempo at 6am no matter where you choose to stay
Cottages, apartments, and hotels
If you want to at least try and get away from the 6am uptempo, it’s worth having a look at what off-site accommodations Q-Dance has to offer. These range from cottages, apartments, and hotels nearby as well as in surrounding major cities. Most off-site accommodation will also come with a free shuttle bus, so travelling to and from the festival is a breeze.
Camping essentials:
Whether you’re staying in comfort camping or pitching a tent, here are some of my Defqon campground must haves:
Waterproof toiletries bag; great for quickly grabbing the things you need for a shower.
Towel; do not be like me and spend 35 euro on a shitty piece of fabric
A good power bank.
Trolley/wagon especially if you are bringing your own camping equipment.
Large reusable water bottle; a luxury to return to at the end of the day
Extra blankets (if you aren’t staying in the Sanctuary or Highlands)
Wet wipes; for when you’re too lazy to shower or when you suddenly feel like every surface around you is dirty
It’s also important to note that you are allowed to bring outside alcohol into the camp grounds! I believe it is a maximum of 4.5 liters per person and the total must contain less than 14.5% alcohol.
The Wasted Lands
Ahhhh The Wasted Lands, so many fond memories here. The Wasted Lands describes the area between the festival grounds and the campsites, accessible only to those with a weekend ticket. Here you will find food trucks, merch, a store where you can buy all your camping essentials, and even small stages with exclusive sets throughout the weekend. There’s also even a gym if you’re keen to get that pre-hakk pump. The Wasted Lands is the place to be after hours. There's silent discos, campfires, avant-garde videos projecting on a screen, and if you're lucky you might be able to catch the Wii conga line. I’ve often found myself at the Wasted Lands in between sets when I need to take a breather, or when the night has ended and I’m looking to flirt with a Dutch boy.
GETTING THERE:
The festival grounds are roughly an hour and a half drive away from Amsterdam city centre. There are multiple transportation options to get you to Defqon, but the most popular way is by bus.
If you have booked through Festigo, bus transfers are most likely included in your ticket. This usually runs from either Amsterdam Centraal or Schiphol Airport, to the bus drop-off at the festival entrance. Organised bus transfers depart from most major cities in the Netherlands, which you can purchase in the Defqon ticket shop. NOTE: be prepared for a trek from the bus entrance to your campsite.
Travelling by car? Priority parking gets you close access to the Sanctuary and Highlands campgrounds, while regular parking gets you access to campsite 5 and 6, aka the cursed campsites (it's the most far from the festival grounds itself, but the afterparties go off, more on that later). There is also the option to “Park and Ride” which allows you to park 5km from the festival and then catch a quick shuttle to the campsite.
DRESS CODE:
One culture shock I had when I went to Defqon in the Netherlands for the first time was the laidback dress code. All the power to you if you want to express yourself through what you wear, but at Defqon you can chuck on jeans and a singlet and be good to go. Most days I’ve opted for activewear or something loose and comfortable, because it gets HOT. Of course you will also find the gabber heads sporting their Australian tracksuits. If you want to fit in with the old school ravers, be sure to check out Hard-Wear in Enkhuizen which is about an hour train ride from Amsterdam. There is also Moon Drop in Amsterdam city centre which also has a tonne of festival essentials.
The fourth and last day of Defqon is also known as “Sunday Funday”. A lot of people use this day as an opportunity to dress up and show off their creative side. Group costumes are also highly encouraged. My biggest tip regarding clothing would be to prepare for unpredictable weather. It has rained at least once during every edition of Defqon that I’ve visited, so be sure to pack a poncho and some layers with you. Warning: no matter the weather, there will be a lot of shirtless men.
MERCHANDISE:
How are people going to know you went to Defqon if you didn’t get any sick merch? Defqon have this big fuck off warehouse within the festival grounds that is purely for merchandise. It is so big that it even has it’s own dedicated returns AND click and collect section. That’s right. You can pre-order your merchandise online and pick it up AT the festival. Something doesn’t fit? You can return it that same day. It’s amazing! I’ve also found merchandise doesn’t sell out nearly as quickly as it does at Australian festivals. With such a large variety of merchandise and heaps of stock available, you could rock up late Sunday afternoon and still find something you like.
SECURITY:
Each year I’ve been to Defqon, I have breezed past the initial security with no issues. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten checked, and when I have it has been a quick once over of my hand luggage. From what I’ve heard though, day entry security is much different. Your best bet is to have a read of some reddit threads, as people’s experience with security has differed over the years.
I think the toughest security however are the ones getting into the Sanctuary campgrounds and the ones entering the festival from the Wasted Lands. Security at the entrance to the festival grounds don’t do a thorough search, but will throw out any liquids you may have. They also check wristbands on your way out of the festival and into the campgrounds. At the Sanctuary, if the process is the same as the last two years, be prepared to have your wristband positioned at exactly 3cm from your right wrist and placed facing the sun or the security will literally spit in your face and ask you to leave the Netherlands. Obviously hyperbole, but there is constantly someone there checking people scan in and out, so be sure to have your wristband on you at all times.
STAGES:
You’ve finally made it onto the festival grounds, where the fuck do you go now? Defqon has over 10 stages, so there is quite literally something for everyone. Here is a brief rundown with some examples of artists you might see:
Red: the main stage featuring the biggest names in hardstyle (Darren Styles, Sub Zero Project, Phuture Noize)
Black: only the heaviest of hardcore (Angerfist, N-Vitral, Deadly Guns)
Blue: the “Temple of Raw” featuring the best of rawstyle (Sickmode, Malice, E-Force)
Indigo: extra raw/industrial raw, aka my favourite (Kruelty, Chapter V, Unresolved)
UV: euphoric, home of the happiest of sounds (Gammer, DJ Isaac, Coone)
Magenta: classic hardstyle for those feeling nostalgic (TNT, Tatanka, Psyko Punkz)
Yellow (uptempo, terror, frenchcore) (Jur Terreur, Lil Texas, Noxious)
Gold: oldschool and millennium hardcore for the OG gabber heads (Marc Arcadipane, The Viper, DJ Rob & MC Joe)
Purple: up and coming talent, some of the greatest artists in hardstyle have started here
Green: techno/hard techno, but one day only, same with White (freestyle, not really sure what that means), Silver (industrial hardcore), and Orange (psy-trance) - all open for a single day each
However some of this may be subject to change pending The Release, coming March 27. Word on the street is that some new coloured stages will be announced ooooo…
Update as of 27/3: new Pink drum and bass stage, as well as Indigo changing from three days to two, and being replaced by Green on Saturday and Sunday
Things to note:
On Thursday night, “The Gathering” takes place. This is a sneak peek into the madness that is about to ensue. The Gathering kicks off at 6pm, with Blue, Black, Indigo, and Magenta opening a day before the full program kicks off. Only accessible to those with a weekend ticket.
Some stages differ depending on the day, so make sure you have the Defqon app to check for updates. Do NOT make the same mistake I did in 2023 and spend half an hour at the Black stage thinking it was the Blue.
“Power Hour” is a must. This takes place at 4pm on Saturday at the Red stage. This is 60 minutes of pure chaos; with multiple artists making a feature, grand theatrics, and insane stunts. Here you will also participate in the infamous “Left/Right”.
Other stage experiences include Open Air Bed concert at the UV, Warrior Workout at the Red, Hardcore Confessions with Audiofreq at the Black, and so much more.
Endshows are a must. These happen every night at the Red with INSANE firework displays that can’t even compare to any New Years Eve fireworks.
EXPERIENCES:
If you need a break from chucking a fat hakk, there are multiple experiences on the festival and camp grounds to indulge in.
Speedcore Dating: Find your future rave bae to the romantic tunes of 200bpm. I did this in 2023 and tbh everyone was BORING. Fun if you need a quick ego boost.
Artcore: Hosted by Ruffneck at the Gold stage, release your inner artist and leave your mark on the holy grounds while chucking a hakk in between.
Ferris wheel: Looking to post up with your rave bae? Ferris wheel is your go-to. Last year I think it was 6 euros, kind of a rip off but fun for the view.
Bungee jumping: Feeling a rush of adrenaline and have 100 euros to spare? Why not tick something off the bucket list and jump x-amount of metres while gacked onlookers cheer you on?
Tattoos: Get the Defqon logo in various shades and sizes. Each year I say this is the year I finally get one, and I never do. If you have a couple of hours to kill and trust yourself enough to not get an infection, definitely take a piece of Defqon home with you by getting a tattoo.
Other experiences include shisha lounge, massage stations, multiple hammock districts, and other awesome activations. Definitely take the time to wander around the festival and see what’s out there!
CURRENCY:
Tokens have traditionally been used as the primary form of currency at Defqon. The plastic chips were primarily used to purchase food, drinks, and other various items. In 2024, one token was valued at four euros, with five tokens being the minimum amount you could purchase at a time. However, starting in 2025, the festival will phase out tokens in favour of a new payment system using bracelets, similar to those used at Tomorrowland. These wristbands will not only grant entry to the festival grounds but will also serve as a convenient method for making purchases throughout the event. Unlike tokens, any remaining money left on the bracelet will be refunded back to you after the festival.While the token design was something I looked forward to each year, I am interested to see how the rollout of bracelets will go. Watch this space.
FOOD AND DRINK:
The food kiosks at Defqon work a bit differently than other festivals I’ve been to in Australia. To sum it up; what you see is what you get. While most Australian festivals will feature food and snack vendors from known brands, at Defqon the kiosk will simply say what it sells. “PIZZA” “FRITES” “BURGER”. Most kiosks will only sell a few variations of the one thing, and you will have to purchase drinks separately at a bar. From my experience, food vendors take their job way more seriously than the security do. Don’t have the exact amount of tokens ready when you order? Get fucked. Want to modify a product? Go back to Australia. Lines for food can also be quite long depending what time you go, and a lot of the vendors don’t have the best English, so my advice is to be as quick and straightforward as you can.
Accessing water probably has to be the biggest pain in the ass. Considering Defqon is one of the largest festivals in the world, you’d think they’d have the water situation down pat. The only place you can get water is if you purchase a bottle (or can, I can’t remember) from the bar, or buy a refillable water pouch worth 2 tokens. There are maybe four water stations across the festival grounds, all essentially a kilometre apart from each other. The pouch comes with a cap and a small carabiner, but if you lose either then you can get fucked if you think they will replace it for you. It's time to fork out another 2 tokens for a new pouch. Oh you want to refill your own water bottle? Eat shit and die. Many people opt to fill up their own bottles at the bathroom taps, but there is often mixed messaging about whether the water is safe to drink. I haven’t had any problems, but it’s a risk I’m willing to continue taking.
AFTER PARTIES:
What is Defqon if not for the after parties? Arguably one of my favourite parts of Defqon, despite being too tired to attend any last year, the after parties are where the madness continues on into the early hours of the morning.
Official after parties usually start at 1am, including my personal favourites; Gearbox and End of Line, usually hosted at the Blue. As of 2024, Defqon have introduced what is called the “Orange Light District”, a small district of pop ups and installations which come alive at night. Here is where you will find Club MPH and Stamkroeg, with multiple genres playing throughout the evening.
At the Wasted Lands you will find a silent disco after party. You can also rent a set of headphones and connect to different channels while roaming the camp grounds. My friend last year did what he called a “Ketventure” where he and his friend rented some headphones, snorted some uknowwhat, and wandered around the campsite until 6am. Now THAT’S an after party.
As always, be sure to check the Defqon app and timetable to make sure you don’t miss anything. At the end of the day, this is Defqon, and you will find an after party anywhere if you look hard enough.
THE AFTERMATH:
The campsite closes at 12pm on the Monday. Catching the bus out of Defqon can be a hassle and delays can occur. If you are continuing your travels, I would recommend not booking any trains or flights until Tuesday. Be prepared to nap for three hours with a full REM cycle when you arrive at your destination. Before arriving to the Netherlands, I would suggest stocking up on cold and flu tablets. 1. The Dutch do not believe in such thing. 2. You will need these in your post-Defqon recovery.
MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS:
Theme: Each year Defqon has a theme, where one artist is chosen to then create an anthem under the name of that theme. You can often see the theme incorporated throughout the festival's production and grounds.
Lockers: If you are visiting for the day, or want to bring a few things with you without having to go back and forth from the campsite, you can hire a locker starting at 22 euro for the day
Culture: Defqon sees people come from across every corner of the globe. After Germany, I think Australia could be the biggest demographic of people at Defqon. It’s important to remember that English is not everyone's first language, so it might take a bit of extra effort to communicate with staff and festival-goers. However, don’t let this be a deterrent from talking to strangers and making friends! Everyone at Defqon is super lovely, and there is a reason why we are known as “One Tribe”.
Artists: Use the unique experience of Defqon as an opportunity to see artists you wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to see live. With so many stages and a stacked timetable, take the time to explore new artists and genres. Going to Defqon is like a cultural exchange, make the most of it!
Defqon app: Previously the Q-Dance app, the Defqon app is a lifesaver. Here you can find the timetable where you can favourite the artists you want to see, a map which pinpoints exactly where you are, and other helpful tips that will help you manage the weekend a bit better. I find that data coverage is pretty good across the festival grounds, so I have had no issues with loading the app.
Flugel: A rite of passage for anyone attending a festival in the Netherlands, a Flugel is an alcoholic beverage that comes in a small bottle. It tastes like a wet pussy shot and is intended to be taken in one gulp. Girls in pink playsuits walk around the festival and in the crowds selling Flugel bottles for one token.
Well there you have it. Everything you need to know about Defqon. I think I did a good job at covering all the bases. Feel free to reach out with any question you may have, or additional information you think would be beneficial. See you fuckers at the Holy Grounds xxx