mostra

4 underground festivals in Europe to experience starting this spring!

undefined undefined undefined 17h00

The Editor

The big summer festivals are already clogging up our feeds, but those in the know understand that the season kicks off well before June. Between radical techno in Barcelona, arty raves in Belgium, and hidden dancefloors in industrial wastelands, the European spring still holds treasures far from the crowds. Here are the under-the-radar festivals to book right now, before everyone jumps on the bandwagon.

For the Techno Purists
Mostra Festival

Okay, it’s just before the official start of spring, but let’s be honest: the sunny days come early in Barcelona. Born during the pandemic, Mostra Barcelona is celebrating its 5th anniversary from March 12 to 15, 2026, with a more ambitious edition than ever. This independent electronic festival has established itself as a fresh alternative to major commercial events, featuring a sharp lineup and a cozy format limited to 1,000 people per day. Here, there’s just one stage and no overlapping sets: we take our time to listen and dance without rushing. The opening will take place at Casa Montjuïc with an evening dedicated to immersive live performances, followed by three days of dancing at the Pavelló Olímpic de la Vall d’Hebron, the former site of the 1992 Olympics transformed into a temple of underground techno. The lineup mixes iconic figures and emerging artists across ambient, radical techno, and electronic experiments. This year, France will be the guest country, with exciting surprises in store!Interests, labels, and collectives take the spotlight. Organized by an independent association, Mostra champions a demanding and committed vision of electronic music, far from cookie-cutter festivals. It's an event designed for true sound enthusiasts.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par Mostra (@mostrabcn)

Line-up 2026: Surgeon, Steve Bicknell, Patrick Russell, Angel Molina, Marylou
Barcelona, Spain
March 12 – 15, 2026
More info

For an electro marathon in iconic places
DGTL Amsterdam

Set in the former industrial docks of NDSM, DGTL checks all the boxes for a well-crafted spring festival: solid electronic lineup, immersive scenography, and eco-friendly commitment. House, techno, and live sets follow one after another on multiple stages, with a keen focus on sound quality.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par DGTL (@dgtlfestival)

Line-up 2026 (selection): Ben Klock, Honey Dijon, Dixon, KI/KI
Amsterdam, Netherlands
April 3 – 5, 2026
More info

For an artsy rave
Horst Arts & Music Festival

In Vilvorde, near Brussels, Horst is not just a festival: it's a hybrid experience between a contemporary art exhibition and a grand electronic gathering. The stages, designed by architects and creative collectives, transform into true open-air installations. The lineup, sharp yet accessible, mixes international stars with avant-garde discoveries.

Line-up 2026: Job Jobse, DVS1, Helena Hauff, Octo Octa
Asiat Park, Vilvoorde (Belgium)
May 14 – 16, 2026
More info

For a London Getaway
Field Day

More cutting-edge than most of the spring events in London, Field Day focuses on a demanding electronic lineup including techno, electro, and IDM, all packed into a single-day format. Perfect for a clubbing city break without committing to three days!

Victoria Park, London
May 23, 2026
More info