After an electrifying sold-out debut that left fans buzzing, Upclose Festival is set to return for its highly anticipated second edition. Taking over the stunning Spaarnwoude-Park once again, this two-day celebration of cutting-edge techno will take place on May 17th and 18th, 2025, promising an intimate and immersive experience for lovers of the genre. Get your tickets here.
Curated by Awakenings, the festival pays homage to the raw essence of the dance floor: sweaty, steamy, and intimate—the kind of space where every beat seems personal and the connection between the crowd and the music is palpable. Upclose 2025 takes this ethos even further, delving deeper into techno's progressive and niche sounds for those who live and breathe underground music.
This year's lineup is a bold blend of techno's vanguard, featuring live performances, daring collaborations, and back-to-backs that promise to bend time and expectations. Each set is meticulously crafted to immerse dancers in a sonic journey—hypnotic, relentless, and forward-thinking.
Expect legends like Jeff Mills, a pioneer who continues to shape the sound of techno, alongside Donato Dozzy, who teams up with Jane Fitz for an atmospheric blend of ambient and hypnotic beats. In a crossover twist, EZ, the godfather of UK Garage, adds his iconic energy to the weekend. Meanwhile, artists like KI/KI, DJ Rush, and Kobosil will deliver the harder, uncompromising sounds that define their artistry.
Boundary-pushing performances are at the heart of Upclose. Highlights include 999999999's special acid set, a Japanese techno debut by Atsuo the Pineapple Donkey (live), and a 6-deck battle between Cristian Varela and Marco Bailey. Exclusive collaborations also take centre stage, such as Ben Klock x Ignez, Surgeon x Rrose, and Marrøn x Rødhåd—pairings that epitomise innovation and artistry.
Upclose is more than just a festival; it celebrates community and culture. The intimate scale creates a unique synergy between the audience and performers, blending global legends with rising local talent. Dutch stalwarts like Benny Rodrigues, Cynthia Spiering, and Nelly anchor the lineup, showcasing the creativity and diversity thriving in the Netherlands' underground scene.
Upclose's dance floor becomes a shared sanctuary, dissolving the barriers between the booth and the crowd. From avant-garde stage designs to a community that embraces fashion and music alike, the festival encapsulates the spirit of club culture at its finest.
On May 17th and 18th, 2025, Spaarnwoude-Park will pulse with the energy of forward-thinking techno. Upclose Festival isn't just an event; it's a movement—a celebration of sound, sweat, and shared passion. This is one weekend you won't want to miss.
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