ESNS is where the European music industry goes in January to spot the next big thing, and where everyone else goes to see those acts in small rooms before they get big. Eurosonic brings hundreds of emerging artists from across Europe to venues all over Groningen, while Noorderslag is the showcase of Dutch talent. There is also a conference for music professionals.
Groningen is a lively student city at the best of times, and during ESNS it has the atmosphere of one huge pub crawl with a soundtrack. A good excuse to see the far north if you have not been yet.
- When: Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 January 2027
- Where: venues across Groningen, including De Oosterpoort
- Tickets: festival and conference tickets are sold on the official site; check there for prices
- Getting there: direct trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Groningen in about 2 hours.
Good to know: popular shows fill up fast, so arrive at venues early. Book a bed early too, as hotels in Groningen fill up during festival week.
Planning your year? See everything on the events calendar.
