Armin van Buuren News
Dance Valley 30th Anniversary: From 8,000 Visitors to Europe’s Largest One-Day Dance Festival
Dance Valley 30th Anniversary: From 8,000 Visitors to Europe’s Largest One-Day Dance Festival
Dance Valley celebrates three decades of electronic music history as the Netherlands’ most iconic dance festival returns to Spaarnwoude for its milestone 30th anniversary on August 9, 2025.
As one of Europe’s longest-running electronic music festivals, Dance Valley has shaped the landscape of dance music for the last three decades. From its humble beginnings in 1995 to becoming the Netherlands’ largest one-day dance festival, this Spaarnwoude institution continues to set the standard for outdoor electronic music events.

The Birth of a Legend: Dance Valley 1995-1999
Dance Valley’s story began in 1995 with a revolutionary concept: bringing electronic music outdoors into nature. What started as a modest gathering of around 8,000 visitors in the hills of Spaarnwoude quickly evolved into something extraordinary.
“Dance Valley felt like something new. Something you just had to be a part of,” recalls a 1997 festival-goer, capturing the pioneering spirit that defined these early years.
The festival’s rapid growth was remarkable – expanding from a single stage to seven stages within just four years. Early headliners including DJ Dano, Carl Cox, and Da Goose helped establish Dance Valley’s reputation as a must-attend event for lovers of electronic music.

Peak Years: Dance Valley 2000-2003
The early 2000s marked Dance Valley’s ascension to legendary status. The festival’s peak year came in 2001, when over 100,000 visitors descended upon Spaarnwoude, making it the largest one-day dance festival in Europe.
Despite challenging weather conditions in 2001, the festival’s spirit remained unbroken. “There were so many people… it felt like all of the Netherlands came to dance,” remembered one attendee from that historic year.
This period featured performances by electronic music royalty including Tiësto, Carl Cox, Armin van Buuren, and Mauro Picotto. Carl Cox himself noted, “Dance Valley set the standard for what a one-day festival could be.”

Musical Evolution: Dance Valley 2004-2019
From 2004 onwards, Dance Valley broadened its musical horizons while maintaining its core identity. The festival became a showcase for electronic music’s diversity, featuring everything from techno to hardstyle, trance to minimal.
Notable performers during this era included Marco V, Ferry Corsten, Richie Hawtin, and Sasha & Digweed. Ferry Corsten praised the festival’s curation: “Dance Valley brought everything together. You’d walk from one sound to another without it ever clashing.”
The iconic hill at Spaarnwoude remained the coveted spot for headlining acts, while new generations discovered the festival that had become a cornerstone of Dutch festival culture. Artists like Nervo, Chuckie, Lucas & Steve, and Benny Rodrigues graced the stages during this period.
Nicky Romero, reflecting on his early career, shared: “My first major festival was Dance Valley. You never forget that.”

Resilience Through Challenges: 2020-2024
The global COVID-19 pandemic forced Dance Valley’s cancellation in 2020-2021, but the community’s passion never wavered. “Even when there was no music, you could feel that Dance Valley was alive,” expressed one devoted fan.
The festival’s return in 2022 marked a renewed focus on quality, atmosphere, and the original spirit that made Dance Valley special. The post-pandemic years featured a perfect blend of rising talents and seasoned veterans.

Dance Valley 30th Anniversary: The Ultimate Anniversary Celebration
Over 70 Artists Across Nine Stages
Dance Valley’s 30th anniversary promises to be its biggest edition yet. Over seventy artists will perform across nine stages on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the festival’s spiritual home in Spaarnwoude.
Headliner Highlights
The Dance Valley 30th anniversary includes:
- Boris Brejcha brings his unique “high-tech minimal” sound
- Martin Garrix makes history as the first-ever mainstage closer
- Tiësto returns to where he helped build his legendary status
- Ferry Corsten celebrates 25 years of Gouryella with a special anniversary set

Stage-by-Stage Breakdown
The main stage features Boris Brejcha, Martin Garrix, Tiësto, Ferry Corsten’s 25 Years Gouryella celebration, and Nervo. Martin Garrix’s historic mainstage closing set marks a defining moment in Dance Valley history.
Trance lovers can immerse themselves in sets by Giuseppe Ottaviani, Ferry Corsten, and Markus Schulz, with veteran duo Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo providing a unique closing performance at the Transmission stage.
Rebl City & The Raw Style Stages are the place to be for the hardstyle community. Lovers of the harder styles get double the excitement with Rebl City featuring Act of Rage, Darkraver, Partyraiser, Radical Redemption, and Wildstylez. While the Raw Hardstyle stage delivers harder sounds from Malice, Noisecontrollers, Riot Shift, and Sickmode.
The Voltage stage promises good vibes with DJ Jah, Chuckie, and DJ Moortje, while the Lucas & Steve stage showcases Gregor Salto, Housequake, Julian Jordan, and Quintino.

The Crown Jewel: Dance Valley 30 Years Stage
Perhaps the most anticipated attraction is the special “Dance Valley 30 Years Stage,” featuring legendary artists who helped build the festival’s reputation:
- Ronald Molendijk
- Dimitri
- Billy Nasty
- Tom Harding (returning from DJ retirement after more than 7 years)
- Yoji Biomehanika
- Marco V
- DJ JP
The return of MC Marxman as the festival’s voice adds another layer of nostalgia for long-time fans.
Tom Harding, reflecting on the festival’s enduring appeal, noted: “From muddy shoes to mainstage madness. Dance Valley has always been different—and it still is.”

Why Dance Valley Remains Essential
After three decades, Dance Valley continues to stand out. Its enduring appeal stems from a unique combination of historic significance as one of Europe’s pioneering outdoor electronic music festivals, musical diversity that spans all electronic genres under one roof, and its iconic location in the natural amphitheater of Spaarnwoude.
The festival’s ability to maintain a genuine community atmosphere that brings together different subcultures, while seamlessly blending legacy acts alongside emerging talent, creates intergenerational connections that few other events can match. This distinctive formula has kept Dance Valley not just relevant, but essential to the global electronic music scene.

The Future of a Festival Legend
As Dance Valley enters its fourth decade, the Dance Valley 30th anniversary edition serves as both a celebration and a statement of intent. The festival that began as “something new” in 1995 continues to evolve while honoring its roots.
With over 100 acts having graced its stages and countless careers launched within its grounds, Dance Valley’s influence on electronic music culture extends far beyond the Netherlands. The Dance Valley 30th anniversary edition promises to honor this legacy while writing new chapters in dance music history.
Dance Valley 30th anniversary takes place Saturday, August 9 at Spaarnwoude.
Tickets and additional information are available at dancevalley.com.
Armin van Buuren News
Against All Ødds Returns With Euphoric New Single ‘Out Of Control’
Against All Ødds unleashes his latest track ‘Out Of Control’ via Giolì & Assia’s RESURRECTION imprint, blending cinematic tension with soaring energy.
Against All Ødds has released his newest single, ‘Out Of Control’, via Giolì & Assia’s RESURRECTION imprint. The track offers fans a euphoric journey through cinematic soundscapes and pulsating club energy. With his distinct vision, the DJ and producer once again demonstrates his ability to merge melody and intensity into a track designed for global dancefloors.
Moreover, the single highlights how far the artist—real name David Mimram—has pushed his craft. Known for past successes including ‘Unity’, ‘Agartha’, and ‘Faded’, he has quickly earned recognition across the industry. In fact, his productions have received support from a who’s who of electronic music, ranging from Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, Miss Monique, Paul van Dyk, David Guetta, Joris Voorn, to Yotto. Each endorsement underscores his growing reputation as one of the scene’s most exciting rising names.
At the same time, ‘Out Of Control’ feels like a defining moment in his career. The track builds with hypnotic layers, unleashing waves of euphoric release that embody his forward-thinking approach to dance music. By combining modern melodic structures with festival-ready drive, Against All Ødds continues to carve out a unique identity that resonates with fans worldwide.
Ultimately, the single captures what he has always stood for: music that unites listeners in moments of collective release. With ‘Out Of Control’ now out on RESURRECTION, Against All Ødds solidifies his reputation as a visionary act whose trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.
‘Out Of Control’ is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Afrojack News
EDM Festivals You Can’t Miss, September 2025
EDM Festivals in September 2025 are guaranteed to keep the momentum rolling as summer transitions into fall.
From legendary brands making global moves to underground takeovers and bass-heavy spectacles, here’s your guide to the top EDM festivals you won’t want to miss this September.
Tomorrowland x Insomniac
Dates: Aug 29 – Oct 18 (majority of shows in September)
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Two titans of dance music, Tomorrowland and Insomniac, join forces inside Las Vegas’ cutting-edge Sphere for a once-in-a-lifetime set of shows. Expect immersive visuals, boundary-pushing production, and a lineup featuring DJ Snake, Alan Walker, Subtronics, and more. This historic collaboration sets a new benchmark for festival experiences.

Ultra Japan
Dates: September 13–14
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Ultra returns to Tokyo Odaiba Ultra Park with its signature brand of high-energy stages, global superstars, and local talent. The 2025 edition brings Hardwell, Martin Garrix, Calvin Harris, DJ Snake, and more alongside Asia’s rising EDM acts. With Japan’s passionate crowds and futuristic setting, Ultra Japan is always a standout.

Experts Only
Dates: September 20–21
Location: New York City, USA
With the record label going from strength to strength, John Sumit‘s Experts Only brand is now expanding with it’s very first festival. Taking place in the heart of NYC, the debut will see a headline performance from John Summit himself along with Kaskade b2b Cassian, Pete Tong, Green Velvet b2b Layton Giordani, and more.

Lost Lands
Dates: September 19-21
Location: Legend Valley, Ohio, USA
Excision’s bass music mecca is back, bringing the dinosaurs, the pyro, and enough sub-bass to shake the earth. Lost Lands 2025 promises the heaviest dubstep, riddim, and drum & bass lineups of the year with sets from Acraze, SVDDEN DEATH, Rezz, and of course, Excision himself. Expect massive production, late-night sound camps, and a community vibe like no other.

Together Festival
Dates: September 5–6
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
One of Southeast Asia’s biggest EDM gatherings, Together Festival takes over Bangkok with a mix of mainstage giants and regional talent. Past editions have hosted Martin Garrix, Zedd, and Marshmello, with 2025 inviting Afrojack, Paul Van Dyk, Sub Zero Project, Topic, and more.

PRIMER Music Festival
Dates: September 6–7
Location: Athens, Greece
Set against the backdrop of the historic Greek capital, PRIMER has quickly become a must-stop on the European circuit. Known for blending top-tier headliners with a Mediterranean vibe, this year’s edition welcomes Armin van Buuren, ARTBAT, Purple Disco Machine, and more.

Beonix
Dates: September 19–21
Location: Limassol, Cyprus
On the shores of the Mediterranean, Beonix brings a mix of house, techno, and progressive sounds to Cyprus. With stages designed around art and immersive visuals, the festival creates a sleek balance of music, design, and seaside relaxation. Artists like Armin van Buuren, Roger Sanchez, and Boris Brejcha are expected.

Caprices Festival
Dates: September 19-21
Location: Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Caprices is set high in the Swiss Alps with panoramic mountain views. This boutique festival draws house and techno purists for intimate sets from the scene’s best. Think Franky Rizardo, Loco Dice, and Cassy paired with breathtaking alpine backdrops.

Nocturnal Wonderland
Dates: September 13-14
Location: Southern California, USA
As North America’s longest-running rave, Nocturnal Wonderland continues to enchant with colorful art, glowing lights, and a diverse lineup across drum & bass, house, trance, and bass. Hosted by Insomniac, the festival mixes nostalgia with cutting-edge production for a true rave wonderland.

CRSSD Festival
Dates: September 27–28
Location: San Diego, USA
Held at San Diego’s Waterfront Park, CRSSD has become the West Coast’s premier house and techno festival. With its oceanfront skyline views, palm trees, and craft food and cocktails, the vibe is unmatched. The 2025 edition is set to feature Purple Disco Machine, John Summit, Jamie Jones b2b Adam Ten, and more.

From the futuristic Sphere in Vegas to the alpine peaks of Switzerland, September offers some of the most diverse EDM festivals of the year. Whether you’re chasing underground grooves, mainstage anthems, or bass-heavy madness, the month is stacked with choices around the globe.
Alok News
UNTOLD Festival 2025: The Recap
UNTOLD X wasn’t just a festival, it was a four-night celebration of music, unity, and pure magic in Cluj, Romania.
We just got back from UNTOLD X and honestly, it was unreal. Our team’s first time in Romania and it couldn’t get any better than this. Four straight nights in Cluj with over 470,000 people from all over the world, and every night felt bigger than the last.
Post Malone kicked off his European tour, and the whole stadium was packed singing along. The start of the show with ‘Texas Tea’ to the pyro and energy during ‘Rockstar’ and the closing with ‘Congratulations’ was something to remember for ages. The country rockstar persona definitely suits him.
Armin van Buuren gave us a three-hour marathon set that turned into this massive love letter to the crowd, he even walked down into the audience under a sea of phone lights, waving the Romanian flag while wearing the Romanian football team jersey. Goosebumps.

The Avicii tribute with Sandro Cavazza was as emotional as it could get. When he sang ‘Without You’, tens of thousands of people sang along and the whole place lit up. It felt like everyone was united in that moment.

The lineup was stacked. Garrix blew us away with his special set and the fireworks at the end of his set with ‘High on Life’ were unforgettable. Tiësto did a special extended set just for the 10th anniversary. Don Diablo premiered his new show concept for his upcoming tour. And then you had the special act, Salvatore Ganacci turning the stage into a living room and Alan Walker with his cinematic visuals and an energetic set.

Alok brought team of dancers and the whole set was probably the highlight of the festival. The visuals, the production, the music and the crowds energy were just unmatched.

It wasn’t just about the mainstage either. The Galaxy stage had heavyweights like Dom Dolla, ARTBAT, Adriatique, and Black Coffee, proper house and techno journeys that went late into the night. The festival had so many different vibes, from chill daytime sets in the park to full-on raves at night.

What really stood out though was how much UNTOLD leaned into the experience beyond the music. There were food stalls, games, fashion corners, even a special kids’ area and a sensory space for kids with neurodiverse needs. They even brought in cancer survivors from Youth Cancer Europe to meet artists, it really felt like a community, not just a festival.
This was the 10th edition, and they made it clear it was both a celebration of the last decade and a teaser for what’s next. They’re already talking about “UNTOLD One” in 2026 as the next chapter. If this anniversary was any indication, it’s going to be on another level.
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