Eurosonic Noorderslag – Netherlands 2026

Background & History

Since its founding in 1986, Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) has grown from a small showcase event in Groningen, Netherlands, into Europe’s leading platform for emerging music talent, merging the international Eurosonic showcase with the Dutch-focused Noorderslag in 2002 to create a dynamic festival and conference. As a non-profit ANBI foundation, ESNS is dedicated to promoting a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive music industry, spotlighting over 300 acts annually across genres like indie, electronic, hip-hop, and folk, with alumni including global stars like Aurora, Stromae, Fontaines D.C., Sam Smith, and Hozier. Its European Talent Exchange program connects artists with bookers from major festivals like Glastonbury, fostering career-defining breakthroughs, while partnerships with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU, celebrating 25 years in 2024), Yourope, Keychange, and Green Deal Circular Festivals amplify its impact. In 2026, ESNS marks its 40th anniversary, drawing over 40,000 attendees, including 4,000 industry professionals from 50+ countries, to Groningen’s vibrant venues.

The festival’s mission for 2025–2028 emphasizes five pillars: globalizing European artists, promoting Dutch talent, strengthening the music ecosystem, advancing sustainability (Music for Ever), and enhancing inclusivity (Music for Everyone). ESNS supports year-round initiatives like ESNS Radar for tracking artist growth and awards such as the Music Moves Europe Awards and Popprijs, celebrating talents like 2025’s Priya Ragu and Elias Ronnenfelt. With a focus on accessibility through quiet rooms, BlicVR sensory tools, and partnerships with Handicap NL, ESNS ensures music is accessible to all, reinforcing Groningen’s status as a cultural hub where historic canals meet cutting-edge sounds, generating millions in local economic impact.

Event Highlights

• Main Performances: Over 300 emerging acts perform across Eurosonic (Jan 14–16, international focus) and Noorderslag (Jan 17, Dutch focus), featuring first-wave 2026 artists like Elias Ronnenfelt (Idles), Priya Ragu (Switzerland), and acts from 40 countries in genres from punk to techno.
• Conference Sessions: Hundreds of industry speakers discuss trends, sustainability, and diversity; networking via the ESNS Delegates Database connects artists with labels and bookers.
• Special Traditions or Features: The European Talent Exchange invites 100+ festival scouts, creating breakout moments; awards like Music Moves Europe highlight talents like 2025’s Chalk and Fat Dog.
• Special Traditions or Features: Sustainability via Green Deal partnerships, with low-carbon venues and bike-friendly access; inclusivity through quiet rooms and sensory aids like BlicVR.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors: Workshops on music production, B2B meetings, and ESNS Radar analytics; pop-up stages in Groningen’s historic center blend music with cultural exploration.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors: Family-friendly policies with guide dog access and youth discounts; delegate perks include hotel packages and exclusive database access.

Date & Duration

• Dates: January 14 – January 17, 2026
• Duration: 4 days

Venue / Location

• Main Venues: Over 30 venues in Groningen’s city center, including Vera (punk landmark), Simplon (indie hub), and Oosterpoort (conference hub; Google Maps: Vera Groningen).
• Key Areas: Eurosonic showcases in intimate clubs like Paradigm; Noorderslag at larger halls like MartiniPlaza; conference at VanBeresteyn and Stadsschouwburg.
• Accessibility Zones: Wheelchair-accessible venues with magnetic loops, quiet rooms at Oosterpoort and Noorderslag, and guide dog policies.
• Surrounding Area: Groningen’s student-friendly city with canals, medieval Grote Markt, and cafes; all venues within 2 km, walkable or bikeable.
• Other Locations: Pre-event showcases at Amsterdam’s Tolhuistuin (Tolhuisweg 5, 1031 CL; Google Maps: Tolhuistuin).
• Parking and Access: Limited city parking (€10–€15/day); bike racks at all venues; Groningen Central Station for trains.

Ticket Information

• Sales Channels: Delegate Passes (conference + festival) via esns.nl webshop at Medium rate; festival tickets require pre-registration for early bird rates; e-tickets issued Jan 12, 2026, after personalization.
• Sales Channels: Multiple tickets? Transfer via email; changes via support@esns.nl; no third-party sales; no wristband credit refunds from 2025.
• Pricing (in USD, based on 2025 rates):
  • 3-day Delegate Pass: $517 (€470) Medium rate.
  • Festival 4-day ticket: $46.75 (€42.50) early bird (pre-register).
  • Conference single day: $138–$220 (€125–€200).
  • Noorderslag day ticket: $55 (€50).
  • Student/youth discounts: 20–50% off via esns.nl promo codes.
• Special Seating or VIP Options: Delegate Passes include database access and hotel deals; accessibility support (companion tickets, sensory aids) via accessibility@esns.nl; no refunds post-personalization.

Contact Information

• Email: info@esns.nl (general); support@esns.nl (tickets, +31 50 744 0336); accessibility@esns.nl (D&I); press@esns.nl (media); hotels@esns.nl (accommodation).
• Email: finance@esns.nl; sales@esns.nl; privacy@esns.nl; bookings@esns.nl; fraude@esns.nl (malpractice).
• Phone: +31 50 744 0335 (Groningen office, 9 AM–5 PM).
• Website: https://esns.nl
• Address: Trompsingel 21, 9724 DA Groningen, Netherlands (main); Tolhuisweg 5, 1031 CL Amsterdam.
• Social Media: @esns (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X) for artist announcements and live updates.
• Key Staff: Diversity & Inclusion Working Group; Advisory Board; confidential advisor for reports.
• Press/Volunteers: Press via press@esns.nl; volunteer roles (stewards, info) via info@esns.nl, opening Nov 2025.
• Lost and Found: At venue desks or support@esns.nl.
• Note: Response time 24–48 hours; FAQ at esns.nl; 2024 ANBI report at ANBI.nl.

Cultural Experience

Eurosonic Noorderslag transforms Groningen into a pulsating showcase of Europe’s musical future, blending the city’s historic charm—think cobblestone streets, 13th-century Martinitoren, and cozy canal-side cafes—with a forward-thinking festival that champions emerging talent from 40+ countries. This cultural crossroads unites 40,000 fans and 4,000 industry pros in a celebration of diversity, where acts like Ukraine’s Alyona Alyona or Turkey’s Altin Gün share stages with Dutch innovators like Tramhaus, fostering cross-border connections. The festival’s non-profit ethos drives inclusivity through initiatives like Keychange (gender equity) and partnerships with Handicap NL, offering quiet rooms, BlicVR for sensory access, and guide dog policies, ensuring music is for everyone. Attendees engage in workshops, from songwriting to music tech, and network via the ESNS Delegates Database, creating a vibrant ecosystem where fans, artists, and pros mingle amid Groningen’s bike-friendly vibe.

The event’s cultural impact extends beyond January, with year-round programs like ESNS Radar tracking artist growth and awards like Music Moves Europe spotlighting talents such as 2025’s Zaho de Sagazan. Sustainability, under the “Music for Ever” pillar, integrates low-carbon venues, bike rentals, and Green Deal Circular Festivals practices, reflecting Dutch environmental values. Visitors immerse in Groningen’s student-driven energy, enjoying local traditions like stamppot feasts or genever tastings while discovering global sounds, from Nordic electronica to Balkan folk. ESNS’s 40th anniversary in 2026 celebrates this legacy, bridging past breakthroughs (The XX, Robyn) with future icons, making it a transformative experience that shapes the global music landscape.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties: Dutch classics like stamppot (mashed potatoes with kale and sausage) and bitterballen (fried meatballs) at venue cafes.
• Must-Try Specialties: Groningen specialties including smoked herring, poffertjes (mini pancakes), and stroopwafels from market stalls.
• Dining Options: Simplon and Vera offer organic snacks; city-center restaurants like Prinsenhof serve upscale Dutch fare; late-night frites stands near Oosterpoort.
• Dining Options: Conference lounges provide networking bites; vegan and gluten-free options at most venues.
• Beverages: Dutch beers (Heineken, Grolsch), genever gin, and local craft brews; non-alcoholic jenever spritz and herbal teas.
• Beverages: Sustainable wines from Dutch vineyards; craft coffees in quiet zones for sensory-friendly attendees.

Getting There

• By Air: Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ), 15 km away (20 minutes by bus/taxi); Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), 180 km (2 hours by train).
• By Public Transport: NS trains to Groningen Central from Amsterdam (€22–€33, 2 hours); festival shuttles to venues; OV-chipkaart for buses (€5–€10/day).
• By Car: A28 motorway; limited parking (€10–€15/day); bike rentals (€10/day) via OV-fiets at station.
• By Bike/Foot: Groningen’s flat, cycle-friendly paths; bike racks at all venues; walkable 2-km radius between sites.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible shuttles and venues; contact accessibility@esns.nl for mobility aids or guide dog arrangements.

Accommodation Options

• In Groningen: Budget hostels like City Hotel Groningen ($60–$110/night) or BudgetT Hotel ($50–$90/night).
• In Groningen: Mid-range NH Groningen ($120–$200/night); luxury Prinsenhof Hotel ($150–$280/night) near Grote Markt.
• Nearby: Assen hotels like Van der Valk ($90–$140/night, 30 minutes by train).
• Alternatives: Airbnb in city center ($80–$220/night); student dorms via hotels@esns.nl ($40–$80/night).
• Tips: Book via esns.nl for delegate hotel packages; reserve by November 2025 for January peak.