Mind the satellite events
On a semi-regular basis, events under the Awakenings banner occur in other cities. For instance, Awakenings recently took up residence for an evening at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York with Adam Beyer — operator of the well-regarded Drumcode label — in headlining position.
Essential after-parties
Clearly, a festival dubbed Awakenings is categorically opposed to ending early. Once the main event ends — the main event begins. For example, Paradiso Amsterdam has hosted Awakenings' main after-parties. These events sell out about as quickly as the regular festival tickets and rage until dawn.
Preview the event
In case the Awakenings lineup and reputation isn’t persuasive enough, the festival website has rather resplendent footage and photos of earlier years that beautifully captures the natural and constructed elements of its setting.
Theme stages
As if to dispel any sense of EDM tourism and underscore its nerdier roots, Awakenings features theme stages highlighting niche styles and particular label rosters.
Tickets
Awakenings Festival passes are coveted. Accordingly, they sell out very quickly. Interested folks are encouraged to sign-up for email notifications about ticket releases. The Awakenings app, in addition to being a festival guide, also notifies users about availability.
Getting There
Fly into Amsterdam’s main hub, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. It’s about 12 miles away from Velsen-Zuid, Netherlands, which is where Awakenings takes place.
Lodging
If you secure an Awakenings Festival Package, you’ll not only score a festival ticket but two nights stay at one of several affiliated hotels in the heart of Amsterdam and bus rides to and from the festival.