UPCLOSE 2026 WAS THEIR BEST EDITION YET
words by ANOUK WOUDT
As a newcomer to the festival landscape, having launched their inaugural edition only two years ago in 2024, we can confidently say that this was absolutely their best edition yet. The energy, the crowd, the atmosphere— everything came together to create the perfect balance of carefree vibes and high-intensity music. With headlining acts from Nina Kraviz, Collabs 3000 (Chris Liebing & Speedy J), Ben UFO & Four Tet, and LSD, the lineup brought together some of techno’s most influential names — and they more than delivered.
Through rain and shine, the crowd’s energy remained unmatched. It might have been a slightly cloudier edition — though in Amsterdam, that hardly feels like a surprise, so the festival-goers seemed well accustomed to it. Dancing through intimate stages and long-spanning crowds, each set brought its own personality to the mix while keeping a beat that kept us moving until the late-night hours. As the sun’s glistening glow dimmed to golden hour, the energy shifted, and the party mood set it. Light shows and fog machines started filling the area, creating an intensive experience that felt like a true ode to Amsterdam and its many collectives that give the city’s night its life.
We have to, of course, also mention the style. Upclose brought out a whole cast of Amsterdam characters ranging from alternative techno-rats to streetwear fashionistas— each illuminating a different piece of the map that makes up Amsterdam.
One of the biggest highlights of the weekend definitely had to be Nina Kraviz’s set. Bringing in crowds from all over the world, she took over the Area.97 filling every inch of the 360 layout. Her music drifted from experimental house beats to droning techno, with each track as danceable as the next. Another favourite was Anetha b2b Pegassi, bringing uninterrupted energy to the Cause Courtyard.
Through vinyl-only sets and groove-driven house, this edition truly stood out from the rest, especially with the introduction of more UK-based sounds. As the weekend came to a close, it’s obvious that there’s no better way to kick off festival season than with Awakenings Upclose.
