Summary:
- Dekmantel 2026 ran from July 31 to August 2 at Amsterdamse Bos.
- The event introduced At Dawn morning programming with Resident Advisor.
- Organizers announced 2027 dates running from July 28 to August 1.
Dekmantel returned to Amsterdamse Bos from July 31 to August 2 for another weekend dedicated to electronic music. This year’s edition introduced a refreshed festival layout and a new morning program called At Dawn, curated with Resident Advisor. Running from 11am to 2pm, the series transformed the early hours into a slower and more intimate experience across the RADAR, Selectors, and Greenhouse stages.
Friday opened with performances by DJ Sprinkles, James Holden alongside Surgeon, and Kuniyuki with Satoshi Tomie. Saul Williams and James Massiah also hosted a live conversation exploring the relationship between poetry and electronic music. Nearby, the Greenhouse stage debuted the ON2 sound system, developed by NNNN and OJAS with Devon Turnbull.
As the afternoon unfolded, the festival shifted into full rhythm. Underground Resistance presented Depth Charge with Saul Williams, while Christian AB made his Dekmantel debut before Mad Miran and Quest closed Selectors with a back to back set. Nídia brought Angolan club sounds to The Nest, and James Massiah delivered a spoken word performance with Lord Tusk. Across the UFO stages, Beste Hira, FJAAK, DR. Rubenstein, Ellen Allien, Dax J, and Speedy J kept the energy high. On The Loop, Identified Patient eased the crowd into the evening before Sherelle closed the stage with a fast paced finale.
Saturday continued the At Dawn concept with Dub Continuum, a conversation on dub culture featuring Azu Tiwaline, Mikey Dread of Channel One, and Krackfree Soundsystem. Throughout the day, Eris Drew presented Mystery of Motherbeat, Colin Benders delivered a two hour modular live set, Batu returned to The Nest, Makam performed The Archive Live, and Wata Igarashi closed Radar.
The heavier side of the lineup arrived later in the evening. Mia Koden warmed up the Greenhouse before The Bug and Flowdan brought their unmistakable UK sound. At UFO I, Function, Luke Slater, and Steve Bicknell reunited for an LSD Live performance. The Loop closed with SASS, bringing together Moxie, Peach, Saoirse, and Shanti Celeste for a collaborative house set.
Sunday began with morning performances from Jeff Mills, Jane Fitz, and Sampha. Following the positive response, organizers confirmed that the At Dawn program will return in future editions.
The final day continued with Ogazón and Philippa Pacho at UFO I, while Marcel Dettmann surprised many with a house focused set at The Loop. Benny Rodrigues celebrated the roots of Chicago house and Detroit techno, Kode9 explored the Hyperdub catalogue at The Nest, and DJ Spanish Fly brought decades of Memphis rap history to the festival. DJ Koolt also returned for his second consecutive appearance.
Dekmantel 2026 came to a close with one final moment at the Greenhouse stage, where Ben UFO, Call Super, Objekt, and Pariah shared the booth for a four way back to back set.
Before the weekend ended, organizers announced the dates for Dekmantel 2027. The festival returns from July 28 to August 1 and will expand beyond Amsterdamse Bos with additional venues across the city. Pre-registration is now open, giving attendees early access to tickets through the official festival website.
Eric Grischott
Born in Groningen in 1991, Eric Grischott is a linguist with a deep-rooted passion for art, music, and fashion. His academic journey led him to graduate in languages, further enriching his linguistic prowess. His thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion took him abroad, where he gained invaluable experience and insights. Eric’s linguistic expertise is not confined to just theory. He has honed his skills in French and German through specialized DELF and DELE courses, demonstrating his commitment to mastering these languages. His passions extend beyond languages, encompassing the creative realms of art, the rhythmic world of music, and the dynamic sphere of fashion.
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