As the leaves fall and the air gets crisp, Herfstdrift Festival welcomes us to dance one last time before the year wraps up. It’s tough to know where to start with a line-up as stacked as this one. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are six sets you can’t miss.
1. Daria Kolosova b2b Stranger
This one’s going to hit hard. Daria Kolosova, one of Europe’s top-tier techno artists, teams up with Rotterdam’s Stranger (aka Tafkamp) for an in-your-face set that leaves you shaking. Kolosova’s energy mixes everything from breakbeat to hardcore, while Stranger brings his mastery of pounding rhythms. Together, they’ll take you on a wild ride. And if you can’t get enough, catch Stranger again at the Herfstdrift afterparty in Waalhalla, where he’ll be bringing his Tafkamp alias for another banging set.
2. Former Child
Former Child is the rising star of the moment, and we’re all here for it. A master of tension and release, crafting hypnotic mixes that blend progressive house, techno, trance, and breakbeat. Think energy, psychedelia, and just the right amount of chaos. He’s also been a studio manager, making him a familiar face for many. Experience it yourself; make sure you’re left and front when he opens the festival.
3. French II
If you’re looking for deep beats and subby sounds, French II is your guy. Coming from Tilburg, he’s a genre-mixing genius, fusing breaks, bass, and techno into a very much danceable experience. His sets don’t just move your body, but they linger, staying with you long after the weekend ends. A big one, French II is someone you’ll want to say you saw before he takes over the scene.
4. OSD
Let’s talk about local legends. OSD is a name that’s becoming synonymous with Nijmegen’s electronic music community. As a regular at Planet Rose and Blanco, he’s got the credentials and the skills. But he’s more than just a DJ – OSD is also a highly appreciated studio manager, bringing his expertise and passion to our community. His techno sets are deep, hypnotic, and layered in a way that pulls you in and keeps you there. Find him in our very own Club OSR, where he’ll be doing what he does best.
5. Tsepo
Tsepo isn’t just any random DJ. With roots as a resident at iconic venues like Trouw and De School, he’s been working on shaping Dutch nightlife for years. Expect house grooves and peak-time bangers as he closes out Herfstdrift with the kind of finesse that only a seasoned pro like Tsepo can deliver.
6. Ays B2B Stan Reijnen
Warm, energetic, and outrageously fun, is what the set of Ays and Stan Reijn will be. Their back-to-back set promises to mix house, disco, and boogie, a perfect combination of sounds to kickstart your festival day. It’s soulful, bouncy, and, most importantly, crazy groovy – just what you want as a first act of the day.
Whether you’re there for the pounding bass or the soulful grooves, these six acts will make sure your autumn finishes off driftig.