Netherlands festivals Defqon.1 and Nous’klaer cancelled due to heatwave
Both dance music events cited intense 40-degree spells and the Netherlands’ first-ever code red weather alert as reasons for their cancellations
Two Netherlands-based dance music festivals were forced to cancel over the weekend due to intense weather conditions that saw temperatures soar to 40 degrees.
Defqon.1, the annual hardstyle festival which was set to take place in Biddinghuizen from June 25 - 28, announced its cancellation a day after it began, closing its gates on Friday (June 26).
"The unthinkable has happened. Defqon.1 has been cancelled for the remainder of the weekend," they said in a statement, confirming that they were "forced" to call off the 2026 edition after speaking with authorities.
They cited the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute-issued code red warning for extreme heat, which marks a first in the country, and asked everyone on site to return home the following day.
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"This is a blow felt on every level," they said. "Not only by our visitors, but also by the artists, crew, creatives and everyone else who has worked tirelessly over the past year to bring this edition to life."
Meanwhile, the third edition of Nous’klaer Festival, a day festival from the Rotterdam-based label and collective, was also called off ahead of its 2026 edition on Saturday, June 27.
"This doesn’t come easy but we are very sorry to inform you that Nous’klaer Festival will not take place tomorrow," they announced on Instagram, also citing pressure from authorities.
The festival’s permit was withdrawn just a day before the festival was due to take place at Brutus in Rotterdam, with a line-up including Azu Tiwaline, Beatrice M., CCL, and more.
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"Due to the ongoing pressure on healthcare services, and the potential for further pressure tomorrow due to the heat, all events of our permit scale have been cancelled in Rotterdam on Saturday, June 27."
"Nevertheless, this is devastating news for everyone involved," they added. "For months, our crew, artists, volunteers, partners, and community have worked hard and looked forward to this moment."
Nous’klaer has now called for support by launching a crowdfunding campaign following the blow of sunken costs into a cancelled event and refunded tickets.
Donate to Nous’klaer’s fundraiser here, and read their statement, alongside Defqon.1’s, below.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Associate Digital Editor
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