On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the grounds of the University of Twente will once again transform into a blazing epicenter of hardstyle, raw, uptempo, hardcore and classics. As one of the first outdoor festivals of the season, HARDFEST returns with five areas and the introduction of a brand-new hardcore stage: Coalition.
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“The harder styles run through our blood”
Over the past years, HARDFEST has grown into a fixed value in the early festival season. As the hard dance festival in the eastern Netherlands, the event is known for its energetic atmosphere, strong production and the balance between established names and new talent. The FIRED UP shows, now a recognizable trademark of HARDFEST, deliver exclusive live moments filled with pyro and intensity year after year.
“The harder styles run through our blood,” says Radical Redemption. “There’s nothing better than being outside, in the open fields.” With renewed areas and new show concepts, HARDFEST continues to be a central meeting place for fans of the harder styles.
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Forge
Forge is one of the areas where the big spectacle comes together, featuring the most extensive productions and FIRED UP shows. This year, the stage is marked by a special anniversary moment from Gunz For Hire, who add a new chapter to their story with a 15 Years Special FIRED UP show. The special live B2B of Act of Rage & Polish Punisher also receives a FIRED UP upgrade.
In addition, there are Journey sets by D-Block & S-te-Fan and Rebelion, supported by acts such as Phuture Noize and Rejecta vs Devin Wild. Devin Wild looks ahead to the edition: “It’s always the starting signal of a new season.”
Lucify
Lucify is fully focused on uptempo energy and high intensity, featuring multiple FIRED UP sets, including The Dark Horror and Gezellige Uptempo. Bössels brings an Onwies Knapp’n show, while Missy vs Dimma with Slopen de Tent LIVE present their renewed live show.
Live acts such as Complex Rammeroni, with clear gabber influences, and combinations like Lekkerfaces vs Noxiouz ensure the tempo stays high throughout the day. “At the start of the festival season, everyone is super hyped,” says Lekkerfaces.
Ambition also comes from the organization itself: “We worked hard to put together a unique program, with more B2Bs and specials than ever before. From big names to emerging talent, from down to uptempo and from bounce to saw kicks. Even a bit of krach.”
Infernity
Infernity is the extra raw stage of HARDFEST and focuses entirely on the rougher edge of the genre. With names such as The Saints, The Straikerz and Inflame, combined with multiple B2B sets, including Damaxy vs Disaster, Infliction vs Incult and Omnya vs Revelation, the area provides ample space for the new generation of raw artists.
The Saints see HARDFEST as the perfect moment to kick off the outdoor season: “It’s not so cold, it’s cozy. People are just enjoying some beers, with a bit of sunshine.”
SUBERBASH Classics & Coalition
SUPERBASH Classics remains the place for lovers of hardstyle classics. With performances by Zany, Psyko Punkz and Chain Reaction, the recognizable sound of earlier editions returns, celebrating the foundations and history of the genre.
New this year is Coalition, the millennium hardcore stage that emerged from the closing moments of SUPERBASH Classics in recent years. The organization explains: “For two years in a row, we’ve closed our SUPERBASH Classics stage with millennium hardcore. Last year, the Fantastic Four formation closed the stage, and the positive reactions kept echoing through our DMs, surveys and ambassador groups. That was the moment we thought: this deserves more.”
Coalition has since become a dedicated place for like-minded fans for whom that uncompromising hardcore sound still ignites something. “Raw and sincere, every track pushes your chest forward, with your heroes close by.”
HARDFEST 2026 line-up
Forge
Lucify
Infernity
SUBERBASH Classics
Coalition
HARDFEST 2026 takes place on Saturday, April 18 at the University of Twente. With a program that showcases the full spectrum of the harder styles, from classics to raw and from uptempo to millennium hardcore, HARDFEST 2026 once again promises a powerful kick-off to the festival season. For tickets and more information, visit the official website.
Footage via: HARDFEST
