Groningen Meets Europe’s Next Stars with ESNS 2025
Experience four days of electrifying performances, free showcases, and inspiring events as the city transforms into a hub of creativity and talent from January 15th to 18th.
The New Year celebrations might have ended, but the dynamic environment of Groningen will never! Be ready to feel the warmth of Europe’s modern music scene in Groningen with Eurosonic Noordeslag (ESNS for short) which takes over the city with creativity and unforgettable performances. From January 15th to 18th, Groningen will host the ESNS showcase festival in multiple places, including Oosterpoort, the DOT, Forum, and the list goes on.
Over the years, ESNS completed its mission of embracing talent and bringing raw creativity into the city by releasing artists such as Dua Lipa, Stromae, Sam Smith, and Joost Klein to international stardom. This act reminds us that it is not about showcasing art in Groningen, it is about bringing the fun around the world. But it started here for some.
The festival gives options to individuals with tight budgets as well, as the Pinguin Radio Showcases are taking over the Drie Gezusters on Grote Markt from January 15th to 17th, as they are free events to experience emerging indie artists more closely. The showcases take place from 16:00 to 03:00, so whether you just finished a late assignment and looking for plans to celebrate, here is your chance.
There are ten stages and more than 250 acts. If you are interested in more networking, there is also a European Talent Exchange for the first selection brunch happening on the last day, at the Market Hotel, from 11:00 until 13:00. And, last but not least, if you seek more “educational” approaches, there are live performances and lectures at Minerva on Thursday and Friday afternoon, focusing on mental resilience and autonomy in the broad music industry.
Overall, this period will make the city flooded with people from around the globe who came to experience the whole ESNS showcase. As you want to soak into the city’s newfound dynamic vibrancy, Groningen gives away these opportunities and energy that become unstoppable.