ESNS 2026 & The European Festival Awards
Taxi, Taxi; Grote Markt, Groningen (Photo: Siese Veenstra) – courtesy of ESNS
In January 2026, Groningen once again becomes the beating heart of Europe’s music scene as ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) celebrates its 40th anniversary. From January 14–17, the showcase festival presents 261 emerging artists from a record-breaking 39 countries, reflecting the full diversity of Europe’s contemporary sound under its new Europe Calling manifesto.
Across venues throughout the city, Eurosonic introduces the next generation of talent, while Noorderslag highlights the strength of Dutch music with exclusive shows and special collaborations.
Alongside the festival, the 15th European Festival Awards take place on January 14, honouring excellence, innovation and passion across the live music industry. With more than 300,000 public votes and festivals from over 30 countries involved, the Awards underline ESNS’s role as Europe’s central meeting point for artists and professionals alike.
This year, Germany stands out prominently among the nominees: Summer Breeze Open Air competes for Best Major Festival, while the much-loved Maifeld Derby is shortlisted for Best Small Festival. Rocco del Schlacko receives recognition for outstanding standards in Event Safety, and FKP Scorpio is nominated as Promoter of the Year. On the artist side, electronic act BUNT. represents Germany in the Newcomer of the Year category, while Stephan Thanscheidt (FKP Scorpio Germany) is honoured with a nomination for The Award for Excellence and Passion.
Together, ESNS and the European Festival Awards not only celebrate emerging music, but also spotlight the people, festivals and ideas shaping Europe’s live music future.
ESNS – Eurosonic Noorderslag
January 14–17, 2026
Groningen, The Netherlands
European Festival Awards Ceremony: January 14, 2026
Selected ESNS Acts (Eurosonic):
Flo Naegeli (DE), Barbora Hora (CZ), Chikiss (BY), Dina Jashari (MK), Fauna (SE), Goldkimono (NL), Hildá Länsman & Tuomas Norvio (FI), Isak Benjamin (SE), Man/Woman/Chainsaw (UK), Susobrino (BE), YĪN YĪN (NL)
