Pinkpop 2027 – Landgraaf, Netherlands

Overview

Pinkpop is an annual music festival held in Landgraaf, Netherlands, and is recognized as the oldest and longest running annual dedicated pop and rock music festival in the world. Founded in 1970, the festival began in Geleen and has been held at Megaland, a 27-hectare site that is a converted horse racing track, since 1988. With a daily capacity of 70,000 visitors, Pinkpop is one of Europe’s most highly anticipated events and an integral part of Dutch music culture.

The festival takes place at Megaland, Hofstraat 13-15, Landgraaf, and is traditionally held over the Pentecost weekend in mid-June. It is a three-day annual festival that combines legendary acts with emerging talent across its stages. Every year, Pinkpop curates a multi-genre lineup covering everything from pop stars to rock legends, indie, alternative, hip-hop and electronic crossover.

After more than five decades without skipping an edition until the forced cancellation during the pandemic years, Pinkpop holds a Guinness World Record and continues to attract fans from around the world. The 51st edition finally took place after a two-year break with Metallica, Pearl Jam, Deftones, Nightwish and Greta Van Fleet, welcoming 70,000 people in warm weather.

What Makes This Event Special

The world’s oldest pop and rock festival: Starting in 1970 at Burgemeester Damen Sportpark in Geleen with over 10,000 people in front of an improvised stage built in the stands of a sports park, Pinkpop has grown from a one-day event to a three-day, 60,000 to 70,000 capacity affair. It earned a Guinness World Record in 1990 for never skipping an edition since 1970.

Megaland as a home: Since 1988, Pinkpop has been organized at Megaland in Landgraaf, where it will be held for its 27th time and beyond. The 27-hectare site offers vast open fields, gentle slopes for viewing and enough room for multiple stages, camping and facilities.

Legendary headliners and future stars: The festival balances superstars with breakthrough acts. Past headliners include Pink, Robbie Williams, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fleetwood Mac, Mumford and Sons, The Cure, Rolling Stones, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Green Day and many more, making it a bucket-list event for international music lovers.

Founder Jan Smeets legacy: Founded by music industry legend Jan Smeets, who was 23 years old at the first edition, the festival’s ethos of quality curation and friendly atmosphere continues. Smeets, known as Mr. Pinkpop, retired after 50 years but his vision remains.

Pentecost weekend tradition: If Pentecost falls on an early date in May, the festival is held later in June, ensuring optimal weather and a festive spring atmosphere that has become part of Dutch tradition.

Camping as a community: Access to the campsite from Thursday evening to Monday noon creates a full weekend community experience, with Glampink and group camping options adding comfort.

Lineup / Featured Artists

The lineup for 2027 will be announced via https://www.pinkpop.nl/en/. Based on previous editions, expect a mix of global superstars, rock legends and breakout indie and pop acts.

Recent headliners: Pink, Robbie Williams, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Deftones, Nightwish, Greta Van Fleet, Green Day, Fleetwood Mac, Mumford and Sons, The Cure, Armin van Buuren, Jamiroquai, Bastille, Lenny Kravitz and The 1975 have all headlined.

Rock and alternative: Bands like Deftones, Pearl Jam, Metallica, Nightwish, Greta Van Fleet, Guns N Roses, Tove Lo and many alternative and indie acts have performed on the South Stage and other stages.

Pop and crossover: International pop stars like Pink, Robbie Williams and many Dutch and European pop acts bring singalong moments to the main stage.

Stages: South Stage as main stage, North Stage, Tent Stage and other smaller stages host simultaneous performances, ensuring variety from heavy rock to intimate pop.

Emerging talent: Each edition reserves slots for emerging Dutch talent and international breakthrough acts, often in early afternoon slots that later become headliners in future years.

Event Experience

Three days of non-stop music: From early afternoon until late evening each day, music plays across multiple stages. The South Stage hosts headliners, while North and Tent stages offer discovery and heavier sounds.

70,000-strong singalongs: With daily capacity of 70,000, the atmosphere during headline sets is massive yet friendly, with families, friends and generations of fans returning year after year.

Camping village: The campsite opens on Thursday evening, allowing early arrival, tent setup and pre-party atmosphere with food stalls, bars and small acoustic stages.

Food and drink tokens: Food and drinks use a token system, with budgeting of around $43.00 to $65.00 per day realistic for meals and drinks. Options range from Dutch fries and burgers to vegan bowls and international cuisine.

Beyond music: Art installations, market stalls, signing sessions, and the famous Pinkpop atmosphere of friendly Brabant-Limburg hospitality make the weekend more than just concerts.

Family-friendly yet rock’n’roll: The festival attracts a wide age range, from teenagers to original 1970 attendees, creating a unique cross-generational vibe.

Date & Schedule

Event Dates: June 18–20, 2027

Location: Megaland, Hofstraat 13, Landgraaf, 6372 XC Netherlands

Format: Three-day weekend festival, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Campsite access: From 7:00 PM on Thursday June 17 to 12:00 PM on Monday June 21, included with full three-day pass

Daily schedule: Gates open around 12:00 PM each day, with music from 1:00 PM until 11:00 PM. Headliners typically play from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM on South Stage.

Day splits: Friday opens the weekend with a mix of pop and rock, Saturday is traditionally the biggest day with major headliners, Sunday closes with anthemic and emotional finales.

Full timetable: Detailed set times are released approximately four weeks before the event via official website and Pinkpop app and PinkPlanner.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Location & Venue

Venue: Megaland, Hofstraat 13-15, Landgraaf, Netherlands. Also listed as Megaland Hofstraat 13, Landgraaf, 6372 XC Netherlands.

The site: Megaland is a 27-hectare converted horse racing track with open fields, gentle hills and excellent sightlines. Since 1988 it has been the home of Pinkpop, offering natural amphitheatre slopes and wide paths.

Stages: South Stage is the iconic main stage facing the large field, North Stage hosts second headliners and alternative acts, Tent Stage and other smaller stages provide intimate and heavy music experiences.

Facilities: Food courts, bars, merchandise shops, lockers, free water points, first aid, accessible viewing platforms and the Wilhelmina Sky Deck premium viewing area.

Camping grounds: Adjacent to Megaland, with regular camping, Glampink luxury camping and group camping spots, plus showers, toilets and camping shops.

Event History

In 1970, two men joined the duo to organize the first Pinkpop, including a 23-year-old named Jan Smeets. Over 10,000 people stood in front of an improvised stage built in the stands of the sports park in Geleen. The first edition took place on Pentecost Monday in Geleen.

The festival grew quickly, reaching maximum capacity of 40,000 for the first time in 1976. After 17 editions in Geleen and a one-time festival in nearby Baarlo in 1987, Pinkpop moved to Megaland in Landgraaf in 1988, where it has remained.

Pinkpop is the oldest annual pop and rock festival in the world and earned a Guinness World Record in 1990 for never skipping an edition since 1970. The festival expanded from a one-day event to a three-day, 60,000-capacity affair over decades.

Fleetwood Mac, Mumford and Sons and The Cure headlined the 50th anniversary festival, with other performances from Armin van Buuren, Jamiroquai, Bastille, Lenny Kravitz and The 1975. The 51st edition finally took place after a two-year break due to the pandemic, the first cancellation in 51 years that forced Jan Smeets to cancel.

Jan Smeets, 75, announced stepping down as CEO after 50 years, but Pinkpop continues under new leadership with expansion plans and a focus on the future while honoring its historic achievement of 50 consecutive years of live music.

Getting to the Event

By train and shuttle: The nearest stations are Heerlen and Landgraaf. From Heerlen, shuttle buses run to Megaland. NS Dutch railways operates extra services during the festival weekend.

By car and parking: Parking is available near Megaland with official parking tickets. Traffic around Landgraaf is heavy on Friday and Sunday, so arrive early. Carpooling is encouraged.

By bike: From surrounding Limburg towns, bike parking is available near the entrance. The area is hilly compared to rest of Netherlands.

By organized bus trips: Many travel companies offer day and weekend trips with bus plus ticket packages from across Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, including last seats and boarding locations across the country.

By air: Maastricht Aachen Airport is closest, with Eindhoven and Amsterdam Schiphol offering international connections plus train to Heerlen.

Where to Stay Nearby

Official camping: Full three-day pass includes access to campsite from Thursday 7 PM to Monday noon. Regular camping is included, with Glampink luxury tents and group camping spots available via Ticketmaster.

Glampink: Luxury camping with pre-pitched tents, beds, power and premium facilities, bookable as add-on to weekend ticket.

Hotels in Landgraaf and Heerlen: Hotels in Landgraaf, Heerlen, Kerkrade and surrounding Limburg villages are within 10 to 15 minutes drive. They book out months in advance.

Vacation parks: Bungalow parks in Limburg offer group accommodation for friends and families.

Maastricht and Aachen: Cities of Maastricht and Aachen in Germany are about 30 to 40 minutes drive, offering wider hotel choice.

Things to Do Before or After the Event

Explore Limburg: Visit the rolling hills of South Limburg, castles, and charming villages like Valkenburg.

Maastricht city trip: Combine Pinkpop with a visit to Maastricht for historic centre, shopping and dining along the Maas river.

Three-country point: Visit Vaalserberg, the three-country point where Netherlands, Belgium and Germany meet, a short drive from Landgraaf.

Mondorf and thermal baths: Thermal baths in nearby Germany offer relaxation before or after festival days.

Pinkpop history walk: In Geleen, visit the original Burgemeester Damen Sportpark where Pinkpop began in 1970, with commemorative plaques.

Restaurants & Dining Nearby

On-site food: Large food courts with international cuisine, from Dutch fries and burgers to Asian noodles, wood-fired pizza, vegan bowls and BBQ. Token system used for payment.

Camping food: Breakfast stalls, coffee bars and late-night snacks available at camping grounds.

Landgraaf and Heerlen dining: Local restaurants in Landgraaf centre offer Limburg specialties like zuurvlees, as well as Italian and international options.

Wilhelmina Sky Deck: Premium viewing area with garden terrace, food and drinks, though without direct view of stages from terrace, offering a relaxed dining experience.

Supermarkets: Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Lidl in Landgraaf and Heerlen for camping supplies.

Ticket Information

Ticket sales are via https://www.pinkpop.nl/en/ and Ticketmaster.nl starting November. Resale via official partners like Viagogo capped at face value. Payment plans available. All tickets are personal and non-transferable.

Weekend ticket – 3 days including camping: Approximately $329.00, listed as 305 euros including taxes and fees and including access to campsite from Thursday evening to Monday noon. In recent years price remained same as previous year at 305 euros for weekend ticket. Some reports list range of $270.00 to $346.00 depending on package.

Single day ticket: Approximately $167.00 per person including taxes and fees, listed as 155 euros per person for a specific non-modifiable date.

Day ticket – general admission estimate: Single day GA tickets cost around $121.00 according to some US resellers.

Camping add-on: Camping adding about $54.00 to $108.00 depending on package if not included, though full three-day pass typically includes camping.

Glampink and group camping: Glampink luxury and group camping spots sold separately via Ticketmaster, prices around $216.00 to $324.00 extra per person for full weekend.

Wilhelmina Sky Deck: Weekend ticket costs $965.00 and day ticket costs $413.00 for premium viewing, including garden terrace access without direct stage view from terrace.

Payment plans: Options like 10 times $35.00 available via official site.

Food and drink budget: Token system, budgeting $43.00 to $65.00 per day realistic.

Tips Before You Go

Buy early and use PinkPlanner: Plan your trip, accommodation and tickets with PinkPlanner tool on official website. Weekend tickets do not sell out as quickly as in past, but hotels do.

Tickets are personal: All tickets are personal and non-transferable, with ID checks at entrance. Do not buy from unofficial resale.

Prepare for Pentecost weather: Weather in mid-June can be warm and sunny or rainy. Bring sunscreen, rain poncho and sturdy shoes for grassy fields.

Arrive on Thursday: Campsite opens Thursday evening, arriving early gives best camping spots and avoids Friday traffic.

Use tokens wisely: Food and drinks use token system, buy tokens in bulk to avoid queues. Free water points available.

Explore stages: Do not stay only at South Stage, North Stage and Tent Stage often host future headliners in intimate settings.

Official Event Information

Title: Pinkpop 2027 – Landgraaf, Netherlands

Official Website: https://www.pinkpop.nl/en/

Contact Email: info@pinkpop.nl

Location: Megaland, Hofstraat 13, Landgraaf, 6372 XC Netherlands

Tickets: Via pinkpop.nl and Ticketmaster.nl

Capacity: Daily capacity of 70,000 visitors

History: Founded 1970, held at Megaland since 1988, oldest annual pop and rock festival in the world

Attendee Experiences

From a long-time visitor: I have been going since 1990s and Pinkpop still feels like coming home. Megaland’s hill gives perfect view of South Stage, and the mix of Pink one year and Metallica the next shows why it lasts. Camping from Thursday makes it a real community.

From a first-timer: I came for Red Hot Chili Peppers and discovered so many new bands on North Stage. The organization is excellent, with easy train plus shuttle from Heerlen and friendly Limburg people everywhere.

From a family: We bring our teenagers every year. It is family-friendly during day with diverse lineup, yet still rock’n’roll at night. The Glampink option made camping comfortable for us.

From an international guest: Flying from UK for Pinkpop was worth it. The festival’s history as world’s oldest pop festival is felt everywhere, from museum displays to Jan Smeets stories, yet production is modern and sound is excellent.