A State of Trance Rotterdam 2027 – Netherlands

Overview

A State of Trance Rotterdam is the flagship indoor festival of Armin van Buuren’s globally celebrated radio show and brand, A State of Trance. Hosted at Rotterdam Ahoy, one of Europe’s most iconic arena complexes, the event brings together over 40,000 trance family members from across the globe for two days and nights of pure trance, progressive, melodic techno and psy-trance.

Founded by world-renowned DJ Armin van Buuren, A State of Trance has been the biggest trance brand for over two decades, with the radio show reaching millions weekly in over 100 countries. In 2024, the festival made its highly anticipated move to Rotterdam, establishing a new home base after years in Utrecht. The move transformed the event into a multi-day destination festival with an immersive daytime program, expanding from a single night into a full weekend experience that solidifies Rotterdam as the global epicenter of trance music.

Known for its stunning stage designs, mesmerizing light shows and euphoric atmosphere, A State of Trance Rotterdam offers an unforgettable experience for both diehard fans and newcomers to the trance scene. With close to 60 acts performing across five areas on Saturday, the festival presents a carefully curated journey through all facets of trance, from uplifting and classic to progressive, techno-influenced and psy-trance.

What Makes This Event Special

The world’s biggest trance festival: A State of Trance is not just a festival, it is the live extension of the most listened to trance radio show in the world. Every edition is a celebration of the ASOT community, with exclusive b2b sets, vinyl shows and world premieres created specifically for Rotterdam.

Rotterdam Ahoy as a trance temple: Rotterdam Ahoy expands into five distinct areas on Saturday, including the Ahoy Arena, RTM Stage and Halls 1-3, each transformed into a fully themed trance world with state-of-the-art production, lasers, LED walls and immersive sound.

Armin van Buuren’s homecoming: Armin van Buuren performs multiple unique sets across the weekend, including solo sets, exclusive vinyl sets and special back-to-back performances. In previous editions he performed special b2b sets with Joris Voorn, HI-LO and the entire A State of Trance Radio team, plus surprise sets that are never repeated.

Destination concept: The 2024 relaunch introduced the DESTINATION theme, combining a daytime program from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM with a nighttime festival from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. This creates a 360-degree experience with hotel packages, city-wide activities and a true festival city takeover.

Genre-spanning curation: While rooted in trance, the festival embraces melodic techno, progressive house and tech-trance, showcasing how trance connects to wider electronic music. Artists like Colyn, Innellea, MORTEN, Maddix and Ben Hemsley bridge the gap between trance and techno.

40,000+ international visitors: The event unites trance family from over 100 countries, creating a uniquely positive and united atmosphere where the connection between artist and audience is central.

Lineup / Featured Artists

The first wave for 2027 has been announced via https://festival.astateoftrance.com/ROTTERDAM/. The full lineup will continue to be revealed in phases.

Friday headliners: Armin van Buuren, Cosmic Gate, Ferry Corsten, Benwal, Tjade, Estiva, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Korolova, Laura van Dam, Mauro Picotto and many more have been announced for the opening day. Cosmic Gate delivers signature euphoric trance, while Dutch new-wave heavyweights Benwal and Tjade represent the new generation.

Saturday main names: Armin van Buuren with a solo set and exclusive vinyl set, Vini Vici b2b Space 92, Ferry Corsten b2b TBA, Giuseppe Ottaviani and Hypaton, Key4050, NRG2000 b2b SUPERSTRINGS, Factor B, Ruben de Ronde, Sarah de Warren, Youna, Talla 2XLC, The Rocketman, BLR, Driftmoon, Enigma State, onTune, Olly James, Mark Sixma and XiJaro & Pitch.

Special b2b concepts: Vini Vici and Space 92 fuse psy-trance masters with techno powerhouse energy for driving basslines and hypnotic melodies. Giuseppe Ottaviani and Hypaton blend uplifting trance with modern tech energy. NRG2000 b2b SUPERSTRINGS and Ferry Corsten with a mysterious partner create once-only collaborations.

Past edition legends: Previous Rotterdam editions included John O’Callaghan, HI-LO, Maddix, MORTEN, Miss Monique, Ben Hemsley, Colyn, Innellea, NWYR, 8KAYS, Allen Watts, Argy, nilsix and Eva Vrijdag, showing the depth of curation from classic to future trance.

Hosts and radio team: The A State of Trance Radio team hosts stages, with Ruben de Ronde and other familiar voices guiding the journey and premiering new music from the label.

Event Experience

Five areas, endless trance: On Saturday, Rotterdam Ahoy expands into five areas, offering simultaneous sets that allow you to immerse yourself in different styles. The Ahoy Arena hosts the mainstage with the biggest production, while RTM Stage and Halls 1-3 provide intimate, darker and more underground experiences.

Production at scale: Expect awe-inspiring stage designs, mesmerizing light shows, lasers, pyrotechnics and LED storytelling that transforms the industrial Ahoy complex into a trance universe. Each area has its own visual identity and sound system tuned for trance.

Daytime and nighttime flow: The daytime program includes talks, meetups, vinyl markets and relaxed trance sessions, while the nighttime program from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM delivers peak-time euphoria. This split allows recovery time and hotel package convenience.

Hotel packages: Official 2-night and 3-night hotel packages are available via tickets.astateoftrance.com, including shuttle service between Room Mate by Bruno Hotel and Ahoy, early check-in and exclusive daytime events. Limited packages sell out quickly.

Community and merchandise: The official ASOT shop at shop.astateoftrance.com offers exclusive Rotterdam collections, vinyl and festival wear. The Discord and social channels connect fans before, during and after the event.

18 years and above: This is an 18 years and above only event, ensuring a mature and dedicated crowd focused on music.

Date & Schedule

Event Dates: February 26–27, 2027

Location: Rotterdam Ahoy, Ahoyweg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam, Netherlands

Format: Two-day indoor festival, Friday and Saturday

Friday schedule: Daytime program from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at partner hotels and city locations, followed by main festival from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM at Rotterdam Ahoy.

Saturday schedule: Extended daytime program and main festival with five areas open, from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The expanded Saturday layout offers even more sets for trance family members to immerse themselves in.

Hotel package schedule: 2-night package covers Friday and Saturday nights, 3-night package adds extra night for arrival and daytime program.

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

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

Location & Venue

Venue: Rotterdam Ahoy, Ahoyweg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam, Netherlands. The complex includes Ahoy Arena, RTM Stage and Halls 1 through 3, all used for ASOT.

About Ahoy: Rotterdam Ahoy is an iconic convention and arena complex with over 50 years of history hosting major concerts, sports and exhibitions. It offers excellent acoustics, large capacity and modern infrastructure for large-scale indoor festivals.

Areas: The Ahoy Arena is the mainstage with capacity for over 15,000, featuring the largest production. RTM Stage offers a more underground, warehouse feel. Halls 1-3 are transformed into themed trance arenas with intimate lighting and dedicated lineups.

Accessibility and facilities: The venue is fully accessible, with lockers, food courts, bars, merchandise areas, first aid and free water points. Cashless payment is used throughout.

City connection: Ahoy is located in Rotterdam Zuid, easily reachable by metro, with direct connections to Rotterdam Centraal and the city centre.

Event History

A State of Trance began as a radio show in 2001 and grew into a global festival brand. For many years the flagship festival took place in Utrecht, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from around the world.

In 2024, Armin van Buuren announced the flagship festival would move to Rotterdam, marking a new chapter. The inaugural Rotterdam edition introduced the DESTINATION theme, expanding into daytime and becoming a multi-day event. The move was driven by the desire to create an unrivaled trance music destination, solidifying Rotterdam as the global epicenter of the genre.

The 2024 edition welcomed over 40,000 music enthusiasts from across the globe, hosting 60 acts over the weekend. The 2025 edition continued the growth with starting tickets from 150 euros including service fees. The 2026 edition marked the 25 years celebration with special anniversary sets.

The 2027 edition returns for its fourth Rotterdam chapter, now firmly established as the home base. The festival has evolved from a single-night arena show into a full weekend destination with hotel packages, daytime programming and five areas on Saturday, reflecting the growth of trance itself.

Getting to the Event

By metro: Rotterdam Ahoy is directly served by metro line E and bus lines. Take metro to Zuidplein and follow signage to Ahoy, a 5-minute walk.

By train: Rotterdam Centraal is the main hub with direct connections from Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and international services. From Centraal, take metro or tram to Zuidplein.

By car: Ahoy has extensive parking facilities, but parking fills quickly on festival nights. Use P+R facilities at Slinge or Kralingse Zoom and continue by metro. Parking costs approximately $22.00 to $32.00 per day.

By air: Rotterdam The Hague Airport is 15 minutes away, and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is 50 minutes by direct train. Shuttle services are included in hotel packages.

Shuttle for hotel packages: Official hotel packages include shuttlebus service between Room Mate by Bruno Hotel and Ahoy during festival hours.

Where to Stay Nearby

Official hotel packages: The festival offers official 2-night and 3-night hotel packages via tickets.astateoftrance.com, including stay at Room Mate by Bruno Hotel or partner hotels, shuttle service, breakfast and exclusive daytime access. These packages are limited and sell out early.

Hotels near Ahoy: Hotels in Rotterdam Zuid such as Van der Valk, Ibis and citizenM near Zuidplein offer walking distance to the venue.

City centre hotels: Rotterdam Centre, around Coolsingel, Witte de Withstraat and Markthal, offers a wide range of hotels, hostels and apartments within 15 minutes by metro to Ahoy.

Budget options: Hostels and budget hotels near Rotterdam Centraal provide affordable stays with easy metro access.

VIP waiting list: Weekend VIP tickets are sold out for many editions, but a waiting list is open via tickets.astateoftrance.com. VIP packages often include hotel upgrades.

Things to Do Before or After the Event

Rotterdam city exploration: Visit the Markthal, Erasmus Bridge, Euromast, Museum Boijmans and the Witte de Withstraat arts district. Rotterdam is known for modern architecture and vibrant nightlife.

Daytime program: The official daytime program from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM includes artist talks, vinyl fairs, label showcases and intimate acoustic sessions at partner hotels, included with hotel packages.

Trance history tour: Explore Rotterdam’s electronic music scene, with record stores, studios and clubs that have supported trance for decades.

Harbour and food tours: Take a water taxi tour of Rotterdam harbour, enjoy food tours in Fenix Food Factory or visit Katendrecht for waterfront dining.

Recovery Sunday: Many visitors extend their stay to Sunday for a relaxed day, with brunch spots around Leuvehaven and Kop van Zuid offering recovery with river views.

Restaurants & Dining Nearby

At Ahoy: Ahoy offers multiple food courts and bars inside the venue, serving burgers, pizza, Asian bowls, vegan options and Dutch snacks. Cashless payment is used.

Zuidplein shopping centre: Directly adjacent to Ahoy, Zuidplein offers fast food, supermarkets and casual dining options open late.

Rotterdam centre: For pre-festival dinner, Witte de Withstraat, Oude Haven and Markthal offer everything from fine dining to street food, with many restaurants open until late.

Hotel dining: Room Mate by Bruno Hotel and partner hotels in hotel packages offer breakfast, late-night snacks and bar service included or at reduced rates.

Late-night options: After the festival ends at 6:00 AM, early morning cafés around Centraal Station and city centre serve breakfast for those continuing the celebration.

Ticket Information

Ticket sales are via https://festival.astateoftrance.com/ROTTERDAM/ and tickets.astateoftrance.com. Pricing for 2027 has not been fully announced beyond on-sale status. Below are prices from previous editions converted to USD. Show full prices in dollars.

Day Tickets: Final phase day tickets starting at approximately $75.00 excluding fees. Early bird day tickets historically started at $75.00. Starting price in 2024 was $75.00.

Weekend Tickets – Regular: Final phase weekend tickets starting at approximately $157.00 excluding fees. Last weekend tickets in 2024 were available at $173.00 including service. In 2025, weekend tickets started from $162.00 including service fees. Early registration sale started at $75.00 for registered users.

Weekend Tickets – VIP: Weekend VIP tickets starting at approximately $210.00 to $270.00. In 2024, VIP weekend tickets started at $210.00. Weekend VIP tickets are often sold out early, with a waiting list available.

Hotel Packages: 2-night hotel package including festival tickets and shuttle approximately $324.00 to $432.00 per person. 3-night hotel package approximately $378.00 to $540.00 per person depending on room type.

Service fees: Prices excluding fees are common. Final price includes service fees and payment fees. Check official ticket shop for exact breakdown.

Age limit: Minimum age is 18 years. ID checks are performed.

Tips Before You Go

Register for ticket sales: Register via festival.astateoftrance.com for early access to weekend tickets and hotel packages. Registered users get access one hour earlier than regular sale, with prices starting lower.

Book hotel packages early: Official 2-night and 3-night hotel packages sell out months in advance. They include shuttle service and daytime program access and are the most convenient option.

Plan your five-area route: On Saturday, Ahoy expands into five areas. Study the lineup and map in advance, as simultaneous sets mean you will need to choose. Use the official app to create your personal schedule.

Prepare for night hours: The main festival runs from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Bring ear protection, comfortable shoes and layers. Ahoy is indoor but temperature varies between crowded arena and cooler halls.

Use cashless and lockers: Ahoy operates cashless. Top up your wristband or card and rent a locker for valuables. Free water points are available, bring a reusable bottle.

Join the waiting list for VIP: Weekend VIP tickets are sold out quickly, but the VIP waiting list often opens up spots closer to the event. Check tickets.astateoftrance.com for waiting list registration.

Official Event Information

Title: A State of Trance Rotterdam 2027 – Netherlands

Official Website: https://festival.astateoftrance.com/ROTTERDAM/

Tickets: https://festival.astateoftrance.com/ROTTERDAM/ and https://tickets.astateoftrance.com

Merch: https://shop.astateoftrance.com

Venue: Rotterdam Ahoy, Ahoyweg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam

Age: 18 years and above only event

Socials: Official A State of Trance Instagram, YouTube, Discord and TikTok for lineup announcements and aftermovies

Attendee Experiences

From a trance family veteran: I have been to ASOT since Utrecht, but Rotterdam Ahoy feels like a true home. Five areas on Saturday means you can go from uplifting classics with Ferry Corsten to dark techno-trance with Space 92 in two minutes. Armin’s vinyl set was a highlight I will never forget.

From an international visitor: We traveled from Canada for DESTINATION. Over 40,000 people from everywhere, all singing together during Armin’s closing set, is pure magic. The hotel package with shuttle made everything easy, and the daytime program let us meet other fans and artists in a relaxed setting.

From a first-timer: I was new to trance and worried I would not know tracks, but the production, light shows and energy carried me. The lineup mixing Benwal, Cosmic Gate, Miss Monique and Vini Vici b2b Space 92 showed me how wide trance is. I left as part of the family.

From a VIP guest: We got VIP weekend tickets early. Fast lane entry saved us an hour, the viewing deck in the Arena gave perfect views of the mainstage production, and the extra toilets and bar space made the night comfortable even during peak hours.