As summer blooms in the Netherlands, music lovers gather for Best Kept Secret Festival, a celebration of indie, rock, electronic, and more. Set for 2026 in the stunning Beekse Bergen, Hilvarenbeek, this festival invites fans of diverse genres to connect under open skies and by a sparkling lake. Held in a safari park surrounded by lush forests and water, Best Kept Secret offers a vibrant, immersive experience that feels both exciting and deeply connected to community.
A Celebration of Music and Community
Since its start in 2013, Best Kept Secret has grown while staying true to its roots. Built on a love for great music and a welcoming vibe, the festival brings together artists and fans in a space that values discovery over flashiness. The 2026 edition, set for June 12 to 14, promises to draw thousands seeking connection, inspiration, and Dutch charm.
Set in the scenic Beekse Bergen, the festival feels like a summer escape. There are no giant screens or over-the-top effects, just authentic music, friendly crowds, and a sense of being in the moment.
The 2025 event, held from June 13 to 15, was a massive success. Fans enjoyed a stellar line-up with acts like Deftones, Michael Kiwanuka, and Wilco, blending rock, indie, and electronic sounds. Despite some logistical challenges, the atmosphere was electric, with attendees praising the diverse music and lakeside setting.
The Site: Lakes, Forests, and Open Sky
Best Kept Secret takes place in Beekse Bergen, a safari park turned festival ground, where stages are spread across green fields and wooded areas. The main stage, called ONE, sits by a lake, offering stunning views as bands play under the wide sky. Smaller stages, TWO, FIVE, SEVEN, and dance floors THREE and FOUR, are tucked among trees, hosting intimate sets and DJ performances. The Casbah, a dive bar added in 2017, features hardcore bands, adding a gritty edge.
Guests can stroll between stages, enjoy food trucks with local and global dishes, relax on the grass, or meet friends by the lake. The layout encourages exploration in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The nearby lake offers swimming or chilling spots, making the vibe even more special.
A Line-up of Stars and New Talent
Best Kept Secret shines with its mix of big names and fresh faces across indie, rock, hip-hop, folk, and electronic music. For 2026, expect a line-up of top acts and rising stars who bring stories and energy to the stage, alongside local Dutch artists who reflect the festival’s creative spirit.
In 2025, headliners included Caribou, Deftones, Kae Tempest, and The Streets, with other acts like Waxahatchee, The Backseat Lovers, and Kneecap. Fans loved the mix of high-energy rock, soulful indie, and late-night electronic sets. The 2026 roster will likely follow this thoughtful curation, with workshops and interactive moments woven into the schedule. Past years have featured legends like Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, and LCD Soundsystem, setting a high bar for what’s to come.
Days and Nights by the Lake
Afternoons at Best Kept Secret have a laid-back rhythm. Indie and folk sets float across the fields as families, friends, and solo travelers relax by the lake. Food stalls serve up Dutch treats, vegetarian options, and global flavors like fresh soups and craft beers. Artisans sell handmade goods, and art installations add a creative spark.
As evening sets in, the main stage lights up. Music echoes over the lake under twilight skies, keeping the vibe warm and communal. There’s no loud chaos, just sounds that feel real and heartfelt. In 2025, evening sets by artists like Raye and The Maccabees had crowds dancing under the stars.
After dark, smaller stages host late-night DJ sets, experimental performances, and surprise collaborations. The Casbah and SEVEN stages offer raw, intimate vibes, keeping the connection between artists and fans strong.
A Festival Built on Shared Values
Best Kept Secret is more than music, it celebrates creativity, sustainability, and community. The festival features art installations, food talks, and open mic sessions where fans share stories or songs. It’s known for its eco-friendly efforts, like waste reduction and recycling, working with local farmers to keep things green.
The schedule balances performances with time for connection, giving the weekend a natural flow. The 2025 edition won praise for its inclusive vibe, with a diverse crowd enjoying everything from indie rock to techno in a welcoming space.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets for Best Kept Secret sell out fast, as fans return yearly. You can choose single-day or weekend passes, with camping options included. Prices are fair, with 2025 weekend tickets starting at €284, and special rates for under-21s at €209. Installment plans make it accessible.
The site is easy to reach by car or train to Tilburg Central Station, with shuttle buses to the festival. Attendees can camp on-site with basic tents or premium glamping, or stay in nearby Tilburg or Hilvarenbeek’s cozy guesthouses. Early arrival helps snag a great camping spot and enjoy the pre-festival buzz. Tickets for 2026 are expected to go on sale later this year via the official website.
Why Best Kept Secret Stands Out
In a world of huge festivals and corporate vibes, Best Kept Secret feels refreshingly real. There are no VIP zones or big-brand banners, just stages, open fields, and people united by music and shared values.
It’s the kind of place where you might dance by the lake, chat with a new friend during a set, or discover a new band under the trees. It’s about connection, not showing off. The 2025 edition was a testament to this, with fans calling it a “hidden gem” for its intimate, diverse energy.
Explore the Surroundings
Outside festival hours, the area around Hilvarenbeek offers quiet charm. Visitors can explore nearby forests, small towns, or the safari park’s trails. A trip to Tilburg or nearby Belgium for beers and chocolates is a fun post-festival adventure. Early morning walks by the lake or visits to local markets add to the experience.
These moments deepen the connection to the place and make memories as strong as the music.
Best Kept Secret 2026 offers more than concerts, it’s a celebration of music, nature, and community. With its lakeside stages, diverse sounds, and shared moments under the Dutch sky, it invites you to slow down, listen, and connect, carrying those memories long after the final note fades.
Follow Best Kept Secret online for updates on tickets, artist announcements, camping info, and travel tips:
Instagram: @bestkeptsecretfestival