Festival clothing: the ultimate guide to festivals in May 2025

• May 01 2025
• 17 min reading time

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Choosing the perfect festival outfit is essential for an unforgettable festival experience during the bustling Dutch festival season. With over 150 festivals taking place in May 2025, the Netherlands is set to explode with music, dance and creativity. May marks the official start of the outdoor festival season, and with temperatures rising to an average of 13°C (with around ten days reaching 20°C or more) it’s time to start getting your festival wardrobe ready. Whether you’re going to rock the Bevrijdingsfestival, dance the night away at Music On in Amsterdam or dream away at the Fairytale Festival in Kaatsheuvel, your outfit is a huge part of your festival experience. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about festival outfits for the Dutch festival season in May 2025. From practical tips to the latest trends, inspiring styles and where to find the perfect look – we’ve got you covered.

The perfect festival outfits for Liberation Festival 2025

The Liberation Festival is without a doubt the largest and most iconic festival of May. With a visitor count of over 1 million people spread across almost all provinces, it is an important part of the Dutch identity. When choosing your liberation festival clothing, there are a few things you should take into account.

The celebration of freedom is central to this festival, so why not take inspiration from Dutch symbols or the national colours of red, white, blue and orange for your outfit? Many visitors wear subtle references to freedom and peace in their outfits, such as:

1. Peace symbols on shirts or as accessories
2. Flowers in the hair or on clothing, as a symbol of hope and new growth
3. Light, flowing dresses that symbolize freedom
4. Comfortable pants with tops in national colors

Remember that the Liberation Festival combines a healthy dose of cultural activities with live music. This means that your outfit should be both stylish and practical. Since the event is on May 5, the weather can still be changeable. A smart layered outfit is therefore ideal - think of a nice basic outfit with a cardigan or jacket that you can easily put on and take off.

Some popular choices for Liberation Festival outfits include:

1. Airy jumpsuits that are easy to combine with a denim jacket
2. Comfortable jeans with a party top and layers
3. Practical yet stylish shoes (think white sneakers or boots if rain is forecast)
4. Accessories such as sunglasses, hats or bandanas in festive colours

Remember that the festival is long and you will probably be walking and standing a lot, so comfort is just as important as style!

Festival fashion for the big EDM festivals in May

The month of May is packed with electronic dance music festivals, with top acts such as Music On Festival in Amsterdam, Lakedance in Best and Emporium in Wijchen. These events attract international DJs and electronic music fans, making them the perfect opportunity to show off your most striking festival fashion May looks.

The EDM scene has developed its own unique style that perfectly matches the energetic rhythms and light shows. For 2025 we see these striking trends for EDM festival clothing:

Neon colors and reflective materials

For festivals like Lakedance (May 17-18) and Emporium (May 24), luminous and reflective materials are a hit. They bounce the light shows and make you easy to find for friends in the crowd. Think of:

1. Holographic tops and accessories
2. Neon bodysuits or crop tops
3. Reflective details on shoes or bags
4. Glow-in-the-dark paint for body decoration

Comfortable dancewear

At techno and house festivals like Geheime Liefde (May 10) and Awakenings Upclose (May 17-18) you will dance a lot. Choose from:

1. Lightweight, breathable fabrics
2. Loose-fit trousers with elastic waist
3. Sports bras or crop tops that stay in place
4. Sneakers with good cushioning or even platform boots for extra comfort

Thematic outfits

Festivals like Fairytale Festival (May 9-11) have a specific theme. At this fantasy festival you can go for:

1. Fairytale elements such as wings , crowns or glitter
2. Natural materials and colours for an elfin look
3. Flowers and leaf motifs
4. Accessories such as flower wreaths and face jewelry

For a festival like Music On (May 10-11) in Amsterdam's Meerpark, we see many visitors opting for urban-inspired looks with an electronic twist: think cargo pants, crop tops, bucket hats and statement accessories that show techno influences.

Remember that EDM festivals often run long, sometimes late into the night, so layers are essential to adapt to temperature changes throughout the day and evening.

Popular festival outfits in the Netherlands for 2025

The Dutch festival scene has developed a unique style that combines international trends with typical Dutch practical elements. For 2025 we see a number of clear trends in festival outfits Netherlands that will be seen at festivals throughout the country.

Sustainable festival fashion

Sustainability is central to Dutch festival fashion in 2025. More and more festival-goers are consciously choosing:

1. Second hand or vintage festival clothing
2. Outfits made from recycled materials
3. Locally produced festival fashion
4. Clothes that you can wear in different ways

This movement towards sustainability is not only good for the environment, but also creates unique, one-of-a-kind looks that you don't see everywhere.

Mix of styles

Dutch festival culture embraces diversity, and that is reflected in the clothing choices. Popular combinations for 2025 are:

1. Sporty elements mixed with boho details
2. Urban streetwear with a touch of retro
3. Tech-wear meets nature-inspired items
4. Minimalist basics with striking statement accessories

At the more than 150 festivals in May, from the intimate Secret Love to the large-scale Liberation Festival, you will see this mix of styles, each time adapted to the specific character of the festival.

Practical festival fashion

The Dutch are known for their down-to-earth and practical attitude, and that translates into festival clothing. Popular choices include:

1. Waterproof jackets or ponchos that are still stylish
2. Bag belts or fanny packs that keep your hands free for dancing
3. Comfortable yet fashionable shoes that can withstand a beating
4. Multi-functional garments that you can wear in different ways

At festivals such as Ohm Festival in Delft (24 May) or ASM Festival in Arnhem (17 May) you will see this practical festival fashion, but always with a creative twist that fits the character of the event.

Gender neutral looks

A notable trend in Dutch festival fashion for 2025 is the increase in gender neutral clothing. More and more festival goers are opting for:

1. Oversized shirts and sweaters
2. Unisex accessories and jewelry
3. Utility wear such as cargo pants and vests
4. Colorful, experimental outfits that break traditional gender norms

This trend is especially visible at progressive electronic music festivals such as Music On in Amsterdam and Subcultuur in Nijmegen (May 10).

Overview of some major festivals and concerts

Practical summer festival outfits for any weather type

The Dutch weather in May can be unpredictable. With average temperatures around 13°C and days that can reach over 20°C, you need to be prepared for different types of weather. Your summer festival outfits should therefore be versatile and adaptable.

For a sunny festival day

When the mercury rises above 20°C, you want to stay cool without worrying about sunburn. Ideal outfits include:

1. Airy dresses or skirts made of natural fabrics
2. Shorts with light tops
3. Hats, caps or bandanas for sun protection
4. Sunglasses (not just for style, but also to protect your eyes)

For festivals like Riverdale in Gouda (May 24) or Groove Garden in Sittard (May 17-18), which often take place in sunny locations, these outfits are perfect.

For cooler days

If the temperature fluctuates around the May average, you should opt for:

1. Layers that are easy to put on and take off
2. A light but waterproof jacket
3. Jeans or pants that are comfortable but offer protection
4. A scarf that can also serve as a picnic blanket

These outfits are ideal for festivals early in the month, such as the Liberation Festival on May 5.

Rainproof festival looks

Dutch festivals will go ahead, rain or shine! Be prepared with:

1. Waterproof jackets in bright colours (so your friends can find you)
2. Waterproof shoes or boots
3. Waterproof bag or hip bag for your belongings
4. Quick-drying clothing

For festivals such as Heaven Open Air in Heerenveen (28-29 May), where the P6 Terrain location is quite open, these rainproof looks come in handy.

Essential items for any weather

No matter the weather, there are certain items you should always include in your festival outfit:

1. Comfortable shoes that are suitable for long periods of standing and walking
2. A small waterproof bag for your essentials
3. Layers that you can add or remove depending on the temperature
4. Accessories that complete your outfit, such as neon glasses , a hat or jewelry

Remember that festivals like Het Zusje van Debbie Festival in Nijmegen (May 17) and Losjes Hemelvaart in Den Bosch (May 29) often go on until the evening, when it gets noticeably cooler. Keep this in mind when planning your outfit.

Where to Find the Best Festival Clothing in 2025

Now that you know which trends and styles are popular for the festival summer of 2025, it's time to discover where to find the perfect festival clothing . The Netherlands has a rich offer of shops and online platforms that specialize in festival fashion.

Vintage and second-hand shops

For unique, sustainable festival outfits you can go to:

1. The large vintage markets that are organised in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam prior to the festival season
2. Local thrift stores, where you can often make surprising finds
3. Online platforms for second-hand clothing, where you can specifically search for festival fashion
4. Clothing swap events specifically focused on festival outfits

A vintage or second-hand outfit is not only better for the environment, but also gives you a unique look that no one else has!

Dutch festival fashion brands

The Netherlands has several local brands that specialize in festival clothing that is perfectly tailored to the Dutch festival culture and the Dutch climate:

1. Brands that combine rainproof festival accessories with stylish designs
2. Dutch designers create sustainable festival clothing from recycled materials
3. Local accessory makers who create unique pieces that complete your festival outfit
4. Collaborations between Dutch festivals and clothing brands for exclusive collections

By choosing Dutch brands you support the local economy and get clothing that is truly made with the Dutch festival climate in mind.

Online festival shops

For those who prefer to shop from home, there are numerous online shops that specialize in festival fashion:

1. Online stores with fast deliveries, ideal for last-minute festival plans
2. Platforms that combine different brands for a wide range
3. Online shops with extensive size charts and return policies, so you can be sure your outfit will fit
4. Online stores that offer complete festival looks, from clothing to accessories

When shopping online, please pay attention to delivery times, especially if you order an outfit for a specific festival such as Emporium on May 24 or Nachtcollege Nijmegen on May 29.

Festival markets

Many larger Dutch festivals, such as the Liberation Festival, have their own markets where you can buy clothes and accessories on the spot:

1. Stands with clothing and accessories from local designers
2. Bodypaint and glitter stations to complete your festival look
3. Pop-up shops of well-known festival fashion brands
4. Handmade and unique accessories that you won't find in regular stores

These markets are not only handy if you need something extra, they are also a perfect place to get inspiration for your next festival outfit.

Get ready for an unforgettable festival season

With May 2025 just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your festival attire for a month of music, dance and fun. From the historically important Liberation Festival on 5 May to electronic delights like Emporium, Lakedance and Music On Festival, the Netherlands is abuzz with festival activity in May. Every province and every style of music is represented, with over 150 festivals to choose from.

The perfect festival outfit is a balance of style, comfort and practicality. Consider the weather, the type of festival and your own personal style. Layering is essential for the Dutch climate in May, where temperatures can range from cool to pleasantly warm, with a chance of a shower.

Remember that your festival outfit is an expression of yourself and can enhance your festival experience. Whether you go for a colorful EDM look at Lakedance, a fairytale outfit for the Fairytale Festival or a comfortable but stylish set for the Bevrijdingsfestival - the key is to choose something that you feel good in and that you can dance in for hours.

Use this guide as inspiration to put together your festival looks for May 2025 and make the most of the Dutch festival season. Whether you’re looking for pieces in vintage stores, Dutch brands or online shops - make sure you start early so you’re perfectly prepared for any festival you plan to attend.

Are you ready to shine on the festival fields of the Netherlands? Start putting together your ultimate festival wardrobe today for an unforgettable May full of music, dance and style!

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