5x Must-sees Hit The City Festival

Get ready, because Hit The City is back! And it’s going to be huge. Here’s the scoop right away: artists like Broederliefde, Ronnie Flex, Pommelien Thijs, and Bente are all coming to Eindhoven! Normally, a lineup like this would cost a pretty penny. But not at Hit The City—the festival is completely free. With over 70 artists—from hiphop and metal to indie and pop—there’s an incredible amount to discover. Performances take place at both indoor and outdoor locations across the city. For the real must-sees, keep reading!

Opening night madness

To set the tone, the wild Aussie garage rockers Psychedelic Porn Crumpets kick things off. Every show feels like an explosion — think Tame Impala and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, but a little crazier. With a new album almost every year, expect the unexpected.

When: Thursday, 28 August
Where: Grote Zaal, Effenaar

Pop overload

We know the Ketelhuisplein is big, but with this line-up, you’ll want to arrive early. Expect Dutch pop stars like Pommelien Thijs (ok, technically Belgian), Bente, Blanks, The Indien, and Maan. From Liverpool, Circa Waves bring their indie rock magic. No excuses — catch them all.

When: Saturday, 30 and Sunday, 31 August
Where: Ketelhuisplein

Hip hop takeover

Hip hop heads, this one's for you. Ronnie Flex, Broederliefde, Sef, and Eindhoven’s very own Fresku are taking over the Ketelhuisplein. Still have energy left? Gotu Jim will go all out at Effenaar, Brunzyn is bound to start a moshpit at Dynamo, and don't sleep on Noah — famous Dutch rapper Sticks calls him one to watch. Over at Altstadt, Glintsal will tear the place apart.

Big names, small stages

On Friday night, Tramhaus and the Stroomhuis crew take over Effenaar with post-punk and indie rock. Lose yourself in the chaos of Grote Geelstaart, a band in white shirts and ties that blends punk, funk, and absurdity. Local heroes SØWT deliver raw ’90s punk energy with melodic twists. And, of course, Tramhaus themselves storm the stage — after smashing Lowlands, Down the Rabbit Hole, and Best Kept Secret, it’s Eindhoven's turn.

When: Friday, 29 August
Where: Grote and Kleine Zaal, Effenaar 

Find your new favorite

Want to wander instead of going big right away? Take a music tour through Eindhoven's city center and Strijp-S. On Friday and Saturday, you’ll discover local and international talent at Dynamo, Altstadt, POPEI, Café The Jack, Café Wilhelmina, Effenaar, and ’t Rozenknopje. Artists to check out include Lyvia, Octave Lissner, Jawnino, Emma Hessels, Dylan van Dael, and Charlie Avalon. See the full program here.

When: Friday, 29 and Saturday, 30 August
Where: Various venues