Warmer weather is here, the sun is somehow setting at 22:00 (?!), and everyone’s gearing up to be outside as much as humanly possible. We can’t believe the year is already halfway through, but as lifelong festival kids, that also means one thing: festival season is in full swing & Lentekabinet is just around the corner.
Set against the green backdrop of Het Twiske, just north of Amsterdam, the 12th edition of Lentekabinet takes place on June 7–8. What to expect? Two days of genre-crossing sounds: From electronic music to global rhythms, local DJs to live acts — plus visual arts, collectives, and curated spaces that celebrate connection, curiosity, and the joy of getting a little lost (in the best way).
We’ve made our fair share of festival mistakes over the years: forgetting snacks, skipping breaks, going full main character at the wrong moment. So we created a foolproof manual on ‘How to Lentekabinet’. Less rulebook, more soft suggestions. Think of it as a pocket guide to small comforts, boundary-setting, crowd etiquette, and what not to miss.
From remembering a sweater for the ride home to locating your bike in daylight, it’s the little things that make the big difference.
Check the full lineup and all practical info via lentekabinet.nl, and keep on reading for Aa’s very own tips and tricks.
Acts not to miss
As always Lentekabinet’s lineup brings together a mix of Amsterdam gems and international names, spanning everything from dance-floor legends to genre-bending artists. At Aa we have a soft spot for live music acts and girl DJS. Keep reading to find out who we’ll be there early (or staying late) for.
Michael Ekow & May Saturday, Aster stage – 15:00
Michael Ekow & May blur the lines between indie, hip-hop, and electronic, with a sound driven by a voice that’s both distinct and deeply emotive. After debuting as a duo in 2024 with a collaborative project that defied easy categorisation, shaped by contrast, chemistry, and continuous evolution, they’re now gearing up for the release of a new EP and their highly anticipated Lentekabinet debut.
Tienson & Phantom Whistle Saturday, Aster stage – 17:00
Known for his work with Jungle By Night, Tienson teams up with Phantom Whistle in a live format that explores percussion, movement, and texture. Expect an unpredictable yet layered performance: rhythmic, tactile, and full of heart.
ISAbella Saturday, Poppy stage – 19:00
The Barcelona-based MARICAS co-founder ISAbella plays with full confidence and intention. Her sets are fast-paced and fun, blending house, electro, and rave influences.
Jyoty & Cinnaman Saturday, The Swamp – 23:00
Two of Amsterdam’s most acclaimed selectors join forces for a b2b that’s all about range and connection. Jyoty’s upbeat, cross-genre selections paired with Cinnaman’s expert transitions promise a night that aöready fills us with excitement just thinking about it.
Crystallmess Saturday, Sundew stage – 23:00
Crystallmess is a standout in the European club circuit for a reason. Her sets move fast and think sharp — blending techno, trap, Jersey club, and ambient into something high-impact and deeply current. A perfect close for Sundew on Saturday, hosted by Kanaal40.
Angel D’Lite Sunday, Poppy stage – 23:00
Angel D’Lite plays fast, euphoric dance music with roots in trance, rave, and early breakbeat. Her return to Lentekabinet is highly anticipated, and her closing slot at Poppy promises to be high energy and full of joy.
Antal & Ron Trent Sunday, Lotus stage – 20:00
A rare b2b between two selectors who know exactly what they’re doing. Ron Trent brings decades of deep house knowledge, while Antal taps into the crate-digging intuition that defines Rush Hour. Expect one of the deepest, most dialed-in sets of the weekend.
From shaping Chicago’s underground in the ‘80s to co-founding Prescription Records, Ron Trent’s impact on house music is undeniable. Antal, with his legenathdary collection and ear for the unexpected, matches that energy in his own way. Together? A history lesson you can dance to.
Ploegendienst Sunday, Aster stage – 23:00
Ploegendienst bring raw punk energy and urgent lyricism, led by Ray Fuego’s unmistakable delivery. Their live shows are intense and unapologetic. Expect noise, crowd movement, and a lot to shout along to.
Roza Terenzi & S-candalo Saturday, Poppy stage – 22:00
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Roza Terenzi and S-candalo are both known for their forward-thinking club sets, rooted in house and breaks. Together, they’ll deliver something that’s rhythmic, well-paced, and perfect for the late evening.
Sarkawt Hamad Sunday, Poppy stage – 14:00
Sarkawt Hamad is a fast-rising name in the Dutch club scene. Her sets are wide-ranging — expect house, techno, and breaks. Always with a focus on rhythm and emotional tension.
ZEP (live) Sunday, Aster stage – 21:00
ZEP is a multi-instrumentalist with a distinctly selg-taught approach. His live set is upbeat and full of character, blending funk, soul, and groove-driven experimentation into something that feels both raw and polished.
Aa’s Tips and Tricks
Now that you know which acts not to miss, here’s a few things we’d like to keep in mind: habits, reminders, and low-stakes advice to help you make the weekend smoother (and a lot more fun).
Dance with the crowd—or don’t. Facing the DJ isn’t a rule, it’s a habit.
Take breaks. Your body’s talking,listen.
Drink water. You’re 70% water, act like it.
Make a friend or five. Or just share a knowing nod with a stranger.
Know your limits. Then, actually respect them
Gone too far? Ask for help.
Wander. Get a little lost. Some of the best moments happen off-script.
Keep your phone in your pocket. The magic’s in the moment, and your phone’s just not invited to the party.
Treating the dance floor like a networking event? Don’t.
Don’t judge others for having a good time differently than you.
Finally, and this should go without saying, this space is for everyone. The dance floor should be a safe, free, and welcoming place for all. Let’s keep it that way.
Discrimination of any kind is never acceptable. Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or even just making someone uncomfortable with your energy or attention, is a firm no.
Lentekabinet is working with Sexmatters and the IVY Foundation to ensure social safety through a dedicated team. You’ll find them at the heart of the festival grounds. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you experience or witness anything concerning.
What to Bring
It’s easy to underestimate how much the little things matter, until you’re three stages deep, overstimulated and with dry lips. Think ahead: bring something sweet to keep your energy up, a layer for when the sun disappears, and mints for obvious reasons. Your future self will thank you.
Aa’s Essentials:
- Sunglasses
- Sugary snack or almonds
- Sunscreen
- Breath mints or gum
- Tissues
- Sanitizer
- Digi or analog cam
- Earplugs
- Layers
On the Grounds
The festival grounds are beautiful but sprawling and let’s be honest, things get blurry after dark. A little coordination goes a long way, especially when signal’s low and energy’s high.
- Drop a pin or take a photo of where you parked your bike
- Pick a meeting spot early
- Share your location with your friends, to prevent the never-ending ‘wya’ thread
See you in the woods. Until then, map your route, prep your snacks, check the weather forecast, and maybe start a playlist to set the tone. Festivals come and go, but the best ones stay with you: in the memories, the sore muscles, the voice notes you won’t remember sending. So let’s soak it all in, stay present, and truly dance like nobody’s filming.
xx, Aa
