5x Must-sees at Hit The City

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the free music festival Hit The City is back from 29 August till 1 September! Wait, wasn’t it always in October? Yes, but this summer, they’re coming in hot with indoor and outdoor venues, plus over 100 live acts all over the city—from guitar bands and pop music to hip-hop and everything in between. For HTC OGs, it’s a no-brainer: this festival is the ultimate way to (re)discover music. With these five tips, you’ll have the absolute highlights noted down!

Opening night with The Haunted Youth

Kicking things off on a high note, the festival opens with Belgian indie sensation The Haunted Youth. Led by Joachim Liebens, this band has skyrocketed to fame with their dreamy guitar riffs and powerful anthems that dive deep into life’s struggles. Their debut album, Dawn Of The Freak, became an instant global hit. Now that’s making an entrance with a bang!

When: Thursday, 29 August
Where: Grote Zaal (main hall), Effenaar

Friday nights are for hip-hop

Are you a hip-hop fanatic? Then you can’t miss Idaly and Mula B at Hit The City! On Friday, 30 August, these top-notch artists will take the stage at the Effenaar. With an Edison Pop Award under his belt, Gambian-Dutch rapper Idaly is making serious waves. Teaming up with The Hague’s trap pioneer Mula B, they’re serving up a hip-hop feast you won’t want to miss. Start memorizing those lyrics now!

When: Friday, 30 August
Where: Grote Zaal (main hall), Effenaar

MEROL and Sampa the Great at Ketelhuisplein

From Lowlands to Paradiso, Dordrecht’s own pop powerhouse Merel Baldé, aka MEROL, has been rocking the stage for years now with her electrifying tunes, inspired by '80s disco legends like Kylie Minogue and Donna Summer. Ready for a night out with the girls? Mark your calendar for Sunday, 1 September, when she takes over the main stage at Ketelhuisplein.

But don’t even think about resting up the night before! On Saturday, singer-songwriter Sampa the Great will be spinning a sonic cocktail of hip-hop beats, African rhythms, and smooth R&B. Her vocals swing from confident rap to silky soul-jazz, all wrapped up in poetic flair. So, buckle up!

When: Saturday, 31 August, and Sunday, 1 September
Where: Ketelhuisplein

Drum 'n Bass night with Polyphonic

For the night owls, Effenaar is the place to be on Saturday, 31 August. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a mosh pit. What led up to this? Well, Polyphonic only needs to hit one note, and off you go! These drum and bass godfathers, together with a massive orchestra, will bring the main hall to its knees. Still not convinced? This headliner is praised by dnb legends like Noisia, Netsky, and Macky Gee. There’s no turning back now!

When: Saturday, 31 August
Where: Grote Zaal (main hall), Effenaar

Musical exploration in downtown Eindhoven

Not ready to dive in headfirst? Embark on a musical safari through downtown Eindhoven and hunt down both local and international talent. On Friday and Saturday, the city's hotspots—Muziekgebouw Kleine Zaal, Dynamo, Altstadt, Stroomhuis, Café The Jack, Café Wilhelmina, Effenaar Kleine Zaal, and 't Rozenknopje—are bursting with discoveries. We'll give you a tiny sneak peek with artists such as Gustaf, Crystal Chanay, and Walt Disco. Check out the full program here.

When: Saturday, 31 August, and Sunday, 1 September
Where: several locations