GRONINGEN – The Grasnapolsky festival is building momentum for its return, announcing 30 new additions to the lineup for its first edition at the EMG & Zakkenloods in Groningen city center from May 14-16. The festival, known for showcasing emerging talent, promises a diverse musical experience spanning genres from hyperpop to shoegaze, punk to hip-hop and folk to electronic.
For over a decade, Grasnapolsky has been a launchpad for artists who would later fill larger venues. Acts like Froukje, Goldband, Tamino, S10, and Bazart all graced the festival’s stages early in their careers, solidifying its reputation within the Dutch music industry as a place where talent begins.
The expanded lineup features a mix of returning favorites and fresh discoveries. Hiqpy, a Dutch indie band nominated for two Edison awards, will return after playing one of their first festival shows at Grasnapolsky two years ago. They’ll be performing on a prime spot this year, coinciding with the release of their debut album. Belgian duo GLINTSAL, known for their hip-hop program on Studio Brussel, will bring their blend of 80s synths and soul samples to the festival. Honey I’m Home, recently hailed by 3voor12 as the “coolest new band in the Netherlands” and a top performer at Noorderslag, will similarly capture the stage with their unique mix of shoegaze, indie, and emo.
Adding an international flavor to the festival is the Scottish band Brògeal, combining folk music and instruments from Ireland and Scotland to create what they describe as “real Scottish pop music that’s too folk for the indie kids and too indie for the folky dads.”
Grasnapolsky is also partnering with Girls to the Front, a Dutch collective celebrating punk sounds from FLINTA* (Female, Intersex, Non-binary, Transgender, and Agender) artists. This collaboration will feature performances from Hondenfokker, Ontaard, and Naaimachine, alongside a dedicated workshop. Angelo Pertijs, the festival’s music programmer, noted the importance of this partnership, stating, “It’s great to deepen our collaboration with the Girls to the Front collective, which is committed to increasing the visibility of FLINTA acts. They will host a stage on Thursday evening of Grasnapolsky with performances by Ontaard, Hondenfokker and Naaimachine – all acts that appear on the album: Girls to the Front, vol 2 which was released on March 13th.”
To broaden accessibility, Grasnapolsky will offer day tickets for the first time, going on sale March 19th at 10:00 AM. This allows residents of Groningen and visitors alike to experience the festival without committing to a full weekend pass. The festival aims to attract a wider audience from the city and reintroduce locals to its new home at the EMG, and Zakkenloods.
The full lineup, as of today, includes Alexander Moto, Alice Olsthoorn, Badminton, Bricknasty, Brògeal, Dear Omen, DJ st. Paul, Eva van Manen, Figgie, Fit, Gespuys, GLINTSAL, Halfpastseven, HEADS WILL ROLL, Hiqpy, Honey I’m Home, Hondenfokker, KABOUTERTJE PUTLUCHT, Kaya, Kleine Kova, Ko Kliko, L’orne, M2K, MAHA, MAIN., MAYA MARIA, Moonloops, Naaimachine, Naga Kirana, NEWÃRK, Öhne Umlaut, Ontaard, Ratboys, Rens & Jaïr, segadeath, SERVICE, The ETTERS, tjels, Tom Forever, Velocity Made Quality, XXJULÍA, and Yong Yello.
This year marks a significant transition for Grasnapolsky, moving from its previous location in Scheemda to the EMG (a grain warehouse built in 1908 with a 30-meter silo) and the Zakkenloods in Groningen. The festival organizers describe this move as following the route of the grain itself – from the countryside through the Eemskanaal to the city. The EMG and Zakkenloods, two distinct buildings with their own character, offer a unique setting for the festival’s blend of music, art, and expeditions.
Grasnapolsky has always sought a balance between established artists and emerging talent, and a connection with its surroundings. The festival’s organizers emphasize that a performance at Grasnapolsky serves as a “quality stamp” for musicians, signaling they are ready for the next stage in their careers. The festival’s theme for 2026, “Everything Will Always Be Different,” reflects this period of change and growth, mirroring the festival’s own evolution.
The move to Groningen represents a shift from a more remote, winter-focused event to a spring festival in a more accessible urban environment. The organizers hope this change will attract a broader audience and solidify Grasnapolsky’s position as a key event on the Dutch festival calendar.
Day tickets for Grasnapolsky 2026 go on sale March 19th at 10:00 AM and the full daily program can be found on the festival website: www.grasnapolsky.nl.
The festival is scheduled to run from May 14-16, 2026.
