Breaking News: Defqon.1 is cancelled

"The unthinkable has happened": Defqon.1 2026 has been cancelled for the remainder of the weekend. Q-dance has announced that the Holy Grounds will close on Friday, June 26, after the KNMI issued a code red weather warning due to extreme heat in the Netherlands.

The festival in Biddinghuizen was supposed to continue until Sunday, but the organisation has been forced to make the devastating decision in consultation with the authorities. According to Q-dance, the safety of visitors, artists, crew and staff can no longer be guaranteed under the expected weather conditions.

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“The unthinkable has happened,” Q-dance shared in an official statement. “Defqon.1 has been cancelled for the remainder of the weekend. Effective on Friday June 26th, the Holy Grounds will close their gates.”

The decision comes after the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute issued a code red warning due to extreme heat for several provinces, including Flevoland. Q-dance stated that this is the first time the Netherlands has ever issued a code red warning because of high temperatures.

Weekend Warriors asked to travel home

Tens of thousands of Weekend Warriors are currently staying at the Camping Grounds, many of whom travelled from all over the world and prepared for months to be part of this year’s edition. Q-dance calls the situation the “worst-case scenario”, especially with the festival fully built and ready to continue.

On Friday, the Camping Grounds and part of the Festival Grounds will remain open, but without musical programming. Essential facilities will remain available, giving visitors time to arrange their journey home safely. Guests are asked to leave the campsite during the course of Friday.

Earlier measures were not enough

Earlier this week, Defqon.1 had already announced major measures because of the expected heat. On Friday and Saturday, only weekend ticket holders would be allowed to enter the festival, reducing the number of visitors by around 15,000 per day.

However, after the code red warning was issued, Q-dance and the authorities concluded that continuing the festival would create unnecessary risks.

Tickets will be refunded

Q-dance has confirmed that all tickets will be refunded. More information about the refund process and possible additional compensation will follow after the weekend.

The cancellation is a heartbreaking moment for the entire harder styles community: visitors, artists, crew, creatives and everyone who worked tirelessly to bring this edition to life.

📸 Q-dance