Tweet02-06-2010 om 10:00 by Amanda Potter

Every year for 41 years the organizers of PinkPop have arranged for you to experience a 3-day musical extravaganza with some of the best pop, rock, and alternative musicians from both the US and Europe. Conveniently located at a festival field in Landgraaf, PinkPop is practically in your backyard if you live in Limburg (and you can camp if you don’t). Based on our awesome experience this year, here are 6 ways to make your PinkPop rock!



1) Do your research. PinkPop has three stages (1 main & 2 smaller) with 10-16 acts per day and it isn’t possible to see them all. A little research via the PinkPop site and MySpace will help you decide who to see. Plus you might discover new favorite. We did.

2) Watch the skies. Weather can change in an instant and the show must go on rain or shine. Be prepared for everything from hot sun to a sudden downpour by wearing layers and bringing a raincoat (umbrellas are not allowed). A waterproof ground cover makes waiting for acts to begin much more pleasant.

3) Travel by train. Special trains run from Maastricht & Eindhoven to Heerlen and from Heerlen to Landgraaf for PinkPop on all three days and will help you avoid parking hassles. A special PinkPop train ticket is sold for the event that will get you to and from the festival every day for much cheaper than paying for individual tickets. A bus runs between the festival grounds and the train station and the distance is very walkable as well.

4) Eat well & drink water. You cannot bring your own food into the festival grounds, but food tickets are not unreasonable at 4 tickets for 10 euros. Drinks are generally 1-2 tickets and food from 1-5. Water is free. A large variety of food is available so you can eat fairly healthily if you wish. Try the kaasfondue. It was delicious.

5) Get the best “seat” in the house. Since the main stage and two smaller stages alternate time slots you can plan your position. If you’re going to be in the tent stage, getting in the front half will garner the best acoustics. If you want to be right up front for the main stage, you’ll have to go through a guarded turnstile. Get in line early for popular events and be prepared for a serious crush.

6) Pace yourself & go home happy. As a rule the closer to the stage you are, the more you must be engaged with the music. We like to be close only for our favorites so we don’t get too worn out. Pick a handful of acts that you just have to be close to the stage for and then sit or stand further back for the other ones to protect your sanity. And your feet. Leave when you’re tired, but not crabby so you can preserve your positive memories of another awesome music festival.



Did you miss PinkPop this year? Fear not. Landgraaf’s festival area hosts several events throughout the summer. Check out the 4th annual Pinkpop Classic on the 14th August, 2010 held in the same location and for much less.

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