ESNS has just opened the application process for all European acts – signed or unsigned, regardless of genre – to play ESNS 2026 – happening January 14-17. Applications are open until September 1st, 2025.
Founded in 1986, ESNS is an annual 4-day showcase festival and music conference in Groningen, the Netherlands. Every January, ESNS showcases 350 emerging European artists to over 40,000 music fans plus 4,000 industry professionals, including representatives of 400 international festivals.
As far as Austrian artists are concerned, ESNS has served as a springboard for artists like OSKA, Takeshi’s Cashew, Sharktank, My Ugly Clementine, Lou Asril, Alicia Edelweiss, UCHE YARA and Lukas Oscar. And that’s just in the last few years. Have we got your attention? Then read on…
How to apply
The application process could hardly be simpler: just head over to the application website and dive in. Please note that only European acts are eligible to play at the showcase festival – other than that, it’s pretty much an open field. So get to it – het lukt je wel!
Before submitting your application, please note the following:
Only acts from European countries are eligible to play at Eurosonic. You can apply if your country is listed below:
Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Farao Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, The United Kingdom.
About ESNS
ESNS has an impressive track record, and you can become part of it! Many European artists played their first international show in Groningen or were discovered through ESNS by their label, talent agency, or a large summer festival. ESNS alumni include AURORA, Stromae, Christine and the Queens, Buraka Som Sistema, Fontaines D.C., Sigrid, Marina Satti & Fonés, Altin Gün, Priya Ragu, The Haunted Youth, The XX, Robyn, Tramhaus, Sam Smith, Hozier, Alyona Alyona, Viagra Boys, Zaho de Sagazan, freekind., Kaleo, Chalk, Fat Dog, and many more.
Each year ESNS attracts over 4000 delegates, including representatives of more than 400 international festivals.