Tomorrowland: Does It Live Up to the Hype?!
Experiencing Tomorrowland in Belgium
This summer, I had the fortune of ending my Europe trip at the annual Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festival in Belgium known as Tomorrowland. Where is Tomorrowland? It’s hosted in Boom, Belgium, and is renowned as the quintessential EDM festival of Europe, and many argue, the world.
I wound up doing a Full Madness Pass for Weekend Two, although there’s also a Comfort Pass option that grants access to VIP areas. Personally, I prefer being down in the pit where the action is, so I didn’t spend extra on the Comfort section, avoiding the boredom I’ve felt at VIP areas at other festivals. The logistics for attending Tomorrowland, especially as an American, are significant and cannot be understated.
Navigating Tomorrowland Logistics
To start, the logistics for Tomorrowland are a bit complex, though Belgium does a good job preparing for the influx of festival-goers. First, you’ll need to get to Brussels. For Americans, this likely means a long flight with at least one layover. From Brussels, you’ll take a train to Boom, which is about two hours away. Once in Boom, you’ll need to take a bus to your campsite or walk to the festival gates.
Feeling adventurous, I scheduled Tomorrowland at the end of my four-week Europe trip, opting to camp where I brought all my own gear and pitched my tent. There are several campsites, and I stayed at Magnificent Greens, the furthest from the festival. Two closer options, Easy Tent and Montagoe, are available; I recommend Easy Tent as it strikes a good balance. Montagoe, the most luxurious option requiring no setup, isn’t necessarily the most fun.
The Scale of Tomorrowland
Once your campsite is set up, you’re ready for the festival. Tomorrowland is massive, featuring over 15 stages, with the main stage towering multiple stories high and stretching the length of several football fields.
Who performs at Tomorrowland? The lineup is incredible. On Sunday afternoon and evening alone, I saw David Guetta, John Summit, Anayma, Afrojack, and Tiesto. For a sneak peek, checking out the Tomorrowland trailer can give you a feel for the festival’s energy and stage design.
The Crowd and Culture of Tomorrowland
The crowd at Tomorrowland is primarily European and highly diverse, with attendees often displaying their country flags at campsites. Based on demographics data, the average age of attendees is around 27, which aligns with my experience. While the festival is for all ages, I didn’t meet anyone under 25.
I attended as a solo traveler, and meeting people was easy. Whether you go solo, with one friend, or in a group, you’re guaranteed a good time. Many attendees with Comfort Passes shared they had more fun in the main crowd than in VIP areas.
Observations on Fitness and Style
In my travels across Europe, I’ve concluded that while Europeans are generally in better physical condition than Americans, the extreme ends of fitness seen in the U.S., particularly on the West Coast, are less common. Although Tomorrowland attendees were stylish and fit, the sheer volume of “best-looking people” doesn’t compare to my home on the West Coast of America.
Why I Wouldn’t Return to Tomorrowland
Would I go to Tomorrowland again? The short answer is no, but not for the reasons you might think. The logistics were a significant factor. Hauling camping gear at the end of a long Europe trip and navigating trains and buses to a remote part of Belgium proved too much.
Additionally, given my location in the U.S., I can easily drive or take a short flight to festivals like Coachella or events in Las Vegas. For similar experiences without the logistical challenges, these domestic options are more practical.
Final Thoughts on Tomorrowland
Despite my decision not to return, I’m glad to have experienced Tomorrowland. The Tomorrowland 2024 lineup is sure to feature incredible EDM artists, and the festival remains a fantastic option for those looking to see European DJs or artists who rarely perform in the U.S. The size and scope of Tomorrowland are unparalleled, making it a bucket-list event for EDM enthusiasts.
However, for Americans, especially those on the West Coast, the ease of attending domestic festivals often outweighs the challenges of traveling to Belgium. Still, if Tomorrowland has always been on your list, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth having.
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