What is Best Kept Secret Festival?

Best Kept Secret Festival is held every year in June in Hilvarenbeek, the Netherlands. It is a three-day music and arts festival located in the forested area of Beekse Bergen. The event is known for its blend of alternative music, creative experiences, and high-end food culture. Since its founding, the festival has earned a reputation for discovering new talent while also featuring established international acts.

The festival prides itself on creating a relaxed atmosphere where music lovers can enjoy performances surrounded by water, trees, and nature. It offers more than just concerts: there are film screenings, DJ sets, art installations, and chef-curated food experiences. Best Kept Secret is both a cultural event and a sensory escape.

History and Origin

Best Kept Secret was first held in 2013. It was created as a response to the growing demand for a music festival that combined serious musical curation with a focus on comfort, food, and natural surroundings. From the beginning, the lineup featured a mix of indie, electronic, and experimental music.

The festival quickly gained popularity in the European festival scene. While relatively small compared to major commercial events, its scale is part of its charm. Over the years, Best Kept Secret has hosted acts like Radiohead, Bon Iver, The National, and Arctic Monkeys, as well as rising stars from across the globe.

The event takes place in Safari Park Beekse Bergen, a venue that combines scenic beauty with open water, forests, and wildlife. This location contributes to the festival’s unique vibe, far from the usual asphalt-and-stadium setup.

Who participates in Best Kept Secret Festival?

• Music Fans: Travel from across Europe to enjoy a lineup that combines big names with hidden gems.
• Emerging Artists: Get the chance to perform in front of a dedicated, music-focused audience.
• Food Enthusiasts: Explore gourmet experiences, pop-up restaurants, and local food trucks.
• Creative Collectives: Contribute to the atmosphere through visual installations, workshops, or performances.
• International Travelers: Visit the Netherlands not just for music, but for a complete cultural escape.

Slogans and Themes

Best Kept Secret often works with themes like discovery, depth, and immersion. Phrases such as “Find what you didn’t know you were looking for” and “Music is our best kept secret” reflect the curatorial approach. The festival favors quality over popularity and builds its identity on artistic integrity and aesthetic experience.

Colors, Symbols and Patterns

Colors:

• Earth Tones: Emphasize the natural setting of the festival and connection with the landscape.
• Deep Blue: Refers to the central lake and the festival’s calm, immersive atmosphere.
• Neon Accents: Used for stage lighting and branding, adding contrast and energy.

Symbols:

• Lake and Forest Motifs: Refer to the unique physical setting of the festival grounds.
• Minimalist Typography: Reinforces the festival’s identity as modern, stylish, and refined.
• Silhouettes of Animals: Reference the safari park setting and its peaceful coexistence with the event.

Patterns:

• Ripple Textures: Suggest sound waves and water movement, evoking both music and setting.
• Shadow Layering: Used in graphics and stage visuals to create a dreamlike mood.
• Abstract Geometric Forms: Found in installations and merchandise, enhancing the visual identity.

Most Used Hashtags

• #BestKeptSecret
• #BKSFestival
• #BKS2025
• #BeekseBergen
• #SecretRevealed

How do you celebrate Best Kept Secret Festival?

• Attend the Festival: Experience live music, nature, and curated culture over three days in June.
• Explore New Music: Discover bands and artists you’ve never heard before in an intimate setting.
• Relax by the Lake: Spend downtime in hammocks or on the beach, far from the crowds of traditional festivals.
• Taste Local Cuisine: Try chef-created dishes, craft drinks, and innovative snacks in the food court.
• Join the Nightlife: Dance at afterparties, DJ sets, or secret pop-up events that continue into the early hours.

Why is Best Kept Secret Festival important?

Best Kept Secret is important because it proves that a music festival can offer both world-class talent and a meaningful, immersive experience. It values quality over quantity, sound over spectacle, and connection over chaos. By placing music in the heart of nature and pairing it with culinary and artistic expression, it sets a high standard for what a modern festival can be.

It is also a platform for new voices. Many artists who played early shows at Best Kept Secret have gone on to headline stages around the world. The festival is about discovery, for audiences and performers alike.

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