Appelpop in Tiel: The Largest Free Music Festival in the Netherlands

A Fruity Start with a Big Impact

Appelpop began in 1992 as a modest sidekick to the Fruitcorso, an annual parade in Tiel that celebrates fruit growing in the Betuwe region. What began as a small extra quickly grew into a spectacle in its own right, organised by the Stichting Muziekstad Tiel. By 2000, the festival was already attracting more than 100,000 visitors, and in 2009 a record 170,000 revellers were recorded. Today, Appelpop welcomes around 150,000 visitors over two days, spread across five stages, and remains completely free thanks to an army of 700 volunteers and generous sponsors.

The location on the Waalkade, with the River Waal as a picturesque backdrop, gives the festival a unique vibe. Whether you're dancing in front of the main stage, enjoying a beer on the Waal terrace, or letting loose in the Desperado Area, the atmosphere is always relaxed and inclusive. And the best part? You don't have to pay a penny to join the party!

The Line-up in 2025: From Big Names to Emerging Talent

Appelpop is known for its broad and diverse programme, with something for everyone: from pop and rock to hip hop and electronic beats. In 2025, the 32nd edition promises to be a blast with 43 performances spread across five stages, a significant expansion from the three stages of previous years. The Mainstage, which will be rotated 90 degrees this year and will be almost twice as large, will host the biggest acts. The Herwijnen Stage focuses on alternative sounds, while the Go-Tan Stage presents fresh and quirky talent. The Desperado Area, now a fully covered stage, is the place to be for dance lovers, and the Covebo Stage remains a crowd favourite for its mix of styles.

Names such as Kensington, Guus Meeuwis, Chef'Special, Claude, Meau, Maan, Russo, The Kik, Hannah Mae, Bente, Wodan Boys, The Vices, Prins S. en De Geit, and Lenny Monsou have already been confirmed for 2025. In the past, artists such as BLØF, Racoon, Anouk, Within Temptation, and Golden Earring have graced the stages, underlining Appelpop's reputation as a showcase for Dutch talent. Fun fact: in 2022, the line-up consisted entirely of Dutch acts to give new talent a stage, and the audience went wild for bands such as Goldband and Froukje.

Why Appelpop Is a Must-Visit

What makes Appelpop so special is its combination of accessibility and quality. The festival is free, but feels like a world-class paid event. With five stages in 2025, there is more choice than ever, from intimate performances on the Go-Tan Stage to spectacular shows on the Main Stage. The festival market offers tasty snacks, from chips to vegan delicacies, and the fairground provides extra fun. For those who want to stay, there is the Appelpop Camping, a cosy place within walking distance with shuttle buses to the site. Prices start at £38, and regulars swear by the relaxed atmosphere and the lake for swimming.

Accessibility is also excellent: from Tiel station, it's a 10-15 minute walk to the Waalkade, and NS and Arriva are putting on extra trains. Cyclists can park their bikes for free at the secure parking facility at the Oude Haven, and motorists can follow the parking attendants to spaces in Tiel or Wamel. For disabled visitors, there are special parking spaces, disabled toilets and accessible paths, so everyone can join in the festivities.

An Apple for the Future

Appelpop continues to reinvent itself. In 2025, the festival site will undergo a metamorphosis, with more chill-out areas such as the Waalterras and a larger Main Stage to accommodate even more visitors. The organisation, supported by sponsors and ‘Friends of Appelpop’, is working hard to keep the festival free, even in times when other free festivals are having to cut back. As a Friend, you can donate for extras such as a smaller ecological footprint and a chance to win VIP tickets.

So, mark 12 and 13 September 2025 in your diary, grab a raincoat (you never know!), and come to Tiel for a weekend full of music, fun and Betuwe conviviality. Check www.appelpop.nl for the latest line-up updates and practical information. Appelpop is not just a festival – it's a party that steals your heart, and it's completely free!

Anecdotes that Capture the Atmosphere

1. The Silent Disco That Turned the Tent Upside DownOne of the highlights of recent editions is the Covebo Silent Disco, where festival-goers let loose with headphones on different DJ channels. In 2023, it was such a hit that the tent became overcrowded, and people were dancing outside without headphones – purely on the energy of the crowd! One visitor tweeted: ‘I didn't know I could party so hard in silence!’ Moments like these make Appelpop unforgettable.

2. The Volunteer Heroes of TielAppelpop runs on the passion of some 700 volunteers, who take care of everything from setting up stages to serving drinks. A legendary anecdote comes from 2019, when a volunteer accidentally flooded a beer tap during a performance by The Dirty Daddies. Instead of panicking, the audience began to cheer and ‘swim’ in the foamy chaos. The volunteer became the hero of the day, and the moment went viral on social media.

3. The Foot Ferry AdventureVisitors who take the foot ferry from Wamel to the festival grounds experience a mini adventure. In 2024, a group of friends tried to smuggle their bicycles onto the ferry, despite the ban on bicycles and mopeds. The skipper sent them back with a laugh, but gave them a free return ticket if they promised to dance at De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig. They kept their word, and the video of their dance moves became a hit on TikTok.