On June 21, 2025, Audio Obscura did something pretty extraordinary. They transformed a busy section of Amsterdam’s A10 highway into a huge, nine-hour dance party. It was part of Festival op de Ring and also a way to celebrate Amsterdam’s 750th birthday. The idea of turning a highway into a rave might sound a bit crazy, but it actually worked — spectacularly well.
The Logistics Behind the Madness
Organizing a party on a highway is no small feat. I spoke to a few people who helped make it happen, and the scale of planning was impressive. There were countless permits to get, from the city council, police, and transport authorities. Traffic had to be redirected, safety protocols put in place, and sound and lighting rigs installed on what is normally just concrete and asphalt. Imagine the challenges in sound engineering too — no walls, just open space with huge cars passing by on either side (before the road closed, of course). The sheer scale was daunting, but the team behind Audio Obscura is known for pushing boundaries, and they pulled it off with professionalism and vision.
What It Was Like to Be There
Arriving at the RAI metro station area, you immediately felt the energy. The usual hum of city life was replaced by pulsating beats and the buzz of thousands of people ready to celebrate. The highway, with its raw concrete walls and overhead signs, became an unlikely but incredible backdrop. It gave the event a gritty, industrial feel that worked perfectly with the electronic music scene’s underground spirit.
The crowd started flowing in early afternoon and quickly swelled to tens of thousands. It was incredible to see so many people united by the music and the moment. But with such a large crowd, some issues did arise. At one point, crowd pressure got intense, and some people tried climbing fences, which prompted the organizers to pause the music for almost an hour. It was a tense moment, but what stood out was how calmly and efficiently the team worked with police and security to manage the situation and get everyone safe. Once the music started again, the mood lifted immediately, proving the resilience and respect of the crowd.
The Lineup: Back-to-Back Sets That Kept the Energy Flowing
The music was, of course, the heart of the event. Audio Obscura curated a stellar lineup that blended local talent and international names, all performing back-to-back sets that kept the energy flowing seamlessly for nine hours.
The day kicked off with Yanik, who won the Armada DJ contest, setting an upbeat tone. Then Michel de Hey b2b M-High took over with a deep, driving set that perfectly matched the early afternoon atmosphere. Later on, Emvae & Moxes brought a textured progressive vibe, layering the soundscape with fresh energy.
As the afternoon turned to evening, the music shifted gears. SAIDAH b2b Locklead offered punchy garage and groovy techno that got the crowd bouncing, before the legendary Joris Voorn b2b Benny Rodrigues closed the daylight sets with a memorable, festival-level performance.
Nightfall brought some of the evening’s most electric moments. Young Marco b2b Kyra Khaldi blended trance, house, and timeless classics into a cosmic journey through sound. Then Doudou MD b2b Elias Mazian layered deep, sun-drenched grooves, keeping the vibe intimate despite the scale. LAMMER b2b Bella Claxton cranked up the tempo with fast-paced house and trance, building energy as the city lights flickered on.
After the temporary break for safety, the music resumed with Moody Mehran, who delivered one of the most euphoric sets of the night. The moment Summer Jam played was electric, a real highlight for many. The night closed out with Benwal b2b TLM Airlines, rounding off the event with solid energy and deep connection.
A surprise finale with Armin van Buuren b2b Benwal was planned but had to be canceled due to safety concerns. Even so, the anticipation of such a legendary pairing added an extra layer of excitement to an already unforgettable night.
Support from CUPRA and the Community
The event wouldn’t have been possible without CUPRA, the car brand’s music initiative that helped fund and support the entire production. Their backing allowed the event to be free to attend, which made it accessible to a wide audience, while still maintaining a high level of production quality. The whole setup looked and sounded like something you’d expect from a big festival, just in a completely unexpected location.
There was also a special limited-edition merch drop, a collaboration with Applied Art Forms — the fashion label founded by Coldplay’s bassist Guy Berryman. The €75 t-shirts sold out fast and helped raise funds to keep this ambitious project going. It was a cool way for ravers to take a piece of the night home with them.
Why This Matters
More than just a party, the Highway Rave showed that electronic music is deeply woven into Amsterdam’s identity, capable of transforming even the most mundane urban spaces into places of community and celebration. It also challenged ideas about public space and how we interact with it, reclaiming a major artery of the city for one night in the name of music and connection.
The event also set a new benchmark for what’s possible when culture, city planning, and creativity come together. Audio Obscura didn’t just throw a rave; they created a shared memory that people will talk about for years.
If you were there, you already know how special it was. If you missed it, don’t worry — this event will be talked about for a long time, and chances are Audio Obscura has more surprises up their sleeve.
The Highway Rave was daring, expertly executed, and full of heart. It’s a reminder that the best parties happen when you dare to think bigger, push boundaries, and bring people together in unexpected ways.
Here’s to more nights like this, wherever they may be.
