About Le Guess Who?

"LGW proves that even in times of political divide, music and art can bring us together into a more hopeful future" – The Line of Best Fit

With the motto of Listening is the Way Forward, Le Guess Who? is widely considered to be one of the most forward-thinking festivals around. Le Guess Who? exists to promote sounds that are often overlooked, and to platform fresh perspectives on what is possible in music.

Here, artists from all over the world push the boundaries of expectations and offer an insight into the unprecedented diversity of human creativity.

Over the years, Le Guess Who? has grown into a leading international festival, known for the inspiring way in which groundbreaking music is presented. In 2025, visitors from 52 different countries travelled to Utrecht in November to attend the festival. Our mission:

A playground for discovery and exploration, Le Guess Who? changes minds through music and connects communities worldwide through the power of sound

Índio da Cuíca during his performance at Le Guess Who Festival in TivoliVredenburg. Índio da Cuíca and the band are on stage performing, while the audience is standing around them.

"What the Dutch festival really excels at is diversity, showcasing artists who have been blurring boundaries for decades and reminding us that a better world is possible" – BUST Magazine

Every November, Le Guess Who? takes over the entire city of Utrecht, with over 150 artists performing in pop venues, theaters, churches, clubs, warehouses, and more.

U? is the participative and freely accessible day program of Le Guess Who?, celebrating local and creative communities.

COSMOS is a hybrid platform highlighting independent music scenes from around the world. We invite vibrant music communities from every corner of the map to become COSMOS Embassies and to share their stories through mixtapes, film, live radio, conversations and performances - both online and offline.

Previous Le Guess Who? curators

2025: Amirtha Kidambi, Asher Gamedze, Edna Martinez, gyrofield, Lonnie Holley, Tianzhuo Chen, Valentina Magaletti, Ziúr
2024: Arooj Aftab, Bo Ningen, Crystallmess, DARKSIDE, Hannah Elsisi, Mabe Fratti, Touching Bass
2023: Heba Kadry, Nala Sinephro, Slauson Malone 1, Stereolab
2022: Animal Collective, clipping., CURL
2021: John Dwyer, Lucrecia Dalt, Midori Takada, Matana Roberts, Phil Elverum
2019: Fatoumata Diawara, Iris van Herpen & Salvador Breed, Jenny Hval, Patrick Higgins, The Bug, Moon Duo
2018: Devendra Banhart, Shabaka Hutchings, Moor Mother
2017: Perfume Genius, James Holden, Grouper, Shabazz Palaces, Jerusalem In My Heart, Han Bennink
2016: Wilco, Savages, Julia Holter, Suuns
2015: Sunn O)))
2014: Michael Gira (Swans)
2013: Ty Segall

"A force for good, bringing us together and changing our minds" – The Quietus

"The Utrecht event continues to challenge its audience and expand the parameters of what a festival can be" – Resident Advisor

"An open-minded, open-hearted festival" – Uncut Magazine

Photography: Juri Hiensch, Tess Janssen, Indy Adarkwah

Previous Le Guess Who? curators

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