Looking at Karrusel festival’s neon-lit woodland pathways, or its rugged, Mad Max-style entrance, one would be forgiven for thinking that getting there requires at least a national rail trip… if not followed by a coach. In fact, Karrusel takes place right in the heart of Copenhagen, carving an immersive forest environment out of the city’s industrial Refshaleøen island. 

Completing its sixth edition with record attendance during the last weekend of August (27-29), Karrusel has now cemented itself at the heart of Copenhagen’s cultural calendar. Having previously featured performances from electronic music heavyweights Job Jobse, Mall Grab and Marlon Hoffstadt, this year was the festival’s biggest yet, welcoming the likes of platinum-awarded DJ-producer Paul Kalkbrenner, Belgian acid techno specialist Charlotte de Witte and the misleadingly-titled DJ Boring to its urban retreat. Packed full of interactive activities, handcrafted set design and impromptu performances, Karrusel places a particular emphasis 

THERE WAS INDEED A KARRUSEL

… and many other fairground attractions, for that matter. While techno music can often be associated with bleak, industrial venues and shade-wearing attendees in monochrome garb, Karrusel was a technicolour spectacle. At the heart of the festival’s woodland wonderland was the titular carousel, which attendees could ride for free, whirling in earshot of one of the main stages. Elsewhere, the site was teeming with face painting ops, impromptu aerial and burlesque shows, the aforementioned bumper car arena, and even a chillout area with retro video games. 

And it wasn’t just the big gestures either. Where Karrusel really shines is in its fostering of a sense of adventure, with each corner of the forest populated with small, handcrafted details that attendees can get lost in. Couples snuggled in hand-painted wooden basins, stilt-wearing fire breathers tip-toed around the crowd, and natural features were woven throughout the stages. This was no warehouse rave, that’s for sure. 

UK MUSIC WAS ON FULL DISPLAY

Of course, there was Charlotte de Witte, and German dance-pop wünderduo Miss Bashful x DBBD, but Karrusel gave particular attention to the full spectrum of UK dance music this year. Closing off night one was UK bass powerhouse Main Phase, who shut down the Arkaden stage with an especially spicy jungle spin on UK classic “Topper Top”. You might be Danish, Main Phase, but we claim you.

In fact, the entirety of Karrusel’s Arkaden stage was dedicated to UK music. Nestled in none other than a bumper car arena, the stage also hosted standout sets from new wave funky garage DJ Bullet Tooth and speed garage-cum-bassline selector ELOQ. 

THE CROWD WERE DOWN FOR THE CARNIVAL

Like we said, this was no all-black techno rave – the crowd’s clothes were about as colourful as the set design. Wandering through Karrusel’s trails, it was hard to tell performer from punter as attendees came dressed in everything from neon, skin-tight bodysuits and masquerade garb, to fancy dress – including one raver rocking an alien mask and another brandishing a fairylight-wearing toy rat. On any other night on Refshaleøen, this might be cause for alarm, but on Karrusel weekend, it makes total sense. 

Tickets are now available for Karrusel festival 2026.