By night, during two showcase festivals (Eurosonic and Noorderslag), musical talent has the chance to present itself to an international audience of music lovers and professionals. Eurosonic is the stepping stone for European acts, taking place in the city center of Groningen. Noorderslag presents the best Dutch music and takes place in concert venue De Oosterpoort in Groningen.

By day an international music conference takes place, the key exchange and networking platform for European music. It presents showcases by more than 300 artists and a conference programme featuring 150 panels, keynote speakers, interviews, workshops, dinners, pitches, parties and meetings on the latest developments in the international music, media, production and interactive industry.