Event Details
Welcome to Amsterdam Dance Event 2026
From 21 to 25 October 2026, Amsterdam transforms into the global capital of electronic music for the 30th time. The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with over 1,200 events across more than 300 venues throughout the city. More than 3,300 artists perform at the world's largest club festival and leading conference for electronic music, ranging from intimate underground sets to massive club nights.
Highlights
- 30th anniversary edition: "30 YEARS ADE" with a limited-edition anniversary item
- Over 1,200 events across 5 days and nights
- More than 3,300 performing artists across 300+ venues
- ADE Pro conference running from 21 to 24 October for industry professionals
- ADE Festival with club nights throughout the city
- ADE Arts & Culture program exploring the crossover of music and art
- ADE Lab offering masterclasses and studio sessions for emerging talent
- Announced headliners include Jean-Michel Jarre, KI/KI, and David Guetta at AMF
Program
ADE is structured around several program strands. The ADE Pro conference runs Wednesday through Saturday (21 to 24 October), offering panels, masterclasses and networking for music professionals, aspiring DJs and producers, and music tech start-ups. Running in parallel, the ADE Festival brings club events across the entire city, typically starting around 10:00 AM and continuing into the early hours until around 4:00 AM. The ADE Arts & Culture program focuses on the intersection of electronic music with other art forms. Key venue hubs include the historic Westergasfabriek complex, the underground club De School, and Paradiso, a former church near Leidseplein known for its unique acoustics.
Tickets
The ADE Pro Pass is the most comprehensive ticket, granting full access to the entire conference as well as the Festival and Arts & Culture programs (subject to venue capacity). Individual festival events are sold separately by their respective organizers and clubs, with ticket links published on the official ADE website as they become available. Popular events such as Awakenings or DGTL have historically sold out within hours, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Visitor Tips
- Book accommodation well in advance, as Amsterdam fills up fast during ADE; staying just outside the city centre is a solid option thanks to efficient public transport.
- Most nighttime club events have an 18+ minimum age requirement with valid photo ID required.
- Don't overlook the daytime program, workshops, talks and ADE Lab sessions offer a different side of the festival.
- Explore beyond your usual genre, ADE covers everything from techno and house to trance and drum'n'bass.
- Venture beyond the major venues; many smaller bars across the city host their own ADE programming.
