ADE in Amsterdam

ADE, oftewel Amsterdam Dance Event, is het grootste evenement voor elektronische muziek ter wereld! Dit mega-event verandert heel Amsterdam in een dansparadijs, met meer dan 1000 feesten verspreid over de stad. ADE vindt elk jaar in oktober plaats. Vijf dagen vol muziek, feesten en inspirerende conferenties voor iedereen die van elektronische muziek houdt.
 

In 2024 vindt ADE plaats van woensdag 16 oktober t/m zondag 20 oktober. Wil je er dit jaar ook bij zijn en een paar goede feestjes meepakken? Zorg dan dat je op tijd een slaapplek in de buurt regelt. 
 

ADE started small in 1996, but has now grown into a global phenomenon with visitors from all over the world. What was once a modest conference for music lovers and professionals is now a huge event with thousands of artists and events. During ADE, it's all about the love of electronic music. ADE has not only put the music scene in the Netherlands on the map, but has also had a global influence.  Did you know that ADE had a record 500,000 visitors in 2023?

During ADE, the whole of Amsterdam is a big playground for partygoers! Of course, where to go depends partly on your music preferences. Indeed, during this gigantic festival, you can enjoy all kinds of different styles and genres, such as House, Techno, Trance, Dubstep, Drum & Bass, Electro and Downtempo. You will also find numerous subgenres and niche styles celebrating the diversity of electronic music during ADE. Think: Minimal Techno, Future Bass, Progressive House, Hardstyle and Psytrance.  Want to know where to find what? Then for the most complete and up-to-date overview, check out the 2024 ADE programme.

Here are a few hotspots to definitely keep an eye on:

Melkweg - This legendary venue always has a fat programme.

Paradiso - An old church transformed into a concert venue, super atmospheric!

NDSM-Werf - An industrial venue with huge parties.

Gashouder - Techno heaven, a must for techno fans.

Club nights and big parties
ADE is of course known for its crazy parties. Whether you like intimate club nights or large-scale raves, there is something for everyone. Think small-scale club nights where you can get close to the DJ and really feel the music. For this, head to venues such as The School and RADION. Prefer a mega-rave? Discover large-scale events in spectacular settings such as Gashouder and Ziggo Dome, where you can dance to the music of world-famous DJs. There are also plenty of parties organised in unique locations. Think old churches (Paradiso), industrial spaces (Warehouse Elementenstraat) and cultural hotspots (NDSM-Werf).

• Conferences and panels
  ADE offers an extensive programme of conferences and panels where you can learn from the best in the industry. These sessions are perfect for anyone interested in the business and creative sides of electronic music. Listen to leading artists, producers and industry experts share their insights and experiences. Attend practical sessions on music production, DJ techniques, marketing strategies and more. Listen to in-depth talks on current topics such as copyright, technological innovations and the future of the music industry. And last but not least, use your opportunities to network with professionals, artists and other like-minded people!
   
• Art and culture
  ADE is also a celebration of art and culture. Besides the music, there are numerous other cultural highlights that give this week an extra dimension. For instance, expect creative and often interactive works of art to be found in various locations throughout the city. Moreover, it is possible to attend exhibitions, dance and theatre performances and film screenings about the electronic music scene.
   
• Networking, networking and more networking
  ADE is the place to meet new people and make valuable contacts in the music industry. Whether you are an aspiring DJ, producer, manager or just a music lover, there are countless opportunities to network. Attend informal gatherings where you can meet other ADE attendees. Attend networking sessions with other music professionals. Or go to Industry Drinks and afterparties, where you will have plenty of opportunities to socialise with like-minded people.
   

Buying tickets for ADE is very easy, but you have to be quick because the event is very popular. The best place to buy tickets is through the official ADE website. Here you will find tickets for the conferences as well as the various club nights and events. Tickets and passes are also available through recognised ticket partners such as Eventbrite, Resident Advisor, and Ticketmaster.

Costs for ADE vary, depending on which events you want to attend and how early you buy your tickets. A ticket for a big event with popular DJs will obviously cost more than a small-scale and intimate party. Take a quick look at the ADE programme and check what the costs are for your favourite events.

It is also possible to buy multi-day passes. Ideal if you plan to attend multiple parties and events. Quickly discover the main options and details:

ADE Pro Pass

• What it is.

  The ADE Pro Pass is the most comprehensive pass and gives access to all conferences, panels, networking events, and festival nights.
   

• What do you get.
  • Access to all conference sessions and panels.
  • Access to all networking events.
  • Access to hundreds of festival nights and club nights.
  • Priority entry to events.
  • Access to the ADE Pro Lounge, an exclusive space for Pro Pass holders to network and relax.
     

• Cost:

  Price: Around €450 - €500.
   

ADE Conference Pass

• What is it.

  The ADE Conference Pass is aimed at those primarily interested in the business and educational aspect of ADE.
   

• What do you get?
  • Access to all conference sessions and panels.
  • Access to daytime networking events.
     

• Cost:

  Price: Around €350 - €400.
   

ADE Festival Pass

• What is it.

  The ADE Festival Pass gives you access to lots of club nights and events during the festival.
   

• What do you get?
  • Access to multiple club nights and events during ADE.
  • Access to both large and small events across the city.
     

• Cost:

  Price: Around €135 - €150.

Want to fully enjoy everything ADE has to offer, from inspiring conferences to epic night parties? Then an ADE Pass is indispensable. In addition, keep in mind the following tips:
 

• Early Bird Tickets: 
  Early bird tickets are often cheaper and are usually made available early in the year. These are limited and sell out quickly, so be quick.
   

Last-minute Deals: 
Sometimes last-minute deals are available, but this is risky because many events sell out quickly.
 

Special Events: 
Keep an eye out for special events or showcases that are not always covered by standard passes. Sometimes you need separate tickets for these exclusive events.
 

Collecting Bracelets: 
After purchasing your pass, you often have to exchange it for a bracelet at one of the ADE venues. This bracelet is your ticket to the events.

If you want to be in Amsterdam during ADE, it's important to book accommodation in time. Whether you opt for a hotel room or a cosy bed and breakfast. The demand for accommodation during ADE is huge and prices shoot up as soon as the event approaches. Especially if you want to stay in the city centre. Check the location of your planned events and book accommodation nearby. 
 

Can't find any fine (affordable) accommodation in Amsterdam anymore? Then look at accommodation in the surrounding regions or nearby towns such as Haarlem, Zwanenburg, Diemen or Amstelveen. Travelling to Amsterdam is usually easy to do by public transport or taxi.

Do you still have a Hotelgiftcard at home and can't wait to be in Amsterdam during ADE? With a Hotelgiftcard you can stay overnight at countless accommodations in Amsterdam. Thanks to the versatility of the Hotelgiftcard, you can flexibly choose from numerous options that fit your budget and wishes. Just be on time, so you can party all week carefree.

Want someone to experience ADE? Then a Hotelgiftcard is a cool and useful gift. After all, with the Hotelgiftcard, the recipient can easily book comfortable accommodation in bustling Amsterdam. No ADE this year? No problem. Hotelgiftcard is valid for two years and can be redeemed at over 600,000 accommodations worldwide. Our tip to make this gift even more festive: in addition to the Hotelgiftcard, add a personal message and a good bottle of wine (to get you in the mood).