Amsterdam Dance Event is my favourite week of the year. Five days filled with electronic music, unforgettable parties, spontaneous adventures and thousands of ravers from all over the world. Honestly, if you love electronic dance music, ADE should be on your bucket list!
From October 21–25, 2026, Amsterdam will once again transform into the global capital of electronic music. And this year is extra special: ADE is celebrating its 30th anniversary!
What started in 1996 with just 300 industry delegates and three nighttime venues has grown into the world’s largest club-based electronic music festival and conference. Today, ADE brings together artists, music lovers and industry professionals from across the globe.
For its 30th anniversary, ADE 2026 is set to feature more than 3,600 artists, 1,300 events and 300 venues across Amsterdam. From intimate label showcases and underground raves to massive club nights and industry conferences, there is something for every electronic music lover.
But what makes ADE so special? As Festival Princess Aysha, I love discovering all the experiences that make this week so much more than just going to parties.
Here are 10 reasons why you shouldn’t skip Amsterdam Dance Event if you love electronic music!
1. See your favourite artists for less money
Imagine seeing Hardwell perform at a Revealed Recordings event for just €30 (early bird), or catching Martin Garrix at an STMPD RCRDS event for €50 (early bird). Sounds pretty good, right?
During ADE, many record labels organise their own showcases and label nights, giving you the chance to see some of your favourite artists without necessarily paying the prices you might expect at a major festival.
These events are also a great way to discover new talent signed to your favourite labels. Just remember to check the event details and ticket prices in advance, as prices and availability vary.
2. Get your hands on exclusive artist merchandise
Calling all ravers who love collecting festival merchandise! ADE is the perfect opportunity to discover new collections from your favourite artists and record labels.
Throughout the week, you can find merchandise at label showcases, special pop-up stores and other events around Amsterdam. Think hoodies, T-shirts, fans and other festival essentials.
Some labels even release special ADE collections, making certain items extra special for collectors. You might be able to see a new collection, try on your favourite pieces and take them home with you on the same day.
And here’s another bonus: many pop-up stores have DJs playing throughout the day. So why wait until the evening to start dancing?
3. Discover free parties and events
One of my favourite things about ADE is that you don’t always need a ticket to experience the magic.
Throughout the city, you’ll find free parties, DJ sets, pop-up events and other activities organised by brands, artists and music platforms. Keep an eye on announcements from organisations such as 1001Tracklists and EDM.com to discover what’s happening during ADE week.
Some events are free to attend, while others require registration or a ticket. Either way, it’s worth doing your research before you arrive.
My tip? Follow your favourite artists, labels and event organisers on Instagram in the weeks leading up to ADE. Some events are announced at the last minute, and you don’t want to miss out!
4. Rave in the most unexpected places
Who says you need a nightclub to have a proper rave?
During ADE, electronic music can pop up in the most unexpected locations. Think DJs playing in supermarkets, snackbars, clothing stores, bakeries and even pizzerias.
These unusual settings are part of what makes ADE so unique. You could be grabbing a coffee or picking up a snack when suddenly you’re standing in front of a DJ booth, surrounded by people dancing and having the time of their lives.
Some of these experiences are completely free, making them even better.
My advice? Keep your schedule flexible. Sometimes the most memorable ADE moments happen when you’re not following a plan at all.
5. Party from morning until late at night
If there’s one week when you can fully embrace your inner raver, it’s ADE.
Whether you’re into hard techno, progressive house, melodic techno, trance, hardstyle or commercial EDM, there’s a good chance you’ll find an event that matches your taste.
And the best part? The music doesn’t have to stop when the sun comes up.
You can start your day at a breakfast rave or a coffee party, explore daytime events and pop-ups in the afternoon, and head to a club for your favourite DJ in the evening. There are also conferences, workshops and other activities if you need a break from dancing.
Of course, you can’t do everything in five days, so choose your events wisely and remember to get some sleep, eat properly and stay hydrated. You want to enjoy the entire week, not run out of energy on day two!
6. You might bump into your favourite DJ
Have you ever dreamed of randomly running into your favourite artist? ADE offers plenty of opportunities for unexpected encounters.
Because artists, labels and music industry professionals gather in Amsterdam for the week, you might spot a DJ at a pop-up event, a merchandise launch or another public appearance.
Keep an eye on Instagram Stories and other social media channels in the days leading up to ADE. Artists sometimes announce surprise appearances, meet-and-greets or special events at short notice.
Another place worth checking out is the Tomorrowland Expo, where DJs have appeared for live sessions connected to Tomorrowland’s One World Radio.
Of course, meeting an artist is never guaranteed, but being in the right place at the right time certainly makes the possibility more exciting!
7. Meet ravers from all over the world
One of the best things about the electronic music community is how easily music brings people together.
During ADE, Amsterdam welcomes ravers from all over the world. You’ll meet people who travelled from different countries, speak different languages and have completely different backgrounds, but share the same passion for music.
Whether you’re dancing next to someone at a club, chatting in a queue or discovering a free event together, ADE is full of opportunities to connect with new people.
And who knows? A random conversation could turn into a friendship that lasts for years, or even your next festival travel buddy!
For me, that’s what the festival community is all about: spreading positivity, making connections and creating memories together.
8. Discover new artists before everyone else does
ADE isn’t just about seeing the DJs you already know and love. It’s also an incredible opportunity to discover your next favourite artist.
With so many showcases and events happening across the city, you can explore different genres, discover emerging talent and experience artists in smaller, more intimate settings.
You might arrive at a label night for one headliner and leave with three new names on your playlist.
My tip is to leave a little room in your schedule for artists you haven’t heard of before. Sometimes taking a chance on an unfamiliar DJ leads to one of the best sets of your entire week.
9. Experience the music industry beyond the dance floor
ADE is more than a festival. It’s also one of the most important international gatherings for the electronic music industry.
During the day, Amsterdam hosts conferences, panels, workshops, networking sessions and discussions about the future of electronic music.
These events are particularly interesting if you’re an aspiring DJ, producer, content creator, promoter or anyone who wants to work in the music industry.
You can learn from experienced professionals, discover new developments in the scene and connect with people who share your ambitions.
Even if you’re primarily there to party, it’s fascinating to see just how much happens behind the scenes of the music you love.
10. Experience Amsterdam at its most electric
For five days, electronic music takes over the city. And you can feel it everywhere.
From the people walking around in festival outfits to the DJs playing in unexpected locations and the queues outside iconic clubs, Amsterdam has a completely different energy during ADE.
Every neighbourhood seems to have something happening, and you never quite know what you’ll discover around the next corner.
It’s this combination of music, creativity, community and spontaneous adventures that makes ADE so special to me. No two days have to look the same, and there’s always something new to explore.
You can plan your favourite parties in advance, but some of the best memories might come from the moments you never planned at all.
Are you ready for ADE 2026?
If you love electronic music, discovering new artists, meeting fellow ravers and exploring experiences beyond the dance floor, Amsterdam Dance Event deserves a place on your bucket list.
Whether you’re visiting for one day or spending all five days in Amsterdam, there’s so much to discover. Plan your must-see events, keep an eye out for last-minute announcements and leave some room for spontaneous adventures.
And most importantly, don’t forget why we’re all there in the first place: the music, the people and the feeling of being part of something bigger.
I’ll be exploring ADE as Festival Princess Aysha, sharing my favourite moments, tips and experiences along the way.
Maybe I’ll see you on the dance floor?
Love,
Festival Princess Aysha
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