Best parties during ADE 2026

Raving Charlie

It can be hard during ADE to escape the overwhelming tendency towards house and techno. But if you prefer something a little rougher and more old school, you can hardly start off the week better than this lively party-starter. Hosted by the emphatically cosy and community-minded De Sering, this ADE special by local promoters Raving Charlie promises to go fast and hard, with plenty of hardcore, (neo-)rave and hard techno. Hardcore, you know the score! 

Check out our recommendations for other budget and free parties.

ADE Raving Charlie | Wednesday 21 October | 22:00 - 06:00 | De Sering | €16.65

Doka Studio x United Identities

Another deviation from the house & techno supremacy, this label takeover of the subterranean Doka promises a wide range of electronic music. Utrecht local Carista is the founder of United Identities records and is famous for wide cuts across the spectrum, while Manchester’s ANZ blends electro, house and techno with uptempo jungle and breaks (she also plays BRET alongside SHERELLE on Friday). With a healthy spread of labelmates, Carista’s crew looks set to raise the roof.

Doka Studio x United Identities | Thursday 22 October | 23:00 - 06:00 | Doka | €22.50 / €27.50

Gashouder Presents: Eric Prydz

If you prefer to go big, you can hardly get bigger than the monumental Gashouder: a huge storage silo once part of the Westergasfabriek gas refinery, now converted into the park and cultural centre here in Westerpark. Just ahead of reopening as a fully fledged cultural venue, Gashouder is inviting some huge names to match its size for ADE. How about ‘00s Swedish superstar Eric Prydz? Once part of Swedish House Mafia, Prydz’s early single 'Call on Me' remains one of dance pop’s foremost anthems. So get ready for a real belter.

Gashouder Presents: Eric Prydz | Thursday 22 October | 18:00 - 22:00 | Gashouder | Price tbc: RSVP for pre-registration

Into the Woods

Another high-end option, if you want to dive into ADE headfirst, is to opt for one of several bumper events by the big Dutch electronic music festivals. Taking over some of the city’s largest warehouses, these days festivals and all-nighters pack together some of the world’s biggest DJs – for a price. (See also events by Awakenings, DGTL and Loveland.) You can’t go wrong with Into The Woods, whose Friday lineup this year includes big-name but boundary-pushing selectors like Young Marco, Antal and DJ Boring. 

Into the Woods ADE Festival Friday | Friday 23 October | 13:00 - 23:00 | NDSM | €77.50 / €81.50

DJ Bone presents FURTHER x Homeless Homies

DJ Bone is not only a local legend but a regular at ADE, as a speaker, DJ and organiser. This seventh edition of his legendary party, Homeless Homies, prepares to once again raise not only the roof but also a chunk of funds for organisations tackling homelessness. RADION is the perfect multi-room venue, and the lineup is stacked this year, including some of the festival’s biggest names, from Helena Hauff and Kevin Saunderson to ANZ and SHERELLE. Tickets are down to the final release only, so snap them up while they last.

DJ Bone presents FURTHER x Homeless Homies | Friday 23 October | 11:00 - 22:00 | RADION | €49.50

Dave Clarke Presents: 30 Years of ADE

Besides its history as a concert venue, Melkweg has long supported countless Dutch and international music scenes in its late programme too. ADE is no exception, with several major events offering chunky lineups at midrange ticket prices (see also Boys Noize Presents on Saturday). Local legend Dave Clarke – named the “Baron of techno” by the late John Peel – fronts Friday’s programme, inviting such celebrated names as Daniel Avery and DJ Stingray 313. A guaranteed rinseout for the ages.

Dave Clarke Presents: 30 Years of ADE | Friday 23 October | 23:00 - 07:30 | Melkweg | €47

Avalon Emerson: presents 9000 dreams

US-born, Berlin-based Avalon Emerson has long made a name for herself after countless marathon sets at the iconic Berghain – and also for her international party series, 9000 Dreams. This special ADE iteration takes place in the historic Bajes venue, part of the former prison complex that is now a major Amsterdam club, Levenslang. Besides Emerson’s characteristically eclectic sets, expect forward-thinking selection from guests Aurora Halal (US), Verraco (Colombia) and more – definitely worth locking in.

Avalon Emerson: presents 9000 dreams | Friday 23 October | 23:00 - 06:00 | Bajes | €47.50

Amajoyo presents Afroholic

Amajoyo is the label and recurring party of Dutch Afrohouse veteran De La Noise, who joins Zimbabwean heavyweight Nitefreak for this takeover of bar-restaurant Soulkitchen. It’s a smart venue for a smart party, where you can expect a crisply dressed crowd pulling elegant shapes. This is definitely a sultry, intimate event for true Afro fans, and the perfect place to see and be seen.

Amajoyo presents Afroholic| Friday 23 October | 23:30 - 05:00 | Soulkitchen Amsterdam | €24.50 - €49.50

HUNEE B2B Stella Zekri B2B Suze Ijó

Another premiere, exclusive event, this triple-hander brings three international talents to the rooftop space atop the A’DAM tower. We’re talking panoramic city views from this exclusive penthouse club, all to the groovy sounds of HUNEE, Stella Zekri and Suze Ijó. How’s that for an afters? This 7-metre tall space sits 16 floors up by the IJ river – and the true VIPs can pay double for balcony access. Either way, this is the apex of ADE partying, quite literally.

THE LOFT Presents: HUNEE B2B Stella Zekri B2B Suze Ijó | Saturday 24 October | 06:30 - 13:00 | The Loft Amsterdam | €47.50 / €95 (Balcony)

Patta x Keep Hush

Younger, faster, added streetwear cred? This takeover by international party Keep Hush is a standout among ADE both in terms of cultural cachet and sound. Local heroes Jarreau Vandal and Passion DEEZ head up a hip roster of DJs tending towards groovy, Afro and UK rhythms, breaks and bass. With the stamp of legendary Amsterdam streetwear label Patta, you can expect this one to attract the city’s best-crepped club kids, across the many rooms of Skate Cafe. The cramped boiler room behind the bar is destined for particular madness.

ATTA X KEEP HUSH X SANKOFA ARCHIVES X MOSAIKO X STUDIO STRIP | Saturday 24 October | 21:00 - 03:00 | Skatecafe | €28.50

Descendants

From London to Nairobi, New York-based party Descendants has carved out a global name for itself as a dependable party dedicated to celebrating music from the African diaspora. Gqom, amapiano, Afro tech, batida – you name it, and Descendants not only plays it but invites some of the world’s leading DJs to weave together Afro-electronic sounds and communities worldwide. Returning to ADE, this edition at Parallel promises to cement that legacy with another barn-storming night to remember.

Descendants | Saturday 24 October | 23:59 - 06:00 | Parallel | €33.50 / €37.50

Breakfast Club: The Final Stretch

Iconic night Breakfast Club has long since become an ADE mainstay, spreading parties across the full extent of the festival – at all hours. (One other standout includes a collab with Brussels’ Kiosk Radio for The Sound of Belgium at Pllek earlier in the week.) This final run is surely a winner – and the only party currently announced at iconic club Garage Noord. With a characteristically full lineup, this marathon 30-hour special might be the last party standing: a reliably energetic curtain call to send off the last few hours of ADE. 

Breakfast Club: The Final Stretch 30h | 18:00 Sunday 24 October - 00:00 Monday 25 October | Garage Noord | €22.50 - €29.50 

Safety disclaimer and advice during Amsterdam Dance Event

We want you to have a fantastic time at ADE — but safety first. Know that the (mis)use of drugs is illegal, and there are real health risks involved. Stay hydrated, eat well, and avoid mixing substances. Through ADE's “Celebrate Safe” campaign, venues will have enhanced security, medical aid stations, and staff on hand to provide assistance. For your journey home (or between events), services like Diva Ride (female-driver option) are available to offer an inclusive ride. Take care of yourself and those around you. If anything feels wrong, physically or in your surroundings, don’t wait: get help immediately. Know your limits and respect those of others.