Are you going to ADE for just one evening, or are you planning to stay for a few days? With three Stayokay hostels in Amsterdam, you’ll have a great base for a week in which you’ll probably be covering quite a few kilometres around the city.
When is Amsterdam Dance Event 2026?
Amsterdam Dance Event 2026 takes place from 21 to 25 October. It is also a special edition: ADE is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
During the day, the focus is on talks, workshops, music culture and the international music industry, amongst other things. As soon as night falls, clubs, music venues and unique locations in and around Amsterdam take centre stage.
The programme now comprises more than 1,000 confirmed events, ranging from major shows to small club nights and from techno to house, trance and experimental electronic music.
What’s on during ADE?
Amsterdam Dance Event is much more than just five nights out. The programme is divided into various sections.
ADE Festival
For most visitors, the ADE Festival is the best-known part of the event. For five days, there are parties and live performances at venues across Amsterdam.
Large venues and warehouses take part, but so do smaller clubs and pop-up venues. This means you can either choose a specific line-up in advance or visit several different venues during your stay.
ADE Pro
Do you work in the music industry? If so, there’s ADE Pro, the international conference programme for artists, labels, producers and other professionals from the electronic music scene.
During the day, the focus is on panels, discussions, networking and industry developments.
ADE Lab
ADE Lab is aimed at the new generation of artists, producers and creators. It offers workshops, masterclasses and sessions where you can learn more about making music and working in the industry.
In 2026, there will also be ADE Lab Discovery: a free programme running from Wednesday to Friday in and around Westerpark.
ADE Arts & Culture
During ADE, electronic music also comes together with art and culture. ADE Arts & Culture features, amongst other things, audiovisual installations, performances, exhibitions and special collaborations at cultural venues across the city.
What parties are taking place during ADE 2026?
With so many events, there isn’t a single central festival venue. You choose for yourself which parties, artists and venues you want to visit.
A few major events scheduled for 2026:
- Gashouder Presents: Armin van Buuren & Benwal – Wednesday 21 October at the Gashouder, headlined by Armin van Buuren and Benwal.
- Awakenings ADE Opening Night – Wednesday 21 October, featuring 999999999, Adrián Mills and NOVAH, amongst others.
- Audio Obscura – Thursday 22 October, featuring Patrick Mason b2b SPFDJ & Anetha, amongst others.
- Awakenings x Drumcode – Thursday 22 October, featuring Adam Beyer, Enrico Sangiuliano and Ilario Alicante, amongst others.
- AMF – Saturday 24 October at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, featuring David Guetta, Afrojack and Armin van Buuren, amongst others.
- Awakenings: Adriatique All Night Long – Saturday 24 October, headlined by Adriatique.
Where is Amsterdam Dance Event?
In fact, all over Amsterdam.
During ADE, clubs, concert halls, museums, warehouses and other venues are temporarily transformed into venues for electronic music. One moment you’re in a large hall; a few hours later, you find yourself at a small event right in the city centre.
Well-known ADE areas include:
- Amsterdam Centre
- Leidseplein and the surrounding area
- Westerpark
- Amsterdam North
- Amsterdam East
- Amsterdam South and South-East
Precisely because the events are so spread out, it’s a good idea to check in advance where your favourite events are taking place and how you’ll get back to your hostel at night.
Accommodation during the Amsterdam Dance Event
After a night of dancing, you won’t want to travel to the other side of the country. Stayokay has three hostels in Amsterdam, so you can choose a location that suits your ADE plans.
Amsterdam
Oost
The hostel is located to the east of the city centre in a typical but quiet Amsterdam neighbourhood.
Amsterdam
Stadsdoelen
Having your home base in the heart of the city where you can meet travellers from all over the world.
Amsterdam
Vondelpark
Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark is one of the largest and most up-to-date hostels in Europe. Feel the vibe!
Make the most of ADE with a few days in Amsterdam
With five days of parties, talks, performances and other events, there’s no need to cram ADE into a single night.
Stay for a few nights, plan in advance which venues you want to visit, and use your hostel as a base between events.
That way, after your last set, all you have to do is head straight back to bed.
