ADE 2025: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE CITY’S BIGGEST FESTIVAL

words NATALIE GAL

My friends who aren’t Amsterdammers, if I even dare to call myself one, always ask me: what is ADE? And honestly, I never know how to explain it. Because how do you even start? It’s this whirlwind of music and dancing, of running from one place to another, from the sound of techno to electronic tunes, meeting your friends and making new ones along the way. It’s true to Amsterdam, it is free, vivid, eclectic and kaleidoscopic.

So here’s the plan, a little guide for this year. Because there are so many events and programs that we all need a breather, a way to look at what’s out there and figure out what fits. ADE this year runs between October 22-27, which means 6 packed days we have to explore. Let’s dive in!

images courtesy of The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation 

On October 22 things kick off! ARK x Before/After presents GATE at the Van Gogh Museum, set to be a hit, but if you’re after something fun (and free of charge), “Show Me the Light: The VR Silent Disco” is also an event to consider. Another big one on the list is the ADE Opening Concert at Melkweg. These afternoon events are actually perfect if you want to do a little networking or ease into the madness before night really starts. The cultural side of ADE always delivers, so it’s worth keeping an eye on those programs too, they’re often surprising and eye-opening.

Now when it comes to nighttime, things get wilder. Radion is presenting Beyond The Dance Floor (Techno Breathwork Edition) from 7:30, while Nxt Museum is cooking up Visual Frequencies, known for their unconventional style this event is definitely one to put on your list. Over at Melkweg, NoizBoiz presents Grime, which runs from 7 until 11 pm. And if you’re planning to dance until sunrise PIV by Train at the Club Train is open until 4 in the morning.

But let’s be real, on the 22nd it would be impossible not to mention our own Numéro Netherlands event. Together with The Gang Is Beautiful and Lofi, we’re celebrating the release of our new issue and our amazing community. The lineup? Richie Hawtin, MARRØN, Polygonia, JEANS, Olivia Mendez, Prance, Joya Astou. We promise, it’s gonna be a night to remember. You can grab your tickets here.

images courtesy of The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation

The next day, October 23, the marathon really begins. Paul Kalkbrenner presents The Essence x Loveland at Theater Amsterdam, starting from 5pm until midnight. After that, why not head over to Women of House at NEXT or the Kettama - Album Show that keeps going until 6am. Vault Sessions at TillaTec also feels like a must for anyone who does not want the night to end. But if you’re looking for something cultural, this is also the night. ADE x 750 presents Suriname Rising - 50 Years of Freedom in Music at the Concertgebouw, a chance to experience one of the most beautiful cultures through music. Or head to Garage Noord for Kebra Ethiopian Sound - 20 Year Legacy, another event worth noting.

By October 24 things start to peak. Jeff Mills presents Tomorrow Comes The Harvest with Jean Phi Dary & Prabhu Edouard at Paradiso, which is one of the highlights of this year’s ADE. Over at the Oude Kerk, Low Jack presents Lacrimosa with Ensemble vocal Voix des Outre-Mer. Dome Concerts are bringing Julius Horsthuis and a special guest to the Artis Planetarium, lining up to be something truly unique. But honestly, one of the most intriguing events might be ZERØBPM’s 39,5 Hour Ambient Meditation Experience at de Thomaskerk, because let’s face it, by day three we’ll all need some rest.

images courtesy of The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation

And then comes the weekend. On Saturday, October 25, check out Skin to Skin by Sandra Mujinga at the Stedelijk Museum, an exhibition with live performance. Over at Desmet Studio’s, XTC: The Electronic Musical dives into the ever-entangled relationship between art and music. De Nacht x Amsterdam 750 presents the Final Festival going strong until 5am at the SkateCafe. Or, if you’re up to something unusual, head to Bitterzoet for the Same but Different hip-hop dance battle. 

Finally, for a little wind-down on Monday, check out Young Marco, Legowelt, Mary Lake live ambient sessions at the Concertgebouw, the perfect gentle finish after four days of chaos. If you still have it in you to party ‘till the morning comes, head to Meet Berlage where Orange Juizze & Ke Riko presents "Vuelve A La Vida" until 3am. Another recommendation is Awakenings where Amelie Lens presents Exhale at the Sugarfactory. 

We hope this little outline helps you get a clearer picture of what you want to dive into during this magical week rushing toward us at full speed. It’s hard to believe ADE is almost here, and even harder to believe we’ll soon be dancing together at Lofi. Can’t wait to see you on the floor.

images courtesy of The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation