In October, Amsterdam once again becomes the centre of electronic music during Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) 2026. From 21 to 25 October, ADE celebrates its thirtieth edition with five days and nights filled with music, innovation, culture and connection!
Amsterdam Dance Event 2026 in Amsterdam: dates, tickets, line up and hotels
If you are already planning for ADE 2026, you probably want to know when it takes place, how to get ADE tickets, what to expect from the ADE 2026 line up and where to book the best hotel in Amsterdam. This guide puts all the key information together in one place.
When is ADE 2026
Amsterdam Dance Event 2026 takes place from Wednesday 21 October to Sunday 25 October 2026. These dates have been confirmed by the organisation and mark the official thirtieth anniversary edition of ADE, also called 30 YEARS ADE. The 2025 edition broke every record with around 600,000 visitors, more than 3,400 artists, over 1,200 events and more than 300 participating venues across Amsterdam. ADE 2026 continues this on a festive and expanded scale.
Main ADE locations
If you search for “ADE locations” or “where is ADE”, the same well known venues keep appearing. During ADE 2026, popular spots include:
- Paradiso, Melkweg, De School, Shelter and Gashouder for major club nights and label showcases.
- A’DAM Tower, The National Maritime Museum, creative hubs and museums for special nighttime programming and live shows.
- The Johan Cruijff ArenA, Ziggo Dome and various venues around Amsterdam Zuidoost for large scale shows and events like AMF.
Because ADE takes over the entire city, it is useful to decide in advance which area you want to stay in. Many visitors look specifically for “ADE hotel city centre”, “hotel near Gashouder” or “hotel near ArenA” to keep travel time short.
What exactly is ADE
A common question is “what is ADE” or “is ADE a festival or a conference”. The answer is both. Amsterdam Dance Event combines a global music festival with a professional conference for the electronic music industry.
- During the day you will find panels, keynotes, workshops, networking sessions and talent development.
- In the evening and at night the city turns into a mix of club nights, label events, live shows and major festivals.
The programme is divided into several well known parts that people often search for: ADE Pro, ADE Lab, ADE Green and the ADE Festival.
ADE Pro, ADE Lab and ADE Green
- ADE Pro Conference: a four day conference for anyone working in or entering the music industry. Themes include new technology, AI, rights, marketing, management, live shows and the future of club culture.
- ADE Lab: aimed at young creators, students, producers and DJs. Expect masterclasses, demo drops, feedback sessions, mentoring and technical workshops. If you search for “ADE for students” or “ADE for producers”, you almost always end up at ADE Lab.
- ADE Green: the conference focused on sustainability, social impact, health and inclusivity within festivals and clubs. Topics include energy use, waste, hearing protection and mental health for artists and visitors.
ADE 2026 line up and what to expect
One of the most frequently asked questions is “when is the ADE line up announced” and “who is playing at ADE 2026”. The full line up for ADE 2026 has not yet been released. Artists, hosts and events are usually announced gradually from spring onward, with most updates coming in the summer and early autumn.
Based on previous editions, you can expect:
- Returning major artists such as Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, Charlotte de Witte, Peggy Gou, Honey Dijon, Carl Cox and Jeff Mills, often as headliners or curators of their own label nights.
- Special anniversary shows and “30 YEARS ADE” events celebrating three decades of electronic music.
- Unique collaborations between generations of DJs and live performers, extended sets and creative crossover events.
For real time updates, people often search for “ADE 2026 line up”, “ADE timetable” and “ADE schedule”. All official details will be published throughout 2026 on the ADE website and in the ADE app.
ADE 2026 tickets: types and tips
Searches like “ADE tickets”, “ADE 2026 tickets” and “ADE Pro Pass price” are very common. There are several ways to experience ADE depending on your budget and what you want to get out of the event.
- ADE Pro Pass: access to the full conference, professional networking events and a large part of the festival programme. Perfect if you want the complete experience.
- ADE Lab Pass: designed for young creators and rising talent. This is the most budget friendly pass and ideal if you want to learn, get feedback and make new connections.
- ADE Green Pass: access to the ADE Green daytime programme, usually held on Friday.
- Individual ADE tickets: for single club nights, showcases and special events. These are sold per organiser or label and often tie in with the official ADE programme.
The ADE Pro Pass cost around 600 to 700 euros in the earliest sale phase for 2025. For ADE 2026 you can expect similar or slightly higher prices due to the anniversary edition. Those searching for “cheap ADE tickets” often end up combining early bookings and choosing specific nights instead of buying everything last minute.
Check the official ADE ticket information and pre registration for 30 YEARS ADE
Amsterdam Music Festival 2026 during ADE
Many people search for “AMF 2026”, “Amsterdam Music Festival tickets” and “DJ Mag Top 100 ADE”. The Amsterdam Music Festival (AMF) is the big EDM event traditionally held during ADE in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The exact date and line up for 2026 have not been confirmed yet, but AMF is expected to take place again during ADE weekend.
At AMF you can expect major names from the EDM and mainstage world, huge stage productions, special back to back performances and often the announcement of the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs.
See more info about ADE and AMF on the official site
Where to stay during ADE 2026: hotels and neighbourhoods
Searches like “ADE hotel”, “where to stay for ADE” and “cheap hotels ADE Amsterdam” show how important accommodation is for visitors. Hotel prices rise quickly during ADE and popular neighbourhoods fill up fast, so booking early is smart.
Useful areas to stay include:
- City centre and canal belt: short distance to many clubs and conference venues, ideal if you want to be in the heart of the action.
- Westerpark: convenient for Westergas and Westerunie, with a slightly calmer atmosphere outside event hours.
- De Pijp and Amsterdam East: lots of bars and restaurants plus strong tram and metro connections.
- Amsterdam Zuidoost: ideal for Ziggo Dome and Johan Cruijff ArenA, perfect if AMF and major shows are your main focus.
The earlier you book, the better your chances of finding a good price and location. Searches like “hotel near ADE venue” and “hotel walking distance ADE” especially benefit from early planning.
ADE 2026 takes place from 21 to 25 October in Amsterdam. Book your hotel below:
Practical tips for a smooth ADE week
Finally, here are some common questions people ask about ADE such as “is ADE safe”, “how busy is ADE” and “how do you get around the city”.
- Use public transport: trams, buses, metros and trains make it easy to move between venues. A multi day transport pass or using your contactless payment card is convenient.
- Plan your nights: many events overlap and popular artists often play multiple shows. Make a shortlist of must see acts and use the ADE app to avoid schedule clashes.
- Take care of your hearing and health: filtered earplugs, water and a break in the fresh air help you make it through the full week.
- Respect others: report unwanted behaviour to staff, security or first aid.
With the right preparation, Amsterdam Dance Event 2026 becomes a week full of great music, new discoveries and memorable moments. Booking tickets and accommodation early helps you avoid stress and lets you focus on what matters most: enjoying ADE in Amsterdam.