ADE 2025 - Where to Go?
What are the best events during Amsterdam Dance Event?
The biggest get-together in electronic music is just around the corner. During ADE, every bar, warehouse, and open space transforms into a party. It's truly a unique spectacle where the whole city floods with likeminded people. But the sheer amount of different high-quality events raises the question of how to select the right one. Therefore, I decided to collect some of my personal highlights for the 2025 Amsterdam Dance Event.
Now you'll ask yourself what aspects I took into consideration, and what qualifies me. Besides visiting some pretty good parties in the 10+ years I've been active in the scene and having high-quality requirements coming originally from Berlin, I have a lot of friends in Amsterdam and its surroundings. This led me to coming to ADE since 2018, but also multi-week visits and working from abroad in Amsterdam—of course paired with a lot of nightlife exploration.
Therefore, I've visited a lot of the venues, attended events by different organizers, and can share insights that otherwise might be difficult to find. Because what might look good on paper might actually be haunted from the start. If you go purely by artist names, your likelihood of being disappointed is high.
Example 1: Marlon Hoffstadt at Bret might sound amazing. But the dancefloor holds 300 people at best, and with such a big name playing, this is destined to be overcrowded.
Example 2: Lofi is often mentioned as one of the major clubs. However, in my opinion, out of all the available options, Lofi is the worst sounding. It's basically a big warehouse with no acoustic treatment. Although they use a modern Funktion One soundsystem, it sounds muddy and inconsistent. Additionally, most places to chill are outside—meaning that with bad weather, it's not a pleasant location.
Pricing
Comparing the events to last year, prices have also significantly increased. Prices for mid-size events (e.g., Paradiso, H7, Warehouse Elementstraat, etc.) rose from ~50 Euro to 60 Euro, and for the big ones (e.g., DGTL, Sugar Factory, RAW) from ~70 to well above 90 Euro. Across the board, I'm estimating easily a 20+% increase. Add up some drinks, ridiculously expensive Uber fares, and hotels that charge double the usual Amsterdam rate, and it's clear: ADE is an expensive trip.
Know your Limits
You need to estimate for yourself how much a party is truly worth to you—especially if planning back-to-back events. You don't want to turn up tired at a 100 Euro stadium show; that just feels like a waste. I personally try to find a good balance between smaller events and 1-2 big room shows. Because it's easy to hate on the mainstream, but the audio and light production at those places during ADE is breathtaking and the newest available. It's a completely different experience to a club night, but also not one I need often, as the crowd can be very random and the music is rarely a discovery.
Availability
Listen to your body. ADE is not only partying. You're not forced to go out every day. There are also ambient concerts, exhibitions, panel talks, and pop-ups. Take a look around and see where you end up.
I still want to present you my hand-picked recommendations. It's a mix of different genres like House, Hardgroove, and Trance, with various visitors, ready to be mixed and matched.
Wednesday - 22.10.2025
12:00–19:00 | House, Techno
This legendary label from Rotterdam comes to Amsterdam for a few days. Surely fun to dig around
20:00–22:30 | Industrial Techno, Ambient
A 2.5-hour live set by one of the best producers. Sounds like a perfect start to ADE
20:00–23:30 | Ambient. Minimal
Who are those artists playing? I don't know. But a drink and some background music while strolling through one of Amsterdam's most famous museums sounds lovely
22:00–3:00 | Hardgroove, Industrial
If you already know the Van Gogh Museum by heart and are willing to pay a bit extra because you care for the music, this is the place to go
Laster ADE
23:00–8:00 | Hardgroove
If you want to send it on the first day of ADE, this is the place to go and enjoy some Spanish programming. I've been listening to Philippa Pacho's Dekmantel set the whole past week. Highly recommended!
Thursday - 23.10.2025
14:00–19:00 | House, Techno
This legendary label from Rotterdam comes to Amsterdam for a few days. Surely fun to dig around
10:00–21:00 | House, Breaks
Arguably the most iconic Recordstore. Whether for an in-store or not, you should come by and browse in here.
17:00–22:00 | Techno
If you manage to sneak into it, this free party is a no brainer!
20:00–3:00 | Industrial Techno, Ambient
You've missed coming here on Wednesday? Now is your time to catch up. Probably less groovy and more trippy this time.
22:00–11:00 | Hardgroove
A hardgroove lineup that looks like a dream. This one would bring me out even if I had to work. D.Dan on Kingsday was incredible, and I've been dying to listen to him again.
23:00–7:00 | House
The yearly tradition. Always a solid choice!
23:30–5:00 | House
This is house music speaking. What a night this will be - Legends on the turntables and a very fair ticket price. Classy, but shake your hips!
23:00–6:00 | Trance, Hard House
Extravaganza already on a Thursday? In my Opinion, Levenslang is one of the best clubs in Amsterdam. If you want something high-energy, this is it!
22:00–5:00 | Techno, Trance
Three big-name DJs for an affordable price (compared to the other events they play during ADE). If you're a fan, this is a value pick.
23:30–6:00 | Trance, Hard Techno
This is even more high-energy compared to Patrick Mason. Although the sound system at Melkweg is not as good as at Levenslang, Face 2 Face will 100% get you jumping!
21:00–2:00 | Hous, Dark Wave
I love Curses and his sound. But all the others are not to dismiss. This is a Panorama Bar homecoming. Cormac, Curses, Massimiliano… this can turn into a gay-dominant boat ride, and what's not to love about that <3
21:00–3:00 | Hard House
You won't go wrong with Young Marco’s sound on a Thursday
Friday - 24.10.2025
11:00–13:00 | Techno
If youre in the city center for some brunch this might be an interesting one to pop in afterwards.
16:00–22:00 | Techno, Hardgroove
ALTINBAS and Imogen at an instore going till 10 pm. Might this turn into a proper pre-party?
23:00–6:00 (Mon) | Techno, House
What's there to say? The in-official successor of De School and the so titled “Berghain of Amsterdam”. A solid choice throughout the whole ADE weekend.
23:00–7:00 | Industrial Techno, Hardgroove
Levenslang will be shaking during this get together of some of the biggest names in Hardgroove.
21:00–6:00 | Power House
I try to visit every Multisex back at home in Berlin as they are still some of the best parties in town. When they had their first event earlier this year in Amsterdam it was demonstrated that they can translate that energy to the Netherlands. I couldn't write it better than one Reddit user:
After being to many great editions, including the one in Amsterdam, I am definitely going to dance my ass off at Multisex. If you're into expressive, energetic house parties that looks like a colourful fashionshow i can definitely recommend!
7:30–23:59 (Sat) | Ambient
Looking to get your pulse down and meditate a bit? This is the stop you desperately need. Especially Barker playing live in a church. Goosebumps!
13:00–23:00 | House, Techno, Trance
Basically a festival during a festival. If you want to see those big productions Into the woods with its details and lovely decorations is one of the more authentic ones. Also great if you go as a big group with different preferences, as there will be something for everyone. However, the experience is highly weather dependent, so be careful.
14:00–22:00 | Trance, Hard House
An event where Maruwa plays is an instant recommendation from my side. Paired with Upper90 and fka.m4a this will be fun.
23:00–6:00 | House, Melodic
While most events try to shine by putting as many famous artists as possible on the lineup, don't forget about the beauty of an all-night long journey with a single artist. Let alone if it's one of the skill and caliber of Palms Trax.
6:00-12:00 | House, Hard Techno
This one is so hot. Fafi Abdel’s Multisex Set is one of my all-time favorites. And Octo Octa is in as well? During sunrise? In one of the hottest, prettiest locations? If you’re ready to wake up early (or are still up), you should go!
18:00–1:00 | Hard House
Job Jobse is a legend and having the chance to watch one of his legendary extended sets is to be take serious. Sedef as the support act will for sure slap as well!
15:00–19:00 | Hardgroove, Breaks
Chlär & friends … c'mon. It's Chlär & friends… drop by, hang out
18:00–5:00 | House, Disco
I'm not sure how this is gonna be. Will it be a munich hangout? Will it be more? Nonetheless, the peeps from Public Possession do cool shit, so it might be worth a look.
Saturday - 25.10.2025
6:30–13:00 | House
Ogazon, but then accompanied by Rene Wise and DVS1? What the hell is this and how can I get in?!
21:00–6:00 (Mon) | Techno, Minimal, House
Two very famous, but very different collectives unexpectedly get together and throw a marathon 34 hours party in an intimate club setting
22:00–6:00 | Techno, House
A secret line-up during ADE shows you have some balls. Everyone is flashing their expensive headliners. But if anyone can pull it off its DEKMNTL!
23:00–7:00 | Industrial Techno, Hardgroove
The collective that is bringing De Hague onto the map teams up with the legendary label Ilian Tape. Der Hintergarten just announced that they will soon close down, so if you want to give the club one more visit before thats happening it should be this event
13:00–22:00 | Hardgroove
If you missed the Thursday at Tilla Tec, this is the chance to catch up. Personally I would prefer the smaller club setting, but seeing those outstanding hardgroove artists with a bigger Intercell venue will be very cool. It comes down to personal preference.
22:00–5:00 | Disco
Even ADE… no, especially ADE is not safe from seeing all those big name artists again and again. ToyTonics always do there own thing - and its disco themed. Something different, some other flavour. Might be a good change during this long week.
13:00–23:00 | House, Hard house
I'm mentioning a lot of Intercell events here. Wow. But they are taking over lots of venues and their programming gets me excited. I've also visited some of their parties and was always satisfied. So why not this one as well. If you didn't manage to catch Octo Octa at the Loft you should try your luck here.
23:00–8:00 | Industrial Techno, Hardgroove
Yes the whole line-up sounds good. But for the OG Robert Hood alone you should come here. One of his nowadays rare Europe shows.
13:00-22:00 | Trance
It will be trancy, bouncy and a fun day time party for sure!
23:00-7:00 | House
A 5 hour B2B set of two absolute legends. If your looking for a high quality evening with a bit of an older crowd this is something you should consider.
23:00–6:00 | Hard Techno
Yes, this is the big room, mainstream peak of Hard Techno. And every underground nerd will hate on me. But if you want to see a mindblowing production, crazy visuals and experience intense sound. This is your big room event! I've been to Ziggo Dome last year, and as it was specifically build for concerts this. is superior to every Football stadion or Warehouse. And thinking about how Klangkuenstler will transform this location with his Outworld concept gives me goosebumps - even though this is not my type of music.
SUNDAY - 26.10.2025
Tba
6:30–13:00 | House
Tba
Monday - 27.10.2025
Tba
6:30–13:00 | House
Tba
