Amsterdam Dance Event kicks off Wednesday with 3,300 artists and citywide events

The 29th edition of the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) begins Wednesday, October 22, drawing thousands of music fans and industry professionals for five days of performances, workshops, and cultural activities across Amsterdam.

ADE runs through Sunday, October 26, featuring paid professional passes and 110 free public events, creating dance floors across Amsterdam for all ages and interests.

Organizers expect 600,000 visitors, 10,000 business delegates, and 3,300 artists to participate. The festival uses a mix of historic and unconventional spaces, including the Stedelijk Museum, churches, and former factories, combining public nightlife experiences with a professional conference for the dance industry.

Sunday afternoon will see the return of the “kids rave,” an interactive event giving young DJs and attendees a chance to perform. For older participants, the Danspaleis event offers social dancing, including waltzes and merengues, aimed at reducing social isolation among seniors.

For the first time, the festival is highlighting sober clubbing, offering events for participants who wish to dance without alcohol.