This October, the streets of Amsterdam will pulse with basslines, lights, and energy as the world-famous Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) returns from October 22–26, 2025. Whether you’re a devoted raver, an up-and-coming DJ, or someone simply curious about electronic culture, ADE offers something truly unique: a five-day fusion of music, creativity, networking, and non-stop energy.
What Is ADE?
ADE short for Amsterdam Dance Event, isn’t just a music festival. It’s the largest and most influential gathering of electronic music professionals and fans in the world. It combines a sprawling music festival with a cutting-edge conference, attracting over 500,000 visitors, 2,500+ artists, and 1,000+ events across more than 200 venues in the city.
From iconic DJ sets in underground clubs to massive arena shows, label showcases, panels, workshops, and pop-ups, ADE takes over the city in full force.
By Night: The Ultimate Club and Festival Experience
At night, ADE becomes a non-stop party spread across 200+ locations in Amsterdam. Expect:
- 2,500+ artists and DJs performing across every genre: techno, house, trance, bass, experimental, ambient, and much more!
- Curated showcases from top record labels and global brands like Afterlife, Awakenings, Defected, Drumcode, and Spinnin’
- Iconic venues including Gashouder, Shelter, Paradiso, Melkweg, and NDSM
- Secret pop-ups, boat parties, rooftop raves, and underground gems
- The epic Amsterdam Music Festival (AMF) on Saturday night: a full-scale stadium event
Whether you’re into deep house, pounding techno, or genre-bending experimental sets, there’s something for everyone, and always more than you can possibly attend.
By Day: Where Music Meets Innovation
During the day, ADE shifts gears into an international platform for music industry professionals, aspiring talent, and innovators:
- ADE Pro: A high-level conference with panels, keynotes, and networking events on topics ranging from AI in music production to the future of festivals, rights, streaming, and branding
- ADE Lab: Designed for students and emerging artists, this hands-on program includes demo drops, workshops, and mentoring from top DJs and producers
- ADE Green: Exploring sustainability and social impact within the music and events industry
- Arts & Culture Program: Installations, talks, films, and interdisciplinary events connecting music with visual arts and cultural thought
Together, ADE is more than entertainment: it’s a creative engine and global meeting point for the future of music and nightlife!
But Where to Stay During ADE?
When planning your ADE trip, where you stay can make a big difference, especially depending on which events you plan to attend. To help you decide, we’ve put together a quick guide matching Cityden locations with nearby major parties and venues so you can stay close to the action without sacrificing comfort.
- When: Saturday, October 25, 2025
- What: ADE’s stadium-scale highlight featuring big-room EDM, spectacular light shows, fireworks, and the DJ Mag Top 100 reveal
- Access: From Kronenburg tram stop, it’s just three stops to Oranjebaan bus station, where you can conveniently continue your journey to the Johan Cruijff ArenA with only two additional stops.
1. Verknipt & Hardwell / Armin van Buuren at Ziggo Dome / AFAS Live (Zuidas area)
- When: Mid-late week: multiple dates (Verknipt, Hardwell, Armin confirmed)
- What:
- Ziggo Dome will host legendary DJ performances, including Hardwell and Armin van Buuren, both famous for their high-energy EDM sets.
- AFAS Live will also host a range of ADE events, including Verknipt a techno-focused event known for its underground vibes and stunning lineups.
- Access: Easily accessible via bus 300, just two stops away, bringing you directly to both venues, which are conveniently located close.
2. Dave Clarke Presents… at Melkweg (BoLo District)
- When: Likely Friday, October 24 part of ADE Pro programming
- What: Celebrating 20 years, featuring Dave Clarke with Helena Hauff, Trentemøller, Marcel Dettmann, and more
- Access: From Bos en Lommerplein, simply take bus 21 to F. Hendrikplantsoen. From there, transfer to tram 3, followed by tram 17
3. MelkwegSTOOR at Paradiso ( Stadshart)
- When: Thursday, October 23
- What: Live sets by FJAAK, KiNK, Nene H, Speedy J, plus ambient/tech DJs in second space
- Access: From Cityden Stadshart, you can reach Paradiso easily with a short ride on bus 300, followed by bus 357. The connection is straightforward and gets you to one of Amsterdam’s most legendary ADE venues in no time.
Coming with Friends? We’ve Got You Covered
Attending ADE with your friends? No need to worry, Cityden offers a range of spacious accommodation options perfect for groups of all sizes. Whether you’re partying together or just need a comfortable place to recharge, our aparthotels are designed to give you space, privacy, and flexibility.
Here are some great group-friendly options:
- Cityden BoLo District
Stay together in style with our 3-Bedroom XL Apartment or Penthouse XL, both ideal for larger groups, accommodating up to 8 guests comfortably. - Cityden Stadshart
Perfect for mid-sized groups, our 2-Bedroom Apartment and 2-Bedroom Apartment XL sleep up to 6 guests, offering a spacious and modern stay near great transport connections. - Cityden Zuidas
For smaller groups, the Four-Person Studio and Studio XXL are a cozy yet stylish option, designed to host up to 4 guests with all the comforts of home.
With smart connections to key venues, spacious apartments for groups, and travel made easy with GVB tickets available at reception, Cityden takes the stress out of your stay, so you can focus on the beats, the energy, and the memories. And with a 24/7 minimart in every location, grabbing a late-night snack after a long evening is always just a few steps away.
Whether you’re here to dance until sunrise, connect with the global music community, or simply soak in the vibrant spirit of Amsterdam, ADE 2025 is set to be an unforgettable experience. And with Cityden Aparthotels as your base, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: close access to the action and a stylish, comfortable space to unwind!
Ready to experience ADE in comfort and style?
Book your stay with Cityden now, and we’ll see you on the dance floor!