ADE 2026 first-timer guide: Your list of can’t-miss events

Amsterdam Dance Event marks its 30th anniversary with more than 1,500 artists confirmed, including DJ Snake and Mochakk, for five days of electronic music Oct. 21-25.

Every October, Amsterdam Dance Event takes over the city of Canals. Running October 21–25, ADE 2026 will celebrate three decades of dance-floor history this year, following last year’s record-breaking 600,000 attendees.

What began in 1996 as an industry gathering has become a citywide pilgrimage taking over clubs, curating insider conferences and after-hours events alike. With hundreds of artists already announced, we put together a guide for first-timers who are looking to experience a little bit of everything ADE has to offer this year.

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Wednesday, October 21 – DJ Snake at Paradiso

The legendary DJ Snake will open ADE week with his signature festival-sized energy inside one of Amsterdam’s most storied venues. Start ADE with a bang with “Turn Down for What” and selections from his latest album, Nomad.

@awakenings

Warming up for ADE with Ben Klock 🤝 #awakenings #awakeningsade #adeamsterdam #techno #benklock

♬ origineel geluid – Awakenings

Thursday, October 22 – HoneyLuv at Glitterbox, Thuishaven

HoneyLuv joins Carl Craig, Eliza Rose and others for a celebration of house music’s roots.

Friday, October 23 – Pegassi All Day Long at Hemkade 48

Pegassi will be taking over for an extended journey with no openers, closers, or interruptions. This is long-format at its finest.

UNREAL by Night x KUKO at AFAS Live

KUKO will go all night with a special extended set that promises an immersive journey for the true techno lovers.

Mochakk Calling at Gashouder

Mochakk brings Brazilian heat to Gashouder alongside disco icons ISAbella, Juliana X, MPH, and Solarce Brothers. The venue’s iconic ceiling will set the perfect scene for disco energy.

Saturday, October 24 – TRYM at Verknipt, AFAS Live

TRYM will unleash his melodic blend of hard techno, rave and hard dance during Verknipt’s daytime takeover. TRYM has had a stacked year so far, performing at major festivals including Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, Ultra Music Festival, and now ADE.

Sunday, October 25 – Awakenings Sunday by Day: DJ Gigola x Pegassi

If you’re still awake and the Sunday scaries don’t hit, Awakenings SUNDAY BY DAY will bring together DJ Gigola and Pegassi for a special daytime experience. Expect an energetic yet intimate showcase blending groovy vibes and high-impact club energy.

Reinier Zonneveld x Loveland at Mediahaven

And last on our list, and certainly not least, Zonneveld closes our guide with an eight-hour live marathon showcasing every corner of his techno universe.

For our last tidbit of advice, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, hydrate, and remember that the ADE magic often emerges in between your set plans; so always go with the flow. Just ask anyone who witnessed ten years of Heldeep.

To get tickets to ADE 2026, head to their official website.

Featured image courtesy of ADE website.

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