The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is now the top spot for electronic music worldwide. It's a five-day event that turns Amsterdam into a huge playground for artists, professionals, and fans. This year, it celebrates its 30th anniversary, starting from humble beginnings.

Started in 1996, ADE was a small, three-day conference. It aimed to connect people in the electronic music scene. In its first year, it had about 300 industry guests and 30 DJs in 11 venues. This small start laid the groundwork for a global event.

Over 30 years, ADE has grown with electronic music. It now features over 3000 artists in more than 200 venues. This growth shows ADE's key role in the evolution of electronic music.
Check out our curated list of ADE highlights to guide your festival experience.

The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) was founded in 1996 as a brainchild of Zijlma (then head of Conservatorium Haarlem) and the Buma/Stemra Foundation, which advocates for the rights of Dutch music creators. The inaugural edition was a modest gathering of about 300 delegates at a single place. The event was organized to foster networking and professional development within the electronic music scene, quickly evolving into a global phenomenon

The first ADE was held at a hotel on Vijzelgracht, with nighttime events expanding to iconic Amsterdam clubs like Paradiso, Escape, and Melkweg by 1997. While the exact lineup of 300 artists from 1996 is not publicly archived, the event featured a mix of local and international DJs, representing a broad spectrum of electronic sub genres, from house and techno to experimental and underground sounds. The focus was on industry networking and showcasing new talent, setting the stage for ADE’s future as a launchpad for global icons.

ADE’s growth mirrors the explosion of electronic music culture. By 2025, the festival spans 200+ venues across Amsterdam, including legendary clubs, pop-up stages, museums, and even boat parties. The event now attracts over 500.000 visitors and features 2.900+ artists performing at 1.000+ events over five day. Iconic venues like Melkweg, Paradiso, Amsterdam RAI, and Johan Cruijff Arena have become synonymous with ADE’s expansive programming.

• 1996: Debut at Vijzelgracht hotel; 300 attendees.
• 1997: Expansion to Paradiso, Escape, and Melkweg; 30 DJs and 300 attendees.
• 2000s–2010s: Rapid growth in venues, artists, and international attendance. Introduction of ADE Pro, ADE Green, and other sub-conferences.
• 2020s: ADE becomes the world’s largest electronic music conference and festival, with a record 500,000 visitors in recent years

ADE’s unique blend of conference and festival has made it a pivotal platform for artists. Many now-global stars, such as Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, Charlotte de Witte, and Skepta, have performed at ADE early in their careers, using the event to connect with industry leaders, labels, and fans. The festival’s emphasis on emerging talent, mentorship, and networking (through initiatives like ADE Sound Lab and ADE Pro) has helped countless artists transition from local scenes to international stages

ADE's success isn't just about the music. Its internal programs are crucial. They've grown with the festival, shaping the electronic music world. They address important industry needs and aim for a more responsible future.

ADE Lab is the heart of ADE's education. It helps the next generation of electronic music pros. Starting with workshops, it now offers a wide range of programs for aspiring artists.

The ADE Lab Village at Westerpark for ADE 2025 is a big step. It provides a space for learning and testing equipment. 'Open Calls' also help new talents connect with industry experts. ADE Lab shows the festival's dedication to education and talent.

ADE Green is a key program that started in 2013. It focuses on sustainability and social change in the music industry. It's a leading conference on these topics, bringing together experts and artists.

Through ADE Green, ADE promotes eco-friendly solutions and ethical practices. It shows the industry's growing awareness of its impact. ADE Green is leading the way towards a greener and more responsible electronic music scene.

Intercells is at the heart of Amsterdam's underground electronic music scene. It's not just another program like ADE Lab or Green. Instead, Intercells brings unique events to ADE, showing off different sides of electronic music.

They push boundaries and focus on real, raw experiences. This makes ADE known for both mainstream and avant-garde sounds. Intercells' growth shows ADE's ability to celebrate grassroots movements in electronic music.

From a small conference to the world's biggest electronic music event, ADE's journey is unique. It has become a global leader by focusing on innovation and inclusivity. This attracts people from all over the world.

ADE stands out because it combines a top industry conference with a huge festival. It's not just about music or business; it's a complete experience. ADE Pro and ADE Lab offer learning and networking by day.

At night, the ADE Festival brings together parties and showcases across Amsterdam. This mix of business and fun creates a special atmosphere for growth and celebration.

ADE is known as the ultimate place for the electronic music community to meet. It's where careers start and collaborations happen. The festival brings together artists, promoters, and innovators from everywhere.

This creates a unique community and sense of purpose. It's a place where everyone can learn and grow together.

ADE is huge, with over 3,000 artists playing in more than 200 venues. It offers a wide range of electronic music experiences. This diversity attracts everyone, from mainstream fans to underground enthusiasts.

Its commitment to diversity and inclusion makes it even more appealing. ADE supports women, queer, and emerging artists, making it a global event.

Amsterdam is key to ADE's success. Its culture, openness, and nightlife are perfect for the festival. The city's size and transport make it easy to explore.

Amsterdam's history with electronic music makes it a natural home for ADE. This creates a special bond between the event and the city.

In short, ADE is a comprehensive, inclusive, and connected platform for electronic music.

The world of electronic music is always changing. New subgenres pop up, grow, and sometimes disappear. ADE has seen this change up close. From the early 2000s to now, we've seen more styles and how tech has changed music making, sharing, and listening.

In the early 2000s, electronic music was vibrant but not as split as today. Genres like House, Techno, and Drum & Bass were the main ones. Sub-styles like Deep House and Minimal Techno were starting to show up.

Now, we have hundreds of electronic music subcategories. We see special styles like Afrobeats Psy-Trance, Amapiano, Ambient, Acid, Bass, Beats, Breakbeat, Big Room House, Classic, Contemporary, Deep House, Disco, Dub, Elektro, Hard Dance, Hip-hop & Rap, Live, Melodic, Minimal, Minimal-Techno, Progressive, Tech-house, Trance, and Trap, among many others.. This growth shows how creative and open electronic music is. Check out our full curation on OUTHERE, where you’ll find the genres and subgenres of each artist performing at ADE.

Technology has been key in changing electronic music. Back then, making music needed special gear and skills. Digital tools were just starting to appear.

Today, making music is easier and cheaper. DAWs, software synthesizers, and plugins have made it possible for more people to make music. This has opened up the genre to more creativity and diversity.

The internet and digital platforms have also changed how we share and find music. In the early 2000s, sharing music was harder. Now, artists can share their music worldwide instantly. Social media and streaming have helped spread niche sounds and connect artists with fans.

This tech change has made music more complex and interesting. Tracks now have more detailed sound design and complex arrangements. ADE shows how tech keeps pushing electronic music into new areas.

ADE 2025 will be from October 22–26, 2025. It's a festival and conference for electronic music fans. It offers five days of music, insights, and cultural exchange.

ADE 2025 will feature over 3,000 artists. This shows how much the festival has grown and reached more people over the years.

Usually on the day of the event or a couple of days before, when people resell their PDF tickets.

ADE has programs like ADE Lab for new talent and ADE Green for sustainability. It also works with groups like Bridges for Music to help music education. These show ADE's focus on growth, helping the planet, and giving back.

ADE turns 30, and it's a symbol of electronic music's growth. From a small start to global events, ADE has shaped the music world, helped new artists, and brought fans together.

This is just a taste of what ADE 2025 has in store. To dive deeper into the events, artists, and experiences, stay tuned for our guide on the lineup, including our top picks and event details.

Ready to make your mark at ADE? Download the Outhere app or browse the website for tips, secret parties, follow artists, and more. It's your guide to Amsterdam's best week. Let's make this year unforgettable and add to ADE's rich history.