A guide to the best parties, events and tips for ADE 2021

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is electronic music’s most anticipated industry conference, but with changes to the Netherland’s ongoing COVID restrictions, the event is due to look a little different in 2021. If you haven’t heard of ADE before, fear not - we’re here to tell you all about it, and to give you an insight into how you can safely make your way to the prestigious event this year.

ADE brings hundreds of electronic artists to it's line-up in Amsterdam every year, showcasing both new and well-known talent across multiple venues in the Dutch capital. From crumbling churches to industrial post-factory techno halls, ADE spreads itself around every inch of the city amidst canals, coffee shops, and famous landmarks.

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With a taste of everything from immersive experiences, art installations, music industry know-how panels, enormous techno parties and sunshine-filled boat soirées, Amsterdam Dance Event is an unfailing five-dayer with a little something for everyone. This year, ADE returns for its 25th edition.

We’ve gathered everything you need to know about ADE 2021, check it out below:

After a brief reopening of nightclubs in the Netherlands in June, doors closed back up again after just three weeks and have remained the same ever since. On September 25, the rules changed to allow fully-vaccinated and recovered punters back onto the dancefloor, while other clubs might ask for proof of a negative test only. 75% of the population have now received at least one dose, and infection rates have dropped to around 1,500 per day.

Although cases are falling, there are still some restrictions in place if you’re looking to travel to the Netherlands from the UK. Deemed a high-risk country until September 4, the UK now comes under a blanket risk along with all other countries, quite similar to our new travel rules. This means that most countries will now follow the same rules when entering The Netherlands - you must produce proof of either a negative antigen or PCR test. If you’re fully vaccinated, you can skip the 10-day quarantine and head straight those blowout day parties. Watch out on your return though; you’ll need to book in a day 2 PCR test before heading back to the UK.

ADE is typically an autumn event, usually running in the early weeks of October. That will remain the case this year - the 25th edition will take place from Wednesday, October 13, until Sunday, October 17. A plethora of venues to pick from range from the centre of Amsterdam right to its outskirts - find a full list here.

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Amsterdam Dance Event didn’t make its 2020 edition - much like thousands of other events across the globe that were forced to delay due to the pandemic. 350 Festival and Arts & Culture events will take place across 140+ locations this year. The biggest difference for 2021 though, is that only day-time events are allowed to go ahead while the conference has been scrapped in its entirety. That means no panels, talks or meet-ups, just good old fashioned day raves. There’s a curfew across the city from midnight until 6:AM, so you won’t find any events clocking past Cinderella hours.

Here’s our selection of the top ten events happening at this year’s ADE:

Audio Obscura w/ Octo Octa, Palms Trax & more
Tagged as an afrobeats, disco, and house event, this factory-held day party features mostly Dutch names - including Antal, Black Cadmium, Titia, and Job Jobse.

Hosted at RAW Factory on Friday, October 15, from 4:PM until midnight.

ADE Cycles
A one-day event raising money for schools with an aim to teach skills in DJing, music production, and music business. The cycle takes place around the city stopping off at a few venues along the way with a few DJs taking part.

Starts at the ADE Business Hangout on Wednesday, October 13, from 11:AM onward.

Awakenings x ADE: Rennier Zonneveld
The Netherland’s Rennier Zonneveld will showcase at the Ziggo Dome, marking the largest techno event ever played by a solo act in the country.

Held at the Ziggo Dome on Friday, October 15, from 2:PM until midnight.

Rave Aerobics Session by ARK Studio
ARK Rave Studio is running a ‘series of spiritual healing experiences for ravers’ with a high-intensity rave aerobics session and immersive visual experiences.

Hosted at SEXYLAND on Saturday, October 16, from 10:AM until 7:PM.

DGTL x ADE: Honey Dijon, Disclosure & more
DGTL Festival is teaming up with ADE on this one, with Honey Dijon, Disclosure, Sanja and Cinthie all playing the daytime event.

Hosted at Scheepsbouwloods on Thursday, October 14, from 6:PM until midnight.

DJ Bone's ‘Homeless Homies Benefit Event’
A fundraiser event from DJ Bone for homeless charities in The Netherlands, with a line-up featuring KiNK, Eclair Fifi, Riva Starr and Funster and organisations spanning Homeless Homies, Stichting Secret Garden, LGBT Asylum Support, COC Netherlands, LBGTQIA+ Maatjes and Rainbow Soulclub (De Regenboog Groep) benefitting. RADION will also be donating 30% of the bar profit to the Homeless Homies initiative.

Held at RADION on Friday, October 15, from 10:AM until midnight.

Paul Johnson Tribute
‘One Love Tribute to Paul Johnson’ will go ahead this year in honour of the late DJ, who was originally set to headline this year’s event.

Hosted at Club YOLO on Saturday, October 16, from 5:PM until midnight.

HE.SHE.THEY
An enormous HE.SHE.THEY event at the famous Amsterdam hang, with a line-up featuring Freddy K, Sandrien, Maya Jane Coles, Sama Abdulhadi and SYREETA.

Held at Shelter on Thursday, October 14, from 4:PM until midnight.

Nubiyan Twist - Super-Sonic Jazz Special
Nine-piece UK jazz collective Nubiyan Twist are hosting a ‘Super-Sonic Jazz Special’ on the last night of the festival.

Starts at Paradiso on Sunday, October 17, at 9:45PM

SW X ADE: Sulta Selects
Denis Sulta is joined by TSHA, Mella Dee, and Patrick Topping at De Marktkantine for an enormous day party.

Held at De Marktkantine on Friday, October 15, from 4:PM until midnight.

Check out Amsterdam Dance Event’s 2021 program here, and find out more information.