6 of the most unique events at ADE in 2024

This article was written and curated by the TicketSwap team, translated for you with AI.

Ahhhh, ADE choice paralysis. It's a truly universal, unavoidable - and glorious - part of the Amsterdam Dance Event experience.

Everyone deals with it differently, with what feels like every single club, cafe, and basement in the city transforming into some sort of immersive pop-up wonderland. Some attendees insist on 100-row spreadsheets that detail every living, breathing, sweating moment of their planned ADE experience. Others throw caution to the wind and follow their feet, hoping that mere serendipity is enough to lead them to live their best ADE life.

Neither approach is ideal. Overplan, and you’ll risk missing out on last minute tickets to cool stuff and the delicious spontaneity that ADE should bring. Underplan, and you’ll spend more time queuing (and cursing when you’re turned away) than actually dancing. In fact, you're better off picking a handful of events you're super eager to check out, grab tickets in advance (or set a ticket alert if it's sold out), and head into the weekend with even a rough idea of the things that appeal to you.

And here's the thing: the real beauty of Amsterdam Dance Event lies in the unique experiences you'll only get to try once. Things you can't do on any average Saturday in Amsterdam. Like, for instance, immersing yourself in a silent disco under the Rijksmuseum's starlit sky. Or joining an exclusive sunrise yoga session atop A'DAM Tower with panoramic views of the city's awakening skyline. Tick a couple of those off your list, and you're bound to come out the other side of ADE feeling like you've absolutely nailed it.

Without further ado, here's our rundown of the coolest looking, unique events at ADE 2024, from the kinda quirky to the absolutely life-altering (we hope).

On the hunt for some ADE inspiration? Head to our official ADE ticket hub now

ADE Opening Concert: Greetje Bijma x Oceanic + LUXE (live)

FEATURING: Greetje Bijma (NL), LUXE (GB) & Oceanic (NL)

DATE: Wed, Oct 16, 2024, 20:30 - 22:00

LOCATION: Bimhuis | Piet Heinkade 1, Amsterdam

What is it? Hit the ground running on ADE Wednesday with this incredibly special collaboration, bringing together classical and electronic music under the masterful hand of classically trained producer LUXE. Live/hybrid shows at Bimhuis are always super atmospheric, and so definitely worth your time, before the madness of ADE Thursday kicks in.

Why’s it unique? Greetje Bijma is the first woman to win the Netherlands’ most prestigious jazz/improv prize Buma Boy Edgar Prize, and this is your chance to witness her in the flesh, reimagined in a whole new (electronic) way with techno/ambient artist Oceanic, for ADE audiences.

Nachtcultuur - Film + Q&A — | ADE

DATE: Thu, Oct 17, 2024, 19:00 - 20:30

LOCATION: LAB111 | Arie Biemondstraat 111, Amsterdam

What is it? Between the parties (and afterparties (and after-afterparty-parties) of ADE, it’s always an idea to shake things up by checking out the cinematic strand of the ADE programme, and this event’s an awesome place to start. If you’re looking for where to start, go see this documentary on the Groningen nightlife scene. It not only tells the story of the people of the dancefloor, but also challenges broader stereotypes about techno, and wrestles with the topic of drug use.

Why’s it unique? The event includes a Q&A with the film’ producer and director, meaning you’ll definitely get some talking points and ice-breakers for the rest of your ADE schmoozing…

The Karismatik Cirkus | ADE 2024

FEATURING: Arabella Memdouh (NL), Arc, Elif (TR) & Mona Pirzad

DATE: Thu, Oct 17, 2024, 21:00 - 04:00

LOCATION: Recycle Lounge Gallery Club | Zuiderzeeweg 28, Amsterdam

What is it? A self-professed “vintage circus dreamland” and haven for self-expression, TKC is a place of revelry best understood by simply turning up. Expect circus acts, gorgeous visuals, an awesome line-up of performers including Elif, Mona Pirzad, Arabella Memdouh and Arc b2b Philou, and ethical, conscious vibes all-round.

Why’s it unique? 2024 is the year we bid farewell to RLGC, meaning this is the very last opportunity to experience TKC’s magic taking place in their regular home. In other words, this event marks part of history (with some special surprises in store). Our ears are open…

ADE x K&N: Crafting Rhythms and Knitting Communities

FEATURING: SERKET (NL)

DATE: Sun, Oct 20, 2024, 15:00 - 19:00

LOCATION: Werkplaats | Wibautstraat 150, Amsterdam

What is it? Something on the more relaxing side as ADE winds down: an atmospheric evening of making connections through crafting and music. The Netherlands’ own DJ Serket will guide participants through

Why’s it unique?

If the idea of knitting to a DJ set isn’t unique enough for you, then perhaps throw in the fact that you’ll get the chance to witness Nina Dam’s lecture on the deep connection between music, movement, and the art of making; along with a chance to participate in kXtog, a performance from Rosa Mol which involves working on a collaborative knitted artwork.

…Unique enough for you yet?

Breathwork Concert | Jimmy Jansen & Maarten Stok — | ADE

FEATURING: Jimmy Jansen (NL) & Maarten Stok (NL)

DATE: Sat, Oct 19, 2024, 14:00 - 15:30

LOCATION: 't Zonnehuis | Zonneplein 30, Amsterdam

What is it? While we’re chatting about the uniqueness of some of ADE’s more relaxing experiences this year, Jimmy Jansen & Maarten Stok’ breathwork concert is also well worth investigating.

Why’s it unique? When else do you spend 90% of an ADE event enjoying with your eyes closed? OK, well, maybe apart from those techno all-nighters… but you catch our drift. Team meditations, poetry, interactive performances and even a snack room: what’s not to like? Heads up: this event takes place in Dutch only.

NIGHT VISIONS [Workshop + Performance] — | ADE

FEATURING: Gizem Öz (TR), Pauric Freeman (IE) & Sebastiaan Smink (NL)

DATE: Thu, Oct 17, 2024, 16:00 - 18:00

LOCATION: MACA | Ms. van Riemsdijkweg 61, Amsterdam

What is it? The magical Gizem Öz returns to ADE for another year, along with Irish developer and media artist Pauric Freeman and Dutch media artist and Studio Smink founder Sebastiaan Smink, for a series of workshop lectures and live performances merging art, tech and the topic of nightlife.

Why’s it unique? This is another chance to see Gizem Öz following her acclaimed Ekatā at ADE 2023; except this time as part of a never-before-seen collaboration, with insights into the practice of both herself, plus Pauric Freeman and Sebastiaan Smink. There’ll also be a chance for a spot of networking after (if that’s what you’re into), and chances are there’ll be some pretty brilliant people in the room.