Every October, Amsterdam turns into the electronic music capital of the world. Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is back from 21 to 25 October 2026, and this year it celebrates its 30th edition. If you live in Haarlem or Zandvoort, you’re just a short train ride from all of it. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Short answer: ADE runs from Wednesday 21 to Sunday 25 October 2026 at venues all over Amsterdam. Buy tickets for individual events through the official ADE website or app, take the train from Haarlem, and plan your way home before you go out.
What is ADE?
ADE is a festival and a conference in one. At night, clubs and venues across the city host more than 1,000 events. During the day there’s ADE Pro, a conference for people who work in the music industry, plus programmes on art and culture, innovation and sustainability. For most people it’s simply five days of parties, from tiny club nights to huge shows.
Tickets
- Individual event tickets are what most people buy. Every party sells its own tickets
- The ADE Pro Pass gives you access to the conference, festival events and networking. It’s aimed at music professionals
- Use the ADE app to browse the programme and build your own schedule
- Popular events sell out, so book early
- Only buy through official channels. Tickets offered by strangers on social media are a classic scam
Getting there from Haarlem and Zandvoort
Trains between Haarlem and Amsterdam run often, and the trip only takes about a quarter of an hour. From Zandvoort you go via Haarlem. You can check in and out with your bank card, so you don’t even need an OV-chipkaart.
A lot of ADE events are in Amsterdam-Noord and other spots outside the centre. The free GVB ferries behind Amsterdam Centraal take you across the IJ to Noord.
Getting home
This is where people from Haarlem and Zandvoort get caught out. ADE nights go on long after the last normal train.
- Night trains: in recent years there have been extra night trains between Amsterdam and Haarlem on Friday and Saturday nights. Check the NS journey planner for this year’s times before you go
- Zandvoort: getting home late is harder. Plan a taxi from Haarlem, stay with a friend or book a place to sleep
- Or make it a day event: plenty of ADE events happen during the day, and you’re home by midnight
Tips for ADE 2026
- Bonus hour on the last night: the clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, so Saturday night gets an extra hour
- Bring ID. Clubs check it
- Bring earplugs. Your ears will thank you on Monday
- Pace yourself. Five days is a marathon, not a sprint
- Look after each other. Drink water, agree on a meeting point and keep your phone charged
- Check the weather. It’s October in the Netherlands. Bring a jacket you don’t mind leaving in a cloakroom
FAQ
When is ADE 2026?
From Wednesday 21 to Sunday 25 October 2026.
Do I need a pass for ADE?
No. Most people buy tickets for individual events. The ADE Pro Pass is mainly for music industry professionals.
How do I get home to Haarlem after ADE?
By night train on Friday and Saturday nights, if it’s running this year (check the NS planner), or by taxi. Plan it before you go out.
More things to do: check the Events Calendar.
