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Editorial Picks: Free Events

Tuesday, 17 October 2023
Amsterdam Dance Event unites people, genres, and arts for five electrifying days. Together, we celebrate every genre and form of electronic music in the heart of Amsterdam. The city is slowly turning yellow and black, which means it's time to finalise your schedule. We've listed a selection of events with free access, where listening, dancing, and connecting on the dance floor is for all to enjoy.

words by Meike Jentjens

In(-)stores, churches, and hotels

Obia Records Instore, Rush Hour

One of Amsterdam's most iconic record stores, with its own label, is hosting an Obia Records in-store session on ADE Wednesday. Running almost as long as ADE itself, Rush Hour has been distributing many influential records to all over the world since 1997. One of those particular records is the Obia Records 004 Generation EP by Ardio Zemog, which you can exclusively pick up from 4 - 5 PM CET, and you might even get yours signed by Ardio Zemog & music by Obia Records founder Wendel Sield.

Zwart Goud DJ Café, Zwart Goud

Zwart Goud is another gem of a record store in Amsterdam, where the owners know their vinyl. They even offer DJ lessons on vinyl, and now invite a few selectors who know their way around the turntables in the store. Ceyda, Percy, Richy and Matthew Cordiner show us the power of playing with vinyl next to AMPFEMININE's Bella Hall and LAWAAI Collective's INA and Lan The Wireless.

Welcome to ADE with Todd Terry, Victoria Hotel

One of the first things you'll see when leaving Amsterdam's central station is the Victoria Hotel. Two tiny houses are engulfed in the hotel's facade, one of the oldest in all of The Netherlands. The dreamlike building opens its doors for modern-day selectors, like the Grammy-nominated DJ Todd Terry, who plays there on ADE Wednesday and welcomes dancers with his warm house tunes to another edition of ADE.

House of EMPIRE, De Koepelkerk

DIRTYBIRD Records welcomes you to their flock with a takeover of church De Koepelkerk on the first day of ADE. The label brings its all-stars to play the smoothest tunes to warm you up for the next five days. They team up with EMPIRE distribution, an independent label guaranteed to make you enjoy ADE in all caps and full force.


In(-)stores, churches, and hotels

Obia Records Instore, Rush Hour

One of Amsterdam's most iconic record stores, with its own label, is hosting an Obia Records in-store session on ADE Wednesday. Running almost as long as ADE itself, Rush Hour has been distributing many influential records to all over the world since 1997. One of those particular records is the Obia Records 004 Generation EP by Ardio Zemog, which you can exclusively pick up from 4 - 5 PM CET, and you might even get yours signed by Ardio Zemog & music by Obia Records founder Wendel Sield.

Zwart Goud DJ Café, Zwart Goud

Zwart Goud is another gem of a record store in Amsterdam, where the owners know their vinyl. They even offer DJ lessons on vinyl, and now invite a few selectors who know their way around the turntables in the store. Ceyda, Percy, Richy and Matthew Cordiner show us the power of playing with vinyl next to AMPFEMININE's Bella Hall and LAWAAI Collective's INA and Lan The Wireless.

Welcome to ADE with Todd Terry, Victoria Hotel

One of the first things you'll see when leaving Amsterdam's central station is the Victoria Hotel. Two tiny houses are engulfed in the hotel's facade, one of the oldest in all of The Netherlands. The dreamlike building opens its doors for modern-day selectors, like the Grammy-nominated DJ Todd Terry, who plays there on ADE Wednesday and welcomes dancers with his warm house tunes to another edition of ADE.

House of EMPIRE, De Koepelkerk

DIRTYBIRD Records welcomes you to their flock with a takeover of church De Koepelkerk on the first day of ADE. The label brings its all-stars to play the smoothest tunes to warm you up for the next five days. They team up with EMPIRE distribution, an independent label guaranteed to make you enjoy ADE in all caps and full force.


Takeovers and top selectors

Heist Recordings X Bordello Aperitivo

Bordello A Parigi is a characteristic label with its own bar in the city centre of Amsterdam. The city's own Heist Recordings takes over on ADE Thursday, starting with shiny tunes in the afternoon until later that night. DJs like Ays, Black Cadmium, and Retromigration set the tone with their vivid house selection, making this free-of-charge event a highlight definitely worth the visit.

The Smallest Exhibition of ADE, Madam Store

Bordello A Parigi doesn't stop there, as they're teaming up with art store Madam and label plus venue THE OTHER SIDE for what they call the smallest exhibition of ADE on ADE Thursday. This exhibition centres inspiring record sleeves, where artists take to the spotlights to showcase their personal signature. Normally, we only see the performers in nightlife, but these three invite you to celebrate those behind the scenes as well.

Drumcode Centraal Pop-Up Store, Bonne store

For the first time in Drumcode’s 27-year history, the Swedish techno label invites enthusiasts to learn about their history in a small and intimate setting. Label friends like Adam Beyer, Joris Voorn, Layton Giordani, Chelina Manuhutu, Bart Skils, Marco Faraone, Marie Vaunt, Space 92, Township Rebellion, and more will pop up at the pop-up store, where they play sets for a small number of fans on ADE Wednesday and Thursday.

Cone Pop-Up Store - Friday, Bar Theo

More icons you'd normally only see from a distance play a free event in a pop-up: Pariah and Blawan head over to Bar Theo with its sound soundsystem. Clone Records invites the duo for a night of the hottest UK sounds in the game and clears the way for Pariah and Blawan's label Voam. Don't miss this if you're big on bass.

Station Werkplaats x Radio Many Møre, Volkshotel

Many Møre Collective takes over Station Werkplaats at Volkshotel with a pop-up radio show during the five days of ADE. Jesse Sep kicks off the week with a live set starting at 6 PM CET until midnight, and if his tunes aren't enough reason to drop by: the Werkplaats location is on the hotel's roof. The Radio broadcaster started as a DJ collective and does Many Møre things now, including this free event.


Besides the radio pop-up, visitors can stop by Volkshotel for the Good Music Vinyl Market on ADE Saturday, where the best affordable records selected by DJs, labels and record shops from Amsterdam and beyond are within reach. Grab a beer and some snacks and enjoy digging through the finest collection of house, techno, minimal, disco, hip-hop and more.

Takeovers and top selectors

Heist Recordings X Bordello Aperitivo

Bordello A Parigi is a characteristic label with its own bar in the city centre of Amsterdam. The city's own Heist Recordings takes over on ADE Thursday, starting with shiny tunes in the afternoon until later that night. DJs like Ays, Black Cadmium, and Retromigration set the tone with their vivid house selection, making this free-of-charge event a highlight definitely worth the visit.

The Smallest Exhibition of ADE, Madam Store

Bordello A Parigi doesn't stop there, as they're teaming up with art store Madam and label plus venue THE OTHER SIDE for what they call the smallest exhibition of ADE on ADE Thursday. This exhibition centres inspiring record sleeves, where artists take to the spotlights to showcase their personal signature. Normally, we only see the performers in nightlife, but these three invite you to celebrate those behind the scenes as well.

Drumcode Centraal Pop-Up Store, Bonne store

For the first time in Drumcode’s 27-year history, the Swedish techno label invites enthusiasts to learn about their history in a small and intimate setting. Label friends like Adam Beyer, Joris Voorn, Layton Giordani, Chelina Manuhutu, Bart Skils, Marco Faraone, Marie Vaunt, Space 92, Township Rebellion, and more will pop up at the pop-up store, where they play sets for a small number of fans on ADE Wednesday and Thursday.

Cone Pop-Up Store - Friday, Bar Theo

More icons you'd normally only see from a distance play a free event in a pop-up: Pariah and Blawan head over to Bar Theo with its sound soundsystem. Clone Records invites the duo for a night of the hottest UK sounds in the game and clears the way for Pariah and Blawan's label Voam. Don't miss this if you're big on bass.

Station Werkplaats x Radio Many Møre, Volkshotel

Many Møre Collective takes over Station Werkplaats at Volkshotel with a pop-up radio show during the five days of ADE. Jesse Sep kicks off the week with a live set starting at 6 PM CET until midnight, and if his tunes aren't enough reason to drop by: the Werkplaats location is on the hotel's roof. The Radio broadcaster started as a DJ collective and does Many Møre things now, including this free event.


Besides the radio pop-up, visitors can stop by Volkshotel for the Good Music Vinyl Market on ADE Saturday, where the best affordable records selected by DJs, labels and record shops from Amsterdam and beyond are within reach. Grab a beer and some snacks and enjoy digging through the finest collection of house, techno, minimal, disco, hip-hop and more.

Raves in- and outside of the dance floor

Recharge and Revolt, Melkweg Expo

'Recharge and Revolt' is a group exhibition curated by Ukrainian guest curators Anton Shebetko and Maria Vtorushina and focuses on rave culture as a powerful political instrument. The exhibition at Melkweg Expo explores and celebrates themes such as queer identity, queer visibility, utopia, queer time, and the solidarity that has been fostered through raves. After the opening event on ADE Wednesday, the curators host an in-depth discussion around the theme of 'Recharge and Revolt'.

Music Meets Fashion with Future Intel, G-Star RAW Store

Future Intel is one of the most respected broadcasters The Netherlands has to offer, and they're bringing a few of the hottest names to their annual gathering at G-Star RAW. The RAW Store opens its doors again for another edition of 'Music Meets Fashion', where head-turning outfits, head-spinning beats, and free drinks go hand in hand. Marie Montexier, Martyn & DJ Spit, livwutang, softchaos, and many, many more jump behind the decks. Will you be in front of them?

NEXT Boozy Brunch & DJs, NEXT

Cocktail bar, restaurant, and grand café: NEXT is a new hotspot and ready to cater to partygoers. Their residents Eric de Man, Aron Friedman, Boj Tieman, Amandla, and Robix serve the funkiest tunes while their staff serves food & drinks. A special surprise is guest DJ Maurice Fulton, who closes the run of Boozy Brunch on ADE Sunday.

Club Athenaeum: Beats, Books & Bites, Athenaeum Zuidoost City

Books and beats go together like ADE and electronic music. Bookstore Athenaeum invites the likes of DJ CRZE, Mikki Brown & Frits, and a lot of other friendly faces to play between the books and magazines on ADE Sunday. Expect easy listening sessions with (vegetarian) bites and all-around *good vibes*.

Raves in- and outside of the dance floor

Recharge and Revolt, Melkweg Expo

'Recharge and Revolt' is a group exhibition curated by Ukrainian guest curators Anton Shebetko and Maria Vtorushina and focuses on rave culture as a powerful political instrument. The exhibition at Melkweg Expo explores and celebrates themes such as queer identity, queer visibility, utopia, queer time, and the solidarity that has been fostered through raves. After the opening event on ADE Wednesday, the curators host an in-depth discussion around the theme of 'Recharge and Revolt'.

Music Meets Fashion with Future Intel, G-Star RAW Store

Future Intel is one of the most respected broadcasters The Netherlands has to offer, and they're bringing a few of the hottest names to their annual gathering at G-Star RAW. The RAW Store opens its doors again for another edition of 'Music Meets Fashion', where head-turning outfits, head-spinning beats, and free drinks go hand in hand. Marie Montexier, Martyn & DJ Spit, livwutang, softchaos, and many, many more jump behind the decks. Will you be in front of them?

NEXT Boozy Brunch & DJs, NEXT

Cocktail bar, restaurant, and grand café: NEXT is a new hotspot and ready to cater to partygoers. Their residents Eric de Man, Aron Friedman, Boj Tieman, Amandla, and Robix serve the funkiest tunes while their staff serves food & drinks. A special surprise is guest DJ Maurice Fulton, who closes the run of Boozy Brunch on ADE Sunday.

Club Athenaeum: Beats, Books & Bites, Athenaeum Zuidoost City

Books and beats go together like ADE and electronic music. Bookstore Athenaeum invites the likes of DJ CRZE, Mikki Brown & Frits, and a lot of other friendly faces to play between the books and magazines on ADE Sunday. Expect easy listening sessions with (vegetarian) bites and all-around *good vibes*.

All good things..

..must come to an end

Even ADE.

But with the ADE Hangover, the blow will be that much softer. Free of charge, for all ages, and a killer lineup? You guessed it. Besides many playful stages, the ADE Hangover has a lot of tasty food trucks and craft beers, cosy hot tubs, a vintage market, bonfires, and art projects. So, ready to see who's playing at this free event on ADE Sunday?

Aritmia Sonora (IT) / Benwal (NL) / DJ Europarking (NL) / Elias Mazian (NL) / Elli Acula (DE) / Essy (BE) / FKA.M4A (DE) / KETTAMA (IE) / Lizzy Green (NL) / Lovefoxy (DE) / Mano Le Tough (IE) / Moxie (GB) / Nefo / Nicky Elisabeth (NL) / Parallelle (FR) / Rens, Jaïr & Ome Uncle (NL) / Roswitha (NL) / Ryan Elliott (US) / Salmonella (US) / Salute (AT) / Spill Gold (NL) / TITUS (NL) / Trepanado (BR) / Volar (NL)

..must come to an end

Even ADE.

But with the ADE Hangover, the blow will be that much softer. Free of charge, for all ages, and a killer lineup? You guessed it. Besides many playful stages, the ADE Hangover has a lot of tasty food trucks and craft beers, cosy hot tubs, a vintage market, bonfires, and art projects. So, ready to see who's playing at this free event on ADE Sunday?

Aritmia Sonora (IT) / Benwal (NL) / DJ Europarking (NL) / Elias Mazian (NL) / Elli Acula (DE) / Essy (BE) / FKA.M4A (DE) / KETTAMA (IE) / Lizzy Green (NL) / Lovefoxy (DE) / Mano Le Tough (IE) / Moxie (GB) / Nefo / Nicky Elisabeth (NL) / Parallelle (FR) / Rens, Jaïr & Ome Uncle (NL) / Roswitha (NL) / Ryan Elliott (US) / Salmonella (US) / Salute (AT) / Spill Gold (NL) / TITUS (NL) / Trepanado (BR) / Volar (NL)