Amsterdam Dance Event has unveiled its first artist wave for 30 YEARS ADE, confirming over 250 names ahead of what is shaping up to be the festival’s most expansive edition to date. Running from 21 to 25 October 2026, the full programme is expected to reach more than 3,000 artists spread across 200-plus venues when Amsterdam once again becomes the centre of the electronic music world.
The anniversary carries real weight. ADE launched in 1996 as a three-day conference with 30 DJs performing across just four venues. Three decades on, it routinely draws 500,000 attendees across more than 1,200 sanctioned events, plus thousands more that fall outside the official programme. That trajectory alone frames why this edition feels significant beyond the usual annual cycle.
The first wave spans a broad cross-section of the scene. Techno is well represented, with Detroit originator Jeff Mills, Belgian headliner Amelie Lens, Drumcode boss Adam Beyer, and hard techno’s Nico Moreno all confirmed. On the house side, The Martinez Brothers, The Blessed Madonna, Folamour, and Octo Octa feature, while trance gets a nod through Armin van Buuren and German act DJ Heartstring. UK garage fans have Sammy Virji to look forward to, and Skepta’s presence signals the event’s ongoing reach beyond the club music sphere. Further names across house, techno, bass, and live sets include Avalon Emerson, Eris Drew, DJ Nobu, Jyoty, Prospa, Skin On Skin, Freddy K, Philippa Pacho, and Scooter, among many others still to be announced.
Several headline moments are already locked in. Jean-Michel Jarre takes the guest of honour position for the 30th anniversary, with his Opening Concert — timed to mark 50 years since Oxygène — already sold out. Skepta returns to Amsterdam with an expanded Más Tiempo show at Warehouse Elementenstraat, and David Guetta brings his Monolith production to AMF at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Melkweg’s ADE Opening Concert will feature Kybba alongside the Metropole Orkest, with additional sets from San Holo, Droeloe, Nimino, Starjunk 95, and Dave Clarke presenting a dedicated 30 Years of ADE show.
Gashouder re-enters the ADE picture for its pre-opening season, with eight shows already confirmed. That run includes sets from Armin van Buuren and Benwal, I Hate Models and Nico Moreno, Job Jobse, Mochakk, Franky Rizardo, Sammy Virji, and Josh Baker. MOJO is scaling up for the anniversary with two KI/KI 5 Hours shows and OUTWORLD: Klangkuenstler All Night Long at Ziggo Dome. AFAS Live will host both 10 Years of STMPD RCRDS and Unreal Germany. Paradiso’s early reveals include Speedy J presenting STOOR Live, alongside Malugi, State OFFF, and Lawrence Hart.
Promoters have moved quickly alongside the main announcement. Intercell has already confirmed 65-plus artists across 13 events, with Eris Drew, Octo Octa, Lola Edo, DJ Nobu, MCR-T, SPFDJ, Freddy K, Ines Isla, 999999999, and Philippa Pacho among those booked. DGTL has revealed 45-plus names across seven events, including Joris Voorn, Kevin de Vries, Tinlicker, Folamour, NTO live, Miss Monique, DJ EZ, and Benwal. Into the Woods has put out 25-plus artists including DJ BORING, ELIF, Jyoty, Kyle Starkey, Young Marco, and Clara Cuvé.
Beyond the music, ADE’s conference strand remains a significant draw for the estimated 10,000 industry professionals who attend each year. Artists including Mochakk, Josh Baker, and SPFDJ are among those slated to speak, joined by figures such as music lawyer Sarah Williams and Gideon Berger of Block9 and Together for Palestine. The balance between dancefloor and boardroom has always been central to what ADE is, and the 30th edition appears to be leaning into both with equal intent.
ADE Pro passes and individual event tickets are on sale now via the Amsterdam Dance Event website, with further lineup waves expected throughout the summer.
Sources: Data Transmission, EDM Identity
