8 of the most unique events at ADE in 2023

ADE choice paralysis. It's universal, unavoidable, and part and parcel of the Amsterdam Dance Event experience for most attendees.

With what feels like every single club, cafe, and basement in the city transformed into some sort of pop-up wonderland, everyone deals with it differently. Some attendees insist on 100-row spreadsheets detailing 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 – you're better off picking a handful of events you're most keen 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 essence of this festival 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 favourite unique events at ADE 2023, from the quirky to the downright life-altering (we hope).

Looking for ADE inspiration? Head to our official ADE ticket hub now

PIV x Boatparty

This one’s especially for visitors to Amsterdam, hitting up the city for ADE. Ask yourself this: what’s the point in going to a music festival with water surrounding it if you don’t head out on a boat once or twice? PIV makes that possible this year, and though their lips are sealed on line-up, expect big things (last year saw Folamour, Little Louie Vega, Cinthie and Jeremy Underground playing aboard the party boat).

Amsterdam Andalusisch Orkest & Mary Lake

Bimhuis hosts a musical melting pot in which Algerian, French and Dutch DJ Mary Lake plays with the Amsterdam Andalusian Orkestra. Expect incredible discordant beats and left-field electronics from DJ Mary, and brilliant solos on Arabic stringed instruments – including the oud and rabab – from orchestral soloist Hamza Amrani. Guaranteed to be a unique, mindset-altering experience.

Awakenings x Saints & Stars | Work Out - Help Out

Your body is a temple – something easy to forget amid ADE. So, we urge you to take advantage of this rare opportunity to sweat out the hangover in the iconic Gashouder in a 30 minute work-out (including lightshow).]

Het HEM x Horst: New HHHorizons

The legends at Horst have collaborated with the glorious Het HEM to curate two nights of interdisciplinary live performances from the likes of Het HEM artist in resident Søren Siebel, Brussels-based M I M I, the Ja Ja Ja Nee Nee Nee collective and more.

A Taste of Ballroom

It’s not often you’ll get an introduction to true, authentic ballroom culture – something with a rich history beyond RuPaul-esque death drops. Multidisciplinary artist Yamuna Forzani, from the house of Comme Des Garçons, hosts this night of lip sync, vogue femme and sex siren in a real night to remember – and it’s free of charge.

Door Open Space presents Ekatā by Gizem Öz

Finally, get your dose of modern art through this multi-sensory installation by electronic music composer and sound artist Gizem Öz. As you make your way through the exhibition, your motions will trigger scent, sound, and visuals in an experience soundtracked live by the likes of Wes Broersen and Marijn Cinjee.

Behind the Track met Buma Music in Motion

Ever wondered what exactly goes into composing music for movies, Netlfix series and commercials? ADE’s famous for bringing together big names from the music industry to swap ideas, and this live talk looks like a real one-off, especially as it doubles up as a live podcast recording.

Pieter de Graaf | Live at Planetarium Artis

The Planetarium Artis is worth a visit any time of the year, but when else can you unwind under the stars soundtracked to the music of Edison winner and neo-classical pianist Pieter de Graaf? Expect jazz, electronica – and for your breath to be taken away, most likely, too.