As the dance event begins...
22 · 10 · 2025
It's that time of year again. The Amsterdam Dance Event transforms the entire city into a vibrant electronic festival, with nearly every venue in the Dutch capital dedicated to club culture. A showcase of the current state of electronic music, ADE is an essential event for any devoted dance music fan.
If this is your first time attending ADE, you might find the city a bit overwhelming, but we're here to provide a quick guide to navigating Amsterdam.
Afro-house pioneer Kitty Amor is making significant strides both locally and internationally, blending expert curation as a DJ with a strong production presence.
Here, she shares her passion for Amsterdam and offers some suggestions...
Amsterdam is perhaps the ideal European city for ADE, being the continent's premier music conference. On any given day, the city is alive with activities and sights, but it reaches a whole new level during ADE.
I cherish ADE because it brings together the entire electronic music industry, forming the largest creative hub that consistently inspires me, teaches me something new, and fosters valuable connections. It feels like having your email inbox transformed into face-to-face interactions, where everyone shares the same drive and excitement for "getting things done." This year’s ADE is particularly meaningful for me as it's the first time I'm taking the plunge to curate my own party while also participating as a speaker in two panel discussions.
I've long desired to take this step and felt the need to learn and understand what the city requires. I noticed there were several smaller mixers and summit parties focusing on African Electronic Music, but there weren't many events, aside from Tribes and Descendants at Paradiso and Parallel, that accorded this sound the same level of recognition as other electronic sub-genres. I felt inspired to take a leap of faith and lead by inviting talented DJs and producers who inspire me to join me at Madam Tower to showcase this vibrant sound.
Patta: It's impossible to think of Amsterdam and its rich culture without mentioning Patta. I admire the brand for being black-owned and actively supporting community and culture while consistently highlighting the strong connection between black music and fashion.
Daily Paper: Another black-owned brand that resonates with me due to its direct ties to my heritage. This label has played a significant role in representing the African diaspora’s experiences through fashion.
Glamcult: I first came across this store while searching for another Amsterdam-based fashion brand I like, ‘LaFam’. Whenever I'm in the city, I always stop by to check their latest collections, and the staff are always incredibly knowledgeable.
Filling Pieces: This is my secret retreat with my close friend, DJ/Producer Vanco. We enjoy escaping the hustle and bustle in this store; while we love their clothing, it's also a great place to take a breather. The good music and friendly staff enhance the shopping experience.
The New Originals: Every year at ADE, a particular “DJ outfit” trend emerges; almost every DJ sports a t-shirt from this store due to its relatability for creatives.
Killacutz: I love visiting this record store to indulge in a nostalgic journey through House Music. The vinyls you'll find here will surely evoke memories of the first time you heard certain tracks. Since the store is small, I recommend arriving early.
Maxwell Records: As a dedicated jazz collector, this is my favorite spot for everything Blue Note, where I can leisurely uncover hidden gems.
Mr. Porter Restaurants: When I need a fancy meal to impress someone, this is always my choice. I thought it was a secret until I spotted my friends from Ibiza enjoying the same place.
Indrapura: I came across this restaurant during a meeting with my manager George and some prominent US promoters. We were uncertain about what to expect from an Indonesian restaurant in Amsterdam, but the food left us amazed and distracted from our meeting agenda. Highly recommend the Ikan Pepes, truly exceptional!
Madam Rooftop: The views of Amsterdam from here are unparalleled. I first visited this venue during last year’s ADE, and it immediately felt right as the place where I want to make my mark at ADE. It stands out as one of the most memorable venues to experience at night with the sounds of African Electronic Music – I’m eagerly anticipating this show.
ADE takes place from October 22nd – 26th // tickets.
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They've directed their gaze, which is still looking downward, both inward and outward simultaneously.
It's that time of year once more. The Amsterdam Dance Event is a vast electronic festival, where almost every location in the Dutch city is utilized.