ADE 2026 runs October 21–25 in Amsterdam. Compare ADE Pro vs Festival tickets, browse 1,200+ events and 300+ venues, plan transport, free ADE Lab, lineup highlights, wristband pickup and accessibility.
ADE 2026 quick answers
- Dates: October 21–25, 2026
- Scale: 1,200+ events across 300+ venues with 3,300+ artists
- Format: citywide Festival, Conference, Arts & Culture and Lab programming
- Camping: no — plan Amsterdam lodging and city transportation
- Most Festival age limits: 18+, with some 21+ or 23+ events
ADE Pro vs individual Festival tickets
The ADE Pro Pass currently costs €725 plus a 3.77% ticketing fee. It includes the four-day conference, networking and Business Hubs, Festival and Arts & Culture access subject to capacity, year-round Pro networking, and five days of free GVB public transport. The Pro Pass does not include ADE Lab. If one specific Festival event is non-negotiable, ADE recommends buying that individual event ticket because Pro access can be limited when a venue reaches capacity.
ADE Lab Discovery and ADE Lab On Track
ADE Lab Discovery is free Wednesday through Friday at Westergas and starts at 10:00 daily. ADE Lab On Track is a separate three-day academy path for accepted emerging professionals. Neither should be assumed to be included with ADE Pro.
How to plan 1,200+ ADE events
Plan by neighborhood and time window instead of artist name alone. Save one or two must-do events, nearby backups, realistic transit time and a late-night return plan. The new ADE Assistant can recommend events using vibe, energy, timing, venue size and personal preferences, while the ADE App supports favorites and a personal schedule.
Transport and wristband pickup
ADE spans the city. Pro Pass buyers receive five days of free GVB tram, metro, bus and ferry travel. ADE says the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal takes about 20 minutes. Pro and Press accreditation can be collected at Felix Meritis or Stromma Pier 6 by Centraal from Tuesday October 20 through Saturday October 24; no ADE Info & Ticket Desks are open Sunday. Bring ID or passport and personalize the ticket before pickup.
Accessibility, food and where to stay
ADE publishes detailed accessibility information for its core conference venues and accreditation desks, while independently produced Festival and Arts & Culture events set their own access arrangements. ADE also publishes current hotel and dining guides because the event does not have one central campground or food court.
30 YEARS ADE highlights
The anniversary program includes the 30 YEARS ADE Opening Concert, Jean-Michel Jarre as guest of honour, AMF at Johan Cruijff ArenA, KI/KI 5 HOURS at Ziggo Dome, eight Awakenings events, eight DGTL events, Speedy J presents STOOR Live and SPIELRAUM 55HRS at Club RAUM.
Ways to participate
2026 Festival event-host applications and 2026 sponsorship partnerships are closed. ADE still lists 2026 Music Industry Partner and B2B hosting inquiries, while 2027 sponsorship interest and Conference speaker/topic proposals are open. Artists seeking Festival bookings should contact participating venues and promoters directly because ADE does not centrally book those lineups.