What to do on October 23, 24, and 25? Fall is in full swing, and with rainy forecasts, we’re all heading indoors. This weekend, the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is taking over the city completely, but rest assured: there’s plenty to do outside the clubs as well.
In addition to endless dance floors, this weekend you’ll also find impressive art, cozy markets, and warm, traditional pubs. That way, this October—filled with ADE fever and alternative outings—you’re guaranteed to make it through successfully and stay dry!
ADE Club Nights
The time has come: this weekend, the famous ADE kicks off! To help you avoid decision fatigue, we’ve rounded up parties at underground clubs and the best clubs in Amsterdam for you:
- fabric x Loud-Contact (October 23): Club icon fabric takes over WestWeelde and De Wester for nine hours with heavyweights like Jeff Mills, Marcel Dettmann, and Helena Hauff.
- Love On The Rocks (October 23): At Klaproos, PARAMIDA’s label is throwing an eight-hour party featuring nothing but exclusive back-to-backs and a live show.
- Alien Communications x Craigie Knowes (October 24): Two leading British underground collectives are joining forces for an intimate night led by DJ Masda and Reptant.
- Jane Fitz curates VBX (October 25): Dance for ten hours during the day at a secret warehouse location where Jane Fitz and Richard Fearless set the tone.
- Offweek x Loud-Contact (October 25): Wrap up your weekend with two rooms full of melodic techno and raw tracks from artists including Miss Kittin, Mathame, and Nicolas Lutz.
Record hunting during ADE: the best vinyl markets
Are you looking for new records for your collection between raves? Then visit these cool indoor markets on Saturday:
- Good Music Vinyl Market (October 24): Starting at 1:00 p.m. at the Volkshotel, celebrate the 10th anniversary of this ADE classic, where you can browse through thousands of house, techno, and jazz records between live DJ sets.
- Killacutz & FURTHER Record Fair (October 24): Starting at 1:00 p.m. at Frict. Amsterdam, you can dive into the record crates indoors with all-vinyl sets and a special record sale for charity.
Step right into Jimmy Nelson’s life-size photographic art during this breathtaking 360° exhibition. As you’re surrounded by impressive portraits of indigenous cultures and vast landscapes, the photographer’s own voice takes you on a magical journey around the world.
Tip: Book a combo ticket for 20% off a second show.
The best markets to visit this weekend
Put on your warmest clothes and a waterproof jacket: even if the weather isn’t cooperating, there’s nothing better than strolling through the market for the ultimate fall activity. Here are the best markets to visit this weekend:
- Pure Markt (October 25): At Park Frankendael, you’ll find an abundance of organic local products, artisanal snacks, craft beer, and live music.
- Museum Market (October 25): At Museumplein, you can score handmade designs, unique art, and tasty snacks with the Rijksmuseum as your backdrop.
- The Maker Market (October 24 & 25): In the covered passageway of De Hallen, you can shop for sustainable creations and jewelry from local makers, nice and sheltered from the rain.
- Noordermarkt & Lindengracht Market (October 24): in the historic Jordaan neighborhood, you’ll stroll past stalls filled with organic cheeses, vintage finds, fresh fish, and warm stroopwafels.
- Albert Cuyp Market (October 24): In De Pijp, you can enjoy fresh kibbeling and warm poffertjes while strolling past hundreds of stalls at Europe’s most famous day market.
- Pekmarkt (October 24): In Amsterdam-Noord, after a short ferry ride, you’ll discover a cozy, welcoming neighborhood market full of great bargains.
Autumn Day Trips Outside the City
There’s nothing better than a refreshing fall walk where the leaves turn golden yellow and crunch softly under your shoes. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit, you can get from the city to the country’s most beautiful nature areas in no time. Put on your hiking boots and discover these gorgeous spots for fall day trips outside the city:
At The Upside Down, you’ll step into the largest interactive experience of its kind, featuring more than 25 optical illusion rooms. From an upside-down subway car and a giant LED ball pit to an upside-down club with a silent disco: everything is turned upside down. It’s the perfect place to see everything from a completely different perspective.
Dive into Amsterdam’s best cocktail bars
Now that it’s getting a bit cooler outside, there’s no better time to seek out the warmth of the city. This weekend, head to one of Amsterdam’s best cocktail bars with your friends or your date. From hidden speakeasies to award-winning mixologists: the capital is full of cozy hotspots for an atmospheric evening indoors.
As soon as the temperature drops, the city’s food culture shifts toward rich and warming flavors. At home, fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg by getting creative with fall recipes, such as a classic American Pumpkin Spice Pie or a heartwarming Hot Spritz for the evening.
Are you out and about in the city? Then pop into a local artisan bakery for fresh pastries, or order one of the best Pumpkin Spice Lattes in Amsterdam to take with you on your walk. It’s the ultimate way to savor the flavors of fall.
Starting September 18, Fabrique des Lumières is launching its new immersive exhibition, “Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo: The Renaissance Masters.” Masterpieces and visionary inventions from ancient Florence and Rome come to life in spectacular fashion through light projections and music.
Book your time slot now to be among the first there during the opening weekend!
Listening bars in Amsterdam: The perfect warm-up for your club night
Want a good warm-up before you dive into the night? Instead of a crowded bar, opt for crystal-clear analog sound, great cocktails, and natural wine this weekend. Head to Amsterdam’s best listening bars for an intimate dinner or a cozy drink, then roll right into the city’s hottest clubs in the perfect mood.
Take on the ultimate challenge with your team at Prison Island in Amsterdam Sloterdijk. In 28 thrilling themed cells, your teamwork, agility, and logical thinking will be put to the test for 90 minutes. This mix of an escape room and a game show is the perfect active indoor outing for friends, coworkers, or families (ages 11+).
Free Admission to Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)
For five days, the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) transforms the entire city into the global epicenter of electronic music. With thousands of DJs spread across 300+ venues, Amsterdam buzzes day and night, from intimate club nights to massive stadium shows. It’s the week when the entire international music world comes together and you can experience Amsterdam’s nightlife at its very best. Looking for free activities? Check out this list.
Warm up in a classic pub
When it starts raining outside, there’s no better place to take shelter than in Amsterdam’s traditional pubs. Behind the facades with stained-glass windows and dark wood paneling hangs the scent of aged beer, stew, and nostalgia. Pull up a chair at a table under the dim lighting, order a local fall bock beer with a serving of warm bitterballen, and feel the cold slowly fade from your hands. It’s the ultimate way to experience that quintessential Amsterdam coziness up close.
Literally step into the most famous paintings from Dutch art history during “From Vermeer to Van Gogh.” Thanks to breathtaking 360-degree projections and an impressive soundscape, you’ll experience the work of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh, and others with all your senses. Afterward, you can also catch a short show about the iconic lines and colors of Piet Mondrian.
