Gray Area’s Top 10 Parties of ADE

The annual showcase of Amsterdam Dance Event returns to the Dutch capital next week for its most flavorsome and large-scale edition yet. From Wednesday 18 to Sunday 22 October the city will come alive with over 1000 events at 200+ venues, as well as 2,500+ artists migrating from every corner of the globe.

Aside from the incredible conferences, panels and workshops, the world-class parties are of course the foremost reason to attend. With so much to choose from, it's going to be almost impossible to squeeze in all of ADE’s incredible party offerings into your schedule, so we recommend you propose an itinerary to make the most out of your time in the Netherlands.

To save you some work, we've carefully selected ten events over the course of the five day affair that we think are parties not to be missed. From intimate boat parties on the canal, to sweaty warehouse raves with incredible line-ups, here we present to you Gray Areas chosen ones.

(For a full scope of events during ADE and to purchase tickets for these events, head to Resident Advisor. For more information about the history of the event, check out this article.)

Shelter Presents Boogeyman: Wednesday October 18, Shelter - 23:00 - 6.30am

The Martinez Brothers Cuttin’ Headz sub-label Boogeyman takeover at Shelter makes the cut as the first of our top ten. Taking place on night one, Wednesday October 18, of the five day extravaganza, this perfectly curated line-up radiates the Bros’ synonymous tech-house sound that will play out at one of the city's most iconic venues, Shelter.

From 23:00 to 6.30am the sounds of Jesse Calosso, A-Trak, Fleur Shore, Guti (live), AJ Christou, Jean Pierre and Nathan Alzon will penetrate the walls of the subterranean nightclub, setting the tone perfectly for what’s going to be one hell of a few days.

If you’re yet to experience a rave at the renowned nightlife institution that is Shelter, then this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Located in the underground of the landmark A'DAM Tower, its industrial setting is not only complemented by a fantastic sound system, but a 24/7 party permit also. Excited is an understatement.

Kaluki ADE - Thursday October 19, Bret - 12:00 - 23:00

Who doesn't love a day rave? Next up on our top 10 party roster is the one and only Kaluki. This incredible UK label/events brand that was formed in a grubby Manchester (UK) basement back in 2006, has transformed into an underground success story that works with both established and upcoming producers.

Thursday October 19, the coveted brand will take over one of Amsterdam’s most sought-after nightclubs, BRET with an incredible line-up. From midday to 23:00, Loco Dice, Richy Ahmed, East End Dubs, Rossi, Joey Daniel, Alisha b2b Wheats and Pirate Copy will all be spinning some sexy deep tech tunes in the vibrant spot.

This venue is said to be the life and soul of the city as it lights up the slightly gray corner of Sloterdijk with a much-needed splash of color with its bright red exterior. BRET is also a beer bar, restaurant and urban vineyard that regularly transforms its indoor and outdoor spaces for magical club nights.

Paradise X Loveland - Friday October 20, Mediahaven

Jamie Jones and the extended Paradise family return to Amsterdam for another ADE showdown together with the Loveland crew. This time, the party will go down at the mighty Mediahaven where three rooms of Paradise await.

Located in the center of Amsterdam in the Houthavens lies Mediahaven. The large-scale warehouse consists of three rooms that vary from a 12-meter-high ceiling to a basement with a grungier feel to it. And best of all, it has amazing acoustics with a state-of-the-art sound system.

This line-up is one not to be missed. In A-Z order, AMÉMÉ, Bontan, HoneyLuv, Hot Since 82, Jamie Jones b2b Loco Dice, Kolter, Mason Maynard, Richy Ahmed, Rossi, SYREETA and Toman will all take over the decks for this a rave to remember.

SW (Strafwerk) Presents Camelphat - Friday October 20, De Kromhouthal

With this one, we delve into the deeper, melodic depths of electronic music as Strafwerk presents Camelphat at De Kromhoutal. The impressive industrial venue of over 5000m2 has now been transformed into an event venue after decades of history as a manufacturing hall, perfect for music events of this kind.

From 23:00 to 7:00 the British duo powerhouse are back at it, straight off the back of their summer long residency at Pacha Ibiza, where they’ll be joined by Kölsch, Fideles, ARODES and Layla Benitez for a night to remember.

You know it’s going to be a good one when Straf Werk is involved.

Music On X Loveland - Saturday October 21, Mediahaven

Saturday is the pinnacle night of the whole five-day event. It’s by far the busiest day in the ADE calendar, but for us, this super magical line-up stood out from the crowd.

Bringing to you another event from one of the top promoters in the game, Loveland. Founded in 1995 by Marnix Bal, Loveland is today one of the leading event organizations in the world, headquartered in Amsterdam.

This time the imprint will be working with Marco Carola and his world-renowned Music On party. The Italian adonis will be joined Saturday October 21 at Mediahaven by a host of his Music On entourage including (A-Z) Ale De Tuglie, Archie Hamilton, BLOND:ISH, Calvin Clarke, Chelina Manuhutu, Jean Pierre, Cuartero, Joey Daniel, Mahony, Maqossa, Marco Carola, Paco Osuna and Wade.

From 23:00 to 7:00, get involved and immerse yourself in the Music On madness at Mediahaven.

Franky Wah Presents SHEN ADE Boat Party - Saturday October 21, Watt Events Boat Party

In true Amsterdam style, your trip to the Netherlands wouldn't be complete without a boat party on one of their picturesque canals. Saturday October 21, Franky Wah takes his progressive and emotive SHÉN imprint afloat, embarking on a sonic and spiritual awakening.

Wah will be joined by his day one musical luminary Sasha and rising star KALISMÃ. Expect a broad pallet of music which takes influence from a range of genres including trance, breakbeat, house, techno from 21:00 to 3:00. Wah’s sonic identity is one that sits at the apex of what modern dance music is all about: diversity, unity and a progressive outlook. This is going to be special.

VBX, ADE - Friday October 20, The Loft And Saturday October 21, BRET

From one iconic venue to the next, the VBX crew go in with a double whammy as they take over The Loft on Friday October 20 as well as BRET on Saturday 21.

For those real underground, authentic Amsterdam vibes, you can ensure the VBX music collective will bring you just that. Embracing the minimal tech and house sounds, the brand runners Jasper and Maurits know their way around the city's music scene like the back of their hand, and are known to throw a killer party. The pair state that it boils down to just one simple thing: the groove.

Starting off at The Loft on Friday from 15:00 to 22:00, Mandar, Laurine, Junki Inoue, Alexia Glensy, Alex Dima will all take to the 16th floor of Amsterdam Noord’s iconic A’DAM Tower, The Loft. The exclusive penthouse boasts towering windows that indulge its patrons in a breathtaking panoramic view across the city. It's known for intimate sunrise and sunset parties, which go strictly by the musical guidance of some of electronic music’s greatest.

On Saturday VBX will then take over BRET for a 12 hour stint of B2B music brought to you by Quest, Julian Anthony, Gene On Earth, Gabbs, Frank Haag, E.LIN and Annyrock. Your chance to get to know some artists that you may not be familiar with, but will for sure leave a musical memory etched into your brain.

Fuse ADE 2023, Saturday October 21, De Kromhouthal

Saturday October 21, London-based event brand and record label FUSE returns to Amsterdam for its biggest ADE showcase to date. The brands founder Enzo Siragusa will be joined by some of minimals finest including Apollonia, Raresh, Traumer, Rossi, Sweely & Alexia Glensy at the 3000 capacity industrial space De Kromhouthal.

Joy X Locus ADE - Sunday October 22, Het Sieraad

Joy, one of Hollands most in demand house brands, invites Locus London for a special ADE takeover at Het Sieraad. Once a jewelry factory, Het Sieraad has transformed into a pulsating electronic music haven, hosting a diverse array of techno, house, and urban parties in the heart of Amsterdam. Drawing over 470,000 visitors every year, this venue is alive with excitement and energy.

LOCUS is a brand new record label brought to you from the team behind FUSE London. The ethos behind LOCUS is to explore all shades of house music, with the dance floor at the forefront of the imprint's thinking.

Oden & Fatzo, Rich NxT, Up The Stuss’ latest sensation Locklead, Lauren Lo Sung, Julian Anthony, De Sluwe Vos, ADMNTi, Boss Priester will all play at Het Sieraad that is steeped in history. Only in Amsterdam, can you party in venues with such quirky narratives.

Deeperfect x Guerrilla ADE 2023 - Sunday October 22, Koepelkerk

Deeperfect is a signature label for the minimal/deep tech and tech-house genres founded by Stefano Noferini. After receiving the DJ awards for best label in 2019, the appreciation for Deeperfect has only grown worldwide.

Together with the Amsterdam based organization Guerilla, the innovative pairing will take you to church this year at the Koepelkerk on Sunday October 22. The unique 17th century domed monument features nearly 1,000 square meters of flexible event space, with a sweeping 450 square meters Koepelroom, complete with Bätz organ and domed ceiling.

This Sunday is not for resting, as the line-up is filled to the brim with both upcoming names in house music and some established playing alongside the founder, Stefano Noferini. (A-Z) Bassel Darwish, Daniel Orpi, Joe Vanditti, Manu Gonzalez, Rayzir, Rendher, Vidaloca, wAFF and Yaya will all gather to repent for their sins in this breathtaking venue. What a way to round off an incredible week.