11 of the best free events at ADE 2023 this year

Whether you’re a techno worshipper or house devotee, one truth remains: being a music fan can get expensive. And at no point is that more true than during ADE, when the city of Amsterdam transforms into a giant maze of temptation and musical opportunity. But did you know the ADE programme is studded with a bunch of free experiences you can enjoy without further parting from your cash? So, if you’re on a budget this year, here’s just a few freebies you can enjoy this year at ADE 2023.

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ADE Hangover

Impeccable vibes, delicious food, excellent music; what could be better when you’re hanging to the high heavens after a full weekend of riot-making? ADE brings back its Hangover at NDSM Wharf for ADE 2023 and the great news is that it’s completely free, once again.

To Dance is to be Free

How does the night affect the day? That’s one of the questions this exhibition of Amsterdam City Archives imagery – organised by guest curator Manique Hendricks – is seeking to answer. Through photographs, artifacts and personal stories, To Dance is to be Free presents a patchwork of club history in Amsterdam.

Catch glimpses of the historic RoXY, Club IT, Mazzo, Club11 and TrouwAmsterdam, and find out more about the clubs leading the way in Amsterdam’s nightlife scene today, like Paradiso, Spielraum, X3 and Garage Noord.

Ineffekt - AR experience

Amsterdam-based musician Ineffekt teams up with Open Culture Tech to reimagine his 7-track EP High Hopes as an audio-visual experience. The visuals support the central theme of his record, “that even when there's nothing left something will grow back”, so expect something nourishing for the soul.

Free Ecstatic Morning Rave

Kicking off at 10am on ADE Saturday, get stuck into some ecstatic dance in a church (yes, you heard us) at this morning rave. The session takes place at the gorgeous neo-gothic Vondelkerk – the perfect setting for anyone up for an enlightening side-quest this ADE.

Pop Up Photo Shop at Baut By Rutger Geerling

Make sure to swing by BAUT Oost this ADE to check out this pop-up, from legendary photographer Rutger Geerling (senior photographer for Tomorrowland & Ultra Music Festival and National Geographic contributor). You’ll get the chance to catch his 2020 "This is my church" photo exhibition, and be first in the queue to grab one-of-a-kind, museum-quality prints.

Discotheek-iT-1990.-Foto-Ronald-Schmets — Discotheek iT 1990 - Ronald-Schmets

Credit: Ronald Schmets 11 +1: Club Couture with Sven Marquardt

Berlin’s club culture is explored in a photo exhibition by Sven Marquardt (AKA the big, bad Berghain bouncer) in collaboration with G-Star RAW (the brand behind the iconic annual ADE backpack). Definitely worth your time, and located at one of ADE’s central venues, Fosbury & Sons every day during ADE.

Inch By Inch Wake Up Breakfast

The intimate surrounds of Vrij Paleis play host to a wholesome wake-up (or wind-down, depending on how you look at it…) Stop by for strong coffee (or a stronger nightcap), and most days there’ll be a DJ there to serve up a sonic tonic. Catch the likes of Metulsky, DJ Balduin, Francesco Panettone and Arsy playing from 10am during ADE.

O S C A R

Underground bar Doka hosts two free performances of Arno Schuitemaker’s immersive works, which revolve around club culture and marry together dance, performance, and visual art. Expect to be mesmerized. This show is free to attend, but you’ll need to RSVP for a ticket to the 8pm or 9pm show.

Boris Acket presents TIJDSDUUR

Your chance to hit up De School as it kicks off its ADE programming and catch the launch of Boris Acket’s multi-spatial installation and catch performances from Slagwerk Den Haag, Jameszoo, Elsemarijn Bruijs, Helena Basilova and Spekki Webu... all for free! Acket’s work, entitled TIJDSDUUR aims to explore the concept of time, blurring the lines between gallery and performance space – so expect something special.

ELEMENT x Resilient Recordings x Vantek

ELEMENT returns for its second annual ADE showcase on ADE Saturday, collaborating with Resilient Recordings and Vantek to bring in D.A.V.E. The Drummer, Eddie Santini, Fire between us, Fizch, Kepp, Marco Ramos and Patrick DSP for big beats from 10pm ‘til the early morn. The showcase takes place across a couple of venues so head to the ADE website to find out more. More of the same on Sunday, when Kaligo Records takes over, along with AM.I, Lumertz, Melgazzo, New The Beat, Tefi and more.