7 of the best free events at ADE 2025 this year

This article was written and curated by the TicketSwap team, translated for you with AI.

Whether you’re a techno worshipper or house devotee, one truth always remains: being a music fan can get kiiiinda 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. ADE veterans will know, whereas perhaps newbies won’t, but it’s worth sharing that the ADE programme is packedwith tonnes of free experiences you can enjoy without further parting from your cash.

So, if you’re on a bit of a tight budget this year, here’s just a few admisson-free events we’re excited about that you you can enjoy this year at ADE 2024.

Want some more ADE inspiration? Head to our official ADE ticket hub now

In the Shatter Light | Dave Clarke

Wed, Oct 16, 2024, 10:00 - 18:00

Leica Gallery Amsterdam | Van Baerlestraat 74, Amsterdam

Art, iconic DJs, and a touch of urban architecture – what better way to kick off the ADE season? Explore Dave Clarke's world through his lens at this new exhibition. Featuring raw portraits of fellow legends like Joseph Capriati and Boys Noize, as well as mesmerizing scenes like ‘Quiet Places’ and ‘Dancing Concrete. The Leica Gallery hosts a unique and captivating visual treat for both music fans and art enthusiasts alike.

Opening Expo: Eva. Hate Me, Love Me | Eva Meylink

Wed, Oct 16, 2024, 17:30 - 20:30

Melkweg Expo | Marnixstraat 409, Amsterdam

Ever heard of the gabber culture? For the uninitiated, Gabber is a fast, hardcore electronic genre with rebellious subculture. And gabber culture? Well, you’ll just have to come along to find out...

While photographing a group of gabbers, photographer Eva Meylink met Eva, a young 16-year-old from Schiebroek, Rotterdam. Since April 2019, Meylink has been capturing Eva's journey, displaying her fearless spirit and vulnerabilities. Eva. Hate Me, Love Me brings an outstanding exhibition portraying the life of Eva, through an exciting interplay of intimacy and rawness.

Foam x Stenen Hoofd: Opening Marcel Veldman - Poetics of Space

Thu, Oct 17, 2024, 19:00 - 21:00

Stenen Hoofd | Westerdoksdijk 1, Amsterdam

Skate culture and art come together in this showcase at the historic Het Stenen Hoofd. On ADE Thursday, this unique venue will transform into a vibrant space displaying Veldman’s photography. Your chance to enjoy some ADE art in a pretty exceptional setting, not to mention getting stuck into a big old party inside the containers of this remarkable location.

En Soledad - Lunchconcert X Conservatorium van Amsterdam

Fri, Oct 18, 2024, 13:30 - 14:00

Embassy of the Free Mind (Grote Sael) | Keizersgracht 123, Amsterdam

Join En Soledad at the Embassy of the Free Mind for a one-of-a-kind lunch performance featuring Ainhoa Pérez Echepare on oboe and Álvaro Rey de Viñas on trumpet and live electronics. You’ll get to witness thirty minutes of creative compositions inspired by Spanish poetry, free with a museum ticket or Museumkaart, ICOM, Stadspas, or EFM.

MAHADA: Where Afro Meets Melodic

Fri, Oct 18, 2024 , 15:00 - 21:00

Cafe De Huyskamer | Utrechtsestraat 137, Amsterdam

Union — that's MAHADA, and it's exactly what Melodic Deep, Afro House United and Kanaga are bringing to this free networking event at Café De Huyskamer in Amsterdam. Where you can witness sets from the likes of JOEZI, SAVAGE&SHĒ, ERAN HERSH and many more… and for free?! We're in.

OSCAM Writerscamp, Speak Session and showcase BOUT IT #5

Sat, Oct 19, 2024, 19:00 - 22:00

OSCAM | Bijlmerplein 110, Amsterdam

This ADE 2024, look out for OSCAM and Prince Claus Fund’s meeting of minds at their speak session and showcase, dedicated to spotlighting and celebrating female-identifying and transgender hip-hop artists. Again, this event is admission free, and your chance to get involved with some of the awesome hip-hop programming ADE has to offer.

Dining w/ Bonnefooi

Wed, Oct 16, 2024, 19:00 - 23:30

Hearth | Camperstraat, 26 h, Amsterdam

Just one example of the tonne of admission-free events hosted this year by the sublime plant-based restaurant Hearth, on Camperstraat, this time on ADE Wednesday with music specialist and record digger Bonnefooi. Pull up, grab a drink (and maybe some green curry or broccoli gnocchi), and enjoy the vibes.