Techno Festivals Fall 2026: ADE, Awakenings, and DGTL

If you're packing your bags for a techno festival in Fall 2026, there's hardly any way around Amsterdam: The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) celebrates its 30th edition from October 21 to 25, 2026. Five days, over 2,500 artists in clubs and venues across the city – and at its heart, two brands shaping the sound of the week: Awakenings and DGTL.

At a glance

• ADE 2026: 30th edition from October 21-25 in Amsterdam
• Awakenings ADE: eight events over five days at SugarFactory
• DGTL ADE: October 22-25 at NDSM Warehouse and Kromhouthal
• Gashouder: not an Awakenings venue this year due to renovations

ADE 2026: Five Days, an Entire City as a Dancefloor

ADE takes place every October and is considered the world's largest club festival and Europe's leading conference for electronic music. According to the Amsterdam city website I amsterdam, more than 2,500 established and emerging dance artists come to the city, with around 395,000 clubbers celebrating along.

During the day, ADE is an industry gathering: hundreds of guest speakers present at 450 events, while musicians, producers, and DJs network. At night, the city belongs to the parties, for example in Paradiso, Melkweg, Shelter, and Radion.

Awakenings ADE: From Drumcode to Prospa at SugarFactory

Awakenings returns to SugarFactory with eight events over five days. The former sugar refinery has been the alternative venue since last year, as the Gashouder is undergoing renovations. The opening night on Wednesday, October 21, kicks off with 999999999, Adrián Mills, Hujus, and Novah.

On Thursday, Adam Beyer hosts the Drumcode showcase, featuring Enrico Sangiuliano b2b Ilario Alicante and Victor Ruiz, among others. Friday night gets darker: The Friday Sessions focus on underground techno with Ben Klock b2b Philippa Pacho, JakoJako b2b Rødhåd, Amoral b2b Lobster, and Funk Assault.

On Saturday, Joris Voorn presents “Trip To Galaxy” with Jeff Mills, and at night Adriatique plays an all-night-long set. The grand finale on Sunday is “Prophecy by Prospa” – the Awakenings debut of the British duo, featuring ISAbella b2b Traumer, among others. Metamorfosi by Joseph Capriati, the Sunday Sessions, and Prophecy are already sold out, according to the organizer.

“As one of the defining forces behind Amsterdam Dance Event for more than two decades, Awakenings once again sets the stage for a week that celebrates electronic music in all its forms.”

— Awakenings, Statement laut 909originals

DGTL ADE and the Return of Gashouder

DGTL will be at NDSM Warehouse and Kromhouthal from October 22 to 25. The lineup includes Tinlicker, Shimza, Novah & Friends, FUSE, and an all-day-long set by Folamour. Lane 8 with This Never Happened is already sold out.

Perhaps the most important side note of the week concerns a venue: the Gashouder is currently undergoing renovations, which is why Awakenings is moving to SugarFactory this year. Many eyes are therefore on the building around ADE – however, reliable details about a reopening date or its own program were not yet available at the time of publication.

Key Dates at a Glance

Missed the summer? Our overview Techno Festivals 2026: The Most Important Dates in July shows what happened before. And if you want to refine your transitions before your trip, you'll find help in the article Harmonic Mixing with the Camelot Wheel.

FAQ

When is ADE 2026 taking place?

The Amsterdam Dance Event runs from October 21 to 25, 2026. It is the 30th edition.

Where will Awakenings play at ADE 2026?

At SugarFactory in Amsterdam, because the Gashouder is undergoing renovations. Awakenings will host eight events there over five days.

Source: I amsterdam, Awakenings, 909originals, DGTL, EDMTunes