The year 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Amsterdam Dance Event, the ultimate global gathering for electronic music. As every year, the programming dedicated to trance enthusiasts is particularly rich and, above all, still evolving
If there is a place capable of connecting a passion for music directly with its icons and key figures, it is undoubtedly the Amsterdam Dance Event. From October 21 to 25, the Dutch capital will once again transform into the beating heart of the global electronic scene.
What has now become a true cultural milestone manages, for over a week, to engage the entire city. Amsterdam changes its face: clubs, venues, theaters, industrial spaces, shops, and places far removed from traditional nightlife become stages for events, showcases, panels, and performances.
For trance lovers, many of the key events were already announced over the past few months. However, the schedule is far from final, and given ADE’s track record, it is easy to imagine that further announcements and surprises will arrive in the coming weeks.
Here is a roundup of the trance events currently announced, while we wait for the lineup to grow even further.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
In Trance We Trust at Thuishaven
The trance week kicks off on Wednesday, October 21, with the return of In Trance We Trust,the historic brand from Black Hole Recordings at Thuishaven.
Running from 21:00 to 04:00, the event features BT, Ciaran McAuley, Craig Connelly, Maria Healy, Sneijder, Virtual Vault, and XiJaro & Pitch.
This date carries strong symbolic value, marking In Trance We Trust’s return to ADE after an eight-year absence. The night celebrates the history and legacy of a label concept that played a monumental role in spreading trance worldwide.
Markus Schulz at Escape
On the same night, from 22:00 to 04:00, Markus Schulz takes over Escape Amsterdam.
He will perform his signature Open to Close set, a format allowing the American DJ and producer to guide the crowd through his entire musical universe all night long.
A highly anticipated show for fans, this set offers one of the best opportunities at ADE to experience a continuous journey built around the artistic vision of one of the scene’s iconic figures.
Armin van Buuren & Benwal at Gashouder
Also on Wednesday, October 21, Gashouder hosts Armin van Buuren & Benwal, accompanied by Idemi and Olive Anguz.
The event is part of the extensive lineup at Gashouder, one of ADE’s flagship venues, which features a rotating lineup of top-tier acts throughout the week.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
AVA Recordings Celebrates 20 Years
Among the highlights for Thursday, October 22, is the 20th anniversary celebration of AVA Recordings, running from 15:00 to 22:00 at The Tequila Club.
The lineup bridges the past and present of the label. The standout nostalgic moment will be Andy Moor & Adam White presents Whiteroom, announced as a World Exclusive performance.
Joining them is Richard Durand with a special In Search Of Sunrise set, alongside David Forbes, Adam Stark b2b MIDI Kittyy, Alan Fullmer, Dan Stone, Ferry Tayle, Rinaly, and Somna.
The event also features Clara Yates, while Ferry Tayle celebrates 20 years in the industry with a special set. Dan Stone will present a dedicated album showcase.
This gathering holds special weight in the ADE 2026 trance calendar, uniting two decades of AVA Recordings’ history in an afternoon designed to celebrate the past while looking toward the future.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
Luminosity Presents This Is Trance! By Day
Friday, October 23, is a major day for the Luminosity brand.
From 14:00 to 21:00, Panama hosts This Is Trance! By Day, dedicated to the melodic and uplifting side of the spectrum.
The day lineup includes Aly & Fila, Amber Revival, Asteroid, Daxson, Doppenberg, Enigma State, Factoria, Ferry Tayle, Paul Denton, Peter Steele, and Will Rees.
An entire afternoon centered around emotional melodies, featuring a roster of artists representing different generations of trance.
Luminosity Presents This Is Trance! By Night
The action continues at the same location with This Is Trance! By Night, running from 22:00 to 07:00.
The shift in atmosphere brings a high-energy lineup featuring Bryan Kearney, John O’Callaghan, Mauro Picotto, Will Rees & Paul Denton, Andrea Ribeca, Darren Porter, Modeā, Enigma State, Giants In The Mist, and Arctic Barbers B2B Resolve.
A night focused heavily on raw energy and driving sets from artists defining the scene throughout 2026.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
Saturday promises to be the most packed day for trance fans, with multiple events running across the city simultaneously.
Paul van Dyk at Melkweg
Starting at 18:00, Melkweg welcomes Paul van Dyk for a special Open to Close set.
This format has become a tradition for the German legend, enabling fans to experience a long-form musical journey through his legendary catalog.
Ending around 22:30, this show stands as an essential highlight for anyone who views classic trance as one of electronic music’s highest expressions.
Amsterdam Trance Event at Panama
Also on Saturday, from 14:30 to 21:30, Panama hosts the Amsterdam Trance Event, presented by Nocturnal Knights and Black Hole Recordings.
Designed as a two-room marathon, the event relies heavily on back-to-back pairings featuring top international acts.
The main room roster includes RAM b2b Richard Durand presents Digital Culture, Alex M.O.R.P.H. b2b XiJaro & Pitch, Sean Tyas b2b Allen Watts, Talla 2XLC b2b York, Darren Porter b2b Bixx, Dan Cooper b2b Brendan Bartels, and Anunnakis.
A stacked lineup that builds on the ongoing collaboration between Nocturnal Knights and Black Hole, bringing a massive cluster of contemporary trance artists to ADE.
Luminosity Presents Infinity ADE
During the daytime on Saturday, Luminosity hosts Infinity ADE at Q-Factory.
This session leans into progressive, atmospheric, and melodic territories, featuring Estiva, Joachim Pastor, Mitch de Klein, a live set from Romain Garcia, and Susan Right.
Tailored for fans who enjoy exploring the elegant, sophisticated, and hybrid side of progressive trance.
Luminosity ADE Rave By Day
From 14:00 to 21:00, things kick off at Q-Factory with:
Joyhauser,Mha Iri, Modea, Nifra,Nikolauss,T78 and Will Atkinson
Luminosity ADE Rave By Night
From 22:00 onwards, the music at Q-Factory continues with the late-night event.
Here, the sound turns harder and more relentless. The lineup features Amber Broos, Ben Nicky, Billy Gillies, Mark Sherry, David Forbes, Sarah de Warren, VE/RA, Alex Di Stefano, Dan Harrison, HEL:BRG, Indecent Noise, Nikolauss, Jordan Tilstone, Renegade System, and Andre Scopsi.
A night capturing the most intense styles of today’s scene, moving seamlessly between hard trance, tech trance, and high-bpm styles.
Find Your Harmony 500 at Desmet Studios
Saturday night also features Andrew Rayel celebrating the milestone 500th episode of his popular radio show, Find Your Harmony.
Taking place from 22:00 to 04:00 at Desmet Studios, this event offers an intimate vibe compared to ADE’s larger venues.
The phase-one announcements introduced Andrew Rayel, Ben Gold, U U F O, Amber Revival, Lewis Laite, and Daijo, while phase two added Billy Gillies, DIM3NSION, VASSMO, Eggsta, Tensteps, BrynX, and Taly Shum.
This celebration marks a major milestone for Andrew Rayel, honoring a radio show that has become a vital platform for the next generation of trance during 2026.
(Note: The official ADE lineup remains subject to minor updates. The artists listed above reflect the latest information confirmed via official event flyers and channels.)
Amsterdam Music Festival – Johan Cruijff ArenA
The ADE week will once again culminate with the iconic Amsterdam Music Festival at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, one of the most anticipated events of the entire conference. Among the artists already announced, Armin van Buuren and Marlon Hoffstadt are certainly among the names drawing the most attention, while the lineup remains a work in progress, with additional announcements and surprises expected in the coming weeks.
An ADE Closer to Trance Than Ever
The current picture highlights an impressive ADE 2026 for the trance community.
The genre spans the entire week, representing virtually every sub-style: from classic nostalgia to uplifting melodies, deep progressive grooves to hard tech-trance, along with anniversaries for historic labels and media brands.
In Trance We Trust, 20 years of AVA Recordings, Luminosity’s multi-room events, the Amsterdam Trance Event, marathon sets by Paul van Dyk and Markus Schulz, and Find Your Harmony 500 make for an incredible foundation.
And yet, this program isn’t necessarily final. ADE is famous for late additions right up to opening week. For trance fans, the schedule is already packed,but Amsterdam likely has a few more surprises in store before October 21.
Follow the official website to stay updated on the entire event.