Each October, the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) brings thousands of music lovers, artists, and industry leaders to the Dutch capital for five days of non-stop events. While most of the action requires tickets or passes, one standout highlight in 2025 is entirely free: the return of the Tomorrowland Expo. Running from October 22–25 at De Rode Hoed, the Expo offers a magical, open-access festival experience nestled within ADE’s larger program.
Tomorrowland, the Belgian mega-festival known worldwide for its awe-inspiring stage design and larger-than-life production, brings its distinctive flair to ADE through this special showcase. At the Expo, De Rode Hoed—one of Amsterdam’s most historic cultural venues—will be transformed into an immersive Tomorrowland experience. The event blends music, visual art, and interactive design, creating a space where fans can connect with the Tomorrowland universe without needing a festival pass.
This year’s edition promises to be more than just a brand activation. It’s positioned as a festival within a festival, allowing attendees to step into the magic of Tomorrowland during the day before diving into ADE’s nighttime club programming.
What to Expect in 2025
- Exclusive exhibits that highlight the festival’s evolution and creative artistry.
- Interactive installations where visitors can explore the themes and design elements that define Tomorrowland’s global identity.
- Music programming from emerging and established artists tied to the Tomorrowland label and community.
- Merchandise and media hubs where fans can connect with the brand and take home a piece of the experience.
The Expo’s accessible format ensures that even those without ADE passes can participate in the city’s celebration of electronic culture. For international travelers and local fans alike, it’s an opportunity to tap into the festival’s magic without the long journey to Boom, Belgium, where the flagship event takes place each summer.
In many ways, the Tomorrowland Expo reflects ADE’s unique role as both a professional gathering and a public celebration. While ADE Pro dives into industry debates and club nights showcase global headliners, the Expo is about community, accessibility, and brand storytelling. It opens the doors of ADE to wider audiences, inviting newcomers, casual fans, and curious visitors to experience the creative spirit of electronic music in a welcoming environment.
Moreover, hosting the Expo at De Rode Hoed—an iconic 17th-century venue once home to progressive religious movements—adds a layer of symbolism. Tomorrowland has always been about bringing people together across borders, and situating this free showcase in a space tied to openness and dialogue feels especially fitting.
The return of the Tomorrowland Expo also highlights a broader trend at ADE: the expansion of festival culture beyond the dance floor. With Arts & Culture programming in museums, experimental sound installations in galleries, and free showcases like this, ADE is showing that electronic music can be both elite and inclusive, both commercial and cultural.
