Not many events in electronic music can lay claim to a 20-year anniversary. The fickle nature of the industry, the fast-changing interests of the fans, and the constant struggle against the powers that be are all factors in the shelf life of a party or event, whether big or small, and it’s an achievement to reach one year, let alone 20. And although it’s the biggest club-based festival in the world, with a very wide scope of genres and artists, ADE has somehow managed to keep an inclusive and intimate vibe throughout—niche label showcases sit next to informative conferences and bigger-than-big indoor festivals in a flawlessly produced ecosystem of audio and visual stimulus.

For five days, XLR8R immersed itself in the nighttime festivities—which takes place in 80 clubs and venues—to give you a glimpse into the inspiring and energizing playground that is Amsterdam Dance Event.