The 30th Amsterdam Dance Event opened on Wednesday 21 October with a rave on the ferry between Centraal Station and the NDSM wharf, where DJs from Skatecafé, Pllek and Parallel played for passengers crossing the IJ.
Many people travelling to Noord welcomed the music, including a scooter rider who said the setup should happen more often, and a passenger returning home from her wedding venue who enjoyed the ferry party.
Some riders appeared to have boarded for the music rather than a crossing: one woman and her friend were dancing and had already completed three circuits, with plans to continue.
Free music during festival week
With 3,600 artists, 1,300 events and 300 locations in the programme, ADE can leave visitors choosing between many options, while many parties are sold out and most are not free.
That made the ferry’s free music especially welcome for passengers, though not everyone joined in.
A 17-year-old cycling to Noord put in his earbuds, explaining that he was still too young to attend this kind of party.
If three laps of the IJ on the ferry left you wanting a proper dance floor, start with the clubs Amsterdam heads for after dark.