Raven on the ferry: "This is Amsterdam at its best"

The 30th edition of the Amsterdam Dance Event kicked off with a unique celebration as DJs from local venues began performing on the ferry connecting Amsterdam Central Station to the NDSM wharf. Commuters were treated to live music during their transit, with many passengers praising the spontaneous atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy a free event during the massive city-wide festival. Some attendees were so enthusiastic about the ferry performances that they remained on board for multiple crossings to keep the party going.

With 3,600 artists performing across 1,300 events at 300 different locations, the Amsterdam Dance Event remains one of the largest gatherings of its kind. While many of the official festival shows are ticketed and have already sold out, the ferry sets provided an accessible experience for residents and visitors alike. Although most passengers embraced the festive spirit, others chose to commute as usual, highlighting the diverse ways people engage with the city during this milestone 30th anniversary year.