Luuk Van Dijk and Get Closer Set a High Bar for ADE Pop-Ups

2 weeks ago 10

Luuk Van Dijk hosted an unforgettable, community-driven event that put the focus back on music. It was completely free and full of surprises.

In a week packed with gatherings as part of Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), it’s easy to feel that some are more about hype than the music itself. Luuk Van Dijk’s pop-up event with his brand, Get Closer, reminded everyone why they came to ADE in the first place. Free of charge and without flashy decorations, the event focused purely on the music and the community, delivering an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to be there.

The event was announced just weeks before on social media and Luuk’s WhatsApp community. It initially did not include a lineup, only the promise of special guests and Luuk Van Dijk’s growing reputation in the house scene.

Anticipation grew as the day approached. When the lineup finally dropped, featuring artists like Archie Hamilton, Paige Tomlinson, Benjamin Berg b2b D Stone, Gaskin, Matisa, and Mees Mattern b2b Khun, it became clear that this was going to be a unique highlight of ADE. Set in a shoe store in the heart of Amsterdam, the event location only added to its underground appeal.

The venue, Baskèts in De Pijp, was transformed to fit the occasion. The store’s floor was cleared for dancing, and stickers and logos for sponsors like Salomon were subtly placed around the space. But it was evident that Get Closer wasn’t about advertising or a polished commercial experience. The moment you stepped inside, the emphasis was on the music.

Despite the intimate, bare-bones setup, the energy was contagious.

The first DJs gradually warmed up the room as people of all ages filled the room, from diehard house fans to the curious passersby. By the time Luuk Van Dijk took over for a b2b set with Gaskin, the crowd was at peak energy.

Their set was an energetic journey filled with well curated tracks. It was clear that both artists were feeding off both one another and the audience’s enthusiasm. The room felt in sync, with people clapping, singing along to the melodies, and just being themselves in the moment. Every DJ who played that day did a fantastic job; it was clear it was a unique experience for everyone involved. Smiles stretched ear to ear.

Thhoughtful touches like the free gourmet pizza and open bar enhanced the welcoming vibe, creating an atmosphere that made everyone feel like part of something special. Realizing that such a high caliber experience — with a lineup of ADE worthy artists, free food, and drinks — was all available at no cost felt unreal. It was the kind of event you would only find during ADE. This was open to all, too, as long as they were there for the vibe and the music.

The crowd included familiar faces from the house scene, such as Alisha and LP Rhythm, who were there to support. Their presence added to the event’s community feel and was cool to see DJs supporting other DJs, specially during such a busy week.

The sound system didn’t disappoint, either.

Even within the unconventional setting of a shoe store, the acoustics were top notch, allowing the crowd to feel every beat with no compromise in quality. The stripped-back setup ultimately highlighted the music and deepened the sense of connection among the crowd.

Personally, this event became a defining moment of ADE. I expected to enjoy the lineup, but the intimate atmosphere, the spontaneous crowd, and the depth of the experience set it apart from anything else that week. Luuk Van Dijk and Get Closer have clearly mastered the art of curating events that blend music, community, and inclusivity seamlessly.

For those who want to catch the next pop-up, follow Get Closer on Instagram for the latest updates. They host events like this periodically and also have a monthly radio show.

As with this pop-up, though, don’t expect advertising or any grand promotion. You just gotta be there. These are authentic moments, the kind that feel rare in today’s larger music scene. This ADE pop up has set a high bar, proving that with the right mix of music, community, and spontaneity, you don’t need anything flashy to create something truly extraordinary.