Club Up, located at Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 26-1 in the vibrant heart of
Amsterdam's Binnenstad, is a renowned nightclub that has played a significant role in the city’s nightlife and underground music culture. Opened in the late 2000s, Club Up quickly established itself as a hub for diversity, creativity, and forward-thinking music programming. The venue is part of the De Kring cultural complex, which historically catered to artists, intellectuals, and creatives, making Club Up a natural extension of
Amsterdam's avant-garde scene.
Its central location, just steps from Leidseplein, placed it at the crossroads of locals and international visitors, helping cultivate a distinctive atmosphere that blends
Amsterdam’s open-minded ethos with an eclectic mix of music genres, from house and techno to hip-hop, bass, and experimental electronic sounds.
Club Up gained a strong reputation for supporting emerging talent while also attracting well-established artists, serving as a launchpad for local DJ careers and a preferred spot for intimate, high-energy international performances. Throughout the years, the club has embraced changes in musical trends and nightlife culture, hosting club nights ranging from student-driven parties to renowned electronic music events.
The venue itself retained much of its original character—an intimate, dimly lit space known for its powerful sound system and community-oriented vibe—though it adapted its programming and interior design to reflect the evolving tastes of
Amsterdam’s clubbing audience. While the physical location remained the same, Club Up occasionally collaborated with other venues or participated in citywide festivals, amplifying its cultural impact. It earned critical acclaim within
Amsterdam's nightlife press and was often listed among the city’s top underground dance venues, celebrated for its inclusive door policy and creative programming.
The closure of Club Up in 2019 marked the end of a vibrant chapter, but its legacy continues to resonate in the memories of partygoers and artists who experienced its unique energy.
Notable artists who performed at Club Up include internationally recognized acts such as Floating Points, Ben UFO, Joy Orbison, Lefto, A Made Up Sound, and Lone, as well as local staples like Cinnaman, FS Green, Tom Trago, and
Detroit Swindle. The venue also provided a stage for rising stars and collectives including Dekmantel Soundsystem, Vic Crezée, SIROJ, and SAN PROPER, further cementing its role as an incubator for both local and global talent within
Amsterdam’s varied nightlife landscape.