What to Experience in Amsterdam: Events & Activities
In Amsterdam, there's a buzz of activity every day. Whether you're interested in markets, exhibitions, music concerts, theatre shows, or festivals, the city has it all. With a wide range of world-class entertainment, from large festivals and cultural events to intimate venues, theatres, clubs, and concert halls, Amsterdam offers something for everyone.
National Mills Day
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The National Mill Day, celebrated annually on the second weekend of May, is a festive day when hundreds of wind and water mills across the Netherlands open their doors to the public. This event, which has been organised since the 1970s, celebrates the country's rich milling history and attracts thousands of visitors ...
Kwaku Festival
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Every year, Nelson Mandela Park in Amsterdam Zuidoost transforms into a vibrant hub of culture and festivity during the Kwaku Festival. This summer festival has grown into one of the largest multicultural festivals in the Netherlands, celebrated over four weekends in ...
Gay Pride Amsterdam
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Gay Pride in Amsterdam, officially known as Pride Amsterdam, is one of the most vibrant and colourful events in the Dutch capital. Held annually, usually in the first week of August, it celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and is a ...
De Parade
Early August
Nowadays, the parade stands proud as one of the few travelling festivals in the world. Inspired by traditional circuses, the park offers a brilliant kaleidoscope of brightly coloured tents making it simply picture perfect. De parade may look like an old-fashioned fairground but it promises a very action packed 17 days of ...
Canal Festival
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Experience music like never before at the Canal Festival (Grachtenfestival) in Amsterdam, a unique event that makes classical music and jazz accessible to a wide audience. This annual festival shines a spotlight on young, talented musicians and offers concerts ...
Prinsengracht Concert
A free traditional classical music concert held on Prinsengracht in Amsterdam every year in August since 1981. The open air concert is held on a temporary built stage directly on the canal’s ...
Klassiek op het Amstelveld
Classical on the [i]Amstel Square[/i] has emerged as a leading festival where young talent and established global stars come together. Every year, this event draws lovers of classical music from both the Netherlands and abroad, and the best part: admission is free. Historic Setting; The event is held on the ...
Open Monuments Day in Amsterdam
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Every year, on a weekend in September, many monuments in the Netherlands open their doors to the public. The participating monuments in Amsterdam can be recognised by the Open Monuments Day flag, ...
Marathon Amsterdam
Third week of October
Annually, typically in October, the streets of the Dutch capital are flooded with a sea of runners and enthusiastic spectators for the Amsterdam Marathon. The inaugural event was in 1975. This prestigious sporting event attracts both professional marathon runners and enthusiasts from all over the world. A Route ...
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)
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The Amsterdam Dance Event, commonly referred to as ADE, is renowned worldwide as the largest club festival for electronic music and serves as a prominent conference for music professionals. Every October, Amsterdam transforms into the epicentre for electronic ...
Christmas
Late November to early January
For a Christmas atmosphere with Christmas shopping, ice skating and hot chocolate you can visit the following squares in Amsterdam: Dam; Every year in December there is traditionally a big ...
Ice Skating in Amsterdam
Middle of November to early January
A winter holiday in Amsterdam isn't complete without ice skating. There are numerous options, and here are some of the best skating spots in the city. Below, you'll find the top places to skate during your Amsterdam winter holiday. Skating ...
Christmas Market
December
Put on your skates, wrap the kids up in their winter coats, and gather your loveliest mates; the cosiest days of the year are just around the corner! We've listed the 6 best Christmas markets in Amsterdam for those looking to snap up ...
Arrival of Saint Nicholas
November
Every year, Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam by ship in mid-November. Then a whole parade accompanies him in a festive way through the city center. Hundreds of children welcome the children's friend and more than five thousand kilos of free candy are handed out along the ...
Light Festival Amsterdam
Amsterdam's winter festival returns each year to illuminate the city's streets and waterways with bewitching light installations by international artists. With more than 35 large scale installations dotted across Amsterdam city centre, there are certainly plenty of ...
2025
Tulip Day
Every year in January, Tulpendag marks the beginning of the tulip season in the Netherlands. This festive event offers everyone the chance to pick their own tulips for free right in the heart of Amsterdam. What is Tulpendag?; Tulpendag is an ...
Funfair in Amsterdam
Each year, the Westerpark in Amsterdam transforms into a bustling fair, a paradise for thrill-seekers, sensation enthusiasts, and sweet treat lovers. With a wide range of attractions and delicacies, this fair provides entertainment for all ages. What can ...
National Museum Week
Begin april
The National Museum Week is an annual event where hundreds of museums throughout the Netherlands open their doors to celebrate the rich culture, art, and history of the country. This event offers a unique opportunity to discover the hidden treasures and famous collections of Dutch museums. ...
King's Day in Amsterdam
King's Day is officially the national celebration of the birthday of the Dutch king. In reality, however, it's simply an excuse to party very exuberantly. The celebrations take place throughout the Netherlands, but have a special ambiance in Amsterdam. In ...
National Remembrance Day
Every year on 4th May, the National Remembrance Day takes place at the Dam. Silent March; City Hall Square, 18.00 hours Every year, the mayor of Amsterdam along with hundreds of people take part in a silent march from the City Hall ...
