Amsterdam events

An unprecedented wealth of spectacular floral displays planted in endless varieties, alternated with beautiful works of art. Keukenhof is unique, world famous and has been one of the most popular destinations in the Netherlands for many years now. The most beautiful spring garden in the world will be open from March until May. Keukenhof is situated in Lisse, between Amsterdam and The Hague in the Bulb region.

Annually from March until May

World Press Photo is the world’s largest and most prestigious annual press photography contest. The exhibition takes place every year from April till June in De Oude Kerk (The Old Church), situated in the heart of the Red Light District.

Annually from April – June

Since 1947, Amsterdam has been offering a wide variety of extraordinary and stimulating artistic projects from all over the world through the month-long celebration of the arts – the Holland Festival. Every year, June is reserved for an extraordinary programme in Amsterdam’s most prestigious concert halls and theatres, including the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, the Muziektheater, the Stadsschouwburg and the Westergasfabriek. International theatre, music, dance, opera, film, art – from the West and abroad (picture by Janiek Dam).

Annually in June

Dance, theatre and the arts form an effervescent festival centred around the IJ harbour – in a shipyard, in shipping containers, and in an old Russian submarine. Amsterdam Noord, the hinterland North of the IJ harbour, is known for its peaceful residential areas and green, natural surroundings. But in the beginning of July it transforms into a factory for creative productions.

Annually in July

Every year in September you can see works from over 80 theatre groups, of unorthodox, national and international theatre directors and artists, at more then 33 different locations spread throughout Amsterdam.

Annually in September

The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) has grown into the worlds biggest club festival for electronic music offering music lovers a taste of the latest trends and developments in the electronic music scene. With over 700 artists from all over the globe performing in 40 clubs in the inner city of Amsterdam, it is a true kaleidoscope of the electronical music genre.

Annually in October

In November PAN Amsterdam in the Amsterdam RAI-Parkhal is the most important national art and antiques fair and a must for every art lover. PAN Amsterdam has many faces: contemporary and modern art and design go hand in hand with objects that have a long history—a beach scene by Cézanne, a 16th-century Madonna, a spectacular glass chandelier.

Annually in November

From December through January, several events will take place on the canals, with as its highlight a parade through the canals with wonderfully decorated and illuminated boats. The boats are decorated in special themes – with choirs that sing Christmas Carols – and will sail from the Prinsengracht to the River Amstel.

Annually December – January

Royal madness starts on King’s Night, the 26th of April. Open stages with live music & DJ’s and numerous parties are organized in bars and clubs all over the city. On King’s Day, 27 April, there will be a vrijmarkt, a market for  everyone in Amsterdam to sell their attic crap, old clothes and whatever you can think of in the streets.

Annually April 27 (King’s night April 26)

Every year, the Amsterdam Canal Museums organise the Open Garden Days in the third weekend of June. The gardens, hidden behind the stately facades and canals of Amsterdam, are true oases of peace and greenery. Many of them designed by renowned architects. Some thirty canal gardens will be open to the public for three days from 10 am to 5 pm.

Annually 3rd weekend of June

Twice a year, in late January and again in July, Fashion Week forms the centre-point of the Dutch fashion world. Leading Dutch brands, independent boutique labels and local designers impress the international fashion world, while international brands showcase their wares to local buyers.

Annually in January and July

Amsterdam Pride is the time when gay Amsterdam (joined by the rest of the world) celebrates. One of the highlights is the Canal Parade held on Saturday, when more than 80 floats parade past on the cities canals, watched by thousands of people.

Annually the first weekend of August

IBC is the one truly global event in the broadcast and electronic media year. It brings all the world’s leading vendors together under one roof. IBC combines a highly respected and peer reviewed conference, an exhibition that demonstrates state of the art media technology and unrivaled networking opportunities.

Annually in September

With its many highlights, the route through Amsterdam’s city centre would also fit a sightseeing tour at a slower pace, taking in the Olympic Stadium, the nature reserves on both sides of the river Amstel, the Maritime Museum, the historic canals, Rijksmuseum and the attractive Vondelpark.

Annually in October

The annual International Documentary Film Festival (IDFA) is a ten-day festival in November in Amsterdam’s city centre during which more than 250 creative documentaries are shown. IDFA has developed into the largest documentary film festival in the world and is the meeting point of art, film, debate and social issues. The IDFA is unique on account of its international range, its great variety of genres, its politically engaged programme and the many European and world premieres that are presented each year.

Annually in November

When the canals are frozen, Amsterdam is even more picturesque and ice skating or walking on the canals is a different way to experience the city.

When cold enough

Every Sunday at the ”Spui” square in Amsterdam there is an exhibition in the open air with recent work of sixty Dutch and international professional artists.

Every Sunday