What’s on in Amsterdam
Keukenhof
21 March — 12 May 2024
The Keukenhof is located in the bulb-growing area between Amsterdam and The Hague.
Keukenhof is regarded as one of the world's largest and most beautiful spring gardens. Millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths fill the extensive grounds with colour and fragra…
Keukenhof
21 March — 12 May 2024
The Keukenhof is located in the bulb-growing area between Amsterdam and The Hague.
Keukenhof is regarded as one of the world's largest and most beautiful spring gardens. Millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths fill the extensive grounds with colour and fragrance every year, attracting legions of tourists. The site is divided into themed gardens, sculpture routes and various exhibitions, while numerous pavilions feature flower and plant shows for keen gardeners and flower arrangers. Visitors will find many cafes and restaurants, as well as souvenir stands and flower shops selling bulbs and seeds. They can also take a cycling excursion or a boat trip from Keukenhof to explore the bulb fields surrounding the garden. Visitors should allow at least a few hours to explore the park and enjoy the many events, displays and performances on offer.
Website www.keukenhof.nl
King's Day
27 April annually
Most of the action takes place at Vondelpark in the city centre.
The king's birthday is a very festive occasion in the Netherlands, and Amsterdam goes all out to celebrate. Street trade proceeds without regulation for the day, allowing people to…
King's Day
27 April annually
Most of the action takes place at Vondelpark in the city centre.
The king's birthday is a very festive occasion in the Netherlands, and Amsterdam goes all out to celebrate. Street trade proceeds without regulation for the day, allowing people to display their unused and unwanted goods and potentially sell them to passers-by. Bargain hunters and party seekers will enjoy themselves, especially if the sun shines. The occasion includes live music and many street performances. Travellers should also look into spending the day on a boat. Amsterdam's canals provide a wonderful vantage point from which to take in the festivities, and allow visitors to avoid some of the crowds and queues on land.
Amsterdam Pride
2 August — 4 August 2024
Various places throughout the city
Amsterdam's Pride is one of Europe's most popular and well-attended gay pride festivals, taking place annually between late July and early August. For many, its highlight is the Ca…
Amsterdam Pride
2 August — 4 August 2024
Various places throughout the city
Amsterdam's Pride is one of Europe's most popular and well-attended gay pride festivals, taking place annually between late July and early August. For many, its highlight is the Canal Parade, in which about 75 decorated craft carry revellers along the Amstel, Stopera and Prinsengracht canals. The festival includes a full programme of street parties, an open-air film festival on the Nieuwmarkt and many cultural and theatrical events. The city's club scene also comes alive, with special events and parties held all week long. All of the main events take place in central Amsterdam, and travellers should book accomodation in advance as the city gets very busy over Pride.
Website www.amsterdamgaypride.nl
Amsterdam Roots Festival
1 — 2 June 2024
Various locations
Amsterdam's Roots Festival started as a celebration of African music in 1983, becoming a major event on the global music calendar. Today, the annual programme draws top artists fro…
Amsterdam Roots Festival
1 — 2 June 2024
Various locations
Amsterdam's Roots Festival started as a celebration of African music in 1983, becoming a major event on the global music calendar. Today, the annual programme draws top artists from all over the world. Performances take place at different venues around the city, though the festival always ends with a massive open-air concert in the Oosterpark. The Roots Festival is part of the Holland Festival and a wonderful experience for lovers of world music. Music genres are diverse, with main stages including World Stage, Club Stage, Urban Groove and Bass Stage, and a lot of pop and dance music in the mix. Festival-goers can enjoy dance and music workshops, a food fair and lots of craft and clothing markets along with the music. The festival also has an area dedicated to children's entertainment.
Website www.amsterdamroots.nl
Holland Festival
6 — 29 June 2024
Information and booking at The Festival Centre, Stadsschouwburg, Leidseplein
The Holland Festival is a yearly trend-setting and innovative presentation of the dramatic arts, and the highlight of the country's cultural season. Dance, music, theatre and opera…
Holland Festival
6 — 29 June 2024
Information and booking at The Festival Centre, Stadsschouwburg, Leidseplein
The Holland Festival is a yearly trend-setting and innovative presentation of the dramatic arts, and the highlight of the country's cultural season. Dance, music, theatre and opera performances are all on offer, meaning it truly covers the full spectrum of the arts. The festival also caters for a wide range of tastes, as attendees can expect to see everything from pop to high-drama. Famous actors, authors and musicians mingle with the crowds, and Amsterdam's museums, theatres and galleries come alive with exciting exhibitions and performances. Culture lovers will not pick a better time of year to visit the Netherlands.
Website www.hollandfestival.nl
New Years Eve in Amsterdam
31 December annually
Various venues throughout the city
Locals and tourists pack into central Amsterdam on New Year's Eve, with Dam Square and the Leidseplein drawing most of the revelry. The Oosterdok area usually hosts the biggest eve…
New Years Eve in Amsterdam
31 December annually
Various venues throughout the city
Locals and tourists pack into central Amsterdam on New Year's Eve, with Dam Square and the Leidseplein drawing most of the revelry. The Oosterdok area usually hosts the biggest event, with the VOC Ship, Science Centre NEMO and Scheepvaartmuseum forming a backdrop for festivities. These open-air celebrations are a treat for the whole family, and are the occasion's main highlight. Visitors can expect a festive, friendly mood beneath a sky lit up by fireworks. Many nightclubs offer New Year specials with top DJs, music concerts and performances, and there are also a number of quirky parties for those who like to dress up.
Arrival of St Nicholas
TBC 2024
Central Station, Amsterdam
Travellers who visit Amsterdam with kids in November should catch the annual appearance of Santa Claus. He usually arrives on a ship three weeks before the celebration begins, and …
Arrival of St Nicholas
TBC 2024
Central Station, Amsterdam
Travellers who visit Amsterdam with kids in November should catch the annual appearance of Santa Claus. He usually arrives on a ship three weeks before the celebration begins, and rides a white horse to Dam Square. His coming is a festive occasion, when musical bands liven up the atmosphere and are accompanied by animals, clowns and acrobats. The story of Santa Claus dates back to the 3rd century, when the Bishop of Myra, St Nicholas, dedicated his life to helping the poor and needy. The passing centuries gave rise to many legends and stories about St Nicholas, though he remains best known for giving presents to children.
Website www.stnicholascenter.org
TCS Amsterdam Marathon
20 October 2024
Olympic Stadium
Runners from all over the world enjoy Amsterdam's flat terrain, sparse traffic and stunning architecture. The race dates back to 1975, and is widely recognised as one of the most p…
TCS Amsterdam Marathon
20 October 2024
Olympic Stadium
Runners from all over the world enjoy Amsterdam's flat terrain, sparse traffic and stunning architecture. The race dates back to 1975, and is widely recognised as one of the most professionally organised races on the international athletics calendar. Besides the main marathon, athletes can choose from a half marathon, a kid's marathon, a mini marathon and an 8km run. DJs, singers and samba bands line the course, cheering runners on and entertaining spectators. Visitors can also attend the free and popular marathon expo, which is home to stalls promoting all things related to athletics. The route traditionally starts and finishes at the Olympic Stadium.
Website www.amsterdammarathon.nl