l National Tulip Day (early Jan). Tulip growers create a vivid pop-up garden on Dam Square.
Jumping Amsterdam (end Jan). International showjumping competitions take place at Amsterdam RAI.
A Year In Amsterdam
l Chinese New Year (mid-Feb). Traditional lion dances snake through Nieuwmarkt and fireworks light up the skies.
Herdenking Februaristaking (25 Feb). Commemoration on J D Meijerplein of the brave actions of dockworkers against the Nazis’ deportation of Jews during World War II.
A Year In Amsterdam
l Opening of Keukenhof (early Mar). Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths bloom at this garden near Lisse in Zuid-Holland.
Wonderland Festival (mid-Mar). Electro sounds rule at this massive dance rave in Jordaan’s Westerpark.
Stille Omgang (2nd or 3rd Sat). A silent night-time procession down Rokin celebrates the Miracle of Amsterdam.
A Year In Amsterdam
Tulip Festival (throughout). Rare and colourful tulips on display in parks and other locations throughout Amsterdam, including EYE, Hermitage Amsterdam, Hortus Botanicus, Museum Van Loon and Rijksmuseum.
Imagine Film Festival (mid- to end Apr). Fantasy, horror and science fiction set the tone at this film fest at EYE.
Meibock Lentebier Festival (3rd Sun). Beer lovers celebrate traditional brews at Posthoornkerk on Haarlemmerstraat.
l Koningsdag (27 Apr). Amsterdam becomes one big street, and boat, party on King Willem-Alexander’s birthday.
A Year In Amsterdam
Herdenkingsdag (4 May). Commemorations for victims of World War II are held throughout the Netherlands.
l Rollende Keukens Festival (mid-May). A lively celebration of Dutch street food is held outside Westergasfabriek.
A Year In Amsterdam
Holland Festival (mid-Jun). Concerts, plays, opera and ballet are staged at theatres and concert halls throughout Amsterdam.
l Amsterdam Roots Festival (late Jun). Celebration of world music, dance, film and drama is held in Oosterpark, as well as under cover in Paradiso, Melkweg and BIMHUIS.
A Year In Amsterdam
Comedy Train International Summer Festival (early Jul). International stand-up comedians perform at Toomler Theater.
l Summer Concerts (Jul–Aug). Classical music is showcased at Concertgebouw.
A Year In Amsterdam
Hortus Festival (Thu in Jul & Aug). Music is performed in the Hortus Botanicus and the city’s other botanical gardens.
l Pride Amsterdam (late Jul–early Aug). Huge celebrations of LGBT+ solidarity take place throughout the city.
A Year In Amsterdam
l Amsterdam Heritage Days (1st or 2nd weekend). Historic buildings, including Oude Kerk, open their doors to the public free of charge.
Amsterdam Fringe Festival (early to mid-Sep). Experimental theatre and performance, in English, Dutch and no language at all, is staged at various venues throughout the city.
A Year In Amsterdam
Amsterdam Dance Event (mid-Oct). More than 100 club venues throughout Amsterdam take part in the world’s biggest event for electronic club music fans.
l TCS Amsterdam Marathon (late Oct). Thousands of professional and amateur runners circle the city in this gruelling race, which is over 26 miles (42 km) long.
A Year In Amsterdam
l Sinterklaas Parade (2nd or 3rd Sat). Santa Claus, or Saint Nicholas, arrives by boat at St Nicolaasbasiliek to mark the beginning of the festive season.
A Year In Amsterdam
Christmas Markets (throughout). Stalls selling gifts and seasonal food and drink are set up throughout the city, and an ice-skating rink is erected on Museumplein.
Amsterdam Light Festival (Dec to mid-Jan). Artists illuminate city-centre canals with colourful light installations.
l New Year’s Fireworks Display (31 Dec). Dazzling pyrotechnics light up the sky over the Amstel.