Festivals and Events
Stille Omgang (Silent Procession)
Sun closest to March 15
Procession by local Catholics commemorating the Miracle of Amsterdam, starting and finishing at Spui.
Koninginnedag (Queen’s day)
April 30
The highlight of the festival calendar: in celebration of Queen Beatrix’s birthday, the entire city centre is given over to one massive party.
Herdenkingsdag (Remembrance Day)/
May 4
Wreath-laying ceremony and two-minute silence at the National Monument in Dam Square, commemorating the Dutch dead of World War II.
Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day)
May 5
The country celebrates the 1945 liberation from Nazi occupation with bands, speeches and impromptu markets around the city.
Holland Festival
Throughout June
The largest music, dance and drama event in the Netherlands, showcasing productions at venues around the city.
Vondelpark Open Air Theatre
June–Aug Thurs–Sun only
Free theatre, dance and music performances throughout the summer, presenting anything from jazz and classical concerts through to stand-up comedy. The future existence of the theatre was uncertain at the time of writing, as its city government subsidy was under debate.
Julidans
First half of July
Twelve-day festival dedicated to contemporary dance. It is held in numerous locations around the Leidseplein, with the Stadsschouwburg as its throbbing heart.
Amsterdam Pride
First or second weekend in Aug
The city’s gay community celebrates with street parties held along the Amstel, Warmoesstraat and Reguliersdwarsstraat.
Grachtenfestival
Third week in Aug
International musicians perform at over ninety classical music events at historical locations around the three main canals, as well as the River Ij. Includes the Prisengracht Concert, one of the world’s most prestigious concerts.
Uitmarkt
Last weekend in Aug
Every cultural organization in the city, from opera to theatre, advertises its forthcoming programme of events with free preview performances held around the Dam, Waterlooplein or Nieuwmarkt.
Open Monument Day
First or second weekend in Sept
For two days monuments throughout the Netherlands that are normally closed or have restricted opening times throw open their doors to the public for free.
The Jordaan Festival
Second or third weekend in Sept
A three-day street festival in the Jordaan. There’s a commercial fair on Palmgracht, talent contests on Elandsgracht, a few street parties and a culinary fair on the Sunday afternoon at the Noordermarkt.
Amsterdam Dance Festival
Late Oct
A four-day festival, hosting hundreds of national and international DJs taking over all dance venues in the city. Also a conference for turntable professionals. Tickets for all events have to be purchased separately and tend to sell out quickly.
Museum Night
Sat in early Nov
A great opportunity to explore Amsterdam’s museums in the wee hours. Most museums are open until 2am, hosting DJ performances, workshops and concerts.
Cannabis Cup
Late Nov
Five-day harvest festival with seminars, tours and music events held at the Nachttheater Sugar Factory and the Melkweg, which also hosts a competition to find the best cultivated seed. Judging is open to the general public.
Parade of Sint Nicolaas
Second or third Sun in Nov
The traditional parade of Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) through the city on his white horse, starting from behind Centraal Station where he arrives by steam boat, before parading down the Damrak towards Rembrandtplein. It all finishes in Leidseplein on the balcony of the Stadsschouwburg.
Pakjesavond (Present Evening)
Dec 5
Though it tends to be a private affair, Pakjesavond, rather than Christmas Day, is when Dutch kids receive their Christmas presents.
New Year’s Eve
Dec 31
Fireworks and celebrations are everywhere, and most bars and discos stay open until morning. This might just qualify as the wildest and most reckless street partying in Europe.
Public holidays
January 1 New Year’s Day
Good Friday (although shops open)
Easter Sunday
Easter Monday
April 30 Queen’s Day
May 5 Liberation Day
Ascension Day
Whit Sunday and Monday
December 25 and 26 Christmas