Amsterdam has a very particular rhythm. It’s shaped by seasons, light, weather, and, just as much, by the events that return year after year. Some take over the streets completely, others stay in neighbourhoods, museums, or parks. Together, they create the feeling of the city changing mood as the year unfolds. Amsterdam is one of the Dutch cities with the most events organised throughout the year, and the schedule of the main events is fairly consistent, so locals know what to expect each month.
This guide brings together the main events in Amsterdam that happen every year. I’ve grouped them by month, to make it easier for you to plan your agenda. We don’t have the dates yet for some of them, but I’ll update the article as they become available.
Main Events in Amsterdam 2026
These yearly events in Amsterdam give structure to the calendar, but they’re only part of the story. This list is here to help you plan, get inspired, and understand how the city moves through the year. There are, of course, a lot of smaller events that happen in between, so keep an eye for them. If you want a curated cultural agenda for each month, you can sign up for my newsletter.
Save the monthly guide as a PDF.
Events in Amsterdam in January 2026
Amsterdam Light Festival – until 18 January
The Amsterdam Light Festival that starts in the previous year in November continues into January, lighting up the city during its darkest weeks. Light installations by international artists are displayed along the canals and streets, inviting evening walks or boat rides. For many locals, the January part of the festival feels quieter, after the holiday crowds have faded, making it one of the best moments to experience it. Read here about my boat ride to the Light Festival in 2025-2026.
National Tulip Day – 17 January at Museumplein
National Tulip Day marks the unofficial start of tulip season in the Netherlands. Each January, a large temporary tulip garden appears in Amsterdam (in Dam Square or Museumplein), inviting people to pick their own bouquet for free (the tulips have the bulbs as well, and you can plant them in your garden to enjoy them for many years). It’s a colourful and very Dutch moment in the middle of winter, when the city is still grey and quiet. Locals often stop by briefly, while visitors are queuing for a few moments inside the ”garden”.
Jumping Amsterdam — 22 – 25 January at RAI
Jumping Amsterdam is an international equestrian event that brings top show jumpers and dressage riders to the city. Held indoors, it attracts both dedicated fans of the sport and curious spectators who are experiencing it for the first time. For Amsterdam, it’s a slightly unexpected event but it has become a recurring winter fixture over the years. In 2026, the event celebrates its 65th edition.
The Maker Market — 24, 25 January and then each month
This market brings together local designers, artisans, and small-scale producers, offering handmade goods ranging from ceramics and jewellery to textiles, prints, and food products. Rather than focusing on mass production, the market highlights craftsmanship and personal stories behind the objects. For many visitors, it’s a relaxed way to discover Amsterdam-based makers and support creative work on a human scale.
Museum Market — each third Sunday of the Month
This is a monthly design and maker market held on Museumplein, bringing together artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs from the city and beyond. Stalls feature handmade objects, illustrations, jewellery, prints, and small design pieces, often created by the makers themselves. With the major museums as a backdrop, the market has a relaxed, open-air atmosphere and is as much about browsing and conversation as it is about buying, making it a pleasant stop during a walk through the museum district.
IJ-Hallen Flea Market — 24-25 January at NDSM-Plein – and then each month throughout the year
The IJ-Hallen flea market is one of the largest flea markets in Europe and a favourite among locals who enjoy slow browsing and unexpected finds. Held in a large industrial space in Amsterdam Noord, it offers everything from vintage clothes and books to household items and curiosities. The atmosphere is informal and practical rather than trendy, and many Amsterdammers treat it as a regular weekend outing rather than a special event. The market is held every month, so check out their website for the entire calendar.
Events in Amsterdam in February 2026
Chinese New Year in Amsterdam – 17 February 2026, Nieuwmarkt, Zeedijk and Dam Square.
Chinese New Year is celebrated each year in Amsterdam’s Chinatown, around the Zeedijk area. The festivities usually include traditional lion and dragon dances, firecrackers, and cultural performances, drawing both locals and visitors. While smaller in scale than in some other cities, the celebration has a strong community feel and offers a glimpse into the multicultural layers that have long been part of Amsterdam’s identity.
Remembrance 1941 February Strike – 25 February, Jonas Daniël Meijerplein.
The February Strike of 1941 is commemorated every year in Amsterdam as a powerful act of resistance against the persecution of Jewish citizens during the Nazi occupation. The remembrance takes place at the statue of the Dockworker on Jonas Daniël Meijerplein and is marked by speeches and wreath-laying. It is a sober and reflective moment in the city’s calendar, reminding residents and visitors alike of Amsterdam’s wartime history and the courage of those who stood up in solidarity.
Events in Amsterdam in March 2026
Opera Forward Festival – 6-15 March, Nationale Opera & Ballet, Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ and Frascati.
The Opera Forward Festival is organised by Dutch National Opera and focuses on contemporary opera and new musical forms. The festival explores experimentation, social themes, and collaborations with modern composers and artists. It attracts a mixed audience of opera lovers and newcomers curious about how the art form is evolving. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the festival.
Stille Omgang – 21, 22 March
The Stille Omgang is a silent night-time procession through Amsterdam’s city centre, rooted in a centuries-old Catholic tradition. Participants walk together in silence, commemorating a medieval miracle associated with the city. Despite taking place in busy streets, the event remains quiet and reflective, creating a striking contrast with Amsterdam’s usual nightlife. Each year, the festival week of the Miracle begins on the Wednesday after the 12th of March. From Wednesday through Saturday, holy masses of devotion are celebrated in the Beguinage. But the big yearly manifestation is still the Silent Procession, held on Saturday night through Sunday morning.
Roze Filmdagen (Pink Film Days) – 18, 19 March at Ketelhuis
Pink Film Days is an LGBTQ+ film festival that showcases international queer cinema, including feature films, documentaries, and shorts. Screenings take place in various cinemas across the city and often include discussions with filmmakers. The festival is known for its inclusive atmosphere and focus on storytelling rather than spectacle. Note that you can use your Cineville pass for tickets, but only when you buy at the counter (can’t reserve the tickets when using the pass).
Cinedans — 25 – 29 March in Eye Filmmuseum Amsterdam, WEB and Tolhuistuin.
Cinedans is a film festival dedicated to dance on screen, bringing together choreography and cinema. It presents films, performances, and installations that explore movement in both traditional and experimental ways. The festival attracts a niche but international audience and fits well within Amsterdam’s broader performing arts scene.
Keukenhof Gardens — 19 March – 10 May, in Lisse
Although not located in Amsterdam itself, Keukenhof Gardens are closely associated with a spring visit to the city. Open only for a limited period each year, the gardens showcase millions of flowering bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Many visitors combine Keukenhof with a stay in Amsterdam, making it a seasonal highlight.
Events in Amsterdam April in 2026
Tulip Festival – Entire month, throughout the city
The Tulip Festival celebrates Amsterdam’s connection to the flower by placing tulips in public spaces across the city. The festival invites visitors to explore different neighbourhoods, and it’s a reminder that you can see even more flowers at Keukenhof. This year marks the 12th edition of the Tulip Festival Amsterdam, which will feature organic tulips for the first time. The Nieuw-West neighbourhood will lead the way, with organic tulips appearing at various locations, while in Vondelpark they will float on rafts on the pond.
CinemAsia Film Festival – 8 – 12 April at EYE, Studio/K, Rialto de Pijp
CinemAsia is dedicated to Asian cinema and Asian-European storytelling. The festival screens films from across Asia as well as works by diaspora filmmakers, often accompanied by talks and cultural events. It plays an important role in highlighting underrepresented voices within Amsterdam’s film landscape.
National Museum Week – date TBA (to be announced)
During National Museum Week, museums across Amsterdam and the Netherlands highlight their collections with special programming. Some institutions offer extended opening hours, events, or free access. It’s a good moment to explore both large museums and smaller, lesser-known ones.
Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival – 10-19 April, various venues
The Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival focuses on contemporary Spanish cinema, showcasing films from Spain and Spanish-speaking regions. Screenings are often accompanied by introductions or discussions, making it a favourite among film enthusiasts interested in European cinema beyond the mainstream.
Amsterdam Wine Festival — 26-29 March at Kromhouthal
The Amsterdam Wine Festival brings together winemakers, importers, and wine lovers for tastings and masterclasses. Usually held in a large indoor venue, it balances education with a relaxed atmosphere. It attracts both casual visitors and those with a deeper interest in wine culture.
King’s Day (Koningsdag) – 27 April
King’s Day is one of the most recognisable yearly events in Amsterdam. Celebrated on the King’s birthday, the city (and the entire country) turns orange as streets fill with flea markets, music, and informal parties. The party starts on the evening of 26, with the Koningsavond, and continues the next day. The flea markets are organised throughout the city, and it’s the chance for everyone to sell their stuff and for kids to make extra money by selling toys or showcasing their talents.
World Press Photo Exhibition – date TBA
The World Press Photo Exhibition presents the winning images of the annual World Press Photo Contest. Shown in Amsterdam each year, the exhibition offers a powerful overview of global events through photojournalism. It’s one of the city’s most consistently impactful exhibitions.
KunstRAI – 22-26 April at RAI
KunstRAI is one of the Netherlands’ longest-running contemporary art fairs, bringing together around 100 galleries from the Netherlands and abroad. Held annually in Amsterdam, it offers an accessible overview of modern and contemporary art, appealing to both collectors and casual visitors. The offer consists of an inspiring selection of contemporary painting, photography, (vintage) design, applied arts, post-war art, and specialist art books.
Events in Amsterdam in May 2026
Remembrance Day — 4 May Dam Square
Remembrance Day commemorates Dutch victims of war and violence. In Amsterdam, the main ceremony takes place on Dam Square and includes two minutes of silence at 8 p.m. The atmosphere is solemn, and much of the city comes to a standstill.
Liberation Day — 5 May
Liberation Day marks the end of the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in 1945. While it’s a national celebration, Amsterdam hosts concerts and events focused on freedom and democracy. Unlike Remembrance Day, the tone is celebratory. One of the main events is the one on Museumplein, with music, poetry and speeches.
National Mill Day (Nationale Molendag) — Date TBA
On National Mill Day, windmills across the Netherlands open their doors to the public, including several in and around Amsterdam. Visitors can learn about milling, engineering, and the role windmills played in Dutch history. It’s a family-friendly and distinctly local event.
Amsterdam Art Week – date TBA
Amsterdam Art Week connects galleries, museums, and project spaces across the city. It offers exhibitions, talks, and guided tours, highlighting both established and emerging artists. The event encourages visitors to move beyond major institutions.
Rollende Keukens — 13-17 May, Westerpark
Rollende Keukens is a food truck festival held in Westerpark. For several days, the park fills with mobile kitchens, long communal tables, and live music. Many locals treat it as a casual outdoor gathering rather than a formal event. Free entry, but the food is usually overpriced to compensate.
Vondelpark Open Air Theatre — May–September in Vondelpark
Throughout summer, the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre hosts free performances including music, dance, and theatre. Events take place in an informal setting and are popular with locals who combine them with picnics or evening walks.
Events in Amsterdam in June 2026
Red Light Jazz — Date TBA, Red Light District
Red Light Jazz brings jazz performances to venues in and around Amsterdam’s Red Light District. The festival highlights the area’s historical connection to jazz and live music, offering an alternative perspective on a much-visited neighbourhood.
Open Tower Day (Open Toren Dag) – Date TBA, various locations
On Open Tower Day, church towers and other historic towers across Amsterdam open to the public. Visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the city, often from places normally closed off.
Open Garden Days (Open Tuinen Dagen) — 19-21 June, city centre
During Open Garden Days, private gardens along Amsterdam’s canals open their gates to visitors. Many are hidden behind historic canal houses and rarely accessible, offering a glimpse into a quieter, greener side of the city. It’s a unique opportunity to visit these amazing gardens and to discover a part of the city that you don’t normally see.
Bacchus Wine Festival — 5-6-7, 12-13-14, 19, 20, 21 June in Amsterdamse Bos
Bacchus Wine Festival is an outdoor wine event combining tastings with food and music. It’s informal and relaxed, and attracts a mix of locals and visitors.
Holland Festival — 3-29 June, various locations
The Holland Festival is one of the Netherlands’ most important performing arts festivals. Taking place in Amsterdam and other cities, it features theatre, music, dance, tours, and multidisciplinary performances from international artists.
Jardin Rouge — Date TBA
Jardin Rouge Festival is an outdoor music festival held in Ruigoord, the artist village on the western edge of Amsterdam. Set among trees, old industrial buildings, and art installations, the festival focuses on electronic music, with DJs and live acts performing across several stages. The setting and relaxed pace make it feel less like a large-scale event and more like a day spent wandering between music, nature, and art, in keeping with Ruigoord’s long-standing creative spirit.
Zuidas Run — 12 June, Zuidas
This is a yearly running event through Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, combining sport with the city’s modern business area. With several race distances, it attracts both experienced runners and casual participants, offering a different view of Amsterdam away from the historic centre.
Events in Amsterdam in July 2026
Keti Koti — 1 July
Keti Koti commemorates the abolition of slavery in the former Dutch colonies. In Amsterdam, it is marked with ceremonies, educational events, and celebrations, particularly in Oosterpark. It’s an important moment of remembrance and reflection.
Julidans – Dates TBA
Julidans is an international contemporary dance festival held across multiple venues in Amsterdam. It focuses on innovative choreography and global perspectives on dance.
Milkshake Festival — 25-26 July, Westerpark
Milkshake Festival is an inclusive, queer-friendly music festival celebrating diversity and self-expression. Held in Westerpark, it blends music, fashion, and performance with a strong emphasis on openness and acceptance.
Amsterdam Roots Festival – Date TBA
Amsterdam Roots Festival showcases music, dance, and storytelling from cultures around the world. It highlights global traditions while connecting them to contemporary themes.
Kwaku Summer Festival – date TBA
The Kwaku Summer Festival takes place over several weekends in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. It combines food, music, sports, and community events, with strong roots in Surinamese and Afro-Caribbean culture.
De Parade — date TBA
De Parade is the world’s only traveling theater festival, that sets up a temporary tent village in parks, in various cities like Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Amsterdam. Short performances, food stalls, and an informal atmosphere define the experience.
Landjuweel — 23-26 July, Ruigoord
An annual open-air festival held in Ruigoord, a small artist village near Amsterdam, featuring music, theatre, visual art, and other forms of creative expression, often with a free-spirited, bohemian vibe.
Amsterdam Pride — 25 July- 8 August, various locations
Amsterdam Pride is a city-wide celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, visibility, and rights, spread over several days and neighbourhoods. Pride Week usually begins in late July, with talks, exhibitions, sports events, and community gatherings, before building up to the larger public celebrations in early August. While the Canal Parade is the most visible moment, Amsterdam Pride as a whole is rooted in activism, history, and the city’s long-standing tradition of openness and diversity.
Events in Amsterdam in August 2026
Amsterdam Pride and Canal Parade — Canal Parade on 1 August
Amsterdam Pride culminates in the Canal Parade, where decorated boats move through the city’s canals. The event celebrates LGBTQ+ visibility and rights and is both festive and political in nature.
Dance Valley — 8 August
Dance Valley is a large electronic music festival held near Amsterdam. Known for its long history, it attracts international DJs and thousands of visitors each year.
Grachtenfestival – 7-16 August, city centre
The Grachtenfestival is a classical and contemporary music festival held at unique locations, including canal-side venues and boats. It aims to make classical music accessible to wider audiences.
Open Air Film Festival Pluk de Nacht – Date TBA
Pluk de Nacht is an open-air film festival showing independent and lesser-known films. Screenings take place outdoors, often in informal settings, and are free to attend.
Events in Amsterdam in September 2026
Open Monumentendag — 12-13 September
During Open Monumentendag, historic buildings across Amsterdam open to the public free of charge. It’s an opportunity to explore churches, schools, and private buildings usually closed to visitors.
Amsterdam Fashion Week — 1-5 September
Amsterdam Fashion Week highlights Dutch designers through runway shows and presentations. It reflects the city’s experimental and conceptual approach to fashion.
Amsterdam City Swim – 6 September
The Amsterdam City Swim is a charity swimming event in the city’s waterways, raising money for ALS research. Participants swim a set route, watched by spectators along the canals.
Dutch Theatre Festival (TF) – 3-13 September, various locations
The Dutch Theatre Festival officially kicks off the new theatre season each year, presenting the most notable theatre productions of the previous season. It acts as a showcase of national performing arts. In addition to the performances, it also features meetings, conversations, public programs.
Amsterdam Fringe Festival – Date TBA
Running alongside the Dutch Theatre Festival, the Amsterdam Fringe Festival focuses on experimental and emerging theatre makers. Performances take place in unconventional locations.
Dam tot Dam Run – Date TBA
The Dam tot Dam Run is a popular road race from Amsterdam to Zaandam. Thousands of runners participate, and large crowds line the route.
Ambacht in Beeld Festival (Craft in Focus Festival) – 26 -27 September, NDSM Loods
The Ambacht in Beeld Festival is a hands-on celebration of craftsmanship held each autumn in the NDSM Loods in Amsterdam-Noord. For a weekend, the huge industrial space becomes an interactive workshop where more than a hundred master artisans from the Netherlands and abroad demonstrate their skills and lead workshops, masterclasses, talks, and demonstrations.
Events in Amsterdam in October 2026
Children’s Book Week (Kinderboekenweek) – Date TBA, various locations
Kinderboekenweek celebrates children’s literature across the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, bookshops, libraries, and schools host readings and activities.
De Amsterdamse Grachtenrace — 10 October, Amsterdam canals
De Amsterdamse Grachtenrace (Canal Race) is a long-standing rowing event in which teams of rowers compete in traditional sloops along a course that winds through Amsterdam’s canals, usually covering around 21–25 kilometres of waterway.
Afrovibes Festival – Date TBA, various locations
Afrovibes Festival presents contemporary performing arts from Africa and the African diaspora. The programme often addresses social and political themes.
Amsterdam Marathon – 17-18 October
The Amsterdam Marathon is an annual marathon in Amsterdam in the Netherlands since 1975. The road race has a Platinum Label from World Athletics. During the event, there are also a half marathon race and an 8 km race in the program. The marathon starts and ends in the Amsterdam Olympic Stadium, a stadium built for the Olympic Games that were held in Amsterdam in 1928.
Cinekid Festival – 10-25 October, various locations
Cinekid is one of the world’s largest children’s film and media festivals. It includes films, workshops, and interactive installations.
Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam – 25-29 October, De Kromhouthal
The Affordable Art Fair focuses on accessible contemporary art, with works priced below a set maximum. It attracts first-time buyers as well as regular collectors.
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) – 21-25 October, various locations
ADE is the world’s leading electronic music conference and festival. It combines industry events with hundreds of performances across the city.
Events in Amsterdam in November 2026
Museum Night — 7 November
Museum Night allows visitors to explore museums late into the night with special programmes, performances, and talks. It’s particularly popular with younger audiences. You can use your Museum Card if you have one.
The Amsterdam Storytelling Festival – Date TBA, Podium Mozaiek
This festival celebrates storytelling in its many forms, from spoken word to performance. It often focuses on personal and social narratives.
IDFA – 12-22 November, various locations
IDFA, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, is one of the world’s leading documentary festivals and a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar. Each November, venues across Amsterdam screen hundreds of documentaries from around the globe, covering social, political, and personal stories. In addition to screenings, the festival offers workshops, debates, and networking events for filmmakers and audiences alike. For locals and visitors, IDFA is a chance to explore compelling real-life stories and discover new perspectives on the world.
PAN Amsterdam – Date TBA, at RAI
PAN Amsterdam is an art, antiques, and design fair showcasing a wide range of periods and styles, from classical art to modern design.
Sinterklaas Arrival & Parade – Date TBA
The arrival of Sinterklaas marks the beginning of the festive season. In Amsterdam, the event includes a parade and activities for children.
Amsterdam Light Festival – Date TBA
One of the most awaited festivals of the year starts at the end of November.
Events in Amsterdam in December 2026
Amsterdam Light Festival – Date TBA
The Amsterdam Light Festival runs through winter, featuring light installations along the canals and streets. The artworks can be viewed on foot or by boat and bring warmth and reflection to the darkest months of the year.
New Year’s Eve — 31 December
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with various parties and fireworks.
A few tips before you plan
If you’re visiting during one of the main events in Amsterdam, it helps to know a few things:
• The most popular events get busy quickly, especially in spring and summer. Booking ahead is often necessary, even for things that seem casual.
• Book accommodation early for visits during King’s Day and Pride, as the city fills up fast.
• Not every event is city-wide. Many are neighbourhood-based, which can be a lovely way to see a different side of Amsterdam.
• Make sure to check the weather and pack accordingly. As a general rule, Amsterdam is the place for layers, no matter the season.
• Amsterdam doesn’t demand constant activity. Even during major yearly events, there’s always space to step aside, walk along the canals, or sit somewhere quietly and let the city pass by.
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