What To Do in Amsterdam in August 2024

Summer is here, and despite a rainy start, it looks like we have some sunny days ahead to enjoy! August in Amsterdam is all about open-air festivals and events, beginning with the spectacular Pride Week and Canal Parade, and continuing with music and film festivals where people can revel under the (hopefully) starry summer sky.

There are also indoor events to look forward to on less sunny days — some cool exhibitions at the Amsterdam’s museums. August is a month when the city truly comes alive. Street performances and pop-up markets add to the festive atmosphere.

This page includes affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra costs to you.

Let’s dive into this curated monthly selection of things to see and do in Amsterdam in August 2024!

Pride Amsterdam and Canal Parade. Pride Amsterdam takes place from 27 July to 4 August and it transforms the city into a hub of colourful events. The cherry on top, the Canal Parade, is on 3 August, from 12.00 to 18.00. We can’t wait to see how the boats will look this year!

Dutch Equine Art Fair – 10-13 August at De Hollandsche Manege Amsterdam.A unique curated collection of captivating equine artworks tailored for both art lovers and horse enthusiasts.

Reggae Lake Festival – the largest reggae festival in the Netherlands. On 17-18 August at Gaasperplas Park. There will be six stages for reggae music and the line-up includes Damian Marley, Wayne Wonder and Jesse Royal.

Hartjesdag (the Heart Days) – 19 August. This is a festival on the Zeedijk, one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam. It used to be an Amsterdam carnival on the third weekend of August. Nowadays it’s a colourful event on this beautiful street, with an important contribution from the queer community in Amsterdam.

Cinetree’s Forest Filmfestival – an open-air film festival in the forest. From 22 to 24 August in Amsterdamse Bostheater.

Sunsets at the EYE – From 21 to 25 August, watch movies selected by the Eye Film Museum under the starry sky, in the park next to their building. Get your tickets here.

Grachtenfestival(Canal Festival) — an annual classical music festival that takes place between 23 August- 1 September, and features a variety of performances by both established and emerging artists. The festival is unique because the concerts are performed in and around Amsterdam’s historic canals, with many performances taking place on boats, in canal houses, and at other unique waterfront locations.

Westerkerk concerts – 29 July to 2 August. For this week, Westerkerk will host an afternoon concert every day, with organ music by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). The concerts take place from 13:00 to 13:30. Free entrance.

De Parade – a travelling theatre festival in the Netherlands, known for its eclectic mix of performances, art, and entertainment. It takes place in various cities and it will be in Amsterdam from 16 August to 1 September.

Working with clay – explore the world of clay at the Treehouse NDSM in an workshop that is 1+1 free. Bring your friends and model a statue under expert guidance of visual artist Helga van Stralen. On 18 August.

Prinsengracht Concert – 24 August on the most beautiful canal in Amsterdam. A classical music spectacle on the water in front Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam. You can watch the concert from the boat if you have one!

Point of View – exhibition at the Rijksmuseum until the end of August. This exhibition is all about gender; it explores ideas about gender in Western Europe across six centuries of art and history.

The Maker Market – 24-25 August at De Hallen Amsterdam. Meet your favourite makers from Amsterdam at this market where you can find everything from handmade jewellery and clothing to beautiful prints and organic delicacies. Free entrance.

Terrasconcerten at Muziekgebouw – Concerts under the summer sky, every Friday and Saturday in August, with drinks and dinner.

Pluk de Nacht – another open-air film festival, from 21 to 31 August at Het Stenen Hoofd. The festival will be screening a collection of independent feature films, documentaries, short films, and animations yet to be shown in Dutch cinemas.

Sari/Statement – exhibition about the contemporary sari in India and its diaspora, at the Wereldmuseum (former Tropenmuseum). To be seen until November 2024. Get your ticket here.

Summer on the roof at Nemo — from 11 July to 31 August, NEMO’s rooftop is home to all kinds of activities, from live music, outdoor cinema to yoga classes.

So, get ready for a fantastic month filled with excitement, culture, and a touch of sunshine!

Stay tuned for more and follow Amsterdamian on Instagram and Facebook for daily stories about life in the Netherlands. Please share this post if you liked it!
Don’t forget to check out my photo book: Amsterdam Through the Seasons!