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Amsterdam Annual Events and Festival Guide
A Detailed Month-by-Month Overview for Visitors
Amsterdam offers a full annual schedule of cultural, historical, musical and seasonal events.
While some festivals happen on fixed dates, many others follow yearly patterns that repeat with minor variations.
This guide summarises recurring events by month and highlights well-established cultural moments without relying on unverified numbers or outdated listings.
What Types of Events Happen in Amsterdam Each Year?
Amsterdam’s recurring events typically fall into these broad categories:
- National holidays and major public celebrations
- Cultural festivals featuring music, theatre, film or performance
- Community events and neighbourhood gatherings
- Seasonal exhibitions and open-air programmes
- Heritage events that highlight Dutch history and local traditions
The exact mix changes each year slightly, but the overall schedule offers visitors a strong sense of the city’s cultural rhythm.
Monthly Event Overview for Amsterdam
This list focuses on events that reliably recur. Dates can vary each year, so visitors should check current schedules when planning a trip.
January
- Winter-themed cultural activities throughout the city
- Seasonal exhibitions in major museums and arts venues
- New Year celebrations
- The winter light season continues in various locations, with installations or illuminated routes appearing in select years
February
- Lunar New Year celebrations in the city centre, often around Zeedijk and Nieuwmarkt
- Indoor festivals and theatre programmes suited to winter
- A variety of cultural events are held in museums, concert halls and performance spaces
March
- The spring cultural season begins with theatre performances, gallery openings and music events
- Many venues introduce new exhibitions as the weather shifts
April
- King’s Day on the 27th, known for citywide street markets, music, neighbourhood celebrations and boat activities
- Spring exhibitions and special museum events
- Outdoor activities increase as temperatures rise
May
- Cultural festivals, open-air programmes and food events appear throughout the city
- The beginning of the warm season encourages more outdoor concerts and public gatherings
June
- Open-air concerts and seasonal outdoor markets are becoming more common
- Several long-running cultural events traditionally occur in early summer, though exact details depend on the current year
- Garden and architecture-themed events are sometimes held during this month
July
- A range of summer festivals takes place across the city, including multicultural celebrations, outdoor theatre and contemporary dance activities
- Long daylight hours support extended open-air programming in parks and public squares
- Community events and music gatherings appear frequently during this period
August
- Amsterdam Pride, including the famous Canal Parade, takes place around early August
- Street festivals, park concerts and open-air cinema events are active throughout the month
- Neighbourhood-based cultural activities reflect peak summer participation
September
- Early autumn brings art events, design gatherings and museum activities
- Heritage-themed days sometimes offer access to special buildings or historic locations
- Seasonal markets and cultural fairs mark the transition from summer to autumn
October
- Amsterdam Dance Event takes place in October, known for its citywide club programmes, conferences and electronic music focus
- Autumn cultural programming expands across theatres, halls and galleries
November
- International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, featuring screenings and special programmes
- Museum-themed nights and cultural evenings
- Winter exhibitions begin appearing in major cultural spaces
December
- Festive season events appear throughout the city
- Concerts, exhibitions and winter activities highlight the final month of the year
- New Year’s Eve preparations and celebrations typically attract large crowds
Highlight Events That Consistently Draw Visitors
These recurring events have strong cultural significance and are widely recognised:
- King’s Day, celebrated across the country on 27 April
- Amsterdam Pride, featuring the Canal Parade and related cultural events
- Amsterdam Dance Event, known for its large music programme
- International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
- Seasonal winter light activities that appear in various forms during the colder months
These events anchor Amsterdam’s cultural character and attract international visitors year after year.
Where Can You Learn More About Amsterdam’s Major Annual Events?
If you would like a closer look at two of Amsterdam’s most celebrated public events, you can explore these detailed guides on our site.
King’s Day
King’s Day on 27 April is known for citywide street markets, music, boat activities and a festive atmosphere. Our full guide explains how the day works, where the busiest areas are and how visitors can enjoy the national celebration.
SAIL Amsterdam
SAIL Amsterdam is one of the largest nautical gatherings in the Netherlands. It features tall ships, maritime displays and waterfront activities. Although it takes place once every few years, it remains one of the city’s signature large-scale events.