For 45 years, the Uitmarkt was one of Amsterdam’s most recognisable cultural events.
Running from 1978 to 2022, it marked the start of the Dutch cultural season and brought theatre, music, literature, and performance into public spaces across the city.
However, the Uitmarkt is no longer an active event in Amsterdam. Any modern travel planning or event expectations must take this into account.
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What the Uitmarkt Originally Was
The word Uitmarkt is derived from uitgaan, meaning going out for cultural activities such as concerts, theatre performances, and exhibitions.
It was not simply an outdoor festival, but a curated cultural marketplace where institutions previewed upcoming seasons.
The event offered short excerpts and presentations, helping audiences decide which performances or venues to visit later in the year.
How the Uitmarkt Functioned (1978–2022)
During its active years, the Uitmarkt typically included:
- Preview performances from theatres, orchestras, and dance companies
- Live music across classical, pop, and experimental genres
- Literary discussions, interviews, and book-related programming
- Family-friendly activities and children’s performances
- Free public access to most events
Locations varied annually but frequently included central Amsterdam areas such as Dam Square, Nieuwmarkt, and the surroundings of major cultural venues.
These locations are historically accurate only for past editions.
End of the Amsterdam Uitmarkt
The final Uitmarkt was held in 2022. After that edition, the City of Amsterdam and national cultural organisers discontinued the festival in its traditional form.
Key points:
- There is no annual Uitmarkt in Amsterdam after 2022
- The former large-scale city format was formally retired
- References to future Uitmarkt editions in Amsterdam are incorrect
What Replaced the Uitmarkt: De Opening
From 2023 onwards, the cultural season opener was reintroduced under a new name: De Opening.
Important differences:
- It is smaller in scale than the Uitmarkt
- It is not fixed to Amsterdam
- A different Dutch city hosts it each year
Recent editions:
- 2023: First edition of De Opening
- 2024: No event held
- 2025: Hosted in Apeldoorn
- 2026: Scheduled for Eindhoven, 28–30 August
There are no plans for De Opening to return to Amsterdam in the confirmed 2026 schedule.
Visitor Advisory: Planning a Late-August Trip to Amsterdam
Travellers visiting Amsterdam in late August should note:
- There is no longer a city-wide Uitmarkt festival
- Expect normal summer tourism activity, not a cultural season opener
- References suggesting an “Amsterdam Uitmarkt” after 2022 are outdated
If you are specifically interested in attending the Dutch cultural season opening, you would need to travel to the host city of De Opening, not Amsterdam.
Cultural Legacy of the Uitmarkt
Despite its discontinuation, the Uitmarkt remains an important part of Amsterdam’s cultural history.
It influenced how Dutch cultural institutions present themselves to the public and set a national standard for accessible cultural promotion.
Today, it is best understood as:
- A historical Amsterdam event
- A precursor to modern outreach-focused cultural festivals
- A closed chapter in the city’s event calendar
FAQs
Q. Does the Uitmarkt still take place in Amsterdam?
No. The Uitmarkt ended in 2022 and no longer takes place in Amsterdam.
Q. What replaced the Uitmarkt?
It was replaced by De Opening, a national cultural event hosted in a different city each year.
Q. Is there a Uitmarkt planned for 2026?
No. The Uitmarkt does not exist anymore. In 2026, De Opening will be held in Eindhoven.
Q. When did the last Uitmarkt take place?
The final Uitmarkt was held in Amsterdam in 2022.
Q. Can visitors still attend De Opening in Amsterdam?
No. De Opening is no longer tied to Amsterdam and rotates between Dutch cities.
Current Events and Festivals in Amsterdam
While the Uitmarkt is now part of Amsterdam’s cultural history, the city continues to host a wide range of festivals, exhibitions, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
If you are planning a visit and looking for festivals that are currently taking place in Amsterdam, our dedicated guide to events and celebrations provides an up-to-date overview of what’s on in the city, including cultural events, public festivals, and annual highlights.