The Best Upcoming Events in Amsterdam

Planning Amsterdam holidays is always a treat, but timing your city break in Amsterdam with one of the city’s standout cultural events can turn a good getaway into an unforgettable experience. From art-filled streets and tulip-filled parks to world-famous dance floors and dazzling light displays, the Dutch capital knows how to put on a show all year round. 

Whether you're after food festivals, theatre showcases, or electrifying music nights, there’s something for everyone among the many Amsterdam events. Check out our top recommendations below to make your next city break to Amsterdam truly spectacular.

1. Amsterdam 750

What is it? Amsterdam 750 marks a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the city’s 750th anniversary, commemorating its official founding in 1275. The entire city is coming together for a full year of festivities that blend history, art, community, and innovation. Expect a vibrant mix of city-wide exhibitions, neighbourhood-led cultural projects, and large-scale public events. From central icons like Museumplein to emerging districts like Noord, every part of Amsterdam is set to take part in this milestone tribute.

Dates: Ongoing throughout 2025, up until the anniversary on 27 October 2025.

Unmissable Events during this Festival:

• Kick-off Celebration
• When: 27 January 2025
• Where: Dam Square
• What is it: A festive opening with music, speeches, and a dazzling visual tribute to the city's history.
• 750 Hours of Stories
• When: April to October 2025
• Where: Across trams and metro stations
• What is it: Short audio stories shared by locals, broadcast through public transport and digital displays.
• Light Amsterdam Installation Trail
• When: 1 May to 31 August 2025
• Where: Along Amsterdam's canals
• What is it: A route of immersive light installations illustrating key moments in the city’s past.
• Amsterdam Through the Ages Exhibition
• When: 15 March to 30 September 2025
• Where: Amsterdam Museum
• What is it: An in-depth exhibition showcasing 750 years of urban transformation, civic milestones, and cultural development.
  
  
• 750 Voices: Concert Series
• When: Every Friday in October 2025
• Where: Concertgebouw
• What is it: A specially curated musical series celebrating Amsterdam’s diversity through orchestral and choral performances.

Entry Tickets: Many events are free to attend, particularly open-air installations and neighbourhood-led festivities. However, ticketed experiences like museum exhibitions and concert series are best reserved in advance via the official Amsterdam 750 website or through partnering venues.

Top Tip: Check out the official Amsterdam750 websitethat provides a comprehensive events calendar, interactive maps, and resources to help you explore the city's 750th-anniversary celebrations.

2. Tulip Festival

What is it? Each spring, the Tulip Festival brings Amsterdam to life with colour, celebrating the iconic flower that has become a symbol of Dutch heritage. The event sees tens of thousands of tulips blooming across public spaces, private gardens, and historic venues throughout the city. It aims to plant one tulip for every Amsterdammer - over 800,000 in total - creating a floral spectacle that’s both visual and cultural. Visitors can stroll through vibrant displays while learning about the tulip’s place in Dutch art, trade, and tradition.

Dates: 20 March to 11 May 2025

Unmissable Events during this Festival:

• Opening Ceremony & Guided Tulip Walk
• When: 1 April 2025
• Where: Museumplein
• What is it: An official launch with live music, speeches, and a guided walk through one of the largest tulip displays in the city.
• Tulips in Art Tour
• When: Daily throughout April 2025
• Where: Rijksmuseum
• What is it: A themed tour exploring the depiction of tulips in Dutch Golden Age paintings and decorative arts.
• Secret Gardens Open Day
• When: 12 & 13 April 2025
• Where: Various private gardens in Canal Belt district
• What is it: Rare access to hidden inner courtyards and gardens overflowing with tulips, accompanied by horticultural talks.
• Floating Tulip Market
• When: Every weekend in April 2025
• Where: Singel Canal
• What is it: A seasonal twist on Amsterdam’s famous flower market, featuring specialty bulbs, botanical art, and tulip-themed treats.
• Sunset Tulip Canal Cruise
• When: 5, 12, 19 & 26 April 2025
• Where: Departing from Central Station
• What is it: A scenic evening cruise along tulip-lined canals with onboard commentary, drinks, and photo stops.
• Keukenhof Gardens Day Trip
• When: 20 March to 11 May 2025
• Where: Lisse, approx. 40 minutes from Amsterdam
• What is it: Known as the 'Garden of Europe', Keukenhof showcases over 7 million blooming bulbs across landscaped gardens, pavilions, and floral shows - a must-see during tulip season.

Entry Tickets: Many installations across public spaces are free to enjoy. However, some experiences - including the Rijksmuseum tour, canal cruises, and private garden visits - require tickets, which should be booked online in advance due to limited capacity. Entry to Keukenhof Gardens is ticketed, with combination transport + entry packages available.

Top Tip: Get the Tulip Festival Card for a hassle-free day out - it includes Keukenhof entry, shuttle bus transport from Amsterdam, one-hour canal cruise and a digital guide to tulip spots.

3. Flower Parade Night Edition

What is it? The Flower Parade Night Edition is one of the most anticipated events during the Tulip Festival, showcasing the beauty of Dutch florals in a unique and vibrant way. The parade features intricate floats decorated with thousands of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring flowers, all illuminated by bright, colourful lights. As the floats glide through the streets of Noordwijkerhout, they create a magical atmosphere, drawing both locals and tourists. Alongside the stunning floats, visitors can enjoy live music and street performances, making it a truly immersive celebration of spring.

Dates: Friday, 11 April 2025 (The parade begins at 21:00 and continues until approximately 23:30.)

Unmissable Events during this Festival:

• Illuminated Flower Parade
• When: 11 April 2025, starting at 21:00
• Where: Noordwijkerhout
• What is it: A dazzling parade featuring intricately designed floats covered in thousands of flowers, illuminated by bright lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle as they move through the village streets.
• Float Viewing in Noordwijkerhout
• When: 11 April 2025, from 15:00 onwards
• Where: Brink and Herenweg, Noordwijkerhout
• What is it: Before the parade, visitors can admire the floral floats up close as they are displayed throughout the village, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate the intricate designs and craftsmanship.

Entry Tickets: Viewing the Flower Parade Night Edition along the route is free of charge. However, for a more comfortable experience, grandstand seats are available for purchase. These tickets can be booked in advance through various tour operators and official channels.

Top Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot along the parade route, especially near key viewing areas like Noordwijkerhout's town centre, to fully experience the illuminated floats in all their glory.

4. Rolling Kitchens (Rollende Keukens)

What is it? Rolling Kitchens, also known as Rollende Keukens, is a popular food festival held annually in Amsterdam, where over 100 mobile kitchens and food trucks gather to offer an exciting variety of global cuisines. In 2025, the 17th edition of the event takes place in the picturesque Westerpark, transforming it into an open-air food market. From steaming paella to juicy BBQ kebabs, there is something for every palate, paired with fine wines, craft beers, and live music performances. The festival invites visitors to wander, taste, discover, and enjoy, making it a must-visit event for food lovers and anyone looking to experience Amsterdam's vibrant food scene.

Dates: 28 May - 1 June 2025

Entry Tickets: The Rolling Kitchens (Rollende Keukens) festival is free to enter, and you can freely explore the park and all the food stalls. However, food and drinks are purchased separately from the various kitchens and bars on-site. Some special experiences, like wine or beer tastings, may require additional tickets.

Top Tip: Visit the festival early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds, especially during peak dining times. Be sure to try the local Dutch specialties alongside international dishes, and enjoy the relaxed, lively atmosphere of Westerpark.

5. ARTZUID Sculpture Biennale

What is it?

The ARTZUID Sculpture Biennale is a renowned event in Amsterdam, showcasing 60 contemporary sculptures along a 5 km route in the heart of the city's southern district. The 9th edition of the biennale (with the theme Enlightenment), taking place from 21 May to 21 September 2025, features an impressive exhibition of artworks set against the backdrop of the district's monumental architecture and leafy streets, including the Apollolaan, Minervalaan, and Churchilllaan. The exhibition offers a unique open-air gallery experience, with pieces ranging from abstract and modern to figurative works, giving both art enthusiasts and casual visitors the opportunity to explore art in the urban environment. The heart of the exhibition lies in Berlage’s monumental Plan Zuid, making this event a highlight for those seeking to immerse themselves in contemporary sculpture.

Dates: 21 May - 21 September 2025

Unmissable Events during this Festival:

• Guided Sculpture Walks
• When:The ARTZUID Entry Tour is from 21 May 2025 on every Saturday and Sunday at 1pm.
• Where:The ARTZUID Entry Tour departs from the ARTZUID Information Pavilion, Minervalaan 1.
• What is it: Join a guided tour to explore the sculptures along the route. These walks offer insightful commentary on the history and inspiration behind each piece, perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of contemporary art.
• Art Camps for Kids
• When: May holiday, summer holiday and autumn holiday
• Where: Buurt Lydia (Roelof Hartplein 2A, Amsterdam)
• What is it: Children, aged 5 to 12 years old, can enjoy hands-on workshops where they can create their own sculptures or participate in art-making activities inspired by the exhibition. It’s a fun and engaging way to introduce children to the world of contemporary art.

Entry Tickets: The ARTZUID Sculpture Biennale is free to visit, with sculptures displayed in public spaces throughout the Zuid district. However, some special events, such as guided sculpture walks or art camps, may require prior registration or a small fee.

Top Tip: Start your visit at the ARTZUID Welcome Centre near Minervalaan 1, where you can pick up a map and learn more about the exhibition. A stroll through the leafy streets of Plan Zuid offers a perfect blend of art, nature, and architecture - don’t forget to stop for a coffee at one of the charming cafés along the route.

6. Dutch Theatre Festival & Amsterdam Fringe Festival

What is it?

The Dutch Theatre Festival and Amsterdam Fringe Festival are two exciting cultural events in Amsterdam, celebrating a diverse range of theatre, performance, and dance. The Dutch Theatre Festival showcases the best theatre productions of the season, selected by seven professional juries from the Netherlands and Flanders. This festival spans 11 days and 11 theatres across Amsterdam, featuring top performances in various genres such as theatre, cabaret, youth theatre, mime, and more. 

In parallel, the Amsterdam Fringe Festival offers a platform for adventurous and emerging international talent, with performances taking place at over 24 venues throughout the city, from clubs to boats to theatres. Both festivals celebrate the independent spirit of the arts, inviting visitors to experience the innovative and bold world of contemporary theatre.

Dates: 4 - 14 September 2025

Unmissable Events during this Festival:

• NTF the Talk Show
• When: 4 - 14 September 2025, Thursdays to Saturdays
• Where: Salon of International Theatre Amsterdam (ITA)
• What is it: This free talk show features interviews with theatre makers, guests, and live performances. It’s an ideal way to learn more about the artists and the work being showcased during the festival. It starts an hour before the performance and lasts about 45 minutes.
  
  
• Late Night Bar at Theatre Bellevue
• When: 4 - 14 September 2025, Thursdays to Saturdays
• Where: Theatre Bellevue, Amsterdam
• What is it: After the evening performances, head to the Late Night Bar for free admission to enjoy encore performances, drinks, and even some dancing. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and continue the theatrical experience.
  
  
• Makers Monday
• When: 4 November 2024
• Where: Amsterdam (hosted by Over het IJ and Amsterdam Fringe Festival)
• What is it: A free support and networking event for performing arts professionals - from actors and writers to technicians and producers. Participants can ask artistic, financial, production, or career-related questions and receive one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors. It’s an excellent opportunity for those developing performances to gain advice, without pitching shows for sale. The session runs from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and requires advance registration.

Entry Tickets:

• Dutch Theatre Festival: Tickets for all performances can be purchased onwww.tf.nl or via the respective theatre websites.
• Amsterdam Fringe Festival: Tickets are available through the festival’s official website atwww.amsterdamfringefestival.nl.
  
  

Top Tip: This year, the Amsterdam Fringe Festival enhances accessibility with special performances in Dutch Sign Language and a few performances that have a Dutch Sign Language Interpreter or speech-to-text provider present - be sure to check the programme on the official site to find inclusive shows across various venues.

7. Open Monuments Day (Open Monumentendag)

What is it? Open Monuments Day is an annual cultural event in the Netherlands where hundreds of historic buildings and monuments, usually closed to the public, open their doors for free. In Amsterdam, visitors can explore a wide variety of heritage sites, from grand canal houses and medieval churches to windmills and former warehouses. Many locations also host guided tours, exhibitions, concerts, and storytelling sessions to bring history to life. It is a rare chance to experience the hidden architectural treasures and historic landmarks of the city.

Dates: 13 - 14 September 2025

Entry Tickets: Entry to all participating monuments and activities is free of charge during Open Monuments Day. Some popular tours may require advance booking once the programme is announced.

Top Tip: The full programme, including which monuments will participate, is announced in early September. Check the official Open Monuments Day Amsterdam website to plan your visits and secure any advance registrations needed for the most sought-after locations.

8. Amsterdam Music Festival (AMF)

What is it? Amsterdam Music Festival (AMF) is one of Europe’s largest electronic dance music (EDM) festivals, attracting top international DJs and thousands of fans from all over the world. Organised during the final weekend of the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), AMF is famous for its massive arena shows, spectacular light displays, and the crowning of the world’s number one DJ during the DJ Mag Top 100 ceremony. The festival is a highlight for dance music lovers and a thrilling end to the ADE week. It is hosted at the iconic Johan Cruijff ArenA, making it an unforgettable night of music and celebration.

Dates: 25 October 2025

Entry Tickets: Tickets for AMF 2025 will go on sale through the official Amsterdam Music Festival website. Given the popularity of the event, early booking is highly recommended. Options usually include regular tickets, VIP experiences, and group packages.

Top Tip: If you want to extend the party beyond the main night, keep an eye out for pre-parties and after-parties organised across Amsterdam as part of the broader ADE celebrations. Many top clubs host special AMF-related events that weekend!

9. Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)

What is it? The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is the world’s leading club-based festival and conference for electronic music, held annually in Amsterdam. It offers a five-day experience featuring the full spectrum of electronic sub-genres, connecting artists, music industry professionals, and fans from around the globe. The event includes a bustling festival with over 2,000 DJs across 80 venues, a rich daytime conference programme, and the city-wide ADE Playground with lifestyle, film, art, and pop-up performances. It is an unmissable celebration of electronic music culture that brings the whole city to life.

Dates: 22 - 26 October 2025

Entry Tickets: Tickets for ADE events, conferences, and special programmes can be purchased via the official Amsterdam Dance Event website. Individual event tickets, festival passes, and conference passes are available, depending on what you want to attend.

Top Tip: Keep an eye out for ADE’s new international pavilions, which spotlight the electronic music innovation of different countries and offer extra opportunities for networking and discovery across the city!

10. Amsterdam Light Festival

What is it? The Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city into a glittering open-air gallery, with spectacular light artworks created by international artists, designers, and architects. Visitors can explore illuminated installations displayed along the canals and streets, with highlights including a magical boat tour along the Water Colours route and a self-guided walk through charming neighbourhoods. Each year, the festival revolves around a central theme, offering a new perspective on light art and its interaction with the historic landscape. Artist talks and special guided tours are also held on select dates, offering visitors a deeper insight into the creative process behind the installations.

Dates: 27 November 2025 - 18 January 2026

Entry Tickets: While wandering along the public routes is free, tickets are required for official guided walking tours and for canal cruises that follow the Water Colours route. Tickets can be booked via the official Amsterdam Light Festival website or through participating canal cruise operators in the city.

Top Tip: For the most enchanting experience, choose a dedicated Amsterdam Light Festival cruise that uses electric boats. These eco-friendly boats glide quietly through the canals, offering a peaceful and intimate view of the artworks against the backdrop of Amsterdam’s twinkling winter nights.

With so many incredible festivals and events lighting up Amsterdam throughout the year, there has never been a better time to plan your visit. Whether you’re drawn by world-class art, vibrant music scenes, dazzling light displays, or unforgettable food experiences, Amsterdam promises memories that will last a lifetime. 

To make your getaway even more special, explore our fantastic Amsterdam hotel stay deals and holiday packages. Select packages include return flights or Eurostar return travel for a seamless journey, and for something truly unique, why not consider our two-night mini-cruise from Hull to Rotterdam aboard P&O Ferries, complete with coach transfers directly to Amsterdam? Discover unbeatable value, secure your perfect break, and start planning your Amsterdam holidays with us today!