Pinky
Recommended by Pinky
Insider tips, the best trendy venues and my favourite locations.

When to Amsterdam? Great Events and Highlights

Published November 5, 2019

Several times a year, the vibrant metropolis of Amsterdam thrills with grandiose events that make your city trip even more exciting. Some of the hottest happenings include:

The Amsterdam Light Festival - Tip for events in Amsterdam in winter

Light artworks from November to January

Amsterdam Light Festival: Dutch and international artists will contribute to this festival, creating spectacular light shows around Amsterdam's historic Canal Ring, the River Amstel and other special locations. The installations can be viewed from a boat, on foot or by bike. You can wander around and explore the works at your leisure, or follow one of the dedicated routes which enhance the experience.

Amsterdam Light Festival 2024/25
Amsterdam Light Festival 2024/25
All important information at a glance:

The Channel Festival in August

Amsterdam's countless canals are world famous and are considered landmarks of the Dutch capital. No wonder that once a year a whole festival revolves around the romantic little waterways. Wonderful Grachten Festival takes place in August and is a colorful spectacle full of music, concerts and lights. On the city´s beautiful bridges, lovingly decorated boats and streets, locals and visitors celebrate the beauty of Amsterdam for more than a week.

Grachtenfestival Amsterdam - The festival for classical musicj & azz
Grachtenfestival Amsterdam 2024
All important information at a glance:

Köningstag: National Day in Orange

Happy Birthday Wilhelm Alexander! On 27.04, the Dutch people traditionally celebrate the birthday of their beloved king. On this national holiday the whole city turns into one huge orange street party full of flags, hats and costumes.

In April: Tulips from Holland

Cheese, clogs, windmills, and, of course, tulips: these are some of the most recognizable icons of the Netherlands. Throughout April, popular Tulip Festival offers a breathtaking burst of color in the gardens and parks of the city.

Tulp Festival Amsterdam - April event tip for Amsterdam
Tulp Festival Amsterdam - Tulip Festival every year in April
Tulp Festival Amsterdam
All important information at a glance:

The largest flea market in Europe

IJ-Hallen Amsterdam: On a huge area you can browse to your heart's content and discover all sorts of treasures here. Bargaining is more than welcome. The offer ranges from vintage clothing, antiques to kitschy rubbish of all kinds. The spectacle takes place once a month on the weekend; in the winter months indoor.

IJ-Hallen Amsterdam: Europe's largest flea market in Amsterdam

Have fun in Amsterdam

References

You can't miss these Amsterdam gay events in 2024!
You can't miss these Amsterdam gay events in 2024!
Amsterdam not only has the largest LGBT community in the Netherlands, but is also a meeting place for queer visitors and travelers from all over the world. Here are our tips on when the best LGBT festivals and gay events take place.
Mister B: Leather specialist & fetish success story
Mister B: Leather specialist & fetish success story
The first Mister B shop opened 25 years ago in the heart of Amsterdam. Today, Mister B's trendy and high-quality pieces can be found in partner stores and selected concept stores all over the world.