The Amsterdam Westerpark will once again be all about the Weekend of the Rollende Keukens in May 2026. From Wednesday 13 May to Sunday 17 May, the park will transform into a large open-air restaurant. More than 100 mobile kitchens from the Netherlands and abroad will take to the grass, bringing plenty of food, music and a relaxed atmosphere. Entry is free and the festival has become a fixed tradition during the Ascension weekend.
What to expect from De Rollende Keukens in 2026
De Rollende Keukens return in 2026 with a programme that is even broader than in previous years. The selection ranges from well-known food-truck classics to dishes created especially for the festival. Think fresh pizzas, burgers from local butchers, warm soups, giant pans of paella, Thai dishes, grilled food and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. There is also no shortage of desserts and snacks, from homemade cakes to churros and ice cream in many flavours.
Besides all the food, there is music. Live bands, small acts and DJs keep the atmosphere relaxed throughout the day. Earlier in the day it is ideal for families and anyone who wants to stroll around and try different dishes. Later on, the atmosphere shifts slightly towards an evening festival, without becoming loud or overwhelming. It stays accessible and everyone blends together, keeping that neighbourhood feel the festival started with.
The festival grounds are filled with all kinds of vehicles converted into small restaurants. You will see old caravans, cargo bikes, campers, double-deckers and trailers fully fitted out as kitchens. It gives the event a playful look that fits well with the park and the historic buildings of the Westergasfabriek.
Payment is simple. All bars and food trucks accept card payments only. No tokens or special coins. You can usually keep the glass you get at the bar, which makes wandering around a bit more fun and reduces waste at the same time.
La Pilseria and other highlights
A returning favourite is La Pilseria. This tent is popular every year and will be back in 2026 as well. Here you can enjoy Catalan bubbles, Spanish snacks and Limburg-style beer. The long tables make it easy to join others, giving the area a friendly, communal feel. It is a great place to sit down for a moment and take in the buzz of the festival.
There will also be more focus on music in 2026. Several small stages are scattered across the park where bands and DJs perform. The organisation increasingly highlights the mix of food and music, which means you can grab a bite to eat and relax on the grass while the music continues. It feels a bit like a small open-air festival, but without a fixed timetable you must follow.
Practical information about De Rollende Keukens
The festival site is located in the Westerpark, next to the Westergasfabriek. It is easy to reach on foot or by bike. There is plenty of space around the park to park your bike. If you are coming by public transport, there are several options. Bus 22 from Sloterdijk stops near the park. Bus 21 from Amsterdam Central Station stops nearby as well. Tram 5 stops at the edge of the neighbourhood and from there it is only a short walk to the park.
Opening hours are the same each day. You can enter between 13:00 and 23:00. Arrive early if you want time to look around without the crowds. Later in the afternoon it gets busier, and in the evening the park usually fills up nicely. Because there are many places to sit and plenty of routes to walk, you can almost always find a spot to stand or relax without being in the way.
Dates and times Rollende Keukens 2026
Wednesday 13 May: 13:00 to 23:00
Thursday 14 May: 13:00 to 23:00
Friday 15 May: 13:00 to 23:00
Saturday 16 May: 13:00 to 23:00
Sunday 17 May: 13:00 to 23:00
Entry is free. You only pay for the food and drinks you choose. Some food trucks are a bit more expensive than others, but there is plenty of choice for every budget. You can make your visit as simple or as varied as you like. Many people pick small dishes from different trucks to share. That way you can try more, without committing to one big meal straight away.
History of the festival
The festival started in 2008 as a small neighbourhood event in the Westerpark. Two locals came up with the idea of using old kitchen wagons to create a small market-like setting. Back then there was also a small Ferris wheel, a campfire and a film screen. The idea caught on. In the years that followed, more and more food trucks joined in, and it grew into a large annual festival that attracts visitors from all over Amsterdam and beyond. Yet it never feels too large or overwhelming. It is still free to enter and everyone wanders around together. That simplicity is part of its charm.
Tips for your visit
If you prefer a quiet stroll, it is best to go earlier in the day. Queues are shorter and you will easily find a place to sit. If you enjoy the evening atmosphere and music, any time after six is a good moment to arrive. Bring a blanket if you plan to stay longer. Sitting on the grass is the most comfortable option. If you are visiting with children, the site is open and easy to keep an eye on. There is plenty of space to run and play.
If you have not made plans for the Ascension weekend in 2026, a visit to De Rollende Keukens is well worth it. Wherever you walk, there is always something new to taste, music drifting across the park and a relaxed atmosphere that fits the start of summer perfectly.