Whether you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time or you’ve been to the city before, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. One of the best ways to get to know the city is by taking part in the many festivals, concerts, and exhibitions that take place here. From electronic music to classical music, from food to theater, there’s something for everyone. Below I’ve listed some of the most important upcoming events in Amsterdam in 2023 so you have an idea of what to do during your visit to Amsterdam. So grab your agenda, plan your stay, and get ready for an unforgettable time in this beautiful city.
Upcoming events in Amsterdam in June 2023:
Holland Festival (June 1 – July 1):
The Holland Festival is an annual international performing arts festival that takes place in Amsterdam during the month of June. The festival presents a wide range of performances, such as theater, dance, music, opera, film, and visual arts, by leading national and international artists and companies. The Holland Festival is known for its innovative and multidisciplinary programs that appeal to a wide audience and stimulate reflection on current social, political, and cultural issues.
Amsterdam Open Air (June 5-6):
Amsterdam Open Air is an annual two-day festival held in Gaasperpark in Amsterdam. The festival focuses on electronic music and offers a wide range of music genres, such as techno, house, deep house, and disco. In addition to music, Amsterdam Open Air also offers many activities, including art installations, circus acts, and food trucks. The festival has a pronounced summery atmosphere and attracts a young audience from all over the world who enjoy the music, the atmosphere, and being together in the open air.
Order your tickets for Amsterdam Open Air here
Taste of Amsterdam (June 11-13):
Taste of Amsterdam is an annual culinary event held in Amstelpark in Amsterdam. The event offers you the opportunity to enjoy dishes and drinks from some of the best restaurants and bars in Amsterdam and beyond. In addition to food and drink, Taste of Amsterdam also offers culinary workshops and masterclasses, live music, and entertainment. The event attracts a varied audience, from foodies and culinary professionals to families and groups of friends who want to enjoy the delicious dishes and the cozy atmosphere.
Vondelpark Open Air Theater (June – September):
The Vondelpark Open Air Theater is an iconic cultural institution in the heart of Vondelpark in Amsterdam. The theater offers a varied program of free performances, ranging from music and dance to theater and comedy, during the summer months. The program is provided by a combination of local talent and international artists and offers an accessible and approachable way to enjoy various art forms in the beautiful open air. The Vondelpark Open Air Theater attracts a broad and diverse audience, from families and tourists to art lovers and culture-loving locals.
Upcoming events in Amsterdam in July 2023:
Chin Chin Festival (July 1):
The Chin Chin Festival will take place on July 1, 2023, at the Tuinen van West in Amsterdam. This will be the 5th edition of the festival. Attendees can expect to immerse themselves in a musical dreamland of hip-hop, house, and disco beats, and dance alongside Amsterdam’s finest. The 2023 lineup promises to be exciting, with plenty of opportunities to jump, shine, dance, and create lucky moments.
Kwaku Summer Festival (July 15 – August 6):
The Kwaku Summer Festival is an annual multicultural festival in Nelson Mandela Park in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. The festival is named after Kofi Annan Kwaku, a traditional Ghanaian name often given to boys born on Saturdays. The Kwaku Festival offers an extensive program of music, dance, sports, and culinary delights from different cultures. The festival attracts thousands of visitors of diverse backgrounds and ages every year and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diversity. The Kwaku Festival is a four-week celebration of culture and community, providing a platform for cultural exchange and celebrating diversity.
Upcoming events in Amsterdam in August 2023:
Pride Amsterdam (August 1 – August 6):
Pride Amsterdam is an annual event that focuses on the LGBTQI+ community and their rights and acceptance in society. The event includes a range of activities, including street parties, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events, culminating in the world-famous Canal Parade, a colorful boat parade through the canals of Amsterdam. Pride Amsterdam aims to celebrate inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance and to raise awareness for the fight against discrimination and for the equality of LGBTQI+ individuals. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world each year and has become one of the largest pride events in the world.
Grachtenfestival (August 12-21):
The Grachtenfestival is an annual classical music festival that takes place in Amsterdam in August. The festival offers a wide range of concerts and performances at various locations in the city, such as churches, museums, historical buildings, and, of course, on boats in the canals of Amsterdam. The Grachtenfestival provides a varied program featuring both classical masterpieces and contemporary music, performed by young up-and-coming musicians and established artists from around the world. The festival attracts a wide audience of classical music lovers and offers a unique experience to enjoy classical music in the beautiful and historical setting of Amsterdam.
Uitmarkt (August 26-28):
The Uitmarkt is an annual event that marks the beginning of the cultural season. It takes place on the last weekend of August and offers a diverse program of performances, exhibitions, and activities at various stages in Amsterdam. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of art forms for free, including theater, dance, music, film, literature, and visual arts.
Book a hotel in Amsterdam here to enjoy one of these upcoming events: