Mark Your Calendars for the Best Festivals in Amsterdam
We thought we’d just check out a festival or two… and then Amsterdam happened. Turns out, this city doesn’t just host festivals – it lives and breathes them.
From sprawling music events in industrial warehouses to quirky food fests that made us rethink everything we knew about Dutch snacks, Amsterdam had us hooked from day one.
The magic is in the atmosphere: strangers-turned-friends dancing under twinkling lights, artists showcasing their creativity in the most unexpected ways, and a city that feels like it’s always in celebration mode.
Whether you’re here to dance, eat, or soak up the energy, Amsterdam truly comes alive in these festivals. Once you experience it, you’ll be planning your return before you even leave.
Spring Festivals
Don’t Let Daddy Know Amsterdam
Media credit: dontletdaddyknow
Month: March
Location: Ziggo Dome
LDK started in Ibiza and has blown up across the globe, but Amsterdam? That’s the holy grail.
Here, you’ll be joining thousands of other dance music fanatics from almost a hundred different countries, all losing their minds at the Ziggo Dome – one of the coolest venues in the Netherlands.
And the DJs? Forget about it. We’re talking Hardwell, Martin Garrix, Tiësto… the biggest names in the game, dropping beats that’ll make you question the laws of physics.
Seriously, the music, the lights, the vibes… it’s like going into another dimension.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot and stay hydrated throughout the event.
Amsterdam Coffee Festival
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Month: April
Location: NDSM NDSM-plein 28
Forget your usual coffee routine, because the Amsterdam Coffee Festival is a caffeine-fueled experience unlike anything you’ve ever encountered. Over 12,500 people flock to this event, from casual sippers to those who practically have coffee running through their veins.
Held at the vibrant NDSM wharf, a cultural hotspot in Amsterdam, the festival features a staggering array of over 100 exhibitors from all corners of Europe.
Imagine navigating a sea of specialty coffees, each more tempting than the last, while expert baristas demonstrate their craft and workshops reveal the secrets behind the perfect brew.
For a truly captivating spectacle, the Latte Art Live competition showcases the incredible artistry of milk swirling and design. And if you’re interested in the roasting process, the Roast Masters competition pits the best in the business against each other in a battle of skill and precision.
Beyond the buzz, the festival is also a champion of sustainability. Their 2024 partnership with WeCup eliminated single-use cups, preventing massive waste.
Pro Tip:
Consider buying your tickets online in advance, because they don’t sell them at the door.
Summer Festivals
Amsterdam Art Week
Media credit: amsterdam.art
Month: May
Location: Various galleries & project spaces
Amsterdam Art Week is a whirlwind of creativity that’ll leave you inspired and maybe a little overwhelmed (in the best way possible, of course).
With over 250 art events scattered across 70 galleries, museums, and project spaces, this citywide celebration draws a crowd of over 45,000 art enthusiasts.
But this isn’t your average museum hop. We’re talking exhibitions, artist talks, and guided tours – enough to make your head spin (and your Instagram feed very happy).
Ever wanted to peek inside the minds of 47 international artists? The Rijksakademie Open Studios will grant that wish. Or maybe you’re more into discovering the next big thing? The Gerrit Rietveld Academie’s rooftop showcase of emerging talent is where it’s at.
What we love most about Amsterdam Art Week is how it brings everyone together – galleries, museums, artists, you name it. It’s honestly a melting pot of creativity that makes contemporary art accessible to everyone.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss Gallery Night (usually on Friday) for extended gallery hours, special events, and a chance to mingle with artists and curators.
Mystic Garden Festival
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Month: June
Location: Sloterpark
Ever wished you could step into a fairytale with a killer soundtrack? Well, Mystic Garden Festival is about as close as you can get.
It’s an immersive experience that blends music, art, and nature into one unforgettable weekend.
Seriously, the effort they put into the decor is insane. We’re talking elaborate stage designs, interactive art installations, and thematic decorations that’ll transport you to another world.
And the music? It’s everything from techno and house to trance, featuring international superstars and hidden gems like Giorgia Angiuli, Hozho, and Joyhauser.
Pro Tip:
Do yourself a favor and take the shuttle bus from Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station. It’s the easiest way to get to the festival and avoid any transportation headaches.
Milkshake Festival
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Month: July
Location: Waterpark
Milkshake Festival, brought to you by the legendary clubs Paradiso and AIR, celebrates individuality and embracing your true self. Their motto? “For All Who Love”, and they mean it.
Here, there are no judgments, no expectations – just pure freedom of expression. It’s a place where you can let your freak flag fly high and dance to the beat of your own drum (literally).
With multiple stages pumping out everything from house and techno to pop and R&B, there’s something for everyone.
You can even expect outrageous stage designs and interactive art installations. Performances by a diverse cast of characters, including drag queens and dancers, also bring the party to life.
Plus, the Milkshake Festival has a big heart. Through the For All Who Love Foundation, they support marginalized groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
They even have a Mini Milkshake event designed specifically for people with mental disabilities, because everyone deserves to experience the magic of Milkshake.
Pro Tip:
Consider attending the Opening Night event, which features unique performances and sets the tone for the festival weekend.
Dekmantel Festival
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Month: August
Location: Amsterdamse Bos
If you’re looking for a festival that’s a little more refined, the Dekmantel Festival might be the festival for you. Launched in 2013, it’s quickly become one of Amsterdam’s hottest electronic music events, and for good reason.
Dekmantel takes place in the lush Amsterdamse Bos. It provides a serene yet immersive environment for experiencing cutting-edge electronic music.
The lineup features pioneers and rising stars in the scene. It spans genres like techno, house, and experimental sounds.
If it’s innovative and makes you want to move, Dekmantel delivers. It’s serious about its sounds, with top-notch sound systems and avant-garde stage designs that elevate the experience.
This festival also offers a deeper dive into electronic music with workshops, panels, and film screenings that explore the culture and technology behind the beats.
Pro Tip:
This festival is popular, and tickets disappear faster than free beer at a college party. Make sure to pre-register for ticket sales and be ready to pounce when they go live.
Loveland Festival
Media credit: lovelandnl
Month: August
Location: Sloterpark
If you haven’t experienced Loveland Festival yet, you’re seriously missing out. This Amsterdam festival has been rocking the house (and techno) scene since 1995, and they’re still going strong.
Why? Because they know how to throw a party, that’s why.
Think of it like this: six stages, over 80 artists, and a whole lot of bass. They’ve had everyone from Eric Prydz to Maceo Plex to Honey Dijon grace their decks, so you know the music is top-notch.
Whether you’re a seasoned raver or just dipping your toes into the electronic music scene, Loveland has something for you.
They’re serious about sustainability, too. They’ve been a Future Proof Festival since 2018, which means they work hard to minimize their environmental impact. So, you can feel good about dancing your butt off knowing you’re not trashing the planet in the process.
Pro Tip:
Take the €8 shuttle bus from Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station to the festival grounds – it’s the easiest way to get there and back!
Fall Festival
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)
Media credit: amsterdamdanceevent
Month: October
Location: Various locations in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is basically the Super Bowl of electronic music. It takes over the entire city for five days of non-stop beats, conferences, and parties that’ll make your head spin.
During the day, ADE transforms into a massive conference. It offers a dizzying array of programs like ADE Pro, ADE Tech, and ADE University (yes, there’s even a university for electronic music!).
It’s the perfect place for industry professionals and passionate fans to connect, learn, and geek out over all things music.
But the real magic happens at night. Over 1,000 events, 2,500 artists, and 200 venues come alive with the energy of electronic music. From intimate club nights to massive raves, ADE has something for every taste.
And if you want to see the titans of the industry, don’t miss the Amsterdam Music Festival (AMF) at the Johan Cruyff Arena. It’s a legendary gathering of electronic music royalty during this festival!
Pro Tip:
Download the ADE app to navigate the schedule and buy tickets in advance – these events sell out fast!
Cultural Festivals
Holland Festival
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Month: June
Location: Various locations in Amsterdam
The Holland Festival is the granddaddy of performing arts festivals in the Netherlands. Since 1947, this June tradition has been showcasing the best of the best in theatre, music, opera, and dance.
You can honestly think of it like a buffet for your brain, with a menu that includes everything from classic masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works.
We’re talking Dutch premieres of groundbreaking operas and performances by legendary composers like Benjamin Britten. Even the iconic Maria Callas graced the stage.
But don’t think for a second that this festival is stuck in the past. It’s constantly evolving and incorporating new art forms like multimedia, film, and architecture. It also tackles contemporary themes that resonate with today’s audiences.
Pro Tip:
Given the extensive program, it’s advisable to plan your visit carefully. Select a mix of performances across different genres to fully experience the festival’s diversity.
Jordaan Festival
Media credit: jordaanfestival
Month: September
Location: Jordaan area
This three-day street party takes over one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, transforming it into a celebration of Dutch music, culture, and good vibes.
Cozy pubs overflow with locals, and the sounds of accordions and singing fill the air. The aroma of delicious street food also wafts through the narrow streets.
The Jordaan Festival is a nostalgic journey, with musicians sharing stories of the neighborhood through song. Even if you’re a tourist who won’t understand the lyrics, the energy and joyful atmosphere will have you tapping your feet in no time.
You might even discover hidden gems at flea markets. Plus, you can catch impromptu opera performances, and find yourself bidding on a quirky treasure at a lively auction.
It’s just a true sensory overload, and a chance to experience the heart and soul of this city.
Pro Tip:
Bring cash since many vendors at the festival only accept cash.