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November 27 - January 18
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Amsterdam Light Festival
In December and January you can enjoy a grand light festival in downtown Amsterdam.
Walk or sail alongside to light sculptures created by leading artists, beautifully illuminated buildings, bridges and boats and surprising light projections on buildings.
There is also a Christmas Canal Parade of enchantingly illuminated boats through the canals of Amsterdam. About 40 lounge and tour boats, ceremonial barges and flat boats, will sail across the Amsterdam canals, with enchanting illumination and abundant decorations.
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January
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Realisme 11
This art fair is devoted to contemporary figurative and realistic art. Specialized galleries present works by their most valued artists and by young talent.
For more information go to:
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January 22 - 25
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Jumping Amsterdam
Jumping Amsterdam has all you could ever want for a sporty and entertaining weekend. The best horsemen and horsewomen of the world come to Amsterdam for this event.
They show off their dressage, jumping and driving talents. For more information go to:
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January
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Amsterdam Fashion Week
Focusing on Amsterdam's reputation as an inspiring city, the MBFWA programme combines commerce with creativity.
Alongside the catwalk show schedule the programme includes fashion events, lectures, exhibitions, reail initiatives and parties. For more information go to:
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January 16 - 17
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Whisky Weekend Amsterdam
During the Whisky Weekend Amsterdam the Posthoornkerk in Amsterdam West will be transformed into a tasting room and hot spot for all things whisky.
Take a break from nosings and tastings (expect a small surcharge for the more exclusive whiskies) to light up a cigar in the basement, sample whisky-friendly cheeses and other Scottish products, or simply take in the traditional Scottish music.
For more information go to:
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January (17)
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National Tulip Day
The Dutch tulip season officially gets underway in January every year as the National Tulip Day comes to town! Everyone is invited to pick their own tulip for free from a specially constructed ‘picking garden’ at Amsterdam’s Dam Square.
For more information go to:
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January
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IMPRO Amsterdam
The Netherlands’ only international improv festival brings five full days of improvisational action to the city. Alongside the main performances, there are late-night shows, workshops, IMPRO talks, an open stage and an afterparty to top it all off.
This year featuring world-class improv actors from all over the globe. For more information go to:
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Februari
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Chinese New Year
On this day the Chinese celebrate the start of their New Year. You can wish your friends and relatives a Happy Chinese New Year.
Would you like to celebrate with them? You are very welcome in the Nieuwmarkt quarter, the Amsterdam Chinatown. Come and enjoy the fireworks,
without which it is quite impossible to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and the traditional Lion Dance.
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March
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National Restaurant Week
It is the perfect way in which to get introduced to the culinary treasures of top-class restaurants in a festive and affordable manner.
In this fifth edition of the Restaurant Week the number of participating restaurants has yet again increased.
During this culinary event you can enjoy a three-course dinner for 27,50 Euro or a three-course lunch menu for 20 Euro at one of the 660 amazing restaurants.
In Amsterdam alone there are over 130 partaking restaurants. For more information go to:
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March 21
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The Stille Omgang
The Stille Omgang silent procession takes place through the streets of Amsterdam every March. The procession commemorates the "Miracle of the Host" of 1345,
a bizarrely-named occurrence which involved a dying man vomiting upon being given the Holy Sacrament and last rites. He was then thrown on a fire,
but according to legend, survived - hence the need for a celebration of the miracle. The procession follows the road that pilgrims have used for centuries, Heiligeweg (Holy Way).
It begins and ends at Spui, via Kalverstraat, Nieuwendijk, Warmoesstraat and Nes. For more information go to:
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April
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International Pillow Fight Day
The massive pillow fight on Dam Square is upon us once again! On April 5th we are celebrating World Pillow Fight Day in hundreds of cities around the world. It turns happy adults into happy kids - and happy kids into even happier kids.
You are all invited to grab your pillow, come out and play... The battle commences at 15:00 on Saturday. For more information go to:
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April
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Sunday Market
The Culture Park Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam presents the Sunday Market - a funky, free event for all market lovers! Every month, more than a hundred unique stands will decorate the Culture Park Westergasfabriek as artists,
designers and craftspeople show their wares. A fantastic range of items will be up for grabs, including interior and product design, ceramics, fashion, vintage, jewellery, accessories, illustrations, affordable art, kids design and biological products.
Alongside other entertainment, delicious food and drink will also be on offer to fuel your shopping frenzy!
For more information go to:
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April
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Imagine Film Festival
During the Imagine Film Festival you can see all kind of fantasy, horror and sciene fiction films. For more information go to:
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April
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Museum Market
A place to shop & meet, you can come shopping on the square between the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk museum and the Van Goghmuseum.
Find all kinds of unique products designed by the (Dutch) designers themselves. Think art & design - fashion & accessories - home & textiles - paper & craft - jewellery & objects - cute things for kids and delicious food.
For more information go to:
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April
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Museumweekend
In this weekend the most museums are free or give a discount on the access price. For more information go to:
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March - May
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Keukenhof
For more then 60 years now, Keukenhof has been the most beautiful place in the world, where spring bursts out in all of its colourful majesty.
Here you can find inspiration and relaxation in a magnificent park environment. In addition to the millions of blooming flower bulbs and fantastic flower shows,
Keukenhof has the largest sculpture garden in the Netherlands and is the most photographed spot in the world. For more information go to:
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April
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Tulip Festval Amsterdam
For this first edition of Tulp Festival, a number of interesting public locations in the city were selected as well as a couple of gardens at remarkable buildings in the city areas south, centre and north. Last fall, thousands of bulbs were planted, which will bloom during the month of April.
The public locations are, of course, freely accessible, and the museums charge their regular fees. Allow the sheer explosion of colours and the endless variety to inspire you to plant tulips next fall.
For more information go to:
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April 21 - May 21
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Springsnow Festival
Every year, Amsterdam’s elm trees scatter the city’s streets with a blanket of blossom that has come to be known as ‘spring snow’. The Springsnow Festival is a true celebration of spring.
Traditionally central to the Springsnow Festival is the Elm Route, an 8km walking and cycling route from the elm arboretum in Amsterdam Noord (not far from the EYE Filmmuseum to the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
For more information go to:
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April - June
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World Press Photo
The annual World Press Photo is the most prestigious international photojournalism competition.
Winning photos of the previous year are on display in Amsterdam's "the Nieuwe Kerk". For more information go to:
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April
April 25
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Flower parade
Flower parade. The program consists of a flower exhibition that can be viewed at the Klinkenbergerhallen in Sassenheim and the parade that travels from Noordwijk to Haarlem.
There’s a flower weekend in Haarlem during that period. For more information go to:
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April 27
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Kings Day
Kingsday is the national celebration of the birthday of our King, but in Amsterdam we use the occasion as an excuse to party hard.
All over the country the Dutch are celebrating Kingsday and the national colour is Orange (the colour of the royal family).
Kingsday is by far the largest open-air festivity in Amsterdam. An estimated 750.000 people come to visit the city and everybody is happy and have fun.
For those who love second-hand shopping all street trade is unregulated and all over the city. Technically it is not allowed to do 'serious' business on Kingsday and in some places,
for example the Vondelpark, only children are allowed to display their commercial talents. But there are plenty of goodies for sale at ridiculous prices.
For more information go to:
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May
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Sunday Market
The Culture Park Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam presents the Sunday Market - a funky, free event for all market lovers! Every month, more than a hundred unique stands will decorate the Culture Park Westergasfabriek as artists,
designers and craftspeople show their wares. A fantastic range of items will be up for grabs, including interior and product design, ceramics, fashion, vintage, jewellery, accessories, illustrations, affordable art, kids design and biological products.
Alongside other entertainment, delicious food and drink will also be on offer to fuel your shopping frenzy!
For more information go to:
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May 4
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Remembrance Day
The national remembrance ceremony commemorating the Dutch who died in conflicts worldwide takes place at the National Monument on Dam Square.
At 20.00 Queen Beatrix will place a wreath at the monument, followed by two minutes of silence across the country. For more information go to:
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May 5
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Freedom Day
The National Celebration Day of Liberation and Freedom will be held in Amsterdam with two great manifestations. In the afternoon and evening the big 'bevrijdings festival' is organised at the Museumplein.
A multicultural festival of music and meaning, celbration freedom. In the evening there is a festive open-air concert on Amsterdam's Amstel River in front of Theatre Carré. For more information go to:
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May
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Rolling Kitchens
The Weekend of the Rolling Kitchens brings an annual dose of outdoor mobile food fun to the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam.
During a (long) weekend, dozens of mobile kitchens descend upon the park in the west of Amsterdam to create an enormous open air restaurant!
Food to suit every appetite is on the menu, with everything from fresh Italian pizza to sophisticated seafood dishes on offer. For more information go to:
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May
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Museum Market
A place to shop & meet, you can come shopping on the square between the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk museum and the Van Goghmuseum.
Find all kinds of unique products designed by the (Dutch) designers themselves. Think art & design - fashion & accessories - home & textiles - paper & craft - jewellery & objects - cute things for kids and delicious food.
For more information go to:
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May
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KunstRAI
The KunstRAI is a large, national art fair for modern and contemporary art from both Dutch as well as foreign artists.
A one-audience fair with 70 high class galleries who reflect the diversity, quality and pluralism of the historic rich offer of Dutch art.
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June
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Holland Festival
Theatre, music, drama, dance, opera, film, pop. Western and non-Western. A wide variety of the stage arts with one characteristic in common: great artistic quality and an international dimension.
Focusing on the many forms of cross pollination possible between the arts. That is what the Holland Festival stands for. And has done ever since 1947. For more information go to:
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June
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Taste of Amsterdam
Every year, Taste of Amsterdam takes over the Amstelpark for four days of eating, drinking and entertainment. The Amstelpark will once again become a Mecca for food lovers in Amsterdam.
Top chefs from leading restaurants in the area fashion starter-sized plates of some of their signature dishes for visitors to sample in this unbeatable al fresco feast. For more information go to:
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June
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Sunday Market
The Culture Park Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam presents the Sunday Market - a funky, free event for all market lovers! Every month, more than a hundred unique stands will decorate the Culture Park Westergasfabriek as artists,
designers and craftspeople show their wares. A fantastic range of items will be up for grabs, including interior and product design, ceramics, fashion, vintage, jewellery, accessories, illustrations, affordable art, kids design and biological products.
Alongside other entertainment, delicious food and drink will also be on offer to fuel your shopping frenzy!
For more information go to:
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June
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Museum Market
A place to shop & meet, you can come shopping on the square between the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk museum and the Van Goghmuseum.
Find all kinds of unique products designed by the (Dutch) designers themselves. Think art & design - fashion & accessories - home & textiles - paper & craft - jewellery & objects - cute things for kids and delicious food.
For more information go to:
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June
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Open Garden Days
Canal house gardens, which are not normally open to visitors, can be admired for three days. If you wonder what the gardens behind the gables of all those fancy canalside houses look like,
this is your chance to find out. A number of the best are open to the public. For more information go to:
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June
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ITs Festival
Every year, at the end of June, the theatres on De Nes accommodate the centre of the festival where the new crop of dancers, actors, cabaret artists, pop musicians, mime artists, choreographers, opera singers and theatre directors show what they can do.
The programme of performances is entirely focussed on your young graduating theatre maker. ITs is to them the first step on the road to fulfilling their dream of a successful international career. Since its establishment in 1989,
ITs has evolved from a small-scale Amsterdam student festival to a major public event of international fame. For more information go to:
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June
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Sunday Market
The Culture Park Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam presents the Sunday Market - a funky, free event for all market lovers! Every month, more than a hundred unique stands will decorate the Culture Park Westergasfabriek as artists,
designers and craftspeople show their wares. A fantastic range of items will be up for grabs, including interior and product design, ceramics, fashion, vintage, jewellery, accessories, illustrations, affordable art, kids design and biological products.
Alongside other entertainment, delicious food and drink will also be on offer to fuel your shopping frenzy!
For more information go to:
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June
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Rock and Run Amsterdam
Live Rock music and running through the Jordaan. Distances are 6 or 12 km. For more information go to:
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July
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Julidans
Julidans is a renowned international modern dance festival, taking place early in July each year. The festival returns to a variety of locations around Amsterdam, bringing with it the best of the global contemporary dance scene.
For more information go to:
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July
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Amsterdam Roots Festival
Listen to good music, enjoy a snack, stroll pst stands and dance. The Roots Open Air is a dynamic open-air festival where sounds,
colors and smells from all corners of the world come together. On Sunday the 26th of June the festival closes with a free open-air event, the Alliantie Roots Open Air, in the Oosterpark. For more information go to:
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July
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Over het IJ Festival
This festival presents opera, theatre, visual arts and a dynamic festival centre. For more information go to:
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July
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Carriages through the city
A night drive with more than 50 carriages through the city. The start at 21.00 is at the Rai and the carriages with the horses finish around 23.00 pm on the Noordermarkt.
For more information go to:
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July
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Museum Market
A place to shop & meet, you can come shopping on the square between the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk museum and the Van Goghmuseum.
Find all kinds of unique products designed by the (Dutch) designers themselves. Think art & design - fashion & accessories - home & textiles - paper & craft - jewellery & objects - cute things for kids and delicious food.
For more information go to:
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July - August
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Robeco Summer Concerts
Throughout the summer visitors can enjoy the world famous accoustics of the Large and Small Auditorium of the Concertgebouw.
Prior to the concerts it is possible to take a look behind the scenes of the Concertgebouw. For more information go to:
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May - September
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Vondelpark Openluchttheater
The Vondel Park Open-air Theater offers a range of performing arts. The varied program includes plays and concerts of jazz, classical, pop and world music.
And it is for free. For more information go to:
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July - September
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Tulip Island Experience
Enjoy the most colorful Experience in Holland and visit ‘Tulip Island’ in the wonderful Vondelpark in Amsterdam!
Visit the idyllic ‘Tulip Island’ and pick your own bouquet of tulips, learn about the process from flower bulb at the grower to a full grown bouquet of tulips at the florist and learn about the history of the tulip!
For more information go to:
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July - August August 1
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Gay Pride Amsterdam
The Canal Parade on Saturday, is the highlight of the Amsterdam Pride event. This carnivalesque and extravagant procession of 80 boats makes its way through the heart of Amsterdam. For more information go to:
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August
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Sunday Market
The Culture Park Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam presents the Sunday Market - a funky, free event for all market lovers! Every month, more than a hundred unique stands will decorate the Culture Park Westergasfabriek as artists,
designers and craftspeople show their wares. A fantastic range of items will be up for grabs, including interior and product design, ceramics, fashion, vintage, jewellery, accessories, illustrations, affordable art, kids design and biological products.
Alongside other entertainment, delicious food and drink will also be on offer to fuel your shopping frenzy!
For more information go to:
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August
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Openair Film Festival Pluk de Nacht
Pluk de Nacht (Seize the Night) is a free open air film festival in Amsterdam, taking place every summer and showing the best previously unreleased national and international feature films and documentaries.
In addition there are campfires, interesting art projects, festive experiments and extra comfy beach chairs. Entrance is free and everyone is welcome!
For more information go to:
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August
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De Parade
The Parade is a live panorama of theater, dance, music, art, entertainment, magic, attractions and spectacle. Because of the colorful marquees,
the whirligig and the world restaurants, The Parade very much resembles an old-fashioned fairground. For more information go to:
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August August 22
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Grachtenfestival Prinsengracht Concert
In this week top international musicians and young talent will perform well over seventy concerts. There is also a Canal Festival for children. Highlight is the Prinsengracht Concert.
Music lovers can enjoy classical music performed by renowned soloists from the sides of the Prinsengracht Canal, from boats or bridges. The fairy-lights which illuminate the facades,
the trees and the Wester Tower add magic to this unique experience. For more information go to:
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August
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Museum Market
A place to shop & meet, you can come shopping on the square between the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk museum and the Van Goghmuseum.
Find all kinds of unique products designed by the (Dutch) designers themselves. Think art & design - fashion & accessories - home & textiles - paper & craft - jewellery & objects - cute things for kids and delicious food.
For more information go to:
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August
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SAIL Amsterdam 2015
SAIL Amsterdam is a large maritime manifestation that takes place every 5 years. For six days, of this events in Amsterdam the city will be a vibrant exhibition of historic ships and nautical heritage.
About 20 tall ships are expected in Amsterdam harbour, together with 500 historic sailing and motorboats.. For more information go to:
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August
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Museum Market
A place to shop & meet, you can come shopping on the square between the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk museum and the Van Goghmuseum.
Find all kinds of unique products designed by the (Dutch) designers themselves. Think art & design - fashion & accessories - home & textiles - paper & craft - jewellery & objects - cute things for kids and delicious food.
For more information go to:
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August
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Uitmarkt Amsterdam
Opening of the new cultural season with performances on indoor and outdoor stages. Large information market and book market.
For more information go to:
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September
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Amsterdam Fringe Festival
The Amsterdam Fringe Festival is based on the famous and successful Fringe Festival as they exist in, for example Edinburgh, Adelaide, New York and Dublin.
During those 10 Fringe days you can see works from over 80 theatre groups, of unorthodox, national and international theatre directors and artists, at more then 33 different locations spread throughout the city.
There is an extensive ‘Language No Problem’ program, which means shows that are either in English or that make no use of words or language are marked with LNP sign. About 50% of the shows is suitable for non-Dutch speakers.
For more information go to:
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September
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Jordaanfestival
A typical Amsterdam street party, or better a typical Jordaan street party. You can listen and dance on the music of local singers.
It happends near the Elandsgracht. For more information go to:
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September
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Museum Market
A place to shop & meet, you can come shopping on the square between the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk museum and the Van Goghmuseum.
Find all kinds of unique products designed by the (Dutch) designers themselves. Think art & design - fashion & accessories - home & textiles - paper & craft - jewellery & objects - cute things for kids and delicious food.
For more information go to:
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October
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Sloop race on Amsterdam's canals
This unique boat race on Amsterdam's canals will demand a good deal of skill on the part of the steersmen and -women on account of the tricky passages
beneath bridges and the other sloops and canal boats negotiating the canals, which will certainly make it difficult to reach the finish without damage.
This race is also very attractive for supporters, as they will be able to follow the sloops along almost the entire trajectory, certainly by bicycle.
For more information go to:
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October
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Cinikid Festival
Cinekid is a film festival especially for children. From October 20 through October 29 the latest youth films and a selection of the best national and international television programs will be shown.
For more information go to:
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October
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Amsterdam Dance Event
The Amsterdam Dance Event is the worlds biggest club festival with over 700 DJ's and acts performing in 40 of Amsterdam’s finest venues,
DJ cafés, record stores, lounges and art galleries. The ADE has grown into a business conference that attracts 1900 key professionals and a club festival audience of 72.000 people..
For more information go to:
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October
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Amsterdam Marathon
The Amsterdam Marathon comprises three parts: the marathon race, the open marathon, the Half Marathon (21.98 km) for joggers, and the Mini Marathon (4.2 km).
For more information go to:
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October
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Museum Market
A place to shop & meet, you can come shopping on the square between the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk museum and the Van Goghmuseum.
Find all kinds of unique products designed by the (Dutch) designers themselves. Think art & design - fashion & accessories - home & textiles - paper & craft - jewellery & objects - cute things for kids and delicious food.
For more information go to:
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October
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Affordable Art Fair
A fun four-day event hosting a wealth of galleries and a huge array of contemporary art, the Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam will be taking place in the Cultuurpark Westergasfabriek.
The concept is simple, yet unique: an inspiring and friendly atmosphere in which you can find thousands of original paintings, prints, sculpture and photography all under one roof, and all under €5,000.
The work of young, emerging artists hangs alongside some of the biggest household names, while our Unknown Talent Exhibition provides a chance to snap up a future masterpiece.
For more information go to:
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November
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Museumnacht Amsterdam
All museums of Amsterdam are open this evening and with a passe partout you can visit them all. Between the famous paintings there are special perfomance like music,
dance, lectures etc. Transport by museum tram, bus and boat is included in the ticket price.
For more information go to:
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November
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Museum Market
A place to shop & meet, you can come shopping on the square between the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk museum and the Van Goghmuseum.
Find all kinds of unique products designed by the (Dutch) designers themselves. Think art & design - fashion & accessories - home & textiles - paper & craft - jewellery & objects - cute things for kids and delicious food.
For more information go to:
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September
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Amsterdam City Swim
Amsterdam City Swim is a yearly event that takes place in September. The swimmers will dive into the Amsterdam Canals for ALS.
The goal is fundraising and awareness for ALS. ALS is an incurable motor-neuron disease affecting the muscles which will fail, one after the other and ultimately leading to death. Swim together 2028 meters crossing the Amsterdam Canals and the Amstel.
For more information go to:
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September
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Open Monumentendag
National Heritage Weekend (Open Monumentendag), all over the country. A chance to see historical buildings and monuments that are usually not open to the public,
and to get in free as well. Second Saturday and Sunday in September. This year is the theme "Art & Crafts". For more information go to:
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