World City Guide

Special Events

Remembrance Day, some 20,000 locals remember the war dead with the Dutch Royal Family, 4 Mar, Dam Square
National Museum Weekend, free entry to many of Amsterdam’s museums, Apr, throughout the city
Queen’s Day, parades, fireworks and celebrations, 30 Apr, throughout the city
Liberation Day, celebrations to mark the end of German occupation in 1945, 5 May, throughout the city
KunstRAI, major arts event, May, Amsterdam RAI
National Biking Day, locals take to the streets on their bikes, 14 May, throughout the city
National Windmill Day, Amsterdam’s six working windmills open to the public, 11 May, various windmills
Floating Amsterdam, outdoor productions, last two weeks May, River Amstel
Holland Festival, music, dance and drama, Jun, various venues
Canal Run, race around the canals, Jun, Prinsengracht and Vijzelgracht canals
Over Het IJ, festival of experimental theatre, Jul, NDSM Shipyard, Neveritaweg (website: www.overhetij.nl)
Parade, circus and fair, first two weeks Aug, Martin Luther Kingpark
Grachtenfestival, over 70 classical concerts, Aug, various venues (website: www.grachtenfestival.nl)
Amsterdam Pride, gay festival with a canalside parade, Aug, various venues (website: www.amsterdampride.nl)
Amsterdam Marathon, Oct, around the city
Museumnacht, Nov, special presentations and performances in over 30 museums, which open their doors 1900-0200 that night, throughout the city (website: www.n8.nl)
Christmas Day, 25 Dec, throughout the city
New Year’s Eve, street party, 31 Dec, Dam Square