Summer in the City: Amsterdam Features Variety of Events in August and September

11.08.2023

City Filled with Diverse Attractions Including Music, Theatre and Film Festivals

With more than one month of the summer still to go, there are plenty of exciting events happening in Amsterdam! Between August and September, the city will offer a wide range of activities, from open-air film festivals to music concerts. Here’s your guide to what's happening in Amsterdam during the remaining weeks of summer.

Grachtenfestival

Taking place until 20 August, Grachtenfestival is one of Amsterdam’s most anticipated summer events. This festival is known for offering a platform for young musicians from all over the world, with concerts of diverse genres being held in special locations such as historical buildings or the city’s famous canals.

Wittenborg graduate Nanduni Mudiyanselage said that she is looking forward to attending the concerts. “The Grachtenfestival is a profound cultural immersion, and this year I’m excited about performances featuring Indonesian musicians at Kromhout.”

To find out more information and purchase tickets check the festival's website.

De Parade

Offering around 80 theatre, dance, mime and music performances, De Parade will be happening at the Martin Luther Kingpark until 3 September. The activities are held in theatre tents and are suitable for all ages. With each show lasting about 30 minutes, attendants can easily watch multiple performances in one evening. In addition to the shows, visitors can enjoy a variety of food as well as a swing ride and a Silent Disco. A different band will also be performing each night for added entertainment. Tickets can be purchased on the event’s website or at the ticket counter at the entrance of the site.

Pluk De Nacht

Pluk De Nacht, a film festival founded 20 years ago by a group of friends passionate about cinema, is going to take place in Amsterdam from 23 August to 2 September at its usual location, the Stenen Hoofd. Including both short films and features, this event is aimed at showcasing movies that have not been exhibited in the Netherlands.

Most films will be shown either in English or with English subtitles, and people can just grab a seat and enjoy the sessions free of charge. However, by purchasing a ticket for € 11.50, it is possible to reserve a deckchair and have a drink. For more information, go to the festival’s website.

Vondelpark Openluchttheater

World-famous Vondelpark is hosting its traditional open-air theatre festival every weekend until 10 September. The Vondelpark Openluchttheater is beloved by both Amsterdam residents and visitors, featuring a diverse and highly entertaining programme. It includes music, comedy, family theatre, dance and classical music performances, from both established names and emerging talents. Admission to all activities is free, but the event accepts donations.

Artis Summer Nights

Coming back this year for its 19th edition, Artis Summer Nights is a music event held annually at the Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo. The concerts will be taking place every Saturday evening until 2 September, and tickets cost € 15 for adults and € 10 for children (3-12 years), being free for people who have a zoo membership. Apart from the performances, people with Artis Summer Nights tickets can visit the zoo from 16:00. Additionally, attendants can purchase food and drinks as well as picnic bags.

Movies at the Hermitage

The courtyard of the Hermitage Amsterdam museum has been transformed into a movie theatre that will show a variety of titles until 27 August. Guests can enjoy both classics and modern hits in a beautiful atmosphere. Among other attractions, the programme includes movies such as “The Motorcycle Diaries”, “Rocketman”, “Arrival”, “Mad Max: Fury Road”, “Gladiator” and “Get Out”. All movies start at 21:00, and tickets cost € 13.50 (early bird) and € 16.50 (full fare). For more info, check the event’s website.

Circusbende Festival

Filled with magic, absurdism and reckless laugher, the Circusbende Festival will take place in two different Amsterdam locations this year: the Erasmuspark, from 17 to 20 August, and NDSM-werf, from 31 August to 3 September.

The programme is packed with new circus performances, music and other attractions by international companies, professional young talents and fiery musicians. The events are predominantly language-free, the site is free to enter and at least half of the programme is on donation.

Prinsengracht concert

Created in 1981 by Hans Duijf and Theo Inniger, the Prinsengracht concert has become the most-watched classical music programme on television. This traditional open-air event annually attracts around 10,000 visitors who enjoy the concert from the famous canal’s surroundings.

This year, the free event will take place on 19 August at 20:00, near the Westertoren. The concert will feature international pianist Paul Lewis, baritone Roderick Williams, cellist Bjørg Lewis and five upcoming Dutch cellists.

Museum Market

Enthusiasts of design, art, food and culture have the opportunity to attend the Museum Market on four dates this year: 20 August, 17 September, 22 October and 19 November.

The event always takes place from 10:00 to 18:00 on Museumplein, close to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum. Apart from indulging in great food and drinks, attendants can purchase products created by artists and designers from various backgrounds and styles. Entry is free.