Homelanding Festival
1st till 5th of July
Head over to the Marineterrein, a former military base turned prime waterfront hangout. From the 1st till the 5th of July, they hijack the old helicopter pad for the Homelanding Festival. It’s a fun, laid-back block party packed with live music, solid food, and endless craft beer pouring straight from Brouwerij Homeland. Entrance is completely free. Just show up, grab a drink, and claim your spot by the water.
ARTIS Summer Nights
Every Saturday evening from the 11th July
When the sun drops, the zoo stays open. Throughout the summer, ARTIS stretches its hours for their long Summer Nights. Expect live music, picnics in the grass, and golden hour strolls past the enclosures. Bring a blanket, there’s a wood-fired pizza oven on-site, and watch the park transform as dusk sets in.
Martin Parr – Very Modern and Rather Ugly
Until August 12th
British photographer Martin Parr has zero interest in making things look pretty. His expo at Foam, Very Modern and Rather Ugly, is a loud, unapologetic dive into everyday human absurdity. Expect highly saturated, uncomfortably close-up shots of weird habits, bad fashion, and modern consumerism. It’s raw, it’s cynical, and the ultimate antidote to everyone’s fake, curated social feeds. A perfect excuse to spend an afternoon staring at the ugly side of life with an airco blowing on you.
Open Monument Day
September 12 & 13th
Ever wanted to snoop around those massive canal houses or forgotten bunkers without getting arrested? Open Monumentendag is your golden ticket. For one weekend in September, the city unlocks the doors to private courtyards, weird architectural gems, and historical spots that are normally strictly off-limits. Ditch the standard museum queues and go legally trespass in some of the city’s coolest hidden spaces. Plus, it won’t cost you a dime cause it’s free.
Canoeing in the Amsterdamse Bos
All year
Trade the concrete for some actual trees. Rent a canoe in the Amsterdamse Bos and paddle your way through massive stretches of green just outside the city center. It’s the perfect excuse to sit on your ass while still claiming you did something active. Grab a buddy, pack some snacks, and try not to steer yourself straight into the reeds.
Twiske
All year
Grab a bike and head north to Het Twiske. It’s a massive, rugged nature reserve built around a giant lake, perfect for a swim that doesn’t involve dodging sunken bicycles. Expect muddy trails, hidden grass beaches, and Scottish Highland cows casually blocking your path.
Canal Parade 2026
Saturday August 1st.
World Pride peaks with the Canal Parade, and the city gets beautifully out of control. The main canals turn into one massive, floating catwalk of heavy bass, glitter, and unapologetic energy. Be on time and pridefully fight for your spot along the Prinsengracht. Watch dozens of floats tear through the water. It’s loud, crowded, and an absolute must-see event.
