Amsterdam Weekend Guide (17-19 May)
Getting out into nature and experiencing the outdoors reign supreme this weekend in Amsterdam, with an unmissable music festival in Het Twiske and a bird-watching-inspired mini-fest in Diemerbos as just some of the top things to do.
ART & EXHIBITIONS
Rebels
Iconic punk and hip-hop photographer Janette Beckman lands at FOAM in a retrospective dedicated to her groundbreaking career. Best known for her work documenting the London punk scene in the 1970s and 80s, Beckman photographed everyone from The Sex Pistols to The Clash. Lauded for her work shedding light on themes such as social justice, alternative culture, and activism, this retrospective—the first of its kind—is a celebration of a visual storyteller like no other and a homage to the subcultures she helped give voice to.
Rebels | 11 May–8 September 2024 | FOAM
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Lentekabinet
Lentekabinet – “Spring Cabinet” in English – is a mainstay of the Amsterdam festival season and an excellent kickoff to one of the capital’s best months. Located north of the city in the leafier corners of Het Twiske, the sister festival to Dekmantel showcases some of the best Dutch electronic music out there, from Job Jobse to Fafi Abdel Nour. Taking place over this glorious May weekend, get swept up in the leaves, trees and magic of one of Amsterdam’s most aesthetic and beloved festivals.
Lentekabinet | Saturday 18-19 May | Het Twiske
Markt Kabaal - La Pachanga
Inspired by the lively exuberance of pachanga – a word used to describe a large celebration in Mexico – Markt Kabaal looks to pack some of that relentless sunshine and joy into one day-long party. Expect food trucks serving a range of Colombian, Puerto Rican, Chilean and Mexican food, a Mexican lottery (Mexican Bingo) and perhaps most importantly - piñatas (for children and adults). It takes place at Markt Centraal, the colossal indoor repurposed hall of Amsterdam’s former food centre, with the added novelty of only being reached by private miniature train.
Markt Kabaal - La Pachanga | Saturday 18 May, 18:00-03:00 | Markt Centraal
CONCERTS & GIGS
Composers Festival
One for classical music lovers, this festival celebrates the newest and brightest graduates of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Organised by the Conservatorium, this intimate evening at Orgelpark – a concert hall for organists and one of Amsterdam’s most secret but worthy venues – showcases the students’ original compositions and an alternative soundtrack to your Friday night.
Composers Festival | Friday 17 May, 20:15-22:15 | Orgelpark
CLUBBING & NIGHTLIFE
Palet 5-year anniversary
Amsterdam is set to be painted red, yellow and blue in the colours of long-time party Palet. Celebrating five years of excellent electronic music, Pallet is throwing a 15-hour anniversary party at one of their favourite haunts – Lofi. From sundown until sunrise, dance the day and night away in the Lofi courtyard or inside under the bubbling fluorescent of the venue’s interior for a memorable anniversary.
Palet 5 years | Saturday 18 May, 14:00-05:00 | Lofi
FAMILY & KIDS
Festi Bird Valk
One for young and old, escape to the House of Bird for their celebration of all things two-winged in their mini-fest dubbed the ‘Falcon Festival’. Opening with some electronic music inspired by music for everyone to enjoy, children then have the option to take part in insect painting, dance in a silent disco or watch fireflies come out later in the day. There are also bird-watching activities like the bird safari with a trip into Diemerforest, while for those who prefer something a little less structured, take the Birdroute walk and bask in one of Amsterdam’s best-kept natural secrets.
Festi Bird Valk | Saturday 18 May, 10:00-20:00 | House of Bird
RESTAURANTS & BARS
The Greek Embassy
As the promise of summer draws nearer, the desire for lighter food, eaten alfresco, grows stronger. Greek food is just one of those cuisines, and The Greek Embassy looks to cater to all those sun-seeking eaters in the capital. Located on the idyllic Weesperzijde, this coffee bar and restaurant is an all-day affair. Head here around lunchtime for a Pita Club Sandwich with marinated chicken, avocado and fries. Or, for a classic Greek breakfast, try a spetsofia pie – filled with beef, peppers, onions and feta – or a feta and honey piece sprinkled with sesame seeds. Dinner is a grander but no less delectable meal, with flame-grilled octopus, marinated anchovies, grilled meat patties and lamb chops as the highlights.
The Greek Embassy | Weesperzijde 85HS, Oost
SHOPPING & MARKETS
T-Day Fleamarket
With the sun ready to hit that winter skin, a new summer wardrobe might be on the cards – so do it sustainably (and more affordably) at the T-Day Fleamarket in Zeeburg’s Cruise Inn. Free entrance from 14:00, you’ll find a range of vintage tees on sale, plus records spinning in the background for the whole retro experience. Grab your tee[s] of choice here before heading to Hangar Oost nearby for some sunset drinks.
T-Day Fleamarket | Saturday 18 May, 14:00-20:00 | Cruise Inn
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