Concerts + Clubbing Guide (May 2024)

Concerts & Gigs

William Fitzsimmons

The American troubadour stops in Amsterdam’s whimsical Zonnehuis for a night of soft, intimate folk. The 46-year-old has been around since the early 2000s, wielding a sound that feels closer to the woodlands of Vermont than his native Nashville. For fans of Ingrid Michaelson, Andrew Belle, and Bon Iver, this makes for an excellent date night gig. 

• Wednesday 1 May, doors open 19:30 | Zonnehuis | €23 | tickets here

Tourist

Melodic electronica arrives in the form of Tourist this May, whose organic remixes have graced the catalogues of CHVRCHES, Christine and the Queens and Sofia Kourteisis. The London native won a Grammy award back in 2015 for co-writing Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,” but it’s his own repertoire of euphoric beats that still sparkles. 

• Thursday 2 May, doors open 19:30 | Melkweg | €23.55 (incl. membership) | tickets here

Nick Mulvey

A Mercury Award-nominated singer and seasoned live performer, Nick Mulvey has no shortage of accolades. Known for a brand of folk that veers into traditional and experimental territory, Mulvey’s smokey voice and guitar strumming are a welcome addition to Paradiso in May.

• Monday 6-7 May, doors open 19:00 | Paradiso | €31 (excl. membership) | tickets here

Adrianne Lenker

Big Thief’s frontwoman has made an exceptional breakaway solo career. Her last two albums have been met with critical acclaim and earned her a cult following. Known for soft, twangy, and meandering indie folk, Lenker’s debut at Concertgebouw is set to be an intimate affair for those who can grab a spot.

• Sunday 5 May, doors open 19:30 | Het Concertgebouw | €31 (excl. membership) | tickets here

The Staves

Pristine harmonies and layered instrumentals await with two-piece Jessica and Camilla Staveley-Taylor, whose new music marks their first venture without sister Emily. Known for their impeccable live vocals and hits like ‘I’m On Fire’ and ‘Nothing’s Gonna Happen to You Baby’, English folk takes on transcendental proportions here.

• Friday 10 May, doors open 19:00 | Tolhuistuin | €23 (incl. membership) | tickets here

Palestina Fundraising Festival

Head to Cinetol for a night of humanitarian action and cultural reward, with musical shows, an open poetry stage, a fashion auction and a night program curated and hosted by Radio TNP, raising money for two charities: “Urgent Support for Medical Professionals in Gaza” and “Emergency Medical Relief for Gaza Refugees”.

• Saturday 11 May, doors open 17:00 | Cinetol | €12.50 (excl. donation) | tickets here

Olivia Rodrigo

Few stars have had the meteoric rise to the top that Olivia Rodrigo has. Pop’s newest muse descends on the Ziggo Dome off the back of her Grammy-nominated second album, Guts, awash with killer hooks and spikier lyrics. Expect a show full of angsty, punchy hits and an onstage presence that packs just as much.  

• Friday 24 May, doors open 19:30 | Ziggo Dome | €60+ | tickets here

Sam Cisco

Australian indie trio Sam Cisco lands just in time for the warmer season, equipped with an arsenal of tunes that lean into the 2010s heyday a la Two Door Cinema Club and Darwin Deez. Sunkissed and danceable, expect summer to arrive in Melkweg – at least for one night. 

• Thursday 30 May, doors open 20:00 | Melkweg | €20.10 (incl. membership) | tickets here

Clubbing & Festivals

Lofi Courtyard Opening

One of Amsterdam’s best clubs dresses down for summer with the opening of its courtyard. An industrial shipyard-esque container transforms into a shimmering outdoor space, where steamy crowds from within spill out onto the terrace for music in the late sun, alongside a number of food vendors to keep you going from sundown to sunrise. Kicking it off with a four-day program with acts like SONA, Live From Earth, and Festimi, capture the alfresco side of Amsterdam nightlife this month. 

• Thursday 9 May, doors open 19:30 | Lofi | €22+ | tickets here

Lente Kabinet

With a name that translates to ‘Spring Cabinet’, Lente Kabinet is a mainstay of the Amsterdam festival season and a kickoff that embodies one of the capital’s best months. Located to the north of the city in the leafier corners of Het Twiske, the sister festival to Dekmantel is a showcase of some of the best Dutch electronic music out there, from Job Jobse to Fafi Abdel Nour. Taking place over a weekend in May, get swept up in the leaves, trees, and magic of one of Amsterdam’s most aesthetic festivals.

• Saturday 18-19 May | Het Twiske | €59 (excl. service fee) | tickets here

*If the event has sold-out, don’t despair! TicketSwap is a great place to get resale tickets in an easy and safe forum, so check it out and you might get lucky.