Amsterdam Weekend Guide (22-24 November)
750 AMSTERDAM
The Spirit of Amsterdam feat. The Body Electric + ZERØ BPM
This three-day festival opens the doors of more than 25 beautiful places of worship in Amsterdam. Expect stirring concerts, engaging lectures, interactive workshops and a range of exhibitions, with over 50 events taking place. Each location has its own story to tell, from historic churches to modern places of worship, offering a unique perspective on Amsterdam's spiritual diversity. Our pick for culture is ‘Say What?!’ by The Body Electric – a homespun storytelling collective mixing poetry, spoken word and performance into one beautiful body – featuring Nascosto events, at The Ark church in Noord. Alternatively, head to Thomaskerk for an 18-hour non-stop ambient-inspired meditation event with Zero BPM and Radio Radio. And if you're feeling brave, try your hand at experiencing your own funeral, by climbing into a coffin backed by your music at "Before Dying" at the Keizergracht Church. If you’re in doubt, doubt no more – consider this divine intervention.
The Body Electric x Nascosto | Sunday 24 November, 15:00-17:00 | The ArkZerø BPM | Saturday 23 November, 07:00-01:30 | Thomaskerk
CINEMA & FILM
IDFA
For two weeks this November, Amsterdam becomes a haven for documentary cinema, courtesy of IDFA. International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam is an essential cultural moment for anyone seeking stories that uplift, disrupt and provoke. Highlights from the program include Scenes from a Dry City, a visceral short film about Cape Town’s battle for water, and the elegiac stillness of Viktor Kossakovsky’s Architecton, where concrete and architecture are centre stage. For all our picks, read on here.
IDFA | Thurs 14 - Sun 24 November | Citywide locations
ART & EXHIBITIONS
The Green Bend
Amsterdam’s green-fingered initiatives are well documented, and its reputation as a city that fosters sustainable urban change is growing. The Grachten Museum looks to commemorate that in part with a special curation showcasing the city’s long relationship with trees. Dubbed De Groene Bocht (The Green Bend), the exhibition takes you through both the rich history of the trees along the canals and the challenges these green giants face in the present. Better yet, it’s free on your City Card, too.
The Green Bend | until Sunday 1 December, 10:00-17:00 | Grachtenmuseum
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
The Vintage Battle (Jazz Dance Special)
Get into the swing of things at this jazz special Battle of the Bands, a celebration of the Black American tradition of swing jazz. Running all weekend, classes are on offer for those keen on learning how to dance the swing, but it’s the parties where it all comes to life. Head over to KSNM on Friday, where one up-and-coming band – the North Sea Dreammakers – will take to the stage, dabble, and delight in the genre. Whether you’re an ardent fan or new to the scene, everyone’s welcome because dancing is the focus here. Bring your friends and all the energy you can muster – it’s always a memorable night.
The Vintage Battle | Friday 22 September, 21:00-00:00 | KZ - Kompaszaal
CINEMA & FILM
Short Movie Sunday
Sundays are made for rest but why not do that alongside some excellent cinema? Enter Short Film Sunday, a showcase of short Films across seven floors of the Volkshotel, in collaboration with Amsterdam film houses like Cineville and LAB111. Grab snacks and your glasses as you retreat from the cold and escape to a world of your own.
Short Movie Sunday | Sunday 24 November, 16:00 - 21:00 | Volkshotel
CLUBBING & NIGHTLIFE
Ignez All-Night
The former prison turned club is a great venue, whatever your taste in music, courtesy of its raw, industrial atmosphere. Head to an all-night special celebrating Ignez’s pulsating on 23 November, for a heady few hours of sweaty, dark beats.
Ignez All-Night | Saturday 23 November, doors open 23:00 | Levanslang
RESTAURANTS & BARS
turbo sessions with Ciaran Patrick
Oost’s trendiest outpost continues to deliver as it hosts its first pop-up event with chef Ciaran Patrick. Cooking up a storm of roast pigeon, a few comforting surprises and pouring out some lovely artisan ciders, make sure you book a slot for this two-day edible special where the neighbourhood’s chic-est residents are set to be spotted.
turbo sessions | Reinwardtstraat 1
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