Amsterdam Weekend Guide (11-13 April)

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

24 hours Zuidoost

On April 12, 24 Hours Zuidoost will take over the neighbourhood with plenty of activities for old and young. These are some of our favourites:

• Community-organized second-hand market led by beloved Aunt Nel | 09:00-16:00 | Kazerne Reigersbos
• Tour of the Decoratelier, where the sets and costumes of the Dutch Nationale Opera & Ballet are created | 11:00 - 15:00 | Decoratelier Nationale Opera & Ballet
• Drop by and make your own magazine at De Nieuwe Stad | 14:00 - 17:00 | De Nieuwe Stad
• Live jazz performance with an open invitation to join the jam session at ZOJazz Stage | 17:00-21:00 | Zandkasteel

Street Arts Festival

On April 13, you have the chance to experience a different side of the Sint Annenkwartier in the Red Light District through this festival full of music, dance and art. Aimed to celebrate the neighbourhood’s rich culture and heritage, the streets will come alive with dancers, musicians and fun activities for all ages. If the streets get too busy, you can also pop into local shops and studios to hear the stories behind them or get hands-on with a workshop or lecture.

Street Arts Festival | 13 April Street Arts Festival | Sint Annenstraat

The Flower Parade Bollenstreek

This Saturday, the Netherlands' most famous parade, the Flower Parade Bollenstreek, will make its way through several cities, finishing in the heart of Haarlem around 9:00 PM. The colourful, flower-covered floats will remain on display in the city centre until Sunday afternoon, giving you plenty of time to get a closer look at them and explore Haarlem’s charming, historic streets.

Flower Parade Bollenstreek | 12- 13 April | various locations

ART & EXHIBITIONS

The Lady with the Torch - 100 Year Columbia Pictures

This year, the renowned Columbia Pictures studio turns 100 and Eye Filmmuseum is celebrating with a month-long tribute featuring restored films from the studio’s golden era, alongside talks and live music. Throughout April, the museum will showcase big names and lesser-known gems, from classic westerns to still oddly relevant political thrillers.

The Lady with the Torch | 3 - 30 April | The Eye Filmmuseum

Tulips at Hortus

For tulip enthusiasts, Hortus Botanicus (available on City Card) showcases 40 stunning varieties, from the oldest tulip variety (1620 for anyone wondering) to the only native Dutch wild tulip. Although they don’t look anything like the modern tulips at the Amsterdam Flower Market, they are just as lovely and strolling among them is the perfect way to fully embrace Tulip Month in all its glory.

Tulips at Hortus Amsterdam | until 30 April 10:00 - 17:00 | Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

CONCERTS & GIGS

Live Resort at Volkshotel

This Sunday, the former artist hub–turned–hotel returns to its creative roots as Live Resort takes over the building with an electrifying line-up of live music. With 18 performances curated by heavyweights from Amsterdam’s music scene, including names like Paradiso and Cinetol, you are free to roam across nine floors, get swept up in the sound and maybe even discover your new favourite artist along the way.

Live Resort | 13 April 15:00-22:00 | Volkshotel

The Music of the Lord of the Rings

The Keizersgracht Church transports you to Middle-earth with a special concert featuring the legendary music from The Lord of the Rings. Although elves and hobbits won’t be making an appearance, the whole family is invited to relive the fantastical world of the saga, surrounded by the church’s glowy atmosphere.

The Music of the Lord of the Rings | 13 April 19:00-20:30 | Keizersgracht Church

Werq the World

RuPaul’s Drag Race “WERQ the World” Tour is making its way to Amsterdam and everyone is welcome – though be prepared to strut. Hosted by Sasha Velour and featuring iconic drag queens from the show’s herstory, this star-studded evening promises a full-on extravaganza as the red carpet meets the stage.

Werq the World | 13 April 20:00 | AFAS Live

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