Best outdoor music stages in Amsterdam

Artis Zoomeravonden

Summer hits the animal kingdom at ARTIS, Amsterdam’s zoo, the oldest of its kind in the Netherlands. Every Saturday from July to September, the ARTIS grounds remain open until sunset for their unmissable Zoomeravonden (Summer Nights) evening programme. Lay your picnic blanket between the flower beds as musical talent takes to the bandstand underneath golden skies. Alternatively, take a guided tour with a zookeeper and glimpse the slumbering animals or, better yet, the nocturnal ones. This year, enjoy musical performances by Tim Dawn, Someone and Jessica den Outer in the park. Also, on Saturday afternoons, you can spot the musicians from the Conservatory of Amsterdam bringing a sultry sound to their acoustic jazz sessions.

Artis Zoomeravonden| 9 July - 3 September 2024 | De Plantage

Tolhuistuin Sunday Sounds

Live music fills the space under the old plane tree in the Tolhuistuin garden every Sunday. The programme is made in collaboration with Tolhuistuin's neighbour, Excelsior Recordings, and welcomes artists such as Jimmy Diamond, Philine, and Malu. The free music sessions are right next to the banks of the IJ, making it a perfect summer hangout utterly worthy of your visit. 

Tolhuistuin Sunday Sounds | May - August 2024 | Noord

On the Roof

Enjoy music from different cultures on one of the best roof terraces in Amstedam-Noord, at HoogtIJ Amsterdam. Their On the Roof summer programming welcomes various shows, from Brazilian singer Márcio Faraco to a musical performance about the Argentinian poet Alfosina Storni.

On the Roof | until 1 September 2024 | HoogtIJ, Noord

Hortus Summer Nights

Hortus Summer Nights welcomes you to the botanical gardens every Thursday and Sunday evening from May until August. In addition to yoga sessions, the summer season brings classical music into the greenhouse. Take in the charm of the Palm Greenhouse in an intimate concert among the centuries-old palms and cycads, or join a special lecture or tour.

Hortus Summer Nights | May - August 2024 | De Plantage

Bostheater

The Bostheater in the heart of the Amsterdamse Bos (Forest) is one of the best places to soak in the summer atmosphere. This season, John Butler returns after a sold-out concert at the Bostheater in 2019 with an even more intimate performance. There will also be performances by various (inter)national top artists such as Maan, Diggy Dex, Ruth Jacott and Ocean Alley. Tickets are going fast, so don’t wait too long before snagging a seat.

Bostheater | until 25 September 2024 | Amsterdamse Bos, Amstelveen

Vondelpark Open-Air Theater

Since 1974, Vondelpark has had a show ready every summer weekend, completely free of charge. The programming this year is strong, with classical music concerts featuring artists from all around the world, a dance performance from the junior company of the National Ballet, a pop music programme created in collaboration with partners such as Queer & Pride and Kwaku, and a substantial portion of comedy and family shows for all ages. While the shows are free, voluntary donations are more than welcome, as they help to keep the show going year after year. 

Vondelpark Openlucht Theater | June - July 2024 | Vondelpark, Oud-Zuid

Muziekgebouw Terrasconcerten

Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ hosts intimate concerts on its large waterside terrace every Friday and Saturday evening from July through August. Take in the city vibes with an additional DJ set before and after the concerts. You can also tuck into some delicious dinner food during the performance or just opt out for a refreshing beverage as the sun shines.

Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ - Terrasconcerten | July - August 2024 | Oostelijke Eilanden

Grachtenfestival

It wouldn’t be Amsterdam without music on the canals. Luckily, Grachtenfestival returns for its 27th edition in August, when musicians from around the world perform at 30 different locations along the city’s watery belt. Don’t miss the iconic Prinsengracht Concert, where locals and visitors huddle on boats along the canal for a spectacular classical music show. 

Gractenfestival | 23 August - 1 September 2024 | citywidePrinsengracht Concert | 24 August 2024

Jazz at the Plantage

While jazz usually lends itself to cosy, dimly-lit bars, Amsterdam’s Plantage neighbourhood proves it’s just as special in alfresco settings. Organised by H’ART Museum and in collaboration with Conservatorium van Amsterdam, this summer series takes place on Sundays in the museum’s sun-dappled courtyard, where intimate jazz performances gently ease you into the late summer nights. 

Jazz at the Plantage | July - August 2024 | H'ART Museum, De Plantage