Culture Guide (July + August 2024)

Allard Pierson

In collaboration with Allard Pierson

For: the curious

Encompassing 10,000 years of cultural history, Allard Pierson is an archaeology museum home to some of the University of Amsterdam’s most valuable scientific collections. A place of history as it is intriguing, take a tour through the permanent exhibition From Nijl tot Amstel (From Nile to Amstel), where you’ll encounter everything from Egyptian mummies, Greek pottery and Roman glass to Medieval bibles and plaster casts of famous classical statues. Don't miss out on the Plaster Gallery for stories about renowned statues from antiquity. Depending on when you visit, temporary exhibitions cover various topics, so expect anything from maps and atlases to contemporary design and comic books. For coffee among the curiosities, round off your visit with a stop at the museum’s Espresso Bar - an absolute hidden gem offering unparalleled views over the city.

Allard Pierson | open year-round, 10:00-17:00

Rembrandt House Museum

In collaboration with Rembrandt House Museum

For: the world travellers

This beautifully restored townhouse captures the far-reaching legacy of Rembrandt van Rijn - and is the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to the legendary Dutch painter. Rembrandt lived here for 19 years when he was at the height of his career, and the museum provides a multifaceted insight into his work and life as an artist, a family man and an Amsterdammer. This summer, don't miss Rembrandt & The World (until 13 October 2024) - a fascinating display of 50 etchings Rembrandt made of the wider world, from lions, exotic shells and turbans, to mountainous landscapes and Italian buildings. Find out the fascinating story behind how the artist gathered knowledge about foreign landscapes, architecture, people, clothing and objects - even though the artist himself never travelled abroad.

Rembrandt House Museum | open year-round, 10:00-18:00

Keti Koti

For: the history

Keti Koti (meaning 'broken chains') comes from Sranantongo – the second language of Suriname right after Dutch – and every year, on 1 July, Amsterdam reflects on the history of slavery and celebrates the moment Dutch slavery was abolished in Suriname and the Antilles in 1863. Beginning on the eve of Keti Koti (30 June), people in the community pause to reflect upon the horrors of slavery during a vigil at the National Slavernij (Slavery) Monument in Oosterpark, before live music brings some softness to affairs. The next day, the official national commemoration takes place (1 July), starting with the Bigi Spikri (‘big mirror’) a cheerful and colourful parade where people in traditional costumes walk from central Amsterdam to Oosterpark. After the remembrance ceremony, the festival kicks off, and the party really gets going. Traditionally, this takes place in Oosterpark - but more recently it’s moved to Museumplein. Expect an abundance of stalls and food trucks serving Surinamese BBQ, noodles, pom sandwiches, roti, bara and much more, along with multiple stages for every kind of performance imaginable.

Keti Koti | 1 July | various locations

Queer + Pride

For: everyone

Amsterdam’s annual celebration of the LGBTQI+ community returns for its two-week run, with this year’s theme focusing on unity within the community and the idea that even when we lose our way, we can always find a way back to one another. The Queer Week (19-26 July) usually typically covers events in the first week, while Pride covers the second (27 July-4 August). The calendar includes over 300 events, but notable highlights are the Canal Parade (3 August) and the sheer number of art and culture events; talks, performances and shows that spotlight the queer community in all its expressions. 

Queer + Pride | 19 July-4 August | Citywide

Over het IJ Festival

For: the urbanists

This July marks the 32nd edition of the Over het IJ location festival along the industrial frontiers of NDSM Wharf, with the major focus on a new generation of theatre makers, research and the role of Over het IJ as a national breeding ground for urban location theatre. It’ll also spotlight stories of the land – that of Amsterdam-Noord and of the city - and who should tell them. So, for 10 days, head to this creative playground where creators of all ages gather for artistic commentary on urban development and society.

Over the IJ Festival | 11-14 July | NDSM-Wharf

Kwaku Festival

For: the celebrations

Zuidoost staple Kwaku enters its seventh edition for a riotous celebration of culture, food and sport. What began as a small, local football tournament has evolved into one of the country’s largest festivals, though the football tournament still makes up a crucial part of the event’s distinct flavour. The tantalising aromas of Surinamese, Asian, South American, Caribbean and African food are another key focus, and the various food stalls remain one of the festival’s biggest draws. Each year, disco and funk legends (think Shalamar and Sister Sledge) complete the main stage line-up for some guaranteed summer groove. 

Kwaku Festival | July-August | Nelson Mandela Park

ARTIS Zoomeravonden

For: the family

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 kaleidoscopic flower beds as musical talent takes to the bandstand underneath golden skies. Alternatively, take a guided tour with a zookeeper and glimpse some of the slumbering animals or, better yet, the nocturnal ones. 

ARTIS Zoomeravonden | 6 July, every Saturday through July-August | ARTIS

Julidans

The capital’s leading contemporary dance festival, Julidans, is about breaking free from the norm. With over 40 performances across 14 separate Amsterdam locations – and International Theatre Amsterdam at the heart of it – Julidans’s characteristically idiosyncratic and boundless programme proves that dancing does, in fact, take guts.

Julidans | 7-21 July | various

Summer Dance Forever

For: the dancers

International dance festival Summer Dance Forever returns to Paradiso for a riotous celebration of hip-hop moves. Dancers from all over the world land for this week-long event that covers everything from dance battles on the atmospheric Paradiso stage to workshops on European hip-hop and curated club nights. Grab your comfiest sneakers for what’s bound to be a high-energy and exhilarating few days. 

Summer Dance Forever | 20-26 August | Paradiso

De Parade

For: the theatre lovers

Travelling theatre festival De Parade once again sets up its tents for the summer as it lands in Zuidoost’s Martin Luther King Park. With over 80 performances across dance, music, theatre, stand-up, spoken word and even mime, this is a genuine cultural experience for all, whether you’re a die-hard theatre devotee or just along for the ride.

De Parade | 16 August-1 September | Martin Luther King Park

Pluk de Nacht

For: the stargazers

Dutch for 'Seize the Night’, this open-air film festival has been running for over two decades, transforming urban spaces into magical outdoor cinemas. This year’s no different, with a big screen, well-stocked bars plus snacks, games and live music set to spring up along the IJ for the best of summer nights on the silver screen. 

Pluk de Nacht | 21-31 August | IJ: Het Stenen Hoofd

Movies at H'ART & Cinetree Forest Film Festival

For: the cinephiles

Open-air cinemas are an excellent summer staple; few places do it better than H’ART in the warmer season. Screened in the museum’s serene courtyard, catch classic rom-coms, critical darlings and contemporary hits under festoon lights and a canopy of trees. If romance wasn’t in the air before, it is now. Alternatively, head down to Amsterdamse Bos in late August for Cinetree Forest Film Festival, where you can watch a number of major films in the bucolic setting of the Amsterdam forest.

Movies at H'ART | Throughout August | H'ART Museum
Cinetree Forest Film Festival | 22-24 August | Amsterdamse Bos

Circusbende Festival

For: the kids

An Erasmuspark and Amsterdam Noord regular, Circusbende pitches up its tents every summer for mystical and retro fun. Jugglers, clowns and acrobats all feature, alongside live musical performances and plenty of audience participation for the kids. Better yet, the festival site and music are freely accessible to all, with circus acts organised on a ticketed or donation basis.

Circusbende Festival | 15-18 August, Het Groene Veld | 19 August-1 September, Erasmuspark