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Image from Samuel van Leeuwen

Amsterdam Weekend Guide (4 - 6 July)

Summer is ramping up, and that means weekends in the capital are only getting busier. Stuck on how to spend yours? Here are some of our top picks for this weekend.

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Enjoy the Summer in Teylers

In collaboration with Teylers Museum

Image from Teylers Museum

Summer is in full swing at Teylers, the oldest museum in the Netherlands, with its rich programme of tours, demonstrations and drawing workshops. Founded by Pieter Teyler van der Hulst, an 18th-century Dutch merchant, the Teylers Museum in Haarlem has a remarkable collection with a long and impressive history that dates back to 1750.

From scientific wonders to artistic masterpieces like intimate self-portrait sketches by Rembrandt van Rijn, and even works by the famed Michelangelo, the museum’s artefacts reflect the ideals of Pieter Teyler himself: curiosity, enlightenment and culture. Immerse yourself in the world of Teylers and discover its unique and enchanting summer program.

Enjoy the summer in Teylers | until 31 August | Teylers Museum, Haarlem

CONCERTS & EVENTS

ARTIS Summer Nights

On Saturday evenings throughout July and August, Amsterdam’s beloved ARTIS zoo stays open late for Summer Nights to catch the day’s final moments of sunlight. Wander shaded paths as twilight falls and enjoy live music performances in this lush and historic setting. Catch the animals in these rare after-hours moments, and enjoy plenty of alfresco dining, tours and musical performances on the bandstands to keep you entertained until dark.

ARTIS Summer Nights | every Saturday from July to August | ARTIS, De Plantage

Amsterdam Roots Festival

Amsterdam, The Netherlands - July, 3 2016: visitors sitting on the grass and cheering during Roots Open Air festival
Image from Cloud Mine Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Roots Festival is returning to Oosterpark with its signature lineup of music, dance, theatre, and hands-on workshops. With its emphasis on cultural inclusivity, this year's theme, Blind Spots, turns our attention to the stories we might have missed. With performances by international artists like Florence Adooni and Ak Dan Gwang Chil, the festival brings a timely message of cultural connection and community. 

Amsterdam Roots Festival | Sunday 6 July | Oosterpark, Oost

Wonderfeel

Image from Juri Hiensch

Returning to the rolling lawns of Schaep en Burgh is Wonderfeel, offering three days of classical music set against the splendour of a country estate. Under open skies, you’ll encounter anything from Mozart to jazzy chamber sets mingling with the best of Ravel. Just a short half-hour from the city centre, this country weekend feels worlds away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Soak up centuries of music and return to Amsterdam feeling refreshed and inspired.

Wonderfeel | Friday 4 – Sunday 6 July | Schaep en Burgh, Castles & Gardens

CINEMA & FILM

Dirty Dancing Dance-along

Camera Japan decoration and set-up at LAB111
Image from Camera Japan

Step into the world of Dirty Dancing – literally. At this dance-along screening of the classic at indie filmhouse LAB111, nobody puts Baby (or you) in a corner. While the film plays, join the crowd as you act out to every iconic moment. Part cult classic celebration, part sweaty dance party, this screening will leave a lasting impression, regardless of whether you nail that final lift.

Dirty Dancing Dance-along | Friday 4 July | Lab111, Oud-West

FAMILY & KIDS

Blacklight Scavenger Hunt

Pampus is a fortress island in the part of the IJmeer that belongs to the municipality of Gooise Meren. The artificial island was constructed in 1887 as part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam to defend the shipping channel Pampus against attacks from the Zuiderzee
Image from Samuel van Leeuwen

Discover the unique beauty of Forteiland Pampus, a former fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible only by boat. Get ready to immerse yourself in quality family time, equipped with a blacklight lamp, as you search the fort’s dimly lit corridors for 11 hidden letters that glow under ultraviolet light. Designed for children six and older, this exceptional experience combines history and learning with plenty of fun. As you uncover each clue, you piece together a code that unlocks the story of the fort. 

Blacklight Scavenger Hunt | Forteiland Pampus, Castles & Gardens

FOOD & RESTAURANTS

Bakkerij Louf x Cafe Binnenvisser

Bakkerij Louf interior
Image from Samira Kafala

In this dreamy merger between popular Bakkerij Louf and Oud-West’s gastronomic staple Cafe Binnenvisser, a laid-back wine and pinxtos (little bites from the Basque region) pop-up is born. Throughout July and August, expect small plates with salt-of-the-earth flavours: anchovies, olives and crudites, with plenty of Louf’s signature sourdough. And, of course, let’s not forget the wine.

Louf x Binnenvisser | Thursday – Sunday, 16:00 – 22:00 | Bakkerij Louf, De Pijp

Parel Zondag

Westweelde’s sprawling terrace in the heart of Westerpark fills with those in the know, enjoying €1 oysters every first Sunday of the month. Cheekily dubbed Parel Zondag (Pearl Sunday), this tradition truly is a secret too good to keep. Tuck into these exceptionally well-priced bites with a bottle of cava as you soak up those precious summer rays.

Parel Zondag | Sunday 6 July | Westweelde, Westerpark

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