Amsterdam Weekend Guide (16-18 May)

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

24 Hours Weesp

Weesp remains Amsterdam’s newest district, but this long-time village is still undiscovered. 24H looks to change that, by introducing residents and visitors alike to the wonders of Weesp. If you’re curious as to what those are, look no further than some of the activities on offer, which pairs Weesp’s watery side with its tranquil one:

• Paddle on Gouw Lake | Sat 17, May 10:00-12:00 | Buurktamer Weespersluis
• Experience Weesp on the water | Sat 17 May, 11:00 - 17:30 | Fort Uitermeer
• Listen to carillon (bell) music |  Sat 17 May, 11:00-12:00 + 15:00-16:00 | 
• Stargazing in the teagarden | Sat 17 May, 21:30 - 23:00 | Theetuin

Upclose Festival

Get an intimate version of Awakenings with Upclose Festival, which brings some of that main stage energy to a small, more boutique setting. Organised in Sparnwoude Park near Haarlem, expect Amsterdam names like Moody Mehran, Carlos Valdes and MARRON to make an appearance for electronica heat under the spring sun. 

*If you’re worried about getting there, cycling is always a good option but shuttle buses are organised from Amsterdam Sloterdijk for ease. 

Upclose Festival | Sat May 17 2025 - Sun May 18, 12:00 - 23:00 | Sparnwoude Park

CLUBBING & NIGHTLIFE

Eurovision Watchparties roundup

It’s time for Eurovision again and even though it’s taking place in Switzerland this year, you can join the hordes of fans that tune in from across the continent at a watch party, which is really the best way to experience Europe’s favourite song festival:

• Rooftop screening with bar bites, scorecards, and festive vibes at Zoku Amsterdam – Rooftop Watch Party | Sat 17 May, 20:00–01:00 | Zoku Amsterdam, Weesperstraat 105 | €20  
• Live pre-show, screening, scorecards, and flags at Songfestivalcafé in De Hallen | Sat 17 May, 19:00–19:30 | De Hallen, Hannie Dankbaarpassage 47 | €5 incl. snack & drink 
• Casual atmosphere with music, fanfare, and prize giveaways at Café Montmartre | Sat 17 May, all-night | Reguliersdwarsstraat 129 | Free 
• Street-wide party with big screens, performances, and a lively crowd. at Blend XL, Bar Blend & B’Femme | Sat 17 May, all-night | Reguliersdwarsstraat | Free 
• Big screen, cocktails, and Eurovision bingo at Stayokay Amsterdam Oost / The 5th | Sat 17 May, all-night | Timorplein 21 | Free 
• Themed cocktails and Eurovision cheer with a fun-loving crowd at PRIK Amsterdam | Sat 17 May, from 21:00 | Spuistraat 109 | Free 

Amber Vineyard's Queer Cabaret

Credited as the person who brought the ballroom scene to the Netherlands, Amber Vineyard’s latest venture looks to bring audiences into an untapped world of sexuality via cabaret. Dubbed The Rising, Vineyard invites everyone to dive into the vast spectrum of sexual identity and expression for what is billed as a fiery evening of looks, queerness and the divine.

Amber Vineyard’s Queer Cabaret | Friday 16 - Saturday 17 May, 20:00-23:00 | ITA

ART & EXHIBITIONS

What Cannot Be Held

The Flemish Cultural House is one of the city’s most overlooked gems, courtesy of exhibitions like What Cannot Be Held. Curated by the director of Museum Cobra, the showcase brings together artists who reflect on themes including the instability of social relationships, the fragility of identity, and the tension between past, present, and imagination. It’s as much about how shifting social structures and crumbling certainties influence our perception of being human as it is about what it ultimately means to be human.

What Cannot Be Held | Sat 17 May - Sun 18 May, 12:00-17:00 | Vlaams Cultuurhuis de Brakke Grond

CONCERTS & GIGS

Mahler Nights

As part of the Mahler Festival, Vondelpark’s Open Air Theatre is set to broadcast a number of evening concerts taking place at the Concertgebouw. Take in Gustav Mahler's symphonies in a hushed, open-air setting that brings classical music to one of the city’s most lush and beloved outdoor venues. 

Mahler Nights | until 18 May, doors open 19:45 | Vondelpark Open Air

London Calling Festival

London is arguably always calling when it comes to music. What began as a festival serving as a launchpad for British bands in the 90s has now become a mainstay of the indie scene in Amsterdam. Having played host to big-name acts like Blur, Slowdive and Placebo, catch some of the coming year’s soon-to-be greats at Paradiso this weekend. Just bring your protective earbuds, like any good gig-goer.

 London Calling Festival | Friday 16 to Saturday 17 May | Paradiso

The Voice That Resonates by Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra

For something a little different, try the Andalusian Orchestra, which plays music from across the Mediterranean and Middle East at the Muziekgebouw. This weekend, they’re paying tribute to Umm Kulthum, an icon in the Arabic music scene. A legendary diva who has long inspired acts from across the music scene, a night here is set to be atmospheric as the orchestra re-interprets and reworks her music into lingering classical scores.  

The Voice That Resonates | 🗓️ Friday,16 May 20:15–22:00 | Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ 

SHOPPING & MARKETS

Market Roundup

There’s always a market in Amsterdam – these are just a few to consider: 

• Market finds and world-class culture at Museum Market | Sunday 16 May, 10:00-18:00 | Museumplein
• Artisan food at Pure Markt | Sunday 16 May, 11:00-18:00 | Amsterdamse Bos
• Local produce and crafts at Van der Pekmarket | Sunday 16 May, 09:00-16:00 | Van der Pekstraat

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