Summer Holidays 2026: Things to do in Amsterdam
The summer holidays have begun, and Amsterdam is full of exciting activities, concerts, and festivals for everyone to enjoy.
There is something for everyone, young and old alike. Below, we’ve highlighted a selection of activities for families, festivalgoers, and theatre lovers. Have a wonderful summer holiday and enjoy every moment!
Family and theatre
From 16 July to 22 August, Pampus transforms into a unique open-air restaurant. Step aboard, leave the city behind, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of delicious food, history, and magic, with the IJmeer as your backdrop and the setting sun creating the perfect atmosphere.
Summer Lights at Pampus
After arriving, settle wherever you like—on the grass, on the jetty, or in front of the fort—to enjoy your starter with a good glass of wine or beer. Later, you’ll take your seat at the table for the main course and dessert. At Pampus, it’s all about freedom, even during dinner.
ARTIS Summer nights
ARTIS Park celebrates the summer with the ARTIS Summer Nights. From 11 July to 29 August, you can enjoy live music and food trucks, guided tours, audio walks, and, of course, the animals—all the way until sunset.
Enjoy live performances by a variety of artists at the Music Field, join an evening guided tour, experience a Planetarium show or a yoga session, and visit the beautiful aquarium. You are warmly welcome at Plantage Kerklaan 38–40.
De Nieuwe kerk
This summer, you can visit de Nieuwe kerk to experience the impressive World Press Photo Exhibition. Visitors with an exhibition ticket can join a free guided tour on 15, 22, and 29 July; 5, 12, and 26 August; and 2, 9, 16, and 23 September 2026. Please note that advance registration is required.
In addition, the Queer Amsterdam exhibition will be open during WorldPride 2026, and you can attend historic organ concerts on 14 and 28 July and 11 and 25 August.
Vondelpark Open-Air Theatre
For more than 50 years, the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre has been Amsterdam’s most accessible open-air theatre, where generations of locals have gathered every summer to enjoy the very best the Netherlands has to offer—from emerging talent to established performers.
Known and loved by many Amsterdam residents and visitors alike, it offers something for everyone. From May to September, there is a varied weekend program featuring music, comedy, family theatre, performances, dance, and everything from classical music to pop.
From May to September, the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre is open almost every weekend.
Friday evenings are dedicated to dance, Saturday afternoons to family entertainment, Saturday evenings to comedy, Sunday mornings to classical music, and Sunday afternoons to pop and other live music.
Puppet Theatre on Dam Square
For centuries, Jan Klaassen and his wife Katrijn have been entertaining audiences with their traditional puppet theatre on Dam Square. Together, they bring classic and modern puppet stories to life for visitors of all ages—but they’ll need your help to make sure everything ends happily! Performances take place every Sunday through October at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 4:00 pm.
Van Gogh Museum Painting Workshop
Led by a workshop instructor, children first explore the galleries of the Van Gogh Museum. Afterwards, they step into a real artist’s studio to create their own painting. Vincent van Gogh provides plenty of inspiration—he loved blossoming trees and created many beautiful paintings of them.
- When: Wednesdays and Fridays
- Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Duration: Stay as long as you like.
- Participation: Just drop in—no advance registration is required.
- Location: The workshop takes place in the painting studio, located near the self-portrait gallery.
Amsterdamse Bos Open-Air Theatre
For more than 50 years, you have been able to enjoy free performances at the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre every summer. Through September, the programme features dance performances, classical music concerts, comedy shows, family performances, and pop concerts.
From well-known artists to emerging talent, there’s something for everyone. This year’s programme is scheduled as follows: Friday evenings – dance, Saturday afternoons – family entertainment, Saturday evenings – comedy, Sunday mornings – classical music, and Sunday afternoons – pop and other live music.
Hortus Summer Evenings
Enjoy warm summer evenings in the city’s most beautiful garden! Throughout June, July, and August, the garden stays open until 8:00 pm every Sunday. Stroll through the beautifully blooming gardens, join a summer tour led by one of the experienced guides, explore the greenhouses, or relax on the sunny terrace.
With a drink in hand, sit back and enjoy live music performed by a variety of bands and ensembles, ranging from classic jazz to passionate boleros. Treat yourself to a mini getaway and experience a magical summer evening at the Hortus.
Festivals and events
Amsterdam Summer Festival 2026
The Amsterdam Summer Festival 2026 is a spectacular three-day music event taking place at the Olympic Stadium on 3, 4, and 5 July. Visitors can enjoy three unforgettable evenings (and one afternoon) featuring more than three hours of live performances by some of the Netherlands’ best-known artists, including duets, sing-along favourites, and a warm, summery atmosphere.
Amsterdam Open Air 2026
During the first weekend of June (Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June), the unique Amsterdam Open Air festival takes place in Gaasperpark.
During this two-day festival, Amsterdam Open Air brings together a diverse collective of Amsterdam’s leading cultural tastemakers and creative communities. The music programme showcases the full spectrum of the Dutch dance scene, offering something for every electronic music fan.
The festival is a reflection of Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife and creative culture. Fans of house, techno, disco, hip-hop, and electro can enjoy two days of music featuring a line-up packed with artists making their Amsterdam Open Air debut.
Georgie’s Wundergarten 2026
In the enchanting village of Ruigoord, Georgie’s Wundergarten takes place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July. This unique festival is perfect for free spirits, offering performances by emerging local artists and a celebration of art, creativity, and culture.
The festival invites visitors to experience just how colourful the world can be. It’s a place where everyone is free to be themselves, connect with the surroundings, and embrace an alternative perspective on life.
Milkshake Festival 2026
On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, it’s time once again for Milkshake Festival in Westerpark. This multi-genre music festival has become one of Amsterdam’s most popular and beloved summer events.
More than just a dance festival, it’s a celebration of respect, freedom, love, tolerance, and fun—values that are at the heart of the entire event.
Milkshake Festival is a collaboration between AIR and Paradiso, two of Amsterdam’s most iconic nightlife venues, featuring multiple stages across the festival grounds. Expect dazzling stage designs, spectacular performances, and a wonderfully diverse mix of artists and festivalgoers.
Pride Amsterdam 2026
Amsterdam Pride takes place from 25 July to 8 August. Mark your calendar, because an exciting programme awaits! With around 300 events taking place throughout the festival, there’s something for everyone, and every community is represented.
As the highlight of the celebrations, the annual Canal Parade takes place on Saturday, 1 August, along Amsterdam’s iconic canals. Be sure to find a good spot somewhere along the parade route: Oosterdok – Nieuwe Herengracht – Amstel – Prinsengracht – Westerdok.
This will be a historic edition, held in conjunction with EuroPride to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the world’s first same-sex marriage. Join the celebrations and experience this unforgettable spectacle for yourself.
Dance Valley 2026
Dance Valley takes place on Saturday, 8 August, in Spaarnwoude. One of the world’s longest-running dance festivals, Dance Valley is renowned for its impressive line-up of internationally acclaimed artists, diverse music styles, and multiple stages.
Dance Valley owes its name to the rolling hills of the festival grounds. It was the world’s first festival to bring electronic dance music out of the darkness of night and into the spotlight of a daytime event. Dance Valley became the blueprint for many dance festivals that were later launched across the Netherlands and around the world.
The festival grounds feature around ten circus tents and several large open-air stages, spread across different areas. Each tent represents one of the many dance styles, giving Dance Valley a wonderfully diverse program.
The Main Stage hosts some of the world’s most popular DJs, showcasing a variety of dance styles. The entire festival site is transformed into a vibrant village filled with performers, live acts, and unique attractions. At the heart of Dance Valley is a shared passion for dance music and the DJs who bring it to life.
LatinVillage 2026
LatinVillage Festival takes place on Sunday, 16 August, at Spaarnwoude Park in Velsen-Zuid. One unforgettable day filled with the best music, incredible vibes, and the vibrant LatinVillage Family coming together to celebrate.
A diverse line-up of artists from the Netherlands and abroad takes to the festival’s six stages, delivering an energetic mix of dance music and authentic salsa. In addition to the live performances, visitors can also enjoy workshops and dance demonstrations throughout the day.
Valtifest 2026
There are festivals, and then there’s Valtifest. This colourful Amsterdam festival takes place on Saturday, 22 August. Once again, this year’s edition features a unique theme and a matching dress code, making it an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
Get ready for another outrageous and spectacular celebration at Kaap Oost, located on Zeeburgereiland. Kick off your shoes and dance with your feet in the sand while soaking up the festival’s unique atmosphere. Creativity, freedom, and tolerance are at the heart of Valtifest, and the themed dress code is your chance to let your imagination run wild.
ZeeZout Festival 2026
Not a fan of large-scale festivals? If you prefer a cosy and intimate setting, ZeeZout Festival is the perfect choice. On Saturday, 29 August, ZeeZout Festival takes place at Tuinen van West Amsterdam, a beautiful green outdoor venue on the outskirts of the city.
The festival is dedicated to dance and electronic music, with a programme known for its distinctive sound and unique atmosphere. Artists from the Netherlands and around the world perform across multiple stages spread throughout the festival grounds.
This year, the festival celebrates its 10th anniversary. Expect four intimate stages, each delivering a big festival atmosphere and an unforgettable party experience.
Mysteryland 2026
Unfortunately, Mysteryland will not take place in 2026. The festival is taking a one-year break and will not be held at its usual location in Haarlemmermeer.
With visitor numbers declining compared to previous years, the organisers have decided to take a break in 2026 to restructure, innovate, and return with a refreshed edition in 2027.
Nobel Mortgages
Last but certainly not least, why not stop by one of Amsterdam’s leading mortgage advisors? We’d love to welcome you to our office at Jacob van Lennepkade 296 in Oud-West for a great cup of coffee and a friendly chat. Whether you have questions about buying a home or simply want to explore your options, you’re always welcome.
