Essentially Amsterdam — Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Wednesday July 29, 2026

Good morning, Amsterdam. Today: temperatures could reach 35°C, Thievery Corporation plays Paradiso tonight, and an open-air film festival begins at Mercatorplein.

Temperatures set to reach 35°C in Amsterdam: A sunny stretch is bringing high heat across the city today and tomorrow. Temperatures in Amsterdam could reach 35°C, so stay hydrated and keep out of the direct sun during peak hours.

City sets strict rules for Canal Parade safety: Amsterdam has outlined guidelines for spectators along the canal routes ahead of Saturday’s parade. Regulations cover boat permits and enforce a strict ban on glass bottles to keep the event safe.

ING projects record Dutch home sales this year: A new forecast by ING expects home transactions in the Netherlands to reach roughly 245,000 this year. High buyer demand continues to drive strong market activity across the country.

Sunny weather expected for Saturday’s Canal Parade: Early weather forecasts from the KNMI point to warm conditions for Saturday’s Canal Parade in Amsterdam. Temperatures should reach around 25°C with plenty of sun and almost no chance of rain.

JetBlue suspends winter flights between Amsterdam and Boston: JetBlue is pausing its daily service between Schiphol and Boston starting this November for the winter season. The airline plans to return to the route for summer 2027.

Schiphol security strike looms as negotiations stall: Unions FNV and CNV have ended talks with Schiphol over working conditions for security staff. With no agreement reached, union representatives are preparing for potential strikes at the airport.

Christopher Nolan film sparks Odyssey sales in Amsterdam: Amsterdam bookshops, including Scheltema on Rokin, report a sudden rise in sales of Homer’s epic *The Odyssey*. The surge follows the recent release of Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation in Dutch theaters.

Monocle highlights Marineterrein as urban development model: International magazine Monocle has profiled the former naval yard on Amsterdam’s Marineterrein. The article highlights how the area combines tech startups, research labs, green space, and public swimming.

Weesp station starts platform redesign to ease crowding: ProRail is rearranging the platforms at Weesp station to prepare for growing passenger numbers. The work involves moving columns, roof structures, and waiting areas to widen walking space.

Report urges Amsterdam and Eindhoven tech sectors to partner: A new push urges technology hubs in Amsterdam and Eindhoven to work together more closely. Supporters say the joint effort is needed to maintain European digital independence from the US and China.

Kids art workshops run at B! Music School: Children ages 8 to 12 can join hands-on summer art workshops hosted by the Amsterdam Museum. It is a simple way to keep kids creative during the school break. July 29, 13:00 – 16:00, B! Music School. 📅 Kids Workshop

Water fun days arrive in Southeast: Children can cool off with an inflatable water obstacle course, pools, and water balloon fights. July 29, Amsterdam Southeast. 📅 Outdoor / Active

Anansi the Spider plays at open-air theater: This family-friendly performance brings West African and Caribbean folk tales to life on stage. July 29, 09:30, Het Amsterdamse Bostheater. 📅 Family Show

Toddler parents meet up at Papote Café: International families with young children can gather for a low-key social evening in West. July 29, 18:30, Papote Café, Vasco da Gamastraat 65. 📅

OBA hosts outdoor reading session at Terrasmus: The Amsterdam Public Library is holding an outdoor story session for young children in Erasmuspark. July 29, 2026, 11:00–12:00, Terrasmus, Erasmuspark. 📅 Story / Reading

De Gezelligheid brings kids disco show to De Parade: A family-friendly disco theater show designed for children aged six and up visits the traveling festival. July 29, 2026, Multiple times, De Parade, Martin Luther Kingpark. Family Show

DOCK organizes outdoor games at Kareldoormanplein for summer holiday: Community group DOCK is running an afternoon of outdoor sports and games for children during the summer break. July 29, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Kareldoormanplein. Outdoor / Active

Crafts and games afternoon set for Amsterdam-West: Children ages 6 to 11 can drop in for an afternoon of arts, crafts, and playground games in West. July 29, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Speiltuin de Baarsjes. Kids Workshop

Clubhuis Kindervreugd hosts open play day: Families can visit Clubhuis Kindervreugd in Amsterdam East for a day of open play and organized children’s activities. July 29, 09:00 – 21:00, Clubhuis Kindervreugd. 📅

Concertgebouw hosts Musorgski and Rachmaninoff evening: The German Bundesjugendorchester plays Musorgski’s Pictures at an Exhibition alongside pianist Giorgi Gigashvili. July 29, 8:00 PM, Het Concertgebouw.

Thievery Corporation performs live at Paradiso: The electronic duo brings their mix of downtempo, bossa nova, and world rhythms to the main hall. July 29, 19:30, Paradiso. 📅

Sam Bettens performs solo concert at Paradiso: K’s Choice frontman Sam Bettens plays an intimate solo set in the main hall. July 29, 2026, 20:00, Paradiso. 📅

Pop-rock film and music event comes to Paradiso: Who the F*ck is Britt?! brings live music performances and a documentary film screening to Paradiso. The event runs through the afternoon and evening. July 29, 15:00 – 21:00, Paradiso. 📅

Durand Bernarr performs progressive R&B at Melkweg: R&B singer Durand Bernarr brings his live show to Amsterdam. Known for his work with Erykah Badu and Kaytranada, he plays a single night at the venue. July 29, 19:00, Melkweg. 📅

Space Afrika performs ambient electronic set at Oude Kerk: Dekmantel presents an ambient electronic music performance by Space Afrika inside the historic hall of Amsterdam’s oldest building. July 29, 20:15, Oude Kerk. 📅

Benjamin Herman plays live jazz at De Kring: Dutch saxophonist Benjamin Herman performs a live jazz set at the historic Herengracht members’ club. July 29, 21:00, De Kring. 📅

The Wiseflower plays late-night show near Leidseplein: The Wiseflower performs a set of soulful, high-energy live music at Bourbon Street near Leidseplein. July 29, 23:00, Bourbon Street. 📅

Irish music session returns to Mulligans: Local folk musicians perform traditional Irish tunes during this open weekly session along the Amstel. July 29, 20:00, Mulligans Irish Music Bar. 📅

Diles Que No Me Maten plays Cinetol: Mexican group Diles Que No Me Maten brings their mix of post-punk, psychedelic rock, and spoken word to De Pijp. July 29, 20:30, Cinetol. 📅

Mercatorplein hosts open-air film festival: Mercatorplein turns into an outdoor cinema for two consecutive evenings in West. You can drop by to catch movies under the stars. July 29–30, 21:00, Mercatorplein, Amsterdam. 📅 Festivals

Jazz history and swing dance at Kompaszaal: This weekly Wednesday night combines jazz history film screenings with a Lindy Hop dance class. July 29, 20:30, Kompaszaal. 📅 Film

Free tour offered for World Press Photo: An expert guide leads a free walk through the visual journalism exhibition at Dam Square. July 29, 15:00, De Nieuwe Kerk. 📅 Art / Museums

Panama Pictures brings acrobatics to De Parade: Panama Pictures performs a mix of circus arts and contemporary dance using suspended stage structures. July 29, 2026, Multiple showtimes, De Parade, Martin Luther Kingpark. Dance / Performance

Interactive family monument artwork opens in Westerpark: A new interactive public artwork arrives in Westerpark. The large installation celebrates chosen families and invites visitors to connect and reflect. July 29, All day, Westerpark. Art / Museums

Resistance Museum hosts tour for visually impaired visitors: The Resistance Museum is holding a specialized guided tour tailored for blind and visually impaired visitors. The session focuses on touch and tactile objects. July 29, 14:00, Verzetsmuseum. 📅 Art / Museums

Ellen ten Damme plays De Parade in Martin Luther Kingpark: Dutch performer Ellen ten Damme presents her show Club Medusa at the traveling theater festival. The performance mixes music, storytelling, and cabaret. July 29, Multiple showtimes, De Parade, Martin Luther Kingpark. Theater

Melkweg screens documentary on Wham’s historic China tour: Melkweg Cinema is showing restored footage of Wham!’s 1985 tour, which made them the first Western pop group to perform in communist China. July 29, 21:15, Melkweg Cinema. 📅 Film

Orkater and Anne-Fay bring Aisa Demeter to De Parade: Orkater and Anne-Fay debut a theatrical music production combining soulful vocals, rhythm, and storytelling focused on roots and heritage. July 29 through August 3, multiple showtimes, De Parade, Martin Luther Kingpark. Theater

Collective Hi, Jack! Publishing builds live zine on Dappermarkt: As part of the de Appel Kiosk project, creative collective Hi, Jack! Publishing explores the practice of collecting discarded materials. They will assemble a live zine using packaging, food scraps, and drawings from visitors. July 29, 10:00–17:00, Dappermarkt. 📅 Art / Museums

Expats welcome dinner features traditional Dutch bites: Newcomers in Amsterdam can meet up over local snacks to share practical tips and build a network. July 29, 18:30, De Hollandse Tulp. 📅 Tasting

Weekly Crealab offers open art workspace: You can bring your own craft projects like painting or knitting to this casual community space. July 29, 13:00, Dynamo Atelier 77. 📅 Workshop

Overnight camping offered on Pampus fortress island: You can camp on Fortisland Pampus after day visitors leave. Stays include a communal meal on Wednesdays and extra evening programming from Thursday to Saturday. July 29, Overnight, Forteiland Pampus, Muiden.

Sunset yoga session set for Amsterdamse Bos: Instructor Annalisa leads a peaceful evening yoga session in the park as the sun goes down. The class suits all experience levels, and participants should bring their own mat. July 29, 20:00, De Boswinkel, Amsterdamse Bos. 📅 Sports (Active)

English book club discusses Fundamentally on Singel: The Tea & Tears book club meets to discuss Nussaibah Younis’s novel Fundamentally. It is an open, English-language gathering to talk about the book and meet fellow readers. July 29, 18:30, The Book Nook, Singel 82. 📅 Games / Hobbies

Free paper-cutting workshop hosted at KunstRuim Gallery: KunstRuim Gallery in Oost hosts a drop-in paper-cutting workshop this afternoon. The session is free to attend and no advance reservation is required. July 29, 13:00 – 16:00, KunstRuim Gallery, Amsterdam Oost. 📅 Workshop

Shut Up & Write offers quiet writing time at Central Library: Writers can join a focused, hour-long silent writing session on the seventh floor of the Central Library, followed by casual conversation. Brief introductions begin at 19:15 before writing starts. July 29, 10:30, Centrale Bibliotheek Amsterdam, Oosterdokskade 143. 📅 Workshop

OBA Javaplein hosts free morning workshop in East Amsterdam: The neighborhood library in East Amsterdam is holding a free creative workshop open to local residents looking to try hands-on art projects. July 29, 10:30 – 12:30, OBA Javaplein. 📅 Workshop

Post Oost offers afternoon craft class for all skill levels: An accessible craft and design session is taking place in Amsterdam East, open to participants of all experience levels. July 29, 14:00 – 16:00, Post Oost. 📅 Workshop

Beginner swing dancing course starts at Kompaszaal: Learn the fundamentals of Lindy Hop at this introductory course hosted inside the waterfront Kompaszaal. July 29, 19:00, Kompaszaal Amsterdam. 📅 Class

Philips beats expectations on second-quarter earnings: Health technology firm Philips posted slightly higher revenue than expected for the second quarter. The company raised its financial outlook, supported in part by a refund of US import duties. Business News

Low Rhine water levels push up river freight prices: Low water levels on the Rhine mean shipping lines must use multiple barges to transport cargo normally carried by one. The capacity limits have pushed European inland freight rates to record highs. Business News

Vinted shifts focus to US expansion over stock launch: Secondhand marketplace Vinted is prioritizing growth in the United States over a stock market listing. CEO Thomas Plantenga noted that establishing a firm presence in the US market is currently the company’s main goal. Business News

Dutch blue-chip companies promote internal hires for chief executive roles: Companies listed on Amsterdam’s AEX index are leading Europe in promoting from within. Four out of five AEX businesses appointing a new chief executive over the past year selected an internal candidate. Business News

Dutch government keeps kerosene reserves untouched for now: While the Dutch cabinet plans to sell off parts of its strategic oil and fuel reserves, it is retaining its kerosene and diesel stockpiles. Officials consider aviation and fuel markets too vulnerable to geopolitical shocks to release those supplies. Business News

Czech government approves bill banning school smartphones: The Czech cabinet has backed legislation restricting smartphones and mobile devices in schools. If passed by parliament, the rules will take effect in September 2027. Business News

Groningen launches trial for commercial drone use: The province of Groningen has started a two-year pilot program to ease restrictions on commercial drones. The rule change allows temporary permits for electric drones that launch and land vertically. Business News

US crypto bill faces delays over Trump ethics concerns: A major US bill aimed at clarifying cryptocurrency regulations could stall in the Senate. Concerns over President Donald Trump’s personal business interests are creating division, despite support from both parties and the crypto sector. Business News

Night vision maker Theon reports sharp revenue rise: Athens-based defense firm Theon International saw its first-half revenue jump by more than 35 percent to nearly €249 million. The company continues to profit from increased European defense spending on thermal imaging and night vision gear. Business News

Trump pressures the Fed to cut interest rates: President Donald Trump has called on the Federal Reserve to lower US interest rates. He argued that the US should benefit from the lowest borrowing costs in the world compared to other nations. Business News

Meatless District closes after ten years in Oud-West: Vegan restaurant Meatless District on Bilderdijkstraat in Oud-West is closing permanently after a decade in business. The venue was among the early wave of plant-based dining spots in the neighborhood. Restaurant

Bonburger Noord: The favorite burger spot from West now also serves its burgers in Noord, in an old garage turned restaurant with a real Bushwick vibe. Restaurant

Zuiver Bar and Nai Sake Bar: Two bars alternating weekly at De Ruyterkade 143: Zuiver Bar (wine, from the Choux team with Zuiver Wijnen, Wednesday-Friday) and Nai!! Sake Bar (sake, Saturday-Monday). Bar / Café

Monne: Mediterranean restaurant in the De Mirandapaviljoen on the Amstel (formerly Amstel Boathouse): seasonal dishes, a spacious waterside terrace and its own jetty for boats. Restaurant

Cafe de Vos: A new establishment on Bilderdijkstraat that feels like it has been there for years: classic brown-pub atmosphere with a sunny terrace, pool table, lunch and daily specials. Bar / Café

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