Essentially Amsterdam – Friday, August 28, 2026

Friday August 28, 2026

Good morning, Amsterdam. Today: night closures for large ships on the Amsterdam Rhine Canal, a rare books course at Allard Pierson, and the Pluk de Nacht open air cinema festival at Het Stenen Hoofd.

Amsterdam-Rhine Canal closed at night to large ships: Rijkswaterstaat will partially close sections of the waterway between 22:00 and 06:00 from 1 September due to a shortage of traffic controllers. The measure affects dozens of vessels longer than 135 metres and those carrying hazardous cargo each night.

Netherlands records its hottest summer since 1901: The summer of 2026 was the warmest in the Netherlands since records began in 1901, averaging 19.3 degrees in De Bilt. Meteorologists warn that such heatwaves could occur every five years under current climate conditions.

Amsterdam Cupcake Company reopens shop for one day: The bakery closed its physical storefront in 2022 to operate online but kept its kitchen on Marco Polostraat. It will welcome walk-in customers this Saturday morning to mark its fifteenth anniversary.

Tram 26 extended to Strandeiland on IJburg: Tram 26 is extending its route to Centrumeiland and Strandeiland from late August. The roughly two-kilometre expansion connects the newest IJburg islands directly to Centraal Station in 25 minutes.

High-speed rail line to shut for months: ProRail will close the high-speed line between Hoofddorp and Rotterdam for 112 days in 2028 and 50 days in 2029. The shutdowns are needed to fix structural flaws across ten viaducts.

Kyndryl drops takeover bid for DigiD operator Solvinity: American IT company Kyndryl has abandoned its proposed €100 million purchase of Amsterdam-based Solvinity following a government veto on national security grounds. The Dutch platform hosts critical public services including DigiD.

Circusbende Festival opens four-day run in Erasmuspark: Circusbende Festival has opened in Erasmuspark for four days of performances, music, and workshops. The event received approval in mid-July after municipal rule changes on tent pegs created uncertainty.

Ferry crews set to join September 9 transit strike: A national public transport strike on 9 September is expected to include the GVB ferries across the IJ. Amsterdam-Noord, home to 112,500 people, would be left virtually unreachable.

Up to 70 millimeters of rain on the way: Forecasters expect 60 to 70 millimeters across Noord-Holland by the middle of next week, a real dent in the drought. Heavy storms could bring local flooding first.

Hands on science workshops and AI demos at NEMO: Hands-on maker workshops and an auditorium demo where visitors try to spot the single real human hidden among AI gamers. 28 August, 10:00, NEMO Science Museum, Amsterdam. MUSEUM / EDUCATIONAL

Early tent screenings for young film fans at Pluk de Nacht: Deckchairs, headphones and classic cinema under canvas for younger filmgoers ahead of the main outdoor festival screening. 28 August, 19:30, Pluk de Nacht. FAMILY SHOW

Kids yoga and drawing workshop at De Kinderboekwinkel: Dutch-language yoga and drawing exercises focused on concentration, designed for children aged seven through ten. 28 August, 15:15, De Kinderboekwinkel. KIDS WORKSHOP

Acrobatics and modern fakirism with La Campistany at Theater De Krakeling: La Campistany blends dance, acrobatics, live sound and modern fakirism using a fluorescent tube as a trapeze. 28 August, 16:00, Theater De Krakeling *Onderdeel van Circusbende Festival. FAMILY SHOW

Mandarin storytelling session for young children at OBA Buitenveldert: Joanna and Celine from Taipei lead a Mandarin storytelling session for young children in the youth corner. 28 August, 15:30, OBA Buitenveldert – Jeugdhoek. STORY / READING

Alexia Harpa trio kicks off a Friday jazz jam at Contra: An opening set from the trio gives way to a late jam session, with free entry for players. 28 August, 20:00, Contra.

Trombonist Nabou Claerhout brings her quartet Indigo to Bimhuis: Trombonist Nabou Claerhout introduces a refreshed lineup, playing material from the Antwerp quartet’s latest release, Indigo. 28 August, 20:30, Bimhuis.

Mongolian throat singing and traditional music at Zonnehuis: West Mongolian master Baatarsuren Chadraabal joins Rowan Hartsuiker for an evening of Central Asian throat singing and traditional instruments. 28 August, 18:30, ‘t Zonnehuis.

Combattimento plays Handel and London baroque classics in Amstelkerk: Combattimento performs eighteenth-century works by George Frideric Handel alongside pieces by his contemporary London composers. 28 August, 20:00, Amstelkerk.

American songwriter Shakey Graves brings rootsy blues to Tolhuistuin: The Austin songwriter brings his narrative blend of rootsy blues, folk and Americana across the IJ. 28 August, 19:30, Tolhuistuin.

Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti and Frank Rosaly play the Concertgebouw basement: Bolivian singer Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti and Puerto Rican drummer Frank Rosaly blend jazz, cumbia and art-punk in the Koorzaal. 28 August, 19:30, The Concertgebouw.

Anastasia Kobekina performs Elgar’s Cello Concerto at the Concertgebouw: 28 August, 20:00, The Concertgebouw.

Singer-songwriter Lakshmi brings dark synths and new tracks to Concerto: The Dutch singer-songwriter brings her ethereal vocals, dark synths and new album tracks to the historic record shop. 28 August, 16:30, Concerto.

Five experimental sets of noise and storytelling at Tempel: Five live sets moving between noise, solo cello and storytelling, loosely themed around a mischievous German folklore figure. 28 August, 19:30, Tempel.

Robot Koch plays ambient electronica and spatial sound at The Stargate: Ambient electronica and spatial sound performed live inside a converted historic chapel and tea house surrounded by water. 28 August, 07:30 – 22:00, The Stargate.

Listen to live poolside classical duets while floating in Flevoparkbad: Float on an inflatable while clarinetist Jelmer de Moed and pianist Rik Kuppen play classical duets poolside. 28 August, 19:30, Flevoparkbad.

Open air cinema festival Pluk de Nacht returns to Het Stenen Hoofd: Beach chairs on the IJ waterfront showing unreleased festival features, documentaries and shorts under the open sky. 28 August, 19:00 – 00:00, Het Stenen Hoofd. FILM

Sci-fi thriller Ex Machina screens on the roof of NEMO Science Museum: Alex Garland’s sci-fi thriller screens under the open sky on the sloping museum roof stairs, popcorn included. 28 August, 21:00, NEMO Science Museum. FILM

Contemporary dance in Vondelpark with Introdans and Henny Jurriëns Studio: Contemporary dance outdoors in the park, featuring works by Marika Meoli and Patrizio Bucci alongside Introdans. 28 August, 20:30, Vondelpark Openluchttheater. DANCE / PERFORMANCE

Circusbende Festival brings contemporary circus and live music outdoors: New circus, live music and mostly language-free performances across a mix of ticketed and donation-based outdoor stages. 28 August, Circusbende. FESTIVALS

Experts discuss photographer Ed van der Elsken at Rijksmuseum: Curator Hinde Haest, darkroom printer Hans Bol and photographer Cynthia Boll discuss Ed van der Elsken’s work and techniques. 28 August, 14:00 – 15:30, Rijksmuseum. TALKS / IDEAS

Roman pizza and wine pairing dinner on Newtonstraat: Five varieties of slow-fermented Roman pizza al taglio served alongside paired wines from Cave de l’Est and dessert. 28 August, Newtonstraat, Amsterdam-Oost. FOOD / MARKETS

South Asian variety show Magic Masala at Badhuistheater: South Asian dance, live music and theatre come together in a community variety show presented by (Un)Scripted Productions. 28 August, 20:00, Badhuistheater. THEATER

Learn the fundamentals of historical rare books at Allard Pierson: A three-day beginner course covering rare books, focusing on historical production methods and physical usage before 1800. 28 August, 09:30, Allard Pierson. CLASS

Rooftop morning yoga and meditation at NEMO Science Museum: Rocinta Mohan leads an all-levels morning class blending hatha yoga, breathwork and meditation high above the city skyline. 28 August, NEMO Science Museum. SPORTS (ACTIVE)

Community gardening and sustainable planting at Het Groene Veld: Volunteers gather near the dome in Noord to help tend the community plots and experiment with sustainable gardening. 28 August, 13:00, Buitenterrein Het Groene Veld, Buikslotermeerdijk 95 of via G.J. Scheurleerweg 212c, Amsterdam Noord, Nederland. VOLUNTEERING

Families track nocturnal flyers for Nacht van de Vleermuis: Armed with bat detectors, families head out into the dark to track and listen to native nocturnal flyers. 28 August, 20:30, Marineterrein.

Radio Veronica hosts a Top 3000 music quiz: Radio Veronica hosts its live trivia night dedicated to the Top 3000, open to selected pre-registered teams. 28 August, 20:00, Q-Factory. GAMES / HOBBIES

Morning open air Chi Kung practice at De VerbroederIJ: Gentle standing exercises in the open air, designed to wake up muscles and focus your breathing before the day starts. 28 August, 09:30, De VerbroederIJ. CLASS

Learn hands on bicycle repair at De Ceuvel: A covered outdoor workshop space where you can learn to repair, build and service your own bicycle. 28 August, 12:00, De Ceuvel. WORKSHOP

Tour and paint landscape details at the Van Gogh Museum: A short gallery tour followed by a studio session exploring landscape composition, color and Vincent’s distinctive brushwork. 28 August, Multiple times, Van Gogh Museum. WORKSHOP

Learn to make authentic fresh pasta and seasonal sauces from scratch: Micaela leads an evening of making authentic Italian pasta and seasonal sauces from scratch. 28 August, 18:00, Olivity – Catering / Cooking workshops / Private dining / Greek products. WORKSHOP

Beginner pottery wheel workshop for couples at Atelier Kleie: A beginner-friendly clay session covering basic pinch-pot techniques to craft a cup, plate or bowl to take home. 28 August, 18:00, Atelier Kleie. WORKSHOP

Taste Hungarian wines from Tokaj by the water at Dek West: A sommelier introduces four pours from the Tokaj region on the water at Dek West. 28 August, 20:00, Stichting De Bonte Zwaan. TASTING

Founders and developers share pitches and drinks at TAG: Founders and developers meet to share startup scars, pitch early ideas and swap notes over informal Friday drinks. 28 August, 18:00, TAG. NETWORKING

Young professionals gather for the ORAM Next Gen Festival: Around four hundred young professionals and regional leaders gather to tackle practical issues across energy, data and governance. 28 August, 16:00 – 23:00, UP Events.

Ceintuur Theater: All-day rotisserie restaurant in a former De Pijp cinema, with chef Atti de Moll behind the pans. RESTAURANT

Laundry Boy: Laundromat and coffee bar in one: hand in your laundry and drink a good coffee while you wait. BAR / CAFÉ

Ottolenghi: Ottolenghi has finally landed in Amsterdam, inside the Conservatorium hotel, made for a long lunch. RESTAURANT

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