Sunday September 20, 2026
Good morning, Amsterdam. Today: historic ship Batavia docks at NDSM wharf, bread prices at Noordermarkt spark debate, and Sloterplasfestival brings music and family stages lakeside.
The activities listed below are just a curated sample of what’s going on in Amsterdam. Check out our completely redesigned events calendar here.
At a glance
🌦️ Weather: Hi 19°C / 66°F (1° cooler than yesterday) · Lo 16°C / 61°F · 8% chance of rain · wind W 29 km/h (16 knots)
🚲 Cycling: Mostly fine, a shower is possible.
🌙 Sun & moon: Sunrise 07:22 · Sunset 19:43 · First Quarter · Moonrise 17:34 · Golden hour 19:13 to 19:43
🌊 Outdoors: Air quality fair (AQI 22) · grass pollen low
💶 Markets: AEX 1,095 (-0.5%) · S&P 500 7,651 (+0.2%) · €1 = $1.15 · $1 = €0.87
Noordermarkt bread prices spark debate across Amsterdam: Organic loaves priced at up to 22 euros have drawn criticism and defence from shoppers on the market. The stallholder argues the long rising time and weight justify the cost.
Historic ship Batavia arrives at NDSM wharf: The reconstructed seventeenth-century vessel was towed from Lelystad to Amsterdam on Friday morning. It will undergo major repair work at Damen Shiprepair before returning to Museum Batavialand.
Amsterdam startup raises funds for blindness prosthesis: Local neurotechnology firm Phosphoenix secured €1.3 million to develop an implant aimed at restoring functional vision. The money will help prepare for clinical trials with Amsterdam UMC.
Patent litigators open AI-native law firm in Amsterdam: Driven Lawyers has opened in the city, using proprietary software and a fixed-fee pricing model. The founders plan to handle commercial disputes alongside technology and patent litigation.
Mayor Femke Halsema visits New York housing project: Amsterdam’s mayor attended the annual Urban20 summit alongside city leaders from around the world. The agenda focuses on shared urban challenges including affordable housing, climate, and migration.
Berghaus complex opens in Amsterdam Nieuw-West: A transformed 1960s office building now houses hundreds of homes, workspaces and street-level amenities. The project forms part of a broader shift towards mixed-use development along Ring Zone West.
Samsung opens pop-up AI gallery on Prinsengracht: A temporary exhibition running until 20 September showcases international artists working with artificial intelligence. Admission to the canal-side venue is free.
Former KLM chief’s power bank causes mid-air fire: A flight to Curaçao returned to Schiphol after a device caught fire in first class. Reports indicate it belonged to former chief executive Camiel Eurlings.
Flea Circus ‘Itch in the Jordaan’ with De Geoliede Chaoten: Two performers blend miniature circus stunts with neighbourhood lore seen from a parasite’s point of view. 20 September, Multiple showtimes, Villa Kakofonie. 📅 FAMILY SHOW
Sloterplasfestival brings music, food trucks and family stages lakeside: Lakeside stages host world music, hip hop, storytelling, a market souk and outdoor sports for the neighbourhood. 20 September, 12:00-22:00, Oever Sloterplas (tegenover Theater De Meervaart). 📅 FESTIVALS
Synthesizers, parkour and quiet play at Het Kleine Grote Festival: Hands-on electronic synths, toddler yoga, a parkour course with an airbag, and story buses suited for young families. 20 September, QRU. 📅 FAMILY SHOW
Fruit garland crafting for Harvest Festival: Drop in before mid-afternoon to assemble colourful fruit garlands inspired by Sukkot and global autumn harvest traditions. 20 September, 12:00 tot 16:00 uur, Wereldmuseum Amsterdam. 📅 KIDS WORKSHOP
Voorleesmiddag: Heel de Wereld with author Milja Praagman: Children sit for a picture-book reading by the author, followed by drawing and crafts together at the tables. 20 September, 13:00, De Nieuwe Liefde. 📅 STORY / READING
A musical retelling of Rumpelstiltskin: Stage adaptation of the classic fairy tale tackling love and oddity through straw-spinning songs. 20 September, Theater de Krakeling. 📅 FAMILY SHOW
Outdoor rhythm and boomwhacker theater in KOLÓ: Families gather among the trees for an interactive outdoor music show featuring percussion, drumming, and group singing. 20 September, Theater de Krakeling. 📅 FAMILY SHOW
Ultimate Frisbee drills and games at Fly Kids Festival: TeamNL players run youth matches, instructional games, and show play across two free sessions in Park Middenhoven. 20 September, 13:00 – 17:00, Park Middenhoven sportevent, amstelveen, events, free, kids. 📅 SPORTS (ACTIVE)
Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique under Klaus Mäkelä: Romantic orchestral drama paired with Robert Schumann’s ‘Spring’ symphony in the Main Hall, with intermission drinks covered. 20 September, 8:15 PM – 10:20 PM, The Concertgebouw, Main Hall. 📅 THEATER
Christian Tetzlaff plays Dvořák at The Royal Concertgebouw: A seventy-minute morning programme without intermission pairs Dvořák’s violin concerto with Kodály’s folk-infused dances from Galánta. 20 September, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, The Royal Concertgebouw, Main Hall. 📅 MUSEUM / EDUCATIONAL
Classic French chansons sung live at Splendor: Sixteen vocalists accompanied by accordion, piano, double bass and percussion tackle well-known French standards. 20 September, 20:00, Splendor. 📅 THEATER
Austin indie pop veterans Voxtrot play Paradiso: Back on the road after a long hiatus, the Texan five-piece brings early blog-era songs and new material upstairs. 20 September, 19:30, Paradiso. 📅 TALKS / IDEAS
Brazilian live music evening with Roda da Holanda: A live Brazilian music session gets going on a Saturday night in the western docks. 20 September, 20:00, Toekomstmuziek. 📅 THEATER
Russian romantic piano masterworks played by Martin Oei: Pianist Martin Oei tackles dramatic Russian pieces, including Prokofiev’s seventh sonata, with drinks covered in the ticket price. 20 September, 14:15 – 16:15, Concertgebouw, Recital Hall. 📅 THEATER
Rehearse and perform a Haydn symphony in one morning: Musicians meet cold at ten, spend ninety minutes learning a symphony, then play it through. 20 September, 10:00 – 12:00, De Hallen Amsterdam. 📅 CLASS
British Civil Service Choir sings Lauridsen and Gjeilo: Visiting singers from UK government offices fill the wooden church hall with contemporary sacred choral works. 20 September, 16:00, Amstelkerk. 📅 THEATER
Bach’s sacred cantata Geist und Seele wird verwirret at De Thomas: Chamber musicians present Bach’s expressive solo alto cantata inside the modernist neighborhood church in Zuidas. 20 September, De Thomas. 📅 FESTIVALS
Ulrich Seidl retrospective and exhibition opens at Eye Filmmuseum: Unseen archival materials paired with complete cinema screenings, including rarely shown 35mm prints from the vault. 20 September, Eye Filmmuseum. 📅 ART / MUSEUMS
Underground stand-up comedy at The JR Scheme: Curated club comedy backed by sound cues, dynamic lighting and live musical interludes in a basement room. 20 September, 20:00 – 22:30, Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam. 📅 THEATER
Melkweg Fandag welcomes members for talks and live acts: Supporters who back emerging talent programs gather inside the OZ room for private talks and performances. 20 September, Melkweg. 📅 TALKS / IDEAS
William Kentridge speaks on uncertainty, absurdity, and making art: A live stage conversation about creative process, the Johannesburg arts centre, and the artist’s new book on studio practice. 20 September, 14:30, De Balie. 📅 TALKS / IDEAS
Make harvest garlands for Feest op zondag: Oogstfeest: Children string fruit decorations inspired by Sukkot booths while learning about seasonal harvest traditions across different cultures. 20 September, 12:00 tot 16:00 uur, Wereldmuseum Amsterdam. 📅 KIDS WORKSHOP
Upcycled high fashion on the catwalk at Muna Renewed: The thrift shop turns its floor into an afternoon runway showing reworked secondhand garments and tailored upcycled finds. 20 September, 14:00, Café en Kringloop Muna. 📅 DANCE / PERFORMANCE
Duo presentation by Afra Eisma and Tobias Thaens at NAP+: Two artists show new paired works inside the monumental market hall as part of the contemporary fair. 20 September, 13:30 – 14:30, No Man’s Art Gallery. 📅 ART / MUSEUMS
Six hundred stalls across the IJ-Hallen flea market: Bargain hunting through rows of secondhand homewares, vintage fashion and mid-century industrial furniture. 20 September, 09:00 – 16:30, IJ-Hallen. 📅 FOOD / MARKETS
Dr. Jason Leong brings In Laughing Memory to town: The Malaysian physician turned comedian works through personal grief and losing his friend to cancer onstage. 20 September, 15:00 & 19:00, Boom Chicago. 📅 THEATER
Artisan produce, food trucks and vintage crafts at Pure Markt: Local foodmakers sell artisanal pantry staples while children ride an antique swing carousel between the trees. 20 September, 11:00 – 18:00, Park Frankendael. 📅 FOOD / MARKETS
Guided cycling tour of Amsterdam Noord working-class estates: Pedal past early twentieth-century garden villages from Buiksloterweg ferry to Tuindorp Oostzaan while exploring public housing history. 20 September, 14:00 – 17:00, Café de Pont. 📅 TOUR
Balfolk social dancing, beginner steps and shared potluck: Learn foundational European folk dance steps before the open social, punctuated by a homemade dessert spread. 20 September, 16:15, De Mezrab. 📅 DANCE / PERFORMANCE
Vincent van Gogh inspired yoga and meditation: Hour-long sessions in the museum auditorium combine meditation and postures themed around Vincent’s artwork, with mats provided on site. 20 September, Van Gogh Museum. 📅 CLASS
Walk through De Kaskantine’s self-built urban farm: A guided walkthrough showing the repurposed shipping containers, off-grid water systems and community garden plots in action. 20 September, 13:00, Kaskantine. 📅 TOUR
Depot de Munt opens its historic print collection: Guided viewing of eight hundred historic engravings and municipal artefacts directly beside the famous mint tower. 20 September, 15:00 – 16:30, Gebouw Muntstaete, Depot de Munt. 📅 TOUR
Climb 155 steps inside the Oudekerkstoren: Sturdy shoes are required for this steep ascent through narrow medieval passages up to panoramic city views. 20 September, Oude Kerk. 📅 TOUR
easylaughs WORKSHOP – The Feels: beginner emotional improv: Two hours on stage exploring physical emotion and expressive body language, completely welcoming to beginners. 20 September, 12:00 – 14:00, CREA. 📅 WORKSHOP
Free flower arranging workshop with ’t Lievertje Bloemisten: Local florists guide you through composition and stem selection to build a fresh bouquet you carry home. 20 September, 12:00, Arti et Amicitiae. 📅 WORKSHOP
Paper craft and shared supplies at Craftyvinx Scrapbooking Meetup: All paper, adhesives, and materials come supplied alongside your first brewery drink for an afternoon of crafting. 20 September, 13:30 – 15:30, Brouwerij Troost. 📅 WORKSHOP
Trampoline Jumpen voor +: open adult arena session: Super-trampolines, an airbag drop and jump towers open exclusively to adults looking to practice flips. 20 September, 18:00 – 19:00, VROG Trampoline, Parkour/freerun, Urban Dance. 📅 SPORTS (ACTIVE)
Morning vinyasa flow on the riverside sand at Pllek: Teacher Bianka Duka guides breathwork, chanting, and movement open to all levels, with mats and blankets supplied. 20 September, 10:30, Pllek. 📅 OUTDOOR / ACTIVE
GolfKring’s monthly nine holes and drinks in Amstelveen: Club members and clinic learners head out for nine holes of golf followed by casual drinks together in Amstelveen. 20 September, De Kring. 📅 SPORTS (ACTIVE)
Informal playtesting at Amsterdam Indie Game Developers: Local coders, artists and players gather with laptops to test works in progress and swap honest notes. 20 September, Nieuwe Anita. 📅 NETWORKING
Explore leadership and tempo through body percussion at De KHL: Roy Groeneveld leads a physical group session tapping into personal rhythm, creativity, and collaborative teamwork. 20 September, 11:00, De KHL. 📅 WORKSHOP
Esh Pitaria & Bar: Taking over the renovated former Martinot space, this cosy, modern pitaria is filled with plants and warm lighting. It serves guests everything from quick weekday bites to slow Friday night dinners.
Mister Nata: With shops on Van Woustraat and Haarlemmerdijk, this bakery specialises in traditional Portuguese custard tarts. Visitors will find fresh, crispy pastéis de nata baked throughout the entire day.
Brewdog: Located inside Amsterdam Central Station with views over the IJ River, this industrial-style Scottish spot serves signature craft beers alongside hearty plates like burgers, wings, and Dutch Haystack breakfasts.
Good to know
New on Dutch streaming: 90 Day Fiancé (HBO Max), Daredevil (Netflix), Ramon’s Buitenkeuken (Disney+), Ski School 2 (Prime Video)
New on the big screen: Het Vergeten Eiland opens Friday at 4 cinemas, and Forgotten Island at Pathé Arena and Vue Amsterdam. Showtimes here.
Overheard on Reddit: A thread asking where to find British-style crispy chili beef in Amsterdam prompted commenters to explain that Dutch-Chinese cuisine relies on different regional traditions, though a few recommended Sichuan restaurants in the city that serve similar dishes.
Today’s supermarket deals: Hertog Ijssalon triple chocolate (70% off) from Albert Heijn, All Dr. Oetker Ristorante pizzas (3 for €5.99) from Jumbo.
Did you know? Ajax’s old De Meer stadium disappeared into housing, but the new neighbourhood kept football memory alive with street names like Anfieldroad and Wembleylaan.
187 years ago today: On September 20th, 1839, the Netherlands’ first railway line opened between Amsterdam and Haarlem.
In case you missed it
Our three most clicked-on items from yesterday’s newsletter.
In tomorrow’s edition: Investigative journalist Huib Modderkolk speaks at Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, New Constellations plays Paradiso, and Amsterdam Street Medics host a session at Vrankrijk.
Have a great Sunday.
Running something in Amsterdam? Tell us about it and we will take a look.
Take a jacket along if you are heading out to the water this afternoon.
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