Essentially Amsterdam – Thursday, October 8, 2026

Thursday October 8, 2026

Good morning, Amsterdam. Today: self-driving GVB minibuses could start in Amsterdam Noord, the former Bijlmerbajes prison reopens as a venue during ADE, and Willem de Kooning joins the Rijksmuseum’s Gallery of Honour.

Self-driving GVB minibuses could start in Amsterdam Noord: GVB director Claudia Zuiderwijk wants a first trial of driverless public transport within three years. Small buses for six to ten passengers would link quieter neighbourhoods to transport hubs.

Former Bijlmerbajes prison to reopen as Bajes venue during ADE: The former prison site will host club nights, concerts and exhibitions across three spaces, with a total capacity of 2,900. Its first programme runs during Amsterdam Dance Event from October 21 to 25.

Amsterdam’s Zuidergasfabriek water tower seeks business tenant: Stadsherstel bought the monumental tower in Bella Vistapark from the city earlier this year. Once restored, it will be let to the entrepreneur who best fits the park.

Slotermeer’s first residents lived in a windmill: Slotermeer’s official opening in 1952 came with a royal visit and a celebrated first-residents story. A local family account and a Haarlemmerweg windmill complicate that version.

Willem de Kooning to join the Rijksmuseum’s Gallery of Honour: Two of Willem de Kooning’s best-known paintings hang beside Rembrandt’s Night Watch from 9 October. They accompany an exhibition of more than 120 of his works, the first large overview of his drawings in the Netherlands.

Nobody knows who removed Westerpark wildlife crossing: Tree trunks and boulders that helped animals cross under the railway in Westerpark have disappeared. The district official responsible admits she has no idea who took them away.

Free children’s play exhibition to open in Amsterdam-Oost on 13 October: Children aged 2 to 7 can explore old household objects and try activities including posting letters, washing and using tools. The three-day exhibition requires no advance registration.

Dutch renters need €5,742 monthly income: New tenants paid an average €1,914 a month from July to September, and landlords typically require income at least three times the rent. Amsterdam had the country’s highest average rent per square metre.

Amsterdam residents can report threatened local facilities: DeGoedeZaak has opened a reporting point for threatened or missing public facilities, including libraries, pools and community centres. The group wants residents’ reports to reach politicians as councils settle their budgets.

Cabinet plans to require hybrid heat pumps when boilers are replaced from 2029: The cabinet plans to tighten standards for replacement heating systems from 2029. Working boilers can remain in place, while apartments and listed buildings are exempt.

Cherry Town: Shostakovich’s English-language comic operetta: Shostakovich’s operetta turns a housing shortage and property speculation into physical theatre, hip-hop, mime and a story about love, for ages 10+. 8 October, 20:00, Nationale Opera & Ballet, Grote Zaal. THEATER

Lees LIVE with Jessica Townsend, questions and book signing: Kirsten König interviews the fantasy author, with audience questions and signed books; the conversation suits confident readers aged roughly 10/11 to 14+. 8 October, 10:30, De Kinderboekwinkel. STORY / READING

Game On brings playable video-game history to NEMO: This all-ages exhibition lets visitors try consoles from Atari 2600 to PlayStation 5, while exploring game design, creativity and research. 8 October, NEMO Science Museum. ART / MUSEUMS

Pim and Pom’s Rijksmuseum mouse hunt for young families: A 45-minute cuddly audio tour sends children aged three to six through the galleries with two talking cats and small tasks. 8 October, Rijksmuseum. KIDS WORKSHOP

A world tour among six countries’ trees in Pinetum: Children aged eight to twelve follow clues with an adult, using a supplied exploration backpack; reserve one at least two days ahead. 8 October, 10:00 – 15:00. OUTDOOR / ACTIVE

Jason Moran alone at the piano: The jazz pianist plays a solo programme in the Kleine Zaal, with no interval; drinks aren’t included. 8 October, 20:15, Het Concertgebouw. DANCE / PERFORMANCE

Panchiko with Alison’s Halo and CJ’s Mirra Maze: Three acts share the bill, with CJ’s Mirra Maze opening, Alison’s Halo next and Panchiko closing; the concert is sold out. 8 October, Paradiso. DANCE / PERFORMANCE

Mary in the Junkyard with Everett Dolphin: The young UK band pairs avant-garde experimentation with melodic storytelling, with Everett Dolphin on the bill as support. 8 October, 20:30, Paradiso. DANCE / PERFORMANCE

Pip Millett brings Manchester soul to Noord: The British singer works across R&B and soul, with her 2022 debut album following the breakthrough single “Make Me Cry.” 8 October, 20:30, ‘t Zonnehuis. DANCE / PERFORMANCE

Fontaines D.C. records on the shop speakers: Concerto’s record-shop programme includes this listening session, one of its regular music gatherings alongside signings and in-store events. 8 October, 17:00, Concerto. DANCE / PERFORMANCE

Pianoduo Festival Amsterdam links Bach with modern voices: The four-day festival pairs two-piano repertoire from Bach and Schubert with contemporary composers including Philip Glass, Steve Reich and Arvo Pärt. 8 October, De Duif, Concertgemaal, Zonnehuis, Willem de Zwijgerkerk. FESTIVALS

Family Affair, jazz and soul shaped by southern Africa: Vocalist Shishani and pianist Ernst Vranckx perform with a trio and guest saxophonist, drawing on family ties and southern African musical traditions. 8 October, 20:30 – 22:00, BIMHUIS. DANCE / PERFORMANCE

A guided park walk for women wary of networking: Fashion, design, sustainability and circularity professionals walk together in a group capped at 15, with creative surprises to open conversation. 8 October, 17:30 – 19:00, Flevopark. NETWORKING

NOVOGEN: portraits of 166 hens and vaccine supply chains: Daniel Szalai photographs individual Novogen White chickens bred for vaccine production, alongside images tracing how their eggs move through pharmaceuticals. 8 October, 10:00 – 17:00, @droog. ART / MUSEUMS

Cobra artists’ textile patterns move from paintings to fabric: Postwar designs by Constant, Corneille, Karel Appel and others show how avant-garde Cobra paintings became repeat patterns for clothes and interiors. 8 October, Cobra Museum. ART / MUSEUMS

An €8 three-course neighbourhood dinner in Tuinen van West: Wilde Chefs cook a three-course meal at community restaurant The Beach, where diners can meet neighbours and get to know the cooks. 8 October, 18:00, Tuinen van West. RESTAURANT

Expats vs Holland: free English comedy open mic: Dutch and international performers face off in an open mic format, with drinks and bitterballen available and an after-party following the show. 8 October, 19:30, Café De Plakhoek. THEATER

Moth watching after dark in Amsterdamse Bos: Beginners and experienced nature-watchers learn about moth species and their lives, while keeping an eye out for other nocturnal wildlife. 8 October, 20:00, Amsterdamse Bos. OUTDOOR / ACTIVE

The Island Within Us, stories layered across Pampus: Historical and contemporary photographs pair with personal accounts across the fort island, where QR codes lead visitors between images and stories. 8 October, all day, Fort Pampus. ART / MUSEUMS

Shall We Dance? Japanese ballroom drama with English subtitles: This 1996 Japanese film by Masayuki Suō runs 136 minutes and screens with English subtitles. 8 October, 15:15, LAB111. FILM

Museum Pieces in the City: a free Amsterdam walk: Starting at Huis Willet-Holthuysen, guides Gijs Stork and Floor van Spaendonk connect artworks, objects and buildings on a Dutch-language city walk. 8 October, 15:00, Amsterdam Museum. TOUR

Thursday karaoke on the Zeedijk: old songs, new voices: Free karaoke runs late, with singers taking on old songs and bringing new voices to a bar operating since 1946. 8 October, 20:00, Casablanca. DANCE / PERFORMANCE

Step-by-step painting with wine and bites in central Amsterdam: A small adult class offers step-by-step drawing and painting guidance tailored to experience, with materials, refreshments and individual feedback. 8 October, 19:15, Art Studio Amsterdam/De Boomsspijker. CLASS

Try Shakespeare in English with William Sutton: A 90-minute practical workshop for any experience level, focused on learning to perform Shakespeare; it forms part of CrossOver Festival in English. 8 October, 16:30, Badhuistheater. WORKSHOP

Sewing Atelier: bring a project or start with the basics: This weekly, beginner-friendly club provides sewing machines and basic materials, and welcomes people bringing their own project or starting from scratch. 8 October, 15:00 – 17:00, Dynamo Atelier 77. WORKSHOP

Free castanets and Sevillanas class for beginners, no experience needed: Thursday sessions in a ten-week course, beginners first and more advanced dancers after, all ages welcome, register by email. 8 October, 16:00, Podium Genieten. CLASS

October Drawing Month at the Royal Palace: Visitors can sketch with a free guide while supplies last; a coach is present on weekends and daily during autumn break. 8 October, 12:00 – 15:00, Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam – Koninklijk Paleis Dam. WORKSHOP

Arvind Denim Lab: Indian denim supplier to Levi’s and Gap opens its first European design and product development hub inside Denim City at De Hallen.

Stadscafé: All-day restaurant, café and bar with terrace at Westergas, serving food and drinks from morning through evening.

The Magic Table: Interactive dinner concept at hotel Andaz featuring five courses with interactive elements throughout the meal.

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