Essentially Amsterdam — Sunday, July 12, 2026

Sunday July 12, 2026

Good morning, Amsterdam. Today the Bulgarian choir performs at the Concertgebouw, Pure Markt returns to Amstelpark, and free puppet theater runs at ARTIS, plus dozens more ways to spend a July Sunday.

Amsterdam tightens Airbnb rental rules: Amsterdam is limiting short-stay rentals like Airbnb to 15 days per year for residents. The new rule affects homeowners across the city, including people who rent out a room or apartment occasionally.

ETIAS delay pushed to 2027: The EU has delayed ETIAS again, and the new entry authorization for non-EU travelers is now not expected before 2027. If you travel in and out of the Schengen zone, or have visitors doing so, it changes when this will actually matter.

Liander plans 2,600 power boxes: Liander needs to place 2,600 new electricity substations across Amsterdam to help prevent future power failures as demand grows. The plan is running into neighborhood resistance because many residents don’t want one on their street.

Herman Brood market flooded with fakes: Experts say most Herman Brood works now being sold are counterfeit, including pieces circulating in Amsterdam’s art market. The warning is a reminder to check provenance carefully before buying at fairs or online auctions.

Edible allotment garden in Noord: Daan Goppel keeps an allotment at Tuinpark de Molen in Amsterdam Noord that works as a food forest, with edible plants throughout the plot. The garden includes watercress in the pond and even a French onion-soup tree. 🌿

Stranded ship in Nieuw-West: A beached ship has become a noticeable object in this part of Amsterdam Nieuw-West. If you’re passing through the area, it’s an unusual thing to see in an otherwise quiet stretch of the neighborhood. 🚢

Package theft is up in Amsterdam: Amsterdam police logged 94 reports of stolen packages in the first four months of this year, up 15% from the same period two years ago, with the sharpest rise in Amsterdam Oost. Officers say thieves often just walk into building lobbies, so pickup points may be safer for deliveries.

Amsterdam tech leaders answer Eindhoven: A public exchange between Amsterdam tech leaders and former ASML CEO Peter Wennink has turned into a wider discussion about why the Amsterdam and Eindhoven regions work together so little. The debate touches on the city’s role in the Dutch innovation landscape.

Free puppet theater at ARTIS: ARTIS is running free puppet theater shows in the park, with multiple daily time slots through August 29. You still need regular ARTIS admission, but there’s no extra ticket for the show. July 11–August 29, multiple times daily, ARTIS, Amsterdam Family Show

Kwaku kids’ day at Bijlmer Park Theater: Kwaku Festival’s first family day brings theater, crafts, face painting, a bookstore pop-up, and live music to Bijlmer Park Theater. It includes a performance of Anansi the Spider and the Greedy Tiger for ages 3+. July 12, 17:00, Bijlmer Park Theater 📅 Festival / Fair

Star Wars screens at Theater de Omval: The Mandalorian and Grogu screens as a family film at Theater de Omval. Tickets range from free to €11.50, so it’s a straightforward option if you want an afternoon film with children. July 12, 14:30, Theater de Omval 📅 Family Show

E.T. screens at EYE Amsterdam: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is back on the big screen at EYE Amsterdam, with English audio and Dutch subtitles. It’s a chance to see Spielberg’s 1982 film in a setting that works well for international families. July 12, 1:30 PM, EYE Amsterdam, IJpromenade 1 Family Show

Free kids circus at Pllek: Ruige Rakkers returns with a special extra edition featuring Circus Kristal for children aged 4–12. It’s a free drop-in at NDSM, so families can come and go during the afternoon without booking ahead. July 12, 13:00–16:00, Pllek, NDSM Wharf, Amsterdam Noord 📅 Kids Workshop

Mouse House craft workshop: Het Muizenhuis is running a Saturday craft workshop where children make their own tiny mouse door. It’s a hands-on activity in the city center, with sessions every Saturday through August 29. Through August 29, 10:00–17:00, Het Muizenhuis, city center Kids Workshop

Caterpillar safari at De Ceuvel: This mini safari at De Ceuvel looks at caterpillars, butterflies, and what the insects eat. It’s a hands-on outdoor activity for children in Amsterdam Noord. July 12, 11:00, De Ceuvel, Amsterdam Noord. 📅 Outdoor / Active

Rembrandthuis runs daily demos: The Rembrandthuis is holding daily painting and etching demonstrations through July, along with visits from “Kwast,” a child-friendly guide character. It’s a practical family outing if you want something hands-on in the museum. July 1–31, Museum Rembrandthuis, Jodenbreestraat 4. 📅 Museum / Educational

Kids can climb at Fun Forest: Klimpark Fun Forest is offering treetop climbing throughout July in the Amsterdamse Bos. There are multiple routes and difficulty levels, so it works for a range of ages. July 1–31, Klimpark Fun Forest, Amsterdamse Bos (Amstelveen). 📅 Outdoor / Active

Parent-child workshop at the OBA: This parent-child workshop at the Central Library invites children ages 4 and up into an imaginative, creative session with an adult. It’s a gentle activity to do together. July 12, OBA Amsterdam. 📅 Kids Workshop

Bulgarian choir at the Concertgebouw: Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares brings its women’s choir sound to Amsterdam, with folk material and modern arrangements in the Concertgebouw’s Main Hall. The group has performed since 1951 and is marking 75 years. July 12, 20:00, Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA) 📅

Summer concerts continue at Concertgebouw: The Royal Concertgebouw is running its summer concert series with daily programming from classical to pop-rock. It’s an easy way to hear a mix of styles in one hall, without needing to pick just one genre. July 11–August 30, 12:00–23:00, Royal Concertgebouw, Amsterdam Zuid 📅

Baskery plays Paradiso: The Swedish trio Baskery brings its banjo-led mix of Americana, rock, and folk to Paradiso. The band leans into a rough-edged sound, with banjos doing the work you’d usually expect from guitars. July 12, 19:30, Paradiso 📅

Roda de Samba at Bimhuis: Bimhuis hosts a Roda de Samba evening with singers, bands, and traditional instruments in a live Brazilian format. It’s a straightforward night of samba, with the terrace setting adding to the summer feel. July 12, 20:30, Bimhuis 📅

Free concert in Vondelpark: Akari Bastiaens and Trio Ventissimo play a free lunchtime concert at the Vondelpark Openluchttheater. It’s chamber music outdoors, so the setup is informal and easy to drop into. July 12, 12:00, Vondelpark Openluchttheater 📅

Baroque and jazz on the Wallen: A hidden courtyard garden on the Wallen is hosting a concert that pairs baroque classical music with South African jazz. The setting is at Bethaniënstraat 14, so it’s one of those tucked-away city-center events. July 12, 15:00, Bethaniënstraat 14, De Wallen 📅

Brazilian jazz night at Kwaku: ZOJazz Stage at Kwaku Festival is putting on a Brazilian jazz night with Saravá Roda de Samba, followed by DJ Lucas Benjamin playing jazz, samba, and soul. It’s an outdoor evening in Amsterdam Zuidoost with a mix of live music and DJ set. July 12, 19:00, ZOJazz Stage at Kwaku Festival, Amsterdam Zuidoost 📅

Picnic concert in Oosterpark: The Cello Biënnale Quartet plays a 60-minute outdoor picnic concert in Oosterpark. Bring a blanket and hear cello music in the park. July 12, 12:30–13:30, Oosterpark. 📅

Free recorder concert at Rode Hoed: Open Recorder Days Amsterdam includes this free afternoon concert at the Rode Hoed, with early and contemporary recorder music under the theme “Within Sound, Between Old, New… and You!” The concert runs in the middle of the afternoon and has free entry. July 12, 15:00–17:00, Rode Hoed 📅

Sunday jazz at H’ART Museum: The H’ART Museum’s Sunday jazz series continues with the Marietta Arushanian Quartet. It’s an afternoon set in one of Amsterdam’s museum spaces, with live music alongside the collection. July 12, 15:30, H’ART Museum 📅

Homelanding returns to Marineterrein: This free neighborhood rock festival sets up on the Marineterrein with two stages, food, and three days of live music. It starts with an evening program and keeps things open to anyone who wants to drop in. July 12, 18:00, Marineterrein, Amsterdam 📅 Festivals

Sharon Eyal at ITA: Sharon Eyal and her company S-E-D bring Delay the Sadness to Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, with the kind of tight, physical contemporary dance she’s known for. July 12, 20:00, Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA) 📅 Dance / Performance

Reggae brunch cruise on the IJ: Reggae Brunch is bringing its floating supper cruise format to Amsterdam, departing from De Ruijterkade and running for the afternoon and evening. The music and food all happen on board while the city passes by on the water. July 12, 15:00–19:00, De Ruijterkade 📅 Food / Markets

Julidans at Frascati Theater: Jefta van Dinther’s “Mercury Rising” is part of the Julidans dance festival at Frascati Theater. His work is known for a strong physical presence and a focus on how performance is felt as much as watched. July 12, 21:00, Frascati Theater. 📅 Dance / Performance

Scala’s murder mystery escape room: Scala Amsterdam is staging a murder mystery escape room that mixes theater with puzzle-solving. It’s designed as a group-friendly evening, though solo attendees can join too. July 12, 20:00, Scala Amsterdam. 📅 Theater

Arabic comedy showcase at The Richel: StandOut’s Arabic comedy showcase runs at Theatre The Richel in the city center. Shows are scheduled for 20:00–23:00 through July 17, with tickets required. July 12–17, 20:00–23:00, Theatre The Richel. 📅 Comedy

Emil Wakim at Comedy Café Amsterdam: Comedian Emil Wakim is on stage at Comedy Café Amsterdam for a Sunday night set. It’s an easy late show if you want to end the weekend with live stand-up. July 12, 20:30, Comedy Café 📅 Comedy

Hip-hop brunch at Cafe de Leven: Cafe de Leven serves a three-course Sunday brunch with old-school hip-hop, hosted by Hip Hop Hooray. It’s part meal, part music setting, and the menu runs alongside a familiar playlist. July 12, 12:00, Cafe de Leven, Witte de Withstraat 📅 Food / Markets

Market day at W139: W139’s market day brings together conversations, reading sessions, workshops, shared meals, and foraging activities in one all-day program. It’s a mix of art and communal gathering, with food and participation built in. July 12, 12:00–18:00, W139, Amsterdam 📅 Food / Markets

Outdoor prints at Nieuwmarkt: A free outdoor exhibition at Nieuwmarkt marks ten years of Amsterdam in art prints. It’s open daily from 8:00 to 21:00, so you can walk past at almost any point in the day. July 11–August 28, 8:00–21:00, Nieuwmarkt, Amsterdam Centrum 📅 Art / Museums

Open beekeeping day in Amsterdam Oost: Tuinpark Klein Dantzig is opening its hives to visitors, with a look at how urban honey is made and a chance to explore the allotment park. It’s a straightforward family outing if you want something outdoors and a little different. July 12, 13:00, Tuinpark Klein Dantzig, Amsterdam Oost 📅 Tour

Bus tour on the Amsterdam School: Museum Het Schip is running a guided bus tour focused on the Amsterdam School, the early-20th-century style known for its decorative housing blocks and public buildings. The route comes with expert commentary on the city’s architectural history. July 12, 13:15, Museum Het Schip 📅 Tour

Indian potluck picnic in Amsterdamse Bos: This free community picnic at Amsterdamse Bos asks people to bring a dish to share and leaves room for games and optional canoeing or kayaking nearby. It’s informal, with no sign-up fee, and starts at noon. July 12, 12:00, Amsterdamse Bos, Amstelveen 📅 Sports (Active)

Casual pickup football in the Bos: A weekly kickabout in the Amsterdamse Bos welcomes anyone 16 and up, with no fee and no pressure about skill level. The group says it’s for people who are a bit unfit, a bit old, or a bit terrible, and there may be beers afterward. July 12, 11:00, Amsterdamse Bos, Amsterdam 📅 Sports (Active)

Free workout at Strand IJburg: Strand IJburg is hosting a free one-hour beach workout with options including yoga, Zumba, Body Balance, kickboxing, and Hyrox. You can just show up, which makes it an easy Sunday activity if you want to exercise outside. July 12, 12:00–13:00, Strand IJburg 📅 Sports (Active)

Phone-free Sunday at Café Brecht: The Offline Club runs a phone-free morning at Café Brecht, with time to read or think before a more social stretch later on. It’s set up as a low-key way to meet people without screens, and one drink purchase is required. July 12, 10:30–13:00, Café Brecht, Amsterdam. 📅

Small-group coffee social: This coffee meetup is limited to 4–6 people, so it stays small and conversation-focused. The café location is shared with attendees the night before. July 12, 14:00, Amsterdam (undisclosed café location). 📅

Amsterdice brings 130 players to East: Amsterdice’s board game day returns to House of Watt in Amsterdam Oost, with space for about 130 players and a €10 entry fee that includes two drink tokens. Free parking is available on Sundays, and it’s about a seven-minute walk from Amstel Station. July 12, 13:00, House of Watt, James Wattstraat 73, Amsterdam Oost 📅 Games / Hobbies

International social ride starts in West: Cycle Capital’s international group ride is back for a fourth edition, led by Italian cycling enthusiast Emiliano Frigerio. The route brings together local and international riders, and the group leaves promptly at 10:00, so it’s best to arrive a few minutes early. July 12, 10:00, Gregario Cycling Services, Groen van Prinstererstraat 76, Amsterdam-West 📅 Sports (Active)

Make your own bouquet in Noord: At Noorderbloemen, florist Sophie Engels leads a hands-on morning where you pick and arrange your own bouquet using organic, seasonal flowers. It’s a practical workshop if you like working with plants and want to take something home. July 12, 10:00, Noorderbloemen, Heggerankweg 61 📅 Workshop

WILS Café opens on Weesperzijde: Joris Bijdendijk has opened WILS Café on the Weesperzijde, adding a new neighborhood restaurant to Amsterdam East. Bijdendijk is known for inventive Dutch cooking, and this is his latest address in the city. 🍽️ Restaurant

Vietnamese pop-up at NDSM Wharf: NGHIA’s Vietnamese street food pop-up is open at Triple C on the NDSM Wharf, with bánh mì, summer rolls, and Vietnamese coffee on the menu. It runs Thursdays through Sundays until the end of August. Through August 31, Thursday – Sunday, Triple C, NDSM Wharf Restaurant

Weinlokal Stern opens in Amsterdam: Weinlokal Stern has opened in Amsterdam as a German-style wine bar. The focus appears to be on wine by the glass, which gives the city another low-key option for an evening drink. Bar / Café

Meller Store: Spanish eyewear brand Meller made its international debut this month with its first store in Amsterdam, bringing its trendy sunglasses and watches to the city. Restaurant