Essentially Amsterdam — Monday, July 13, 2026

Monday July 13, 2026

Good morning, Amsterdam. Today: the city’s ice cream rankings are out just in time for the heat, ARTIS is hosting free puppet theater for kids this week, and Sharon Eyal brings her dance work ‘Delay the Sadness’ to town. There’s also a new café on the Weesperzijde and a German-style wine bar just opened if you’re looking for somewhere new to sit.

Amsterdam’s ice cream rankings are out: The annual list of Amsterdam’s 18 best ice cream parlors is out, with Monte Pelmo in the Jordaan again near the top. It gives a current snapshot of where the city’s favorite scoops are being served. Amsterdam

Fallen tree blocks part of Dam Square: A large tree fell near Dam Square early this morning, but no injuries were reported. The broken trunk has left a striking scene in the square while the city looks into why it snapped. Dam Square

An edible forest in Amsterdam Noord: Daan Goppel has turned his allotment at garden park De Molen into a food forest where much of what grows can be eaten. It’s in Amsterdam Noord, and the setup includes watercress in the pond and even a French onion soup tree at Tuinpark de Molen, Amsterdam-Noord.

Factory-built homes in Zuidoost: At Brasa Village in Zuidoost, 520 social rental homes were built on temporary land in under three years. The article looks at whether factory-built housing can speed up delivery when the administrative phase still takes years. Brasa Village, Amsterdam-Zuidoost

City must pay canal boat compensation: A civil court has ruled that Amsterdam must pay Blue Boat thousands of euros in damages after its permit system was found illegal. The case follows earlier legal decisions that forced operators to sell vessels sooner than planned. Amsterdam

Tram doors under fresh criticism: An op-ed argues that tram doors in Amsterdam seem to close very quickly, sometimes leaving tourists and locals behind on the platform. The point is about whether efficiency is coming at the cost of a more usable system. Amsterdam

Free puppet theater at ARTIS: ARTIS is running free puppet theater shows in the park, with multiple daily time slots and no extra ticket needed beyond regular admission. It’s a simple option for families with young children. July 11 through August 29, multiple times daily, ARTIS, Amsterdam Family Show

Kids coding bootcamp at the OBA: NewTechKids is running a week-long robotics and coding camp where children ages 8 to 12 design, build, and code real robots and tech prototypes. It’s taught in both Dutch and English. July 13–17, 10:00, Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (OBA), Junior Lab, Amsterdam 📅 Kids Workshop

Water-themed summer camp at Oosterdok: This five-day camp for children ages 8 to 12 brings together music, theater, science, and crafts around the theme of water. It’s run with help from NEMO, Het Scheepvaartmuseum, and Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ. July 13–17, 13:00–17:00, OBA Oosterdok 📅 Festival / Fair

Mouse House workshop returns on Saturdays: Het Muizenhuis is running a Saturday craft workshop where kids make their own tiny mouse door. It’s a straightforward hands-on activity at a small Amsterdam spot that already draws families looking for something creative. July 11 through August 29, 10:00–17:00, every Saturday, Het Muizenhuis, city center Kids Workshop

Open beekeeping days in Amsterdam area: Visitors can see beekeepers at work, learn how honey is made, and get close to the hives during these open days. It’s aimed partly at families and children, and it takes place at Nederlandse Bijenhoudersvereniging, Amsterdam area on July 13. 📅 Outdoor / Active

Rembrandthuis runs daily demos: The Rembrandthuis is running daily painting and etching demonstrations through July, along with visits from Kwast, a child-friendly guide character. It’s a practical way to see the house with kids in mind. Through July 31, Museum Rembrandthuis, Jodenbreestraat 4 📅 Museum / Educational

Kids can climb trees in Amsterdamse Bos: Fun Forest is offering treetop climbing routes for children and families throughout July. The park has multiple difficulty levels, so it works for different ages and comfort levels. Through July 31, Klimpark Fun Forest, Amsterdamse Bos (Amstelveen) 📅 Outdoor / Active

Family scavenger hunt at Amsterdam in Motion: Amsterdam in Motion is running a family scavenger hunt through July. It’s a simple way to explore the venue with kids during the summer break. July 1–31, Amsterdam in Motion, Amsterdam 📅 Museum / Educational

Rotating kids workshop at Jeugdland: Jeugdland’s summer workshop changes each week, with activities like making edible art out of bread. It’s free, for ages 6 and up, and you don’t need to sign up. July 13, 14:00, Jeugdland, Zeeburgereiland 📅 Kids Workshop

Children’s theater at Free Bird Festival: Jessie en de Tijdgeest is being performed at community centers across Amsterdam this summer. It’s free and open to all ages, and reservations are welcome if you want to secure a place. July 11–13, Community centers across Amsterdam 📅 Family Show

Summer concerts at the Concertgebouw: The Royal Concertgebouw is running a daily summer concert series that mixes classical music and pop-rock. The program runs for most of the season and fills the hall from midday into the evening. July 11 through August 30, 12:00–23:00, Royal Concertgebouw, Amsterdam Zuid 📅

House of Protection at Melkweg: House of Protection, the LA duo with members of FEVER 333 and The Chariot, bring a mix of hardcore punk, industrial metal, and electronic beats to Melkweg. Doors open at 19:30, so it’s an evening show rather than a late-night one. July 13, 19:30, Melkweg 📅

Cool Sound at Jazz Café Alto: Cool Sound plays an intimate jazz set with a special guest at Jazz Café Alto. The venue is small and close to the stage, so it’s a straightforward live-music night. July 13, 21:30, Jazz Café Alto 📅

Music Meets Europe at Theater Amsterdam: This concert evening brings together music with a broad European focus at Theater Amsterdam. The show is in one of the city’s larger venues, so expect a full-scale production. July 13, 20:00, Theater Amsterdam 📅

Deniz Radgar Project at Roode Bioscoop: The Deniz Radgar Project plays ‘The Sky Never Looked the Same’ as part of the RBS 11 series at Theater de Roode Bioscoop. It’s an intimate room for this kind of concert, with the show starting at 19:30. July 13, 19:30, Theater de Roode Bioscoop 📅

Weedpecker at De Tanker: Finnish stoner/doom rock band Weedpecker plays at De Tanker. Doors open at 18:00, so it’s an early start for an evening set. July 13, 18:00, De Tanker 📅

Ilana Glazer at Meervaart: Ilana Glazer, the comedian and co-creator of Broad City, is bringing her stand-up show to Meervaart. It’s an English-language set from a New York comic with a clear TV and comedy background. July 13, 19:00, Meervaart 📅 Comedy

Dinner and murder mystery at Scala: Scala’s summer special pairs a three-course dinner with an interactive murder mystery show. It runs most weekends through early September at the Westerpark venue. July 12 through September 6, 17:00–21:30, Scala | foodbar en theater, Westerpark 📅 Theater

Ralph Barbosa at Boom Chicago: Ralph Barbosa brings his laid-back stand-up style to Boom Chicago, along with the TV work and Formula Bean YouTube channel he’s known for. July 13, Boom Chicago, Rozengracht 117 📅 Comedy

Sharon Eyal brings ‘Delay the Sadness’: Sharon Eyal and her company S-E-D perform their latest dance work at ITA. It’s a contemporary piece from an established choreographer, and the evening runs 20:00 at ITA (International Theater Amsterdam). 📅 Dance / Performance

Arabic comedy showcase at The Richel: StandOut’s Arabic comedy showcase runs for several days with performances by Arabic comedians at Theatre The Richel. Shows are scheduled 20:00–23:00, and tickets are required. Through July 17, Theatre The Richel 📅 Comedy

‘Último Helecho’ at ITA: Nina Laisné and François Chaignaud team up with vocalist Nadia Larcher for Último Helecho, a contemporary dance performance at ITA. The show starts at 19:30 and is billed as a physical, inventive piece. July 13, 19:30, ITA (Internationaal Theater Amsterdam) 📅 Dance / Performance

Amsterdam art prints at Nieuwmarkt: A free outdoor exhibition marks ten years of Amsterdam in art prints at Nieuwmarkt. It runs daily and you can stop by without a ticket. July 11–August 28, 8:00–21:00, Nieuwmarkt, Amsterdam Centrum 📅 Art / Museums

Chef’s evening at Het Rijk van de Keizer: This chef-led dinner series runs at Het Rijk van de Keizer through late August. The evening starts at 18:00 and ends at 21:30, with a relaxed pace that makes it a straightforward summer meal out. July 11–August 30, 18:00–21:30, Het Rijk van de Keizer, Amsterdam 📅 Food / Markets

Current group exhibition at Josilda da Conceição: This group exhibition brings together artists including Geraldo Dos Santos, Aaron Harris, Emma van Noort, and Luna van der Straaten, with work around contemporary art practices. July 11–August 1, 15:00–19:00, Josilda da Conceição 📅 Art / Museums

Transit at NDSM Wharf: ‘Transit’ is an exhibition at On The Inside in the NDSM Wharf area of Amsterdam Noord. Check ahead for visit times before going. July 11–August 9, On The Inside, NDSM Wharf, Amsterdam Noord 📅 Art / Museums

Denim City summer school: make a jacket: Denim City at De Hallen is offering a week-long summer school where you design and sew your own trucker jacket, including custom lab treatments. Sessions run daily, so it’s a practical hands-on course rather than a short taster. July 13–17, Daily 10 AM–4 PM, Denim City, De Hallen Amsterdam Workshop

The Space Choir starts in Amsterdam: The Space Choir is starting Amsterdam rehearsals at Tolhuistuin, with no auditions and no experience needed. The repertoire ranges from Beyoncé and Caroline Polachek to Jungle, and newcomers get two free trial sessions. July 13, 20:00–22:00 (Mondays), Tolhuistuin

Clay modeling course at Treehouse NDSM: Sculptor Helga van Stralen is leading a three-day summer course in clay modeling at Treehouse NDSM. It’s a hands-on session for anyone who wants to try making a three-dimensional piece in a north-bank studio. July 13, Treehouse NDSM, Amsterdam Noord 📅 Workshop

Learn coptic stitching at OT301: Irina Baldini is leading a bookbinding workshop at OT301 on the coptic binding technique, a thread-sewn method with an exposed spine. No experience is needed, and you leave with a handmade book. July 13, 16:00, OT301 📅 Workshop

Improv English at Language Corner: This one-hour masterclass uses role plays, scenarios, and games to help with fluency, vocabulary, and confidence. It’s open to all levels except absolute beginners, with coffee or tea included. July 13, 18:00–19:00, Language Corner, Rietwijkerstraat 10 📅 Workshop

Free yoga at Gaasperplas: Hasti leads a free 90-minute yoga class by the Window of Water Monument at Gaasperplas lake. No experience is needed, and you just need a yoga mat or picnic blanket. July 12–26, 16:00–17:30, Window of Water Monument, Gaasperplas 📅 Sports (Active)

Clothing swap at De Eester: This clothing exchange at De Eester is a chance to refresh your wardrobe and pass on things you no longer wear. It’s set in Amsterdam East and gives neighbors a reason to come by. July 13, 11:00–13:00, De Eester, Amsterdam East 📅

Open football training in Amsterdam: This open training session is for anyone who wants to run drills and play a game, regardless of level. The team also competes in Amsterdam’s amateur league and is recruiting for the coming season. July 13, 19:00, Sportpark Spieringshorn, Amsterdam 📅 Sports (Active)

Bourbon Jam at Bourbon Street: Bourbon Street’s weekly open jam session with Theo is back late on Monday night. You can come to play or just listen in a classic blues-bar setting. July 13, 23:00, Bourbon Street 📅

Monday writing session at OBA: Writers gather on the 7th floor of the Central Library for an hour of silent writing, with no feedback or discussion during the session. Books, blogs, scripts, dissertations, and work all fit. July 13, 19:15, Central Library (OBA), Oosterdokskade 143 📅 Workshop

Startup mixer in De Pijp: Founders, investors, and talent can meet over drinks at Side Quest Bar in De Pijp, with no formal agenda. It’s set up as an evening networking mixer for people around Amsterdam’s startup scene. July 13, 18:00–21:00, Side Quest Bar, De Pijp 📅 Networking

WILS Café opens on the Weesperzijde: WILS Café has opened on the Weesperzijde as a new neighborhood restaurant from Joris Bijdendijk. The chef is known for his inventive Dutch cooking, so this adds another place to watch in Amsterdam Oost. Weesperzijde, Amsterdam Restaurant

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

German-style wine bar opens in Amsterdam: Weinlokal Stern has opened with a German wine-bar idea built around wines by the glass and an easygoing setup. It adds another low-key option to Amsterdam’s bar scene in the city. Bar / Café

Hermes Pop-up: The luxury house Hermes hosted a free pop-up event, "Hermes in the Park," at Vondelpark 3 from June 5-7, blending high fashion with the city’s favorite green space. Restaurant