Essentially Amsterdam — Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Wednesday July 15, 2026

Good morning, Amsterdam. Today: Japanese pianist Hayato Sumino plays Chopin at the Concertgebouw, tawny owls are quietly making a comeback across the city, and if you have kids to entertain, there are water experiments on NEMO’s roof and free paddleboarding for teens.

Tawny owls are increasing in Amsterdam: The tawny owl population is rising across Amsterdam, according to local wildlife spotters. Their presence can also help keep rat numbers down in the city. Amsterdam

NS wants bags off seats: NS is launching a campaign to make bags on your lap or in luggage racks the default on trains. The idea is to give passengers a clearer standard, since many people now seem reluctant to ask someone to clear a seat.

Foul smell reported in east and southeast: People in IJburg and Zuidoost are reporting a strong sour smell, and many have been closing their windows in the heat. Local authorities think dry weather may be causing localized sewer blockages.

Three garbage boats planned for Centrum: Amsterdam Centrum is adding three waste collection boats to the canals, with two on Oudezijds Voorburgwal and one on Kloveniersburgwal. The city’s longer plan is to place 30 waste vessels across the center to help keep garbage bags off the streets. Wallen

Actor Cees Geel dies at 61: Dutch actor Cees Geel has died suddenly after a cardiac arrest. He was known for his lead role in *Simon*, which won him a Golden Calf, and for television roles including *Flikken Rotterdam*. 🕯️

Six Amstelveen paddling pools close: Amstelveen is temporarily closing six of its seven public children’s paddling pools because of negative water quality advice or safety concerns. The wading pool in Broersepark is the only one still open. 💧

Birthday freebies across the Netherlands: A roundup of birthday perks you can claim in the Netherlands, from free HEMA Tompouce pastries to fast-food treats and retail discounts. It’s a practical list if you want to use your birthday offers without having to search around. 🎁

Remembering Nina on the Amstel: A local remembrance of Nina (2005-2026), a young rower who loved spending time in a skiff on the Amstel. The piece centers on her life and connection to the river in Amsterdam. Amstel

Amsterdam residents’ top concerns: The latest Amsterdam Citizen Monitor survey points to crime, litter, and the housing market as the issues residents worry about most. It’s a useful snapshot of what’s on people’s minds across the city.

Bike helmets are becoming more common: Bike helmets are showing up more often on Amsterdam streets, especially in Vondelpark, as e-bikes keep spreading and more riders think about head safety. Local bike shops say helmet sales have risen sharply.

Water experiments on NEMO’s roof: NEMO Science Museum and Waternet are running hands-on water experiments on the museum’s roof terrace. It’s a simple way to try some science activities with a clear Amsterdam backdrop. July 15, NEMO Science Museum 📅 Kids Workshop

NewTechKids bootcamp runs at OBA Oosterdok: Kids aged 8 to 12 can spend five days building and programming robots with LEGO robotics kits. The program is bilingual in English and Dutch, and Stadspas holders get a discount. July 13–17, 10:00–14:00, OBA Oosterdok 📅 Kids Workshop

Free paddleboarding for teens: Teenagers aged 13 and up can try stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing for free this summer near the Blue Tower Hotel. It’s a simple outdoor activity session with no cost to participants. July 15, 12:00–16:00, Blue Tower Hotel 📅 Outdoor / Active

Afternoon kids’ activities in De Baarsjes: Children aged 6 to 11 can join craft workshops and outdoor games at the local community center and playground. It’s a straightforward afternoon option if you’re looking for something structured and outdoorsy. July 15, 13:00 – 16:00, De Baarsjes 📅 Kids Workshop

Make your own dinner plate: Children can paint and personalize a real ceramic plate in this hands-on summer holiday workshop at the Jewish Museum junior. It’s a simple craft activity with a finished object to take home. July 15, Jewish Museum junior 📅 Kids Workshop

Bake colorful holiday cookies: Kids can bake and decorate bright Judy cookies in the museum’s child-sized kitchen, then take them home. It’s a practical holiday activity if you want something creative that ends with snacks. July 15, Jewish Museum junior 📅 Kids Workshop

Kids cook from garden to meal: Children can plant, harvest, make fire, and cook with produce from Jeugdland’s vegetable gardens, including herb pancakes, wild soup, and garden burgers. It’s a drop-in workshop for ages 6 and up, with no sign-up needed. July 15, 14:00, Jeugdland, Zeeburgereiland 📅 Kids Workshop

Mom walks in Vondelpark: This weekly walking club brings moms, babies, and toddlers together for a relaxed Wednesday-morning walk through Vondelpark. It’s a simple way to get outside and meet other parents. July 15, 11:00, Vondelpark, Amsterdam 📅 Outdoor Active

Play Forest Cafe at Noorderpark: Parents can have a coffee or herbal tea on the terrace while children explore the Speelbos, which includes a cable car, slide, swing, and balance trail. Wednesdays also include an all-afternoon drawing station. July 15, 13:00, Noorderpark, Amsterdam-Noord 📅 Outdoor Active

Parent-toddler yoga at De Kinderboekwinkel: This summer yoga session is for parents and toddlers ages 2 to 3, with gentle movement and relaxation led by Zahra from Mosh Yoga. The class costs 5 euros per child. July 15, 11:30, De Kinderboekwinkel, Grachtengordel-West, Amsterdam 📅 Kids Workshop

Hayato Sumino plays Chopin at Concertgebouw: Japanese pianist Hayato Sumino brings his solo program Chopin Orbit to Het Concertgebouw. The set mixes Chopin pieces with Sumino’s own compositions, improvisations, and other music inspired by Chopin. July 15, 20:00, Het Concertgebouw 📅

Super-Sonic showcase at Paradiso: Super-Sonic Jazz, OSHI, and Steppin’ Into Tomorrow are putting local talent across Paradiso’s Main Hall, Upstairs Room, and Basement. The lineup includes SMANDEM, Wazo Bean, RADIOHOP, Junya, ROSEYE, and Diana Dzhabbar. July 15, doors 18:30, show 19:00, Paradiso (Main Hall, Upstairs Room, Basement)

MonoNeon plays Melkweg: Grammy-winning bassist MonoNeon brings his funk-and-soul style to Melkweg, with doors at 7:30 PM and the show at 8:30 PM. Tickets start at €31, and a Melkweg membership is required. July 15, 19:30, Melkweg 📅

Benjamin Herman plays De Kring: Jazz saxophonist Benjamin Herman is playing an intimate set at De Kring, near Leidseplein. The venue’s club setting should make it a small, close-up show rather than a large concert. July 15, 21:00, De Kring 📅

Summer organ concerts at Nieuwe Kerk: The historic organ in De Nieuwe Kerk on Dam Square is the setting for a run of summer concerts. Each performance is scheduled for 19:30–20:30 inside De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam. July 14–November 10, 19:30 – 20:30, De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam 📅

Yoran Vroom Group at Alto: Yoran Vroom and his group play modern jazz at Jazz Café Alto, one of those small rooms where the music is close and direct. It’s a late set, so plan accordingly. July 15, 21:30, Jazz Café Alto 📅

Usted Señalemelo and World Cup screening: Argentine band Usted Señalemelo plays live indie rock and pop before a screening of the England vs. Argentina World Cup semi-final on a big screen. The music starts first, then the match follows later in the evening. July 15, 17:00, Toekomstmuziek 📅

Yassine Karoui at Bourbon Street: Yassine Karoui plays an evening set at Bourbon Street, with a focus on soulful blues and live performance. It’s a late-night show in one of Amsterdam’s long-running music bars. July 15, 23:00, Bourbon Street 📅

Irish session at Mulligans: Mulligans hosts its weekly traditional Irish music session on Wednesday evenings, led by local folk musicians. It’s a straightforward way to hear live acoustic music in the center of town. July 15, 20:00, Mulligans Irish Music Bar 📅

Noraly and False Perspective at Cinetol: Noraly and False Perspective play an indie set together on the unfold tour at Cinetol. The venue is on Tolstraat, and this one is scheduled as an evening show. July 15, 20:30, Cinetol 📅

Miles Davis film night at Kompaszaal: There’s a screening of Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool at Kompaszaal, with free popcorn included. Lindy Hop dance workshops are also available beforehand if you want to arrive early. July 15, 20:30, Kompaszaal 📅 Film

The Terminator screens at Pllek: Pllek is showing The Terminator as part of its outdoor cinema series on the IJ waterfront. Headphones are handed out from 21:35, and the film starts at 22:20. July 14–15, 22:20 (headphones from 21:35), Pllek, NDSM Wharf Film

Free World Press Photo tour at De Nieuwe Kerk: This free guided tour gives a closer look at the World Press Photo Exhibition 2026 inside De Nieuwe Kerk on Dam Square. It’s a timed introduction to the exhibition rather than a full self-guided visit. July 15, 20:00, De Nieuwe Kerk 📅 Art / Museums

England vs. Argentina on mega screen: WestWeelde is showing the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina on a mega screen at Westergas. It’s a straightforward spectator night for anyone following the match in a group setting. July 15, 19:30–23:59, WestWeelde, Westergas 📅 Sports (Spectator)

Museum Jan tour and studio visit: Join a guided evening tour of Christiaan Kuitwaard’s retrospective, Painter of Silence, and the museum’s permanent studio glass collection. Conservator Tomas Hillebrand also gives a rare look inside Jan Verschoor’s private studio and home, followed by drinks. July 15, 18:00, Museum Jan 📅 Art / Museums

Operation Night Watch at Rijksmuseum: The Rijksmuseum is showing the large-scale research and restoration work on Rembrandt’s *Night Watch* inside a custom glass chamber in the Honor Gallery. You can watch the project during museum hours at the Rijksmuseum. 🎨 Art / Museums

Stoornis of My Life at DeLaMar: This musical comedy brings together Kim-Lian van der Meij, Jim Bakkum, Alex Klaasen, and Soy Kroon in a Dutch cast. It’s on at DeLaMar Theater with tickets from €36.50. July 15, 20:00, DeLaMar Theater, Marnixstraat 📅 Theater

The Little Big Things at Carré: This West End musical about hope and resilience has its Dutch premiere with Joy Wielkens and Edwin Jonker in the cast. It’s a full theater production at Koninklijk Theater Carré, so expect a large-scale staging. July 15, 14:30, Koninklijk Theater Carré 📅 Theater

Peggy’s Kitchen at Plein Theater: A neighborhood food gathering with freshly prepared community dishes at Plein Theater. If you want a low-key evening around shared food, this is the sort of event that keeps things simple. July 15, 16:00, Plein Theater 📅 Food / Markets

Improv comedy double bill in Amsterdam: Two English-language improv acts share the night at Badhuistheater, with Simon Lukacs, Toni Ramos, and Drew DiFonzo Marks among the performers. It’s a straightforward comedy bill for anyone in the mood for something unscripted. July 15, 20:00, Badhuistheater 📅 Comedy

Evening canal cruise on Wednesday: This is a two-hour evening cruise on the Amsterdam canals, with drinks and Dutch bar snacks provided and costs split between participants. It’s a straightforward midweek way to be on the water. July 15, 18:00, Amsterdam Canals 📅 Tour

World Press Photo tour at De Nieuwe Kerk: An expert-guided tour takes you through the World Press Photo Exhibition 2026 at De Nieuwe Kerk on Dam Square. The exhibition runs over a longer period, so the tour is a timed way to see it with some context. July 15–September 23, 15:00–16:00, De Nieuwe Kerk 📅 Tour

Pottery wheel class at Oudeschans: This 3-hour workshop teaches you how to center clay and make your own cup or bowl at Amsterdam House of Arts & Crafts. No experience is needed, and materials, first firing, tea, and a snack are included. July 15, 19:00, Amsterdam House of Arts & Crafts, Oudeschans 21 📅 Workshop

Dungeons & Dragons night at ABC: The American Book Center is hosting an open tabletop roleplaying night for both experienced players and beginners. Bring your dice if you have them, or just turn up and join a game. July 15, 18:30, The American Book Center 📅 Games / Hobbies

Watercolor evening for beginners: This two-hour workshop in a Jordaan studio is set up for people with no painting experience, with step-by-step guidance and a glass of wine, tea, or coffee. All materials are provided. July 15, 19:45, Jordaan Art Studio, Marnixstraat 📅 Workshop

The Space Choir starts in Amsterdam: The Space Choir is starting weekly Monday rehearsals at Tolhuistuin’s IJzaal, with no auditions and no experience needed. New singers can sign up for two free trial sessions, and members set their own contribution fee. July 15, 20:00, Tolhuistuin, Amsterdam Noord 📅

Summer clothing swap at The Swap Club: Bring summer clothes you no longer wear and trade for something new-to-you at this community clothing swap. It’s a simple way to refresh a wardrobe without buying more. July 15, 18:00, The Swap Clubhouse, De Clercqstraat 66 📅

Koi fish painting at Zoku: This three-hour guided painting workshop uses a koi fish theme and takes place on Zoku Amsterdam’s rooftop terrace. It’s a relaxed evening format if you want to paint in a group setting. July 15, 18:30, Zoku Amsterdam 📅 Workshop

Swap, repair, and plant exchange at De Eester: You can bring broken items for repair, fix clothes at the sewing workshop, trade plant cuttings, or pick something up from the giveaway stall. It’s a practical drop-in with a few different ways to reuse what you already have. July 15, 10:00 – 13:00, De Eester 📅 Workshop

Drink and draw at De Sering: This relaxed drawing session lets you bring your own materials or use what’s provided while you sketch with a drink nearby. It’s a simple low-pressure social evening for people who like to draw. July 15, 19:00, De Sering 📅 Workshop

Appsterdam meets for drinks: This weekly meetup brings together developers, designers, and other tech people for drinks and conversation. It’s held at Café Bax, where Appsterdam originally started. July 15, 19:00, Café Bax 📅 Social / Drinks

Software engineers meet at Volkshotel: An informal networking evening for software engineers, DevOps, QA, engineering managers, and other tech professionals in and around Amsterdam. There are no presentations, just conversation over drinks at Werkplaats in Volkshotel. July 15, 18:00, Werkplaats at Volkshotel, Wibautstraat 150 📅 Networking

IAS seminar on model building: The Institute for Advanced Study is holding a seminar on group model building and quantitative system dynamics. It’s aimed at people working with research, data, and systems thinking. July 15, 11:00, Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) 📅 Seminar / Talk

Chef Centraal opens deli in Amsterdam West: Het Winkeltje van Chef Centraal is a newly opened specialty deli in Amsterdam West, with curated artisanal ingredients on the shelves. It adds another food shop to the neighborhood’s mix. Chef Centraal, Amsterdam West Shop / Store

Vita Lente opens in Amsterdam: Vita Lente is a new café-bar in Amsterdam, with a name that suggests a slower, Italian-leaning pace. It’s the kind of place meant for sitting down rather than rushing through. ☕ Bar / Café

Chez Chloé opens on Overtoom: Chez Chloé is a new modern French restaurant at Overtoom 28 in Amsterdam West, near Vondelpark. The menu includes rib-eye, oysters, and chocolate mousse, with a wine list of more than 250 bottles. Tuesday–Saturday, 15:00–22:00, Overtoom 28, Amsterdam West Restaurant

Eetcafe van Beeren: A classic favourite returns! Eetcafe van Beeren has reopened in a new guise, continuing its tradition of providing great value and a cozy atmosphere in the heart of the city. Restaurant