Saturday July 4, 2026
Good morning, Amsterdam. It’s a warm, sunny weekend, but before you head out, know that the A1, A10, and Amstelveenseweg are all closed, ter Stegen is officially an Ajax keeper, and courts have ruled those 2024–25 traffic fine hikes were unlawful.
At a glance
⛅ Weather: Hi 23°C / 73°F (2° warmer than yesterday) · Lo 16°C / 61°F · 25% chance of rain · wind SW 18 km/h (10 knots)
🌙 Sun & moon: Sunrise 05:25 · Sunset 22:04 · Waning Gibbous · Moonrise -:- · Golden hour 21:34–22:04
🌊 Outdoors: Water 20°C / 68°F (swimmable) · Air quality: good (AQI 18) · grass pollen moderate
💶 Markets: AEX 1,075 (+0.97%) · S&P 500 6,279 (+0.83%) · €1 = $1.14 · $1 = €0.88
🏆 Dutch sport: football: Netherlands were eliminated from the World Cup by Morocco after a dramatic penalty shootout · cycling: Visma-Lease a Bike won the opening Tour de France team time trial in Barcelona · athletics: Jessica Schilder finished second in the shot put in Eugene
A1 highway into Amsterdam closed for most of the summer: Rijkswaterstaat is doing major maintenance between Eemnes and Muiderberg junctions, with drivers warned to expect up to an hour of extra travel time. July 3, 23:00–August 17, 05:00, A1 toward Amsterdam. 📅
Schiphol warns of up to five-hour waits for non-EU travelers: A new border control system at Schiphol Airport is causing severe delays for travelers arriving from outside the EU. Schiphol Airport.
Amstelveenseweg closed six weeks for viaduct widening: The Amstelveenseweg under the A10 Zuid is shut while the viaduct is widened. July 3–August 17, Amstelveenseweg/A10 Zuid.
Long security lines expected at Schiphol all summer: With Dutch schools out for summer, Schiphol is entering its busiest period and insiders warn understaffing could make delays worse throughout the season. Schiphol Airport.
Alexanderplein reopens after nine months of construction: The square is back open to traffic, with the last barriers being removed and a fresh red surface layer still being applied. Alexanderplein, Amsterdam.
Court rules 2024 and 2025 traffic fine increases were unlawful: An Utrecht subdistrict court has ruled that the Dutch government’s traffic fine hikes in 2024 and 2025 should not have happened. Netherlands.
Salmonella outbreak tied to flavored instant noodles reaches the Netherlands: A Salmonella strain linked to flavored instant noodles has infected over 100 people across 14 European countries, with cases now confirmed in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam returned 1,800 empty or misused homes to the market last year: The city reports strong 2024 results tackling housing vacancy and fraud, putting 1,800 properties back into use. Amsterdam.
Amsterdam tests its first self-sailing cargo ship to reduce delivery vans: The city is trialing an autonomous cargo vessel aimed at shifting deliveries off the streets and onto the water. Amsterdam.
Ajax sign goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on loan from Barcelona: The 34-year-old has agreed in principle to join Ajax on a season-long loan for the 2026–27 campaign. Amsterdam.
ARTIS summer evenings: music, theater, and magic at the zoo: ARTIS hosts weekly evening programming with live music, performances, and entertainment for families. July 4–August 29, 16:00–21:00, ARTIS. 📅 Festival / Fair
Free summer vacation program at the Maritime Museum: Het Scheepvaartmuseum offers free kids’ programming throughout the summer holidays, including exhibitions, workshops, and performances. July 4–August 30, 10:00–17:00. 📅 Museum / Educational
Peter and the Wolf: free outdoor family performance at Vondelpark: The Vondelpark Openluchttheater hosts a free outdoor performance of Peter and the Wolf, no tickets required. July 4, 15:00. 📅 Family Show
Carnival of the Animals: free kids’ festival in Gaasperdam (ages 4–10): Kinderboerderij ‘t Brinkie hosts a free outdoor festival for children ages 4–10 with animal-themed activities. July 4, 13:00–16:00. 📅 Festival / Fair
Robin Hood: outdoor family theater in the Amsterdamse Bos (ages 4+): The Amsterdamse Bostheater stages Robin Hood for children four and up, running across multiple performance times through mid-August. July 4–August 15. 📅 Family Show
Children’s summer garden painting workshop at NDSM Treehouse: Kids explore art and creativity through a nature-inspired painting session at NDSM Treehouse, TT. Neveritaweg 57, Amsterdam North. July 4. 📅 Kids Workshop
Family workshop: design your own Amsterdam School decorative tile: Museum Het Schip runs a hands-on family workshop where kids create their own decorative tile inspired by Amsterdam School architecture. July 4, 11:15. 📅 Kids Workshop
Etch like Rembrandt: kids’ printmaking workshop at the Rembrandt House: Children learn the basics of etching in the same house where Rembrandt worked, with sessions running throughout the summer. July 4–August 23, 13:00–14:30, Museum Rembrandthuis. 📅 Kids Workshop
The Makery: hands-on inventions workshop at NEMO Science Museum: Kids try out three techniques rooted in 19th-century inventions in NEMO’s Makery workshop space. NEMO Science Museum, Oosterdok 2. July 4. 📅 Museum / Educational
English storytime for kids at the OBA: Amanda hosts an English-language read-aloud session for young children at the Amsterdam Public Library. July 4, 11:30. 📅 Story / Reading
Bruno Mars at Johan Cruijff ArenA: The Romantic Tour brings Bruno Mars to Amsterdam for one night of pop and soul. July 4, 20:45, Johan Cruijff ArenA. 📅
Stochelo Rosenberg and Jermaine Landsberger feat. Hermine Deurloo: Gypsy jazz guitar meets jazz piano and harmonica in this cross-genre world music set at one of Amsterdam’s grandest halls. July 4, 20:00–21:30, Concertgebouw. 📅
Ludovico Einaudi tribute by Mystery Ensemble: Mystery Ensemble performs Einaudi’s meditative piano compositions in the atmospheric surroundings of the Posthoornkerk. July 4, 20:00–21:15, Posthoornkerk, Haarlemmerstraat 124–126. 📅
Jeremy Pelt Quartet at Bimhuis: New York trumpet star Jeremy Pelt brings his quartet to Amsterdam’s premier jazz venue for an evening of contemporary hard bop. July 4, 20:30–22:10, Bimhuis. 📅
Global Soul Honour Roll at Paradiso: A soul and R&B showcase curated by Global Soul, held at Paradiso’s storied main hall. July 4, 19:30, Paradiso. 📅
Vunzige Deuntjes Festival 2026: The annual celebration of Dutch urban music returns, with a lineup drawn from across the scene. July 4; specific venue not confirmed, check organizer channels before heading out. 📅
Guilty Pleasure Festival at Gaasperplas: Two days of sing-along nostalgic hits with dancing encouraged, a crowd-pleasing outdoor festival beside the lake. July 4–5, 13:00–23:00, Gaasperplas. 📅
Bridge City Sinners at Melkweg: The folk-meets-dark-country outfit brings their high-energy live show to Melkweg, with support from Johanna Rose. July 4, Melkweg, Lijnbaansgracht 234a. 📅
Garden concert in the Wallen: harp and cello duo: Classical and folk music for warm weather, performed in one of the Wallen neighborhood’s quiet inner gardens. July 4, 15:00, Koestraat 15. 📅
Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus: Cabaret at the End of the World: The chorus delivers a theatrical, humor-laced cabaret performance in the Muziekgebouw’s main hall. Tickets from €32. July 4, 20:30, Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, Grote Zaal. 📅
E.T. with live orchestra at Concertgebouw: Spielberg’s classic screens while a live orchestra performs John Williams’s score. Concertgebouw, July 4, 20:00. 📅 Film
A Field Trip to the Cosmos at Ruigoord: Paradiso teams up with Ruigoord for a full-day festival mixing music, art, performance, poetry, and science. Ruigoord, July 4, doors 13:00–23:00. 📅 Festivals
Batik, Beats & Bumbu Indonesian culture festival: A multi-day celebration of Indonesian culture through film, music, and more. De Balie, Leidseplein, through July 8. 📅 Festivals
Dancers of Tomorrow: Het Nationale Ballet’s next generation: Het Nationale Ballet spotlights its rising talent in this annual showcase performance. Amsterdam School of the Arts, July 4, 20:00. 📅 Dance / Performance
Kwaku Summer Festival at Nelson Mandelapark: Amsterdam’s long-running music and culture festival wraps up with live performances, food, and entertainment. Nelson Mandelapark, through July 4, 14:00–23:00. 📅 Festival / Fair
Festival TREK food festival at Amstelpark: The Netherlands’ largest traveling food festival makes a stop in Amsterdam. Amstelpark, through July 5. 📅 Food / Markets
Man in the Mirror Michael Jackson tribute show: A live tribute production celebrating the music and legacy of Michael Jackson. DeLaMar Theater, July 4, 20:00. 📅 Theater
Berit Companjen and Esther van der Voort at Vondelpark: A free double-bill outdoor concert featuring two Dutch artists. Vondelpark Openluchttheater, July 4, 20:30. 📅 Dance / Performance
Watch Canada vs. Morocco on the big screen at Meervaart: Catch the World Cup 2026 group stage match on a large screen in Amsterdam West. Meervaart, July 4. 📅 Sports (Spectator)
MidzomerMokum summer festival kicks off: Six weeks of sport, culture, and activities spread across Amsterdam West and beyond. Through August 16, various locations citywide. 📅 Festivals
Neighborhood camping returns to Oosterpark: Part of Oosterpark transforms into a community campsite for the weekend. Through July 5, Oosterpark. 📅 Festivals
Walking tour of Amsterdam’s colonial connections with Indonesia: A guided walk exploring the city’s historical ties to Indonesia, starting at Amsterdam Centraal. July 4, 13:00, Stationsplein. 📅 Tour
Rooftop painting workshop at Zoku Amsterdam: Paint a ‘fried egg’ scene on acrylic canvas while taking in city views from the rooftop, no experience needed. July 4, 14:00, Weesperstraat 105. 📅 Workshop
Literary walk on city pigeons with author Irwan Droog: Writer Irwan Droog reads from his book ‘Duif’ on a walk spotting pigeons around Winkelcentrum Boven ‘t Y. July 4, 11:00, Bookstore Van der Plas, Amsterdam-Noord. 📅 Tour
Make your own Amsterdam School tile at Museum Het Schip: A hands-on workshop where you design and craft your own tile inspired by Amsterdam School architecture. July 4, 14:00, Museum Het Schip. 📅 Workshop
Japanese prints watercolor workshop at De Hallen: A four-hour painting session drawing on Japanese print traditions, held at Café Belcampo inside De Hallen. July 4, 11:00–15:00. 📅 Workshop
Sourdough baking workshop at the SMEG showroom: SMEG Nederland hosts an afternoon of hands-on sourdough baking with plenty of tastings along the way. July 4, 13:30, Withoedenveem 12. 📅 Workshop
Amsterdam social kickball league summer season opener: A casual, social kickball session open to all levels to start the summer season. July 4, 15:00–17:00, Rembrandtpark. 📅 Sports (Active)
Stand-up paddleboarding and coffee on the Amstel: A beginner-friendly SUP paddle along the river with a stop for photos in a scenic bay. July 4, 11:00. 📅 Social Activity
UX Camp Amsterdam 2026 returns for its ninth edition: This one-day BarCamp brings together 120-plus participants for 25-plus open sessions on user experience. July 4, HvA Corry Tendeloohuis, Fraijlemaborg. 📅 Conference
Dutch Defense Ministry backs Amsterdam drone software firm: The Ministry of Defense is investing several tens of millions of euros in Amsterdam-based Intelic, which builds drone-control software, and may acquire a golden share granting extraordinary voting rights.
Interns in the Netherlands set to earn a legal right to pay: Proposed legislation would give students at vocational schools, colleges, and universities a legal entitlement to compensation for their internships.
World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics heads to Amsterdam: The 23rd IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics brings global aging researchers together at RAI Amsterdam. Through July 8, RAI Amsterdam. 📅 Conference
Kunstmarkt Noord focuses on breaking into photography: This edition of Kunstmarkt Noord centers on photography, with practical tips from industry professionals to help attendees build a more serious practice. July 4, Klaproos Amsterdam, Papaverhoek, Noord. 📅 Seminar / Talk
European Quantum Technology Summer School comes to Hogeschool van Amsterdam: Hogeschool van Amsterdam is hosting a European Quantum Technology Summer School, though full program details are limited. July 4, Hogeschool van Amsterdam. 📅 Conference
Buurtbar Vermut opens in Amsterdam West: A new neighborhood bar, Buurtbar Vermut, has arrived in Amsterdam West with a South European focus. Expect vermouth-forward drinks and a relaxed local vibe. Amsterdam West. Bar / Café
Kama Handroll Bar: The 212 Group is bringing a new high-end handroll bar to Utrechtsestraat this summer. Kama Handroll Bar promises a unique and refined dining experience. Bar / Café
The Lemmeke: Opening on July 8th, The Lemmeke is the latest project from the team behind De Zingende Zwaan, adding a new culinary destination to the Schotsheuvel area. Restaurant
Good to know
New on Dutch streaming: X-Men ’97 S2 (Disney+), Tracker S3 (Disney+), Sugar S2 (Apple TV+), Quarterback S3 (Netflix) 🎬
Overheard on Reddit: A one-star review campaign against restaurants refusing free tap water won near-universal support, with commenters adding that a €7 water charge for a family already ordering drinks is pure "geldklopperij.
Today’s 2-for-1 deals: Ariel Pods color capsules (2 for €29.99) from Albert Heijn, Knorr meal mixes (2 for €5.99) from Jumbo.
Did you know? In 1535, armed Anabaptists stormed Amsterdam’s city hall on Dam Square because they saw the city as a possible “second Jerusalem.”
92 years ago today: On July 4th, 1934, the "Jordaanoproer" (Jordaan Riot) began after benefit cuts, with unrest spreading through working-class Amsterdam neighborhoods.
In tomorrow’s edition: Bruno Mars at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Ludovico Einaudi live at the Ziggo Dome, and Busta Rhymes at the Guilty Pleasure Festival.
Enjoy the sun, just maybe not from the back of a traffic jam.
