Essentially Amsterdam — Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Wednesday July 1, 2026

Good morning, Amsterdam. Another week of 30°C heat is on the way, but the city has plenty to offer while you sweat it out, from the National Slavery Past Remembrance Ceremony at Oosterpark to Ajax’s new signing raising hopes for next season, and a packed summer calendar with outdoor theater, free festivals, and moonlit movies.

Another week of 30°C heat ahead: Temperatures are set to stay high for another week, and experts say your body is already starting to adjust to the prolonged heat.

Sumatrakade resurfacing gets under way: Road works began on Sumatrakade as crews tear up and replace the asphalt. Neighborhood reactions are mixed on what the construction period will mean for the area. Sumatrakade, Amsterdam. 📅

RIVM: Schiphol noise data is out of date: The national health institute says the government is relying on outdated noise measurements around Schiphol, meaning the number of seriously affected residents is likely higher than officially reported. Schiphol Airport area.

Oost district wants no luxury housing on Cruquiuseiland: The Oost district council is pushing for the new Cruquiuseiland development to include only social and mid-range rental housing, breaking from Amsterdam’s standard 40-40-20 rule. Cruquiuseiland, Amsterdam-Oost.

Have your say on a greener HEMA-plein in Nieuw-West: The city plans to add more greenery to HEMA-plein near Tussen Meer and is inviting residents to share their feedback via an online survey. Through July 31; HEMA-plein, Tussen Meer, Nieuw-West. 📅

The city will fund your green neighborhood idea: Amsterdam residents with ideas for greening their block can apply for city funding, a practical opportunity worth checking out if you’ve been sitting on a local environmental project.

New public artwork installed beside Paradiso: A new permanent artwork has gone up next to Paradiso on Leidseplein, with early reactions comparing its look and feel to an attraction at the Efteling theme park. Paradiso, Leidseplein.

Dikkie Dik toddler concert (afternoon): The beloved cat comes to life in this short musical adventure designed for children ages 2 and up. July 1, 15:00, Concertgebouw. 📅 Family Show

Seed to meal kids workshop at Jeugdland: Children learn where food comes from in this hands-on workshop tracing the journey from garden to table. July 1, 15:00, Jeugdland. 📅 Kids Workshop

The Rabbits Meets Spits, kids performance: A live performance blending music and theater for younger audiences, running just under 90 minutes. July 1, 20:00–21:30, Theater de Roode Bioscoop. 📅 Family Show

OBA Boekstart for babies and toddlers: The public library’s recurring early-literacy program welcomes children ages 0–6 for stories, songs, and books. July 1, OBA Amsterdam. 📅 Story / Reading

Rhapsody in Blue with Alexandre Tharaud and Stravinsky’s Petrushka: Pianist Alexandre Tharaud performs Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue alongside a program featuring Stravinsky’s Petrushka. July 1, 20:00, Concertgebouw. 📅

Pedro Sampaio at Melkweg: Brazilian funk and pop artist Pedro Sampaio performs live. Tickets still available. July 1, 19:00, Melkweg. 📅

Evidence live at Melkweg: Dilated Peoples co-founder Evidence brings his sharp lyricism and production credentials to Amsterdam. He has collaborated with The Alchemist, DJ Premier, and Westside Gunn, among others. July 1, 19:30, Melkweg. 📅

Nduduzo Makhathini at Bimhuis: South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini fuses ritual music, gospel, and jazz in a set at Bimhuis. The Blue Note recording artist is a standout in contemporary world jazz. July 1, 20:30–22:00, Bimhuis. 📅

Steven Charlot at Paradiso Upstairs Room: Soul and R&B artist Steven Charlot takes the Upstairs Room stage at Paradiso. July 1, doors 19:00, show 19:30, Paradiso. 📅

Dialogues: Schlarmann, Salama, and Simu at Splendor: A preview concert for Wonderfeel Festival featuring Felix Schlarmann, Modar Salama, and Golden Calf-winning clarinetist Alex Simu, founder of world-jazz ensemble Arifa. July 1, 20:30, Splendor. 📅

Homelanding Festival at Marineterrein, free entry: A free multi-day festival mixing theater, performance, and culinary programming at the waterfront Marineterrein complex. July 1–5, Marineterrein, Amsterdam. 📅 Festivals

North Side Story multi-day festival at NDSM: The outdoor theater and music festival takes over the NDSM-werf in Amsterdam-Noord for five days. July 1–5, NDSM-werf, Amsterdam-Noord. 📅 Festivals

The Little Big Things runs at Koninklijk Theater Carré through August 16: The musical plays multiple times weekly at Carré with accessibility provisions in place. July 1–August 16, Koninklijk Theater Carré. 📅 Theater

Godard’s ‘A Woman Is a Woman’ screens at LAB111: Jean-Luc Godard’s playful 1961 New Wave musical comedy runs at LAB111 with multiple daily showings. July 1–15, LAB111. 📅 Film

Book talk: ‘Prophecies’ at American Book Center: Author Chris Dell presents his book on omens, divination, oracles, dreams, and apocalyptic traditions. July 1, 18:30, American Book Center, Spui 12. 📅 Talks / Ideas

Nadine Froughi: Daydreamer stand-up at Comedy Cafe: Comedian Nadine Froughi performs her solo show Daydreamer at Comedy Cafe. July 1, 20:00, Comedy Cafe. 📅 Comedy

De Duif opens its doors for heritage day: The historic De Duif church on the Prinsengracht opens to the public as part of a special heritage open-house event. July 1, De Duif, Prinsengracht. 📅 Art / Museums

Film literacy screening: The Good Sister at Het Ketelhuis: Part of the "How Do You Read a Film?" series, this session screens The Good Sister with a discussion focus. July 1, 18:30–21:00, Het Ketelhuis, Westergas. 📅 Film

World Cup on the big screen at De Foodhallen: De Foodhallen screens World Cup matches on a large screen with food and drinks available throughout. July 1–19, De Foodhallen, De Hallen Amsterdam. 📅 Sports (Spectator)

Amsterdam Conversations with Strangers at Volkshotel: A community-organized gathering for open conversation with people you haven’t met yet, hosted by the Millennial Crisis community. July 1, 17:00, Volkshotel. 📅 Talks / Ideas

Air dry clay workshop at Stretch and Fold: Drop into this hands-on craft session at Stretch and Fold and try your hand at air dry clay. No experience needed. July 1, 18:30, Stretch and Fold. 📅 Workshop

Watercolor and wine evening in the Jordaan: A beginner-friendly painting night pairing watercolor instruction with a relaxed wine atmosphere in a cozy Jordaan studio. No prior experience required. July 1, 19:45, Marnixstraat. 📅 Workshop

Board game night at Roode Remise: Drop in for an open evening of strategy games, tabletop classics, and European board games at Roode Remise. All experience levels welcome. July 1, 19:00, Haarlemmerplein. 📅 Games / Hobbies

Open sketching session at Artisplein: Bring your sketchbook to Artisplein for a casual summer evening of urban drawing, people, flamingos, café terraces, and whatever else catches your eye. July 1, 18:30–20:30. 📅 Workshop

Open stage storytelling night at Mezrab: Mezrab hosts its regular open stage storytelling evening, welcoming performers and listeners alike to share and hear live stories. July 1, 8:00 PM, Mezrab. 📅

Mindfulness abstract painting workshop on a rooftop: A three-hour painting workshop with a mindfulness abstract theme, held on the rooftop at Zoku Amsterdam with views over the city. July 1, 18:30, Weesperstraat. 📅 Workshop

Social squash night at Frans Otten Stadion: A weekly open squash night drawing 20–30 players of mixed levels for friendly and competitive games. Club members and newcomers both welcome. July 1, 18:00, Frans Otten Stadion, Amsterdam Zuid. 📅 Sports (Active)

Mosaic workshop at Amsterdam House of Arts and Crafts: A two-hour hands-on mosaic session at Oudeschans 21, where you design and assemble your own piece. Tickets are €59. July 1, 19:30–21:30. 📅 Workshop

Watercolor and wine beginner painting night in the Jordaan: No experience needed, this relaxed workshop pairs beginner-friendly watercolor instruction with wine in a cozy Jordaan studio. July 1, 19:45, Jordaan Art Studio, Marnixstraat. 📅 Class

Amsterdam social kickball league summer season opener: A free, social kickball evening open to anyone who shows up, no registration needed. July 1, 7:00–9:00 PM, Rembrandtpark, Postjesweg. 📅 Networking