Community festival returns to Amsterdam Oost in September

Dozens of local organisations will gather on Oranje-Vrijstaatplein on Friday, 18 September, for the annual Kracht van Oost event. Organised by the Oost district authority alongside Dynamo and Civic, the afternoon aims to connect residents with neighbourhood initiatives focused on learning, work, wellbeing and social activities.

Running from 15:00 to 19:00, the event is free to attend and does not require advance registration.

Medals and community awards

The programme opens at 15:00 with a special presentation by pupils from primary school De Kraal. As part of an art project organised by De Rode Loper op School, the children created more than 60 medals of honour for local residents they believe deserve recognition, ranging from skilled handymen to school garden teachers.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to meet and speak with members of the newly appointed district committee.

Workshops, exhibitions and music

Activities across the square include table tennis, chess, a panna cage for children, and workshops such as crafting flowers from plastic waste. A new addition this year is a green market launched by Erna Leussink, offering advice on sustainable living and community gardening.

Moving Arts Project will host an outdoor exhibition highlighting local residents who bridge the gap between government bodies and their communities.

The afternoon also features a theatrical performance by Markttheater, queer bingo with prizes, and music from Hier is Muziek, before closing with a live set from the Boostband.

Source: De Brug