Saturday August 8, 2026
Good morning, Amsterdam. High temperatures return to the city today, Loveland Festival takes over Sloterpark, and Anthony Hamilton performs live at Paradiso.
At a glance
☀️ Weather: Hi 25°C / 77°F (2° warmer than yesterday) · Lo 15°C / 59°F · 0% chance of rain · wind E 12 km/h (7 knots)
🚲 Cycling: Great cycling weather all day.
🌙 Sun & moon: Sunrise 06:11 · Sunset 21:19 · Waning Crescent · Moonrise 00:19 · Golden hour 20:49–21:19
🌊 Outdoors: Water 22°C / 72°F (swimmable) · Air quality: good (AQI 16)
💶 Markets: AEX 1,111 (+0.8%) · S&P 500 7,758 (+3.6%) · €1 = $1.15 · $1 = €0.87
🏆 Dutch sport: In tennis, Botic van de Zandschulp and Tallon Griekspoor both staged impressive comebacks to advance to the last sixteen in Montreal, while in cycling, Bart Lemmen maintained his GC lead in the Tour de Pologne as Demi Vollering finished second on Mont Ventoux in the Tour de France Femmes.
High temperatures return to Amsterdam this weekend: Warmer summer weather is moving back into the country following a brief cooler period. Temperatures across Amsterdam are expected to reach up to 32°C on Sunday.
Amsterdam faces another warm, dry weekend as drought continues: Sunny and warm weather is expected to clear across Amsterdam over the coming days, with virtually no rain on the horizon. While great for outdoor plans, the warm streak prolongs the ongoing dry spell across the region.
Local photographer shares tips for capturing next week’s solar eclipse: An Amsterdam photographer has published practical advice on how to photograph the upcoming partial solar eclipse using just your phone camera. Keep an eye on the sky across the city when the phenomenon occurs on Wednesday, August 12.
Movie prop BMW listed for sale on Marktplaats: A black BMW sedan covered in fake bullet holes from the George Clooney film The American has appeared on Marktplaats, priced at €55,000.
Temporary wooden dam placed in Muidertrekvaart to block saltwater: Crews have installed an emergency barrier beneath the Penbrug in the Muidertrekvaart canal. Persistent dry weather forced the measure to keep salt water from moving further inland and damaging regional crops and natural habitats.
Survey shows most Dutch residents willing to cap showers: A new survey indicates that 68 percent of people in the Netherlands are willing to limit their showers to five minutes. The voluntary measure is part of broader government efforts to conserve national drinking water supplies.
More Amsterdam daycare centers charging above government rates: An increasing number of childcare centers in Amsterdam are setting hourly rates above the maximum government subsidy limit. Staff shortages and high operating costs in the capital mean many local parents must pay extra out of pocket.
Peter R. de Vries memorial on Leidseplein draws strong reactions: A temporary monument depicting two bronze arms holding each other has been placed on Leidseplein to honor murdered journalist Peter R. de Vries, drawing varied responses from passersby.
Calls grow for phone-free playgrounds in Amsterdam: A growing local discussion highlights the number of parents scrolling on their phones at public sandboxes. Advocates are now proposing phone-free playground zones to help adults stay focused on their children while visiting parks in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam shifts image of its container housing projects: The city’s ‘skaeve huse’ container housing projects, originally built for persistent nuisance-makers and vulnerable residents, are shedding their negative reputation. Amsterdam is quietly transforming these sites into structured, low-stimulus residential communities.
De Kinderparade offers daily kids’ theater in Martin Luther Kingpark: The travelling theater festival De Parade includes a dedicated afternoon schedule for children, featuring daily creative activities, plays, and performances outdoors. Starts August 8, 14:00, Martin Luther Kingpark. 📅 Festival / Fair
Rijksmuseum combines Disney drawing with a history of toys: Children ages four and up can learn about historical toys and games through the ages while sketching characters from Disney’s Toy Story. August 8, Rijksmuseum. 📅 Kids Workshop
Toddler punk show KLUNK comes to De Parade festival: An energetic, free-entry live music show introduces young kids to rock rhythms in Martin Luther Kingpark as part of De Kinderparade. August 8, 17:00–17:45, De Parade, Martin Luther Kingpark. 📅 Family Show
Children’s play about a fearful disco ball comes to De Parade: Huize Mats staging a lighthearted, heartwarming theater performance about a disco ball learning to face its fears, designed for kids aged six and up. August 8, Multiple times, De Parade, Martin Luther Kingpark. Family Show
Family tower climb opens at Oude Kerk: Climb Amsterdam’s oldest church tower on a family-friendly guided tour offering panoramic views over the historic center. August 8, Oude Kerk. 📅 Outdoor / Active
Quiet electric boat tours explore the Amsterdamse Bos: Navigate the calm waterways of the forest aboard the Fluistervink, a silent electric boat designed for relaxed nature viewing. August 8, 2026, Amsterdamse Bos. 📅 Outdoor / Active
ARTIS offers self-guided animal diversity fact hunt: Visitors at ARTIS can follow a self-guided trail highlighting facts about animal behavior, courtship traditions, and social structures across species. August 8, ARTIS Royal Zoo. 📅 Museum / Educational
R&B singer Anthony Hamilton performs live at Paradiso: Grammy Award-winning southern soul and R&B singer Anthony Hamilton brings his tour to the Paradiso main hall for a single evening show. August 8, doors 19:00, main program 20:30, Paradiso.
Viride Quartet plays outdoor terrace concert at Muziekgebouw: The young string quartet takes to the outdoor terrace overlooking the IJ to perform works by Dutch composers Henriëtte Bosmans and Theo Verbey alongside Schubert. August 8, 20:00, Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, Terrace. 📅
Dance Valley brings electronic lineup to Spaarnwoude: Running continuously since 1995, this outdoor dance festival returns for a single day in the parklands, featuring headliners like Calvin Harris and Hardwell. August 8, Spaarnwoude. 📅
Loveland Festival sets up open-air stages in Sloterpark: A long-running favorite among local festival-goers sets up multiple stages nestled in the trees and along the lake, bringing house and techno to West. August 8–August 9, Sloterpark. 📅
Bijou Trio and Dima Makhlin/Mireu Han Duo play ARTIS: Catch live jazz performances in the zoo with sets from the Bijou Trio alongside the Dima Makhlin/Mireu Han Duo. August 8, 16:00 – 19:00, Conservatorium van Amsterdam. 📅
Rosin Octet plays English Reformed Church for Grachtenfestival: The Rosin Octet performs classical chamber music inside the historic Begijnhof church as part of the festival lineup. August 8, 20:00, English Reformed Church, Begijnhof. 📅
Free outdoor jazz by Octave Lissner in IJburg: Singer and musician Octave Lissner plays a free afternoon set by the harbor as part of the Grachtenfestival. August 8, 15:00 – 16:00, Jonas’, IJburg. 📅
Keroncong Anemoia performs at Felix Meritis: Experience Indonesian keroncong music with modern influences during this Grachtenfestival concert in the venue’s main hall. August 8, 16:00 – 17:00, Felix Meritis. 📅
Indian Ragas play at the KIT Royal Tropical Institute: As part of the Grachtenfestival, Artist in Residence Arjan performs classical Indian Ragas in a historic setting. August 8, 2026, 20:30 – 21:30, KIT Royal Tropical Institute. 📅
Jazz and world music jam session comes to Felix Meritis: The Higherlife Jam brings a cross-cultural musical session combining jazz and world influences to Felix Meritis for the Grachtenfestival. August 8, 2026, 21:00 – 23:30, Felix Meritis. 📅
Grachtenfestival brings classical and jazz concerts to Amsterdam’s waterways: The annual music festival returns for ten days, hosting performances in canal gardens, historic homes, and unusual spaces across the city. August 7–16, 10:00–23:00 (varies by concert), various locations, Amsterdam. Festivals
IJ-Hallen vintage market opens at NDSM Wharf this weekend: Europe’s largest flea market returns to the industrial halls at NDSM. Thousands of stalls will sell secondhand clothes, vintage items, furniture, and curiosities. August 8–9, 9:00–16:30, NDSM Wharf. 📅 Food / Markets
Amsterdamse Bostheater screens ‘I Swear’ in open-air film night: Cinetree hosts a summer movie night outdoors in the forest theater. You can watch the film ‘I Swear’ under the trees in Amstelveen. August 8, 21:30, Het Amsterdamse Bostheater. 📅 Film
Handmade goods pop up along the river at The Maker Market: Browse stalls filled with handcrafted products, clothing, local design pieces, and art right along the Amstel waterfront. August 8–August 9, 11:00 – 17:00, Amstel1. 📅 Food / Markets
Flare Quartet performs free outdoor set on Museumplein: The string ensemble plays an open-air classical set combining selections for the joint Canal Festival and WorldPride celebrations. August 8, 13:00 – 14:00, Museumplein. 📅 Festivals
Artis hosts evening concert series with Stay Away From Dante: Enjoy the zoo grounds after normal closing hours with live music from Stay Away From Dante, part of the recurring Zoomeravonden series in Oost. August 8, 19:00–20:00, Artis Royal Zoo. 📅 Festivals
Marineterrein hosts waterside wakeboard street jam: Pro wakeboarders take on a specially built obstacle course in the open water, giving spectators a close view right from the dock edge. August 8, 11:00, Marineterrein. 📅 Sports (Spectator)
World Pride Run heads through Vondelpark: Join a Pride-themed running event taking place across the park on August 8. August 8, 12:00, Proeflokaal ‘t Blauwe Theehuis, Vondelpark. 📅 Sports (Spectator)
Canal cruise explores Amsterdam’s Pride movement history: Learn about the history of the local Pride movement during a guided boat tour through the city’s historic canals. August 8, 2026, 17:00 – 18:30, Blue Boat Company. 📅 Talks / Ideas
Silver Foxes theatrical play staged for WorldPride: The theatrical play Silver Foxes focuses on older community members as part of the broader WorldPride program. August 8, Op meerdere tijden, Het Amsterdams Theaterhuis. Theater
Model your own clay sculpture in H’ART Museum courtyard: H’ART Museum is running a walk-in summer workshop where visitors can spend the afternoon sculpting their own clay figures outdoors. August 8, 14:00, H’ART Museum. 📅 Workshop
Make your own chocolate sculpture at H’ART Museum: Participants can design and shape their own edible chocolate creations during a two-hour creative workshop in the museum space. August 8, 14:00–16:00, H’ART Museum, Amstel 51. 📅 Workshop
Social language walk heads from Central Station to Vondelpark: Practice your Japanese or Dutch while taking a casual group stroll through the city center toward Vondelpark. The walk finishes on the park lawn with a picnic, group games, and conversation. August 8, 12:00, Amsterdam Central Station. 📅 Tour
De Ceuvel hosts summer shuffleboard tournament in North: Test your sliding technique in a casual game of traditional Dutch sjoelen right by the water at De Ceuvel, complete with live music and drinks. August 8, 16:00, De Ceuvel. 📅 Games / Hobbies
100km relay race comes to Amsterdamse Bos: Form a team for a 100km relay circuit through the park, complete with live music, food stalls, and a recovery area. August 8, 09:00, Kleine Speelweide, Amsterdamse Bos. 📅 Sports (Active)
Saturday chess meetup returns to Café de Laurierboom: Drop by this classic neighborhood spot for casual blitz or slower matches. Players of all skill levels are welcome. August 8, 11:00, Cafe de Laurierboom, Laurierstraat 76. 📅 Games / Hobbies
HTML Day workshop held at Internet Archive Europe: Gather with others to build simple web pages and explore the independent web. Beginners are welcome to attend. August 8, 14:00, Internet Archive Europe Headquarters. 📅 Workshop
Early morning silence walk planned for Amsterdamse Bos: Take an early guided walk through the woods to experience the park before the crowds arrive. August 8, 08:00, Amsterdamse Bos. 📅 Tour
Intensive Dutch language course launches on Keizersgracht: The Dutch Brainwash is a seven-day fast-track course focused on building practical speaking confidence and mastering sentence structure through interactive coaching. August 8, 2026, 10:00, Keizersgracht 8. 📅 Class
Haarlemmerdijk hosts Italian pizza social meetup: Connect with fellow food lovers over authentic long-fermented Italian pizzas made using imported ingredients. August 8, 2026, 19:00, La Zoccola Haarlemmerdijk, Amsterdam. 📅 Tasting
Bunq raises savings interest rate to 3.01%: Amsterdam-headquartered digital bank bunq has increased its bonus interest rate for local savers. The bank pays out earned savings interest on a weekly schedule. Business News
Data breach hits Ajax, ING, and Ace & Tate: Several prominent Amsterdam brands have experienced a data breach via logistics provider CEVA. While personal details may have been exposed, financial passwords and usernames remain secure. Business News
Employers push to prioritize productivity in wage talks: Dutch employer group AWVN states collective labor agreement negotiations should focus more on business competitiveness and productivity rather than solely offseting inflation for workers. Business News
AEX edges near record high despite Wall Street losses: The Amsterdam stock index nudged higher and remains close to its all-time peak, even as lower tech chip stock prices dragged US markets down ahead of a key jobs report. Business News
Dutch regulator reprimands Philip Morris over AI lobby campaign: The Dutch Advertising Code Committee has reprimanded tobacco company Philip Morris. The ruling comes after the firm used an AI-generated campaign to encourage the public to oppose upcoming European Union tobacco regulations. Business News
Persistent drought forces Dutch freight onto roads and rails: Low water levels in shipping canals are causing supply chain delays and rising costs for Dutch businesses. Companies in agriculture, construction, and logistics are shifting freight to road and rail transport to keep goods moving. Business News
Dutch business spending on AI tools jumps sharply: Dutch companies are rapidly increasing their budgets for artificial intelligence software, according to corporate spending platform Pleo. Corporate outlays for Anthropic jumped over 80 percent recently, while spending on OpenAI grew nearly 30 percent. Business News
European drought threatens to raise Dutch energy bills: Severe dry conditions across Eastern Europe are restricting cooling water supplies for major power plants, straining the continental energy grid. The resulting supply squeeze is beginning to put upward pressure on household energy prices in the Netherlands. Business News
AkzoNobel shareholders approve merger with Axalta: Shareholders at Amsterdam-headquartered paint maker AkzoNobel have voted overwhelmingly in favor of merging with competitor Axalta. The deal still requires approval from regulatory authorities before it can move forward. Business News
Cabinet rules out drought compensation for businesses: The Dutch government has confirmed it will not provide financial compensation to businesses facing losses due to ongoing water shortages across the Netherlands. Business News
M Pies: British savoury pies from Emily, who trained in Amsterdam kitchens after moving over from the UK. The crust is the point: crisp enough to hold, flaky and buttery, with fillings that borrow from different eras and cuisines. Restaurant
Chun: The Japanese bun bakery opens a third cafe in a former pastry shop by the Bijenkorf. Shop / Store
Vin Fou: A small French-leaning restaurant from the chef behind Gitane and Massalia, taking walk-ins. Restaurant
Parea: A contemporary skewer bar from the team behind Gitane and Massalia. Bar / Café
Good to know
New on Dutch streaming: Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (Netflix), Silo S3 (Apple TV+), Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S4 (SkyShowtime), The Matrix Reloaded (HBO Max) 🎬🚀
New on the big screen: Cría Cuervos returns Friday 14 August to Filmhuis Griffioen and LAB111, All Wishes Come True! opens Friday 14 August at Kinepolis Hoofddorp, and Flee to EYE. Showtimes here.
Overheard on Reddit: Someone asking about identical mussel dishes at two unrelated Amsterdam restaurants found commenters largely unsurprised, pointing to wholesalers like Sligro and Bidfood’s Jordys Keuken, which sell fully prepped dishes, plating tips included.
Today’s supermarket deals: Finish Quantum dishwasher tablets (5 for €41.98) from Albert Heijn, Mona pudding (2 for €3.00) from Jumbo.
Did you know? Amsterdam’s 1928 Olympics introduced the Olympic flame as a modern Games tradition, though the torch relay came later.
98 years ago today: On August 8th, 1928, sixteen-year-old boxer Ben Bril made his Olympic debut at the Amsterdam Games.
In tomorrow’s edition: Theaterfestival de Parade opens in Martin Luther Kingpark, free kids’ music workshops take place in Oosterpark, and the KinderParade offers theater and activities for children.
Have a great Saturday, and enjoy the sun.
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