Essentially Amsterdam – Saturday, September 12, 2026

Saturday September 12, 2026

Good morning, Amsterdam. Today is Open Monumentendag: dozens of protected buildings across the city and Weesp open their doors, from the Amstel Hotel’s mirror hall to a Cold War nuclear shelter. Tonight, EYE screens The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live shadow cast in front of the screen. In the news: the city’s tourist tax is set to reach 20% by 2031, residents are patrolling the centre to report rogue souvenir shops, and police are flying drones to fine traffic violators.

The activities listed below are just a curated sample of what’s going on in Amsterdam this weekend. Check out our completely redesigned events calendar here.

Floradorp residents seek bonfire alternative after unrest: Neighbourhood organisers are preparing a replacement event following the prohibition of the traditional New Year bonfire. Local residents say the celebration remains central to the area’s identity.

Cardiologists investigated over alleged medical device kickbacks: Investigators have seized eight properties tied to six specialists suspected of taking money from device manufacturers. The doctors work or previously worked at hospitals in Amsterdam and Nijmegen.

Amsterdam residents run patrols to report tourist shops: A volunteer neighbourhood team carries out monthly street checks on zoning and catering rules across the old city. Their formal enforcement requests have led to eight municipal penalty orders so far.

Westpoort site chosen for sustainable textile hub: The city is investing €900,000 into shared facilities for designers, makers and trainers at Donauweg. The first rented spaces are scheduled to open early next year.

Police use drones to fine traffic violators: The Public Prosecution Service has authorised police to issue fines directly from aerial footage. Officers have already deployed the devices to catch drivers ignoring motorway lane closures.

New community initiative in the Indische Buurt: A new community initiative in De Poorthuisjes draws on the legacy of a pioneering twentieth-century social housing worker. The project explores what brings neighbours together through artist residencies and local workshops.

Katseye fans queue in rain at Ziggo Dome: Fans from around the world waited from early morning outside the concert hall to see the global girl group. Only four of the six members performed at the show.

Nieuw-West teacher reaches millions on TikTok: Nouhaila El Guebli uses social media videos alongside classroom teaching to support vulnerable pupils. She also plans to bring her message to Dutch theatres.

Amsterdam tourist tax to reach 20% by 2031: Under coalition plans, hotel overnight levies will rise gradually from 12.5% to one of the highest rates worldwide. Critics warn the policy drives away business travellers while leaving day-trippers untaxed.

Dutch healthcare premiums set to rise next year: Monthly health insurance costs will increase by ten euros in the coming year. The expected change emerged from leaked government budget figures.

Cities cut parking spaces to build more homes: Major Dutch municipalities are reducing car parking to create room for new housing developments. The strategy encourages public transport and shared mobility, though it faces local pushback.

Breakdance demonstration and workshop at Open Monumentendag: Children aged six and up watch a live dance demonstration, then learn core breakdance footwork themselves. 12 September, 14:00, Boost Transvaal. 📅 FAMILY SHOW

Glow-in-the-dark sea creatures and live percussion in DIEP: Bioluminescent ocean puppets meet live drumming in a surreal youth theatre show exploring deep-sea marine life. 12 September, Bijlmer Parktheater. 📅 FAMILY SHOW

Black Cat Theatre presents Vier Seizoenen for toddlers: Music, gentle movement and visual staging introduce nature to toddlers, with plenty of free play before and after. 12 September, Black Cat Theatre. 📅 FAMILY SHOW

Chilean wordless puppet theatre at Munganga: Chilean puppeteers act out three gentle vignettes with world music, gestures, and sounds instead of spoken lines. 12 September, 15:00, Teatro Munganga. 📅 FAMILY SHOW

Sculpt clay fantasy figures at KUNSTatelier Factor IJ: Kids aged five and up use clay, paint, and textiles to make sculpted figures inspired by Candice Binjacar. 12 September, 13:00, Factor-IJ. 📅 KIDS WORKSHOP

HNTJong brings Dag Poes to the stage: Three friends search for their missing pet, told through lively songs about farewells for ages four to eight. 12 September, 14:00, 16:00, Meervaart Theater, Blauwe Zaal. 📅 FAMILY SHOW

Self-guided family trail through 1930s Amsterdam jazz: Free activity booklets guide children aged seven to twelve through the archive rooms exploring pre-war jazz migration. 12 September, Stadsarchief Amsterdam. 📅 MUSEUM / EDUCATIONAL

Saturday morning picture-book reading for babies and toddlers: A half-hour reading circle keeps little ones busy while parents sit with tea in the adjoining cafe. 12 September, 10:30, De Kinderboekwinkel. 📅 STORY / READING

Sam & Julia brought to life on stage: A forty-five-minute puppet adaptation of Het Muizenhuis, following two mice exploring an old rag-and-bone attic. 12 September, 13:00, 15:00, Meervaart, Rode Zaal. 📅 FAMILY SHOW

Bolingo Kids x iAfrica Kinderfilmfestival at Theater de Omval: Screenings pair with face painting, cotton candy, and an appearance by actress Esther Mbire for young families. 12 September, 12:00 – 17:00, Theater de Omval. 📅 FAMILY SHOW

John Katokye brings Ugandan throat singing to OCCII: Improvised Banyankore poetry supported by backing vocalists weaving layered harmonies that run unbroken for ten minutes. 12 September, 21:00, OCCII. 📅 WORLD / FOLK

Unplugged sound session at the Gashouder with Harmony.now: A phone-free collective listening session gathers inside the circular industrial hall for quiet, immersive sound. 12 September, 17:30, Amsterdam. 📅 ELECTRONIC / DANCE

Radio Philharmonic Orchestra revives Korngold’s Die tote Stadt: Two choirs and soloists join conductor Oksana Lyniv for an afternoon matinee performance of the 1920 opera. 12 September, 13:00 – 16:10, The Concertgebouw, Main Hall. 📅 CLASSICAL

Nine stages of urban music at Parels van de Stad: More than a hundred acts play across multiple outdoor platforms covering Dutch urban pop, house, and contemporary local rap. 12 September, 12:00 – 23:00, Riekerhaven. 📅 HIP-HOP / R&B

Live jazz flute, DJ sets and open-air cinema: A jazz trio opens the night before DJ sets give way to an outdoor romantic film screening. 12 September, 19:00, Groot Bijlmerplein. 📅 JAZZ / BLUES

ÁMÀL Ensemble outdoors with an open jam session: Arabic melodies and Latin grooves mix on stage before audience players take their instruments up for a jam. 12 September, 15:00, Vondelpark Openluchttheater. 📅 WORLD / FOLK

Italian opera themes and Nino Rota in Oost: Brass and woodwind players tackle film themes alongside classic opera movements inside the former church dome. 12 September, 15:00, NedPhO-Koepel. 📅 CLASSICAL

Rostam brings layered American indie pop to Bitterzoet: The American producer and songwriter plays an intimate club set drawing on his multi-instrumental indie pop catalogue. 12 September, Bitterzoet. 📅 POP / ROCK

Matilda Mann plays an intimate instore show at Concerto: Drop by the record racks for an acoustic set celebrating her new album, with record signings right after. 12 September, 16:30, Concerto. 📅 SINGER-SONGWRITER

Joey McIntyre brings his solo Freedom Tour to Amsterdam: A seated evening of solo material, boyband nostalgia, and personal stories from life across four decades of pop. 12 September, 20:00, t Zonnehuis. 📅 POP / ROCK

Spanish music, visual art, and tapas at Jaleo Sound Festival: Live sets from emerging female artists pair with Colombian visual art, paella, and regional cheeses in a church. 12 September, 14:00 – 23:00, Posthoornkerk. 📅 ELECTRONIC / DANCE

New York indie duo Lowertown live in the Upstairs Room: Lo-fi indie rock fills the intimate upstairs hall as the American duo tours songs from their concept album. 12 September, 19:30, Paradiso Upstairs Room. 📅 POP / ROCK

Three Dutch rock bands pack into The Cave: Loud guitars and three local sets inside an underground rock bar built for heavy riffs. 12 September, 21:00, The Cave. 📅 POP / ROCK

Hear Beatles and Queen hits arranged for strings: Pop anthems and classic rock ballads get acoustic arrangements inside the historic church for an hour. 12 September, 20:00, Zuiderkerk. 📅 POP / ROCK

Open Monumentendag Opens Historic Buildings Across the City: Dozens of protected monuments across the city and Weesp throw open their doors for tours and special programmes. 12 September, 10:00-17:00, Various locations. 📅 ART / MUSEUMS

Live shadow cast for The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Frank’s Freaks leads callouts and live routines in front of the screen during the classic glam-rock musical film. 12 September, 21:15, EYE Filmmuseum. 📅 FILM

Amstel Hotel opens its mirror hall for Open Monumentendag: A dedicated side entrance opens directly into the historic Spiegelzaal during the city’s landmark heritage weekend. 12 September, Amstel Hotel. 📅 MUSEUM / EDUCATIONAL

Beats, Bodies & Books launches at OBA De Hallen: Three brand-new works pairing emerging choreographers with young composers, wrapping up with an open artist talk in the café. 12 September, 20:30, OBA/Café Belcampo. 📅 DANCE / PERFORMANCE

Community housewarming party at de Nieuwe Meent: Guided building tours, creative workshops, drinks, food, and live music mark the opening of the community co-housing project. 12 September, 12:00, de Nieuwe Meent. 📅 FESTIVALS

Spot nocturnal insects during Nachtvlindernacht at De Eendracht: You head outside after dark with a local group to observe and identify nocturnal insects on the allotments. 12 September, Tuinen van West. 📅 TALKS / IDEAS

Amsterdam Map Fair at Het Scheepvaartmuseum: Thirty-three specialist dealers sell historical prints and maps dating from the fifteenth century, alongside three cartography lectures. 12 September, 10:00 – 17:00, The National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum). 📅 ART / MUSEUMS

Late-night retro grooves after Burlesque FreakOut: DJ Charley Rhythm takes over the decks with retro music once the sold-out burlesque show winds down. 12 September, 21:30, De Nieuwe Anita. 📅 DANCE / PERFORMANCE

Block Market brings vintage stalls to Summer @ H’ART: Stalls across the museum courtyard feature second-hand clothing, live music by Stokers, and an upcycling craft station. 12 September, 11:00 – 16:30, H’ART Museum. 📅 FOOD / MARKETS

Book release and poetry reading for Shadowkind at San Serriffe: Framed artwork hangs on the bookshop walls while a live reading shares the poems from the new release. 12 September, 18:00, San Serriffe. 📅 ART / MUSEUMS

Open Atelier Route across thirty studios in Diemen: Thirty local artists open their workshops across town, alongside a group showcase inside the historic church De Hoop. 12 September, 11:00 – 17:00, De Hoop. 📅 ART / MUSEUMS

Open Monumentendag walking tour of restored painted wall advertisements: Guides lead you past historic painted commercial signs restored across city walls since work began in 2002. 12 September, Startpunt: Bellamystraat 378. 📅 TOUR

Recreate personal memories using marshmallows at Framer Framed: An informal one-hour workshop where participants sculpt a past memory purely out of spekjes, without rules or technique. 12 September, Framer Framed. 📅 WORKSHOP

Botanical illustration workshop inspired by Maria Sibylla Merian: All materials come supplied for an outdoor sketch class studying plants through the techniques of naturalist Maria Merian. 12 September, 13:00, Rombout Hogerbeetsstraat 136H. 📅 WORKSHOP

Puppet improv fundamentals in the easylaughs Yes Hand workshop: Comedian Jon van Luling guides improv actors through historical basics and scene work using handheld puppets. 12 September, 14:00 – 17:00, Q Factory. 📅 WORKSHOP

Japanese dorodango mud sphere crafting at Het Wilde Veld: A garden-house session where you patiently mould raw earth and polish simple mud into a smooth, glossy ball. 12 September, 10:30 – 12:30, Het Wilde Veld. 📅 WORKSHOP

Maptime Amsterdam cartography and geometry walk through the historic centre: Walk the streets with a small group tracing how seventeenth-century science shaped the city layout. 12 September, 10:00, Amsterdam Centraal Station. 📅 TOUR

Dutch board game afternoon at ‘t Claverhuis: Language teachers help you play tailored games designed for internationals sharing their local experiences, suited for A1 level upwards. 12 September, 16:00 – 18:00, Buurthuis ‘t Claverhuis. 📅 GAMES / HOBBIES

Hands-on craft at Boekbinden met Annemieke: Learn foundational stitching and assembly methods in the library’s open neighbourhood workshop space. 12 September, 12:00, OBA Spaarndammerbuurt – Open ruimte. 📅 WORKSHOP

Print smartphone photographs using darkroom chemistry with dokaLab: Working in pairs, fourteen people learn how to expose and develop black-and-white prints from digital camera rolls. 12 September, 14:00 – 16:00, Stichting Het Salon Ateliers. 📅 WORKSHOP

Gather with sketchbooks for Drawing Amsterdam at Babel cafe: Twenty artists with confirmed RSVPs share two long tables on the library’s seventh floor to draw together. 12 September, 11:00, Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (OBA) Amsterdam City Library. 📅 GAMES / HOBBIES

Haiku op doek: painting short verse at Café Belcampo: Draft three short lines exploring loneliness and connection, then transfer your finished poem onto stretched canvas with paint. 12 September, 10:00, Café Belcampo. 📅 WORKSHOP

Draw with leftover brewed coffee grounds at NIO House: All materials are supplied, with instruction offered in five languages for complete beginners using discarded coffee grounds. 12 September, 15:00 – 16:30, NIO House Amsterdam. 📅 WORKSHOP

Tiles, tables, and drinks at Mahjong Meet: Adults gather over casual tables with guidance on hand for beginners and a drink token included with entry. 12 September, 14:00, De Sering. 📅 GAMES / HOBBIES

Tabletop gaming afternoon at the September RPG Meetup: Pick up character sheets for tabletop sessions of Fiasco, Mage, and Nimble, followed by group dinner and drinks. 12 September, 13:00, 2 Klaveren. 📅 GAMES / HOBBIES

IBC 2026 media and entertainment tech convention at RAI Amsterdam: Spanning four days, this massive trade convention covers broadcasting, artificial intelligence, and startup tech across multiple exhibition halls. 12 September, 10:30 – 18:00, RAI Amsterdam. 📅 CONFERENCE

Tutorial Day at the PyData Conference 2026: Hands-on technical coding sessions covering LLM benchmarking, GenAI evaluation, and data engineering pipelines across a full working day. 12 September, 08:00, Xebia Amsterdam Office. 📅 CONFERENCE

Creative workflows and drinks at Adobe Color After Dark: Video editors, colorists, and filmmakers gather for tool demonstrations, industry talks, and casual networking away from the trade floor. 12 September, 18:00, De Hallen Studio’s. 📅 NETWORKING

Build a web app in a tiny Vibecoding Workshop: A three-person tutorial teaching complete beginners how to build working software using ChatGPT or Claude Code. 12 September, 11:00, OBA Oosterdok – Public Library. 📅 WORKSHOP / TRAINING

Salvo Basement: Located on Keizersgracht, this sister venue to Salvo in West is open Wednesday through Sunday. Guests can relax at the bar and catch occasional live vinyl DJ sets.

Fabus: This cozy wine bar in Amsterdam-West occupies a charming, narrow space with wooden tables and chairs. The focus is specifically on Eastern European bottles.

Esh Pitaria and Bar: Located in the Museum Quarter, this new spot serves fresh lemonades alongside a menu of pitas, hummus, pizzas, and sharing plates.

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