August
Amsterdam Pride

Amsterdam Pride is always held over the first weekend in August, with the world-famous Canal Parade as the highlight. The event is a week of celebration, commemoration and demonstration led by members of the LGBTIQ community – and everyone’s invited. There are often demonstrations in favour of gay rights and against discrimination and marginalisation. For a whole week, all kinds of LGBTIQ cultural events are held around the city. The idea is to inform, educate and encourage conversations.

Regulierdwarstraat, a busy street famous for its gay bars, becomes party central during Amsterdam Pride. During the day, there’s entertainment galore on stages on Dam Platz, on Bursplein, by the Homomonument and next to Rembrandtplein. Later on, the dancing at Rapido at the Paradiso club and Funhouse XXL at the GasHouder events venue goes on until the sun comes up the next day.

The highlight of the week has to be the Canal Parade. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors follow the parade along the River Amstel and the canals. A community comes together to celebrate itself. Groups make their way loudly through the city on boats, as the people watching dance in the streets. It’s bright and brash, with all the colours of the rainbow on display. And let’s just say that some of the outfits don’t leave a lot to the imagination. Hailed as one of the best Pride parades in the world, the Canal Parade gives everyone a chance to be themselves, regardless of their sexuality or anything else.

August
Uitmarkt - The culture festival

The Uitmarkt, the biggest culture festival in the Netherlands, comes to Amsterdam during the last weekend in August. Over 2,000 artists entertain and delight visitors at over 30 venues spread throughout the city.

This event shows off the country’s rich culture in all its glory. From synchronised swimming in the canals to a silent disco at the National Maritime Museum. With a soundtrack featuring hip-hop beats, classical sounds and everything in between. Musicians, dance groups, actors and comedians take to the stage to entertain visitors, who have the chance to get involved in all kinds of workshops.

The Museumplein in front of the Rijksmuseum is the main festival venue. That’s where you can find the huge book market – a dream come true for any bookworm. Young culture vultures can head straight to the Uitmarkt junior area here.

The musical singalong on the main stage on Museumplein is one highlight of the festival even though it happens to be the closing act.

You don’t need to worry about getting your hands on a ticket, though, because all the public events during the Uitmarkt festival are free. You can find out more on the official festival website.

December
amsterdam light festival

At the start of December, when the days are as short as they get, the Amsterdam Light Festival lights up the city for 53 days. Light artists from all around the world show off their work throughout Amsterdam, including on and along the canals.

The idea behind the festival is to make light art accessible to as many people as possible, giving them the chance to get to know the artists and be inspired by their creativity. And we can safely say that the concept is a hit! The festival, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2021, expands every year. The cultural and corporate worlds come together to create exciting and innovative ideas.

The best way to enjoy the lights is from a boat – especially with so many of the displays floating on the water. Why not book yourself onto a special light festival tour? You’ll have to be quick, though, because they sell out fast.

The Amsterdam Light Festival isn’t all about the displays – don’t forget to check out the varied programme of fringe events while you’re there. And download the handy app too!