14 August 2009

Happenings and events in Amsterdam the weekend of August 14 - 16

I quickly complied this list of events for this weekend, sans music. I am not sure about the rest of you but I am in holiday mode, not that I am officially on holiday but rather that the time moves slowly these last days and I am enjoying this peace before a return to a busy City of work, work, work. I hope you have a fantastic weekend.

Hartjes Dagen @ Zeedijk and Nieuw Markt, Saturday – Sunday, FREE, various events but things happening the entire day, no specific events for kids but kids are welcome.

Now considered a modern folk festival Hartjes Dagen is a street party and festival said to originate from the the Middle Ages when fireworks would be shot off and people would take to the streets in a sort of carnival feeling with elaborate costums. Since 1997 it has become an annual festival for the Zeedijk to celebrate its beauty and diversity.

Why go? Street party = fun

Droomfestival / dream festival @ Blijburg, Saturday and Sunday starts at 12.00 – til late in the night, €7/ during the day ticket, €11 for tickets after 17.00, some special events for kids.

A festival with three stages of music and djs, a “spiritual corner” with a dream tepee where you can make your own dream catcher, learn yoga techniques with your kids; a “wake-up tent” with Raja Yoga, meditation, and Vortex healing; a relaxing tent with chair massage, and aura reading; and a rainbow camper with a special exhibition; a Hippy Market with creative handmade goods; a Trailer Trash Camp with a gallery for artists, a tattoo truck, face painting, etc; also Capoeira performances.

Why go? Along with enjoying some beach time you can check out some music and get a glitter tattoo!:)

Pluk de Nacht / outdoor film festival @ Stenen hoofd near Silodam (bus 48 from Centraal Station brings you directly to the festival), final weekend 'til August 15th, starts at dark 21.30ish, FREE (all the films are subtitled in English). The festival then continues next week to Studio K, Timorplein from August 18th – 22nd.

Annual outdoor film festival overlooking het IJ with nightly films, art exhibitions, bar and restaurant. With a short film before every headliner. This week- Friday: "Der Architekt" German, and Saturday: "Boogie" Romanian.

Why go? of all the wonderful film festivals in Amsterdam, this one is my favorite!

Grachten Festival @ various locations, starts Saturday August 15 – 23, various prices, a different program everyday, with special events for kids.

The Grachten (canal) Festival is an annual festival celebrating classical music, architecture and the water, with more than 100 unique concerts for adults and kids in monuments, museums, sometimes even private houses in Amsterdam. There are also boat tours, guided architectural walking tours, music theater events, master classes, etc...

Why go? Enjoy live music on the canals

Acoustic Brazil Festival @ De Roode Bioscoop, starts Sunday August 16 – 22, every evening 20.30, €12.50/ticket.

Live Brazilian music and film, with different performances every evening.

Why go? Check out an intimate concert

De Parade @ Martin Luther Park, final weekend – August 16th, everyday 15.00 – 01.00 ('til 02.00 on Fridays and Saturdays), €7/ticket, kids under 12 FREE.

De Parade is a two month mobile theater and music festival that tours the Netherlands stopping in the four largest cities in the Randstad. A huge, packed line-up of events, check out daily program.

Why go? Certain to find a little something for everyone and the Parade is open everyday!

Down Under film and activities @ Filmtheather, Prinsengracht 452, final weekend, various times, prices and activities until August 16, special events for kids.

Australian and New Zealand films (events every weekend, but films through the week). This weekend: “The Piano” (1993, winner of three Academy Awards and Palme d'Or) starts every evening at 19.00. Also on Saturday enjoy the final closing party of the festival (15 euros/ticket)with didgeridoo preformances, a wine tasting and lots of Down Under music.

Sunday for kids starting at 11.45 is a Down Under Kids Disco (a good excuse to boogie with the little ones) and the showing of the film “De reddertjes in Kangoeroeland” (only Dutch audio).

Why go? soak up a little Aussie history through film.

Comedy Train International Summer Festival @ Toomler (near the Hilton) Wednesday- Saturday. €12.50- €16.00, 20.30, all shows in English.

Two U.S. comedians, Dave Fulton and Rory Scovel perform in two separate sets, each lasting 45 minutes in total.


Why go? get your dose of comedy on a rainy night

Vondelpark Openluchttheater (Open Air Theater), Friday - Sunday, various times see previous post for details, FREE, stuff for kids.

This weekend lots of music! Everything from music theater, jazz, cabaret to classical. Always a kids show on Saturday at 14.00.

Why go? every weekend until September enjoy different shows, theater, music, etc...


Just Friday

Van Gogh Museum Avond @ the Van Gogh Museum, Friday 18.30 – 22.00, entrĂ©e to museum, but free with Museumkaart.

DJ x-0-x spins tunes starting at 18.30.

Starting at 20.00 American voice artist, Jodi Gilbert, performs some tunes with a little twist of improv. Live piano and bas accompany her.

Why go? Check out some live tunes

Outdoor screening of film “Juno” @ Filmmuseum, Friday, 21.30, €3.

Part of the Filmmuseum's weekly (every Friday evening) outdoor film screenings – Sunsets. A critically acclaimed film about a hysterically sarcastic pregnant teenager from the suburbs of Minnesota, USA.

Why go? enjoy the open air and some honest laughs

Re-opening (after summer holiday) party @ De Nieuwe Anita, Friday, 20.00, €6.

Bohemian-esque party for the reopening and improved Anita with the big wine box exhibition (during the last year people were asked to decorate wine boxes any way they liked and return them to be part a traveling exhibition. Live super funky jazz music, djs, tarot, movies and a cocktail bar.

Why go? check out the remake of de Nieuwe Anita and enjoy a cocktail


Just Saturday

ZOOmeravond /summer night @ Artis (the zoo), various programs, 18.30 - 22.00, price of zoo, every Saturday until September, stuff for kids.

A broad program with a little bit for everyone- 2 music stages, theater, a kinderboederij (petting zoo) and other creative activities for kids! This week a special presentation in the theater and the music of three different bands starting at 18.30.

Why go? Check out the fish and enjoy some tunes.

Buitenbios /Outside theater@ Het Ketelhuis, Westerpark, every Saturday 'til August 22nd, starts when it is dark around 22.00, FREE.

A free open air presentation in the Westerpark. This Saturday check out showing of “You, the Living” a 95 minute screening of short films from all over the world

Why go? good excuse to stay out late in the park


Just Sunday

Generations of Love Festival @ Strand West, Sunday, €32.50/ticket.

2nd annual beach party inspired by “Tolerance! Peace! Brotherhood! Togetherness!”, celebrating House music by brining together generations of artists and visitors. With four stages, food, drinks, party.

Why go? Who doesn't enjoy some peace, love and house music?!


Outside Amsterdam:

Gaasper Pleasure / dance event @ recreation area Gaasperplas Zuid, Saturday, FREE.

Free all-day dance event from 12.00 – 23.00 with minimal, house and techno djs. Your own drinks and food are not allowed.

Why go? Support a free dance festival just a short bike ride past Diemen.

If you appreciate this agenda please click on my ads so I can have some change in my pocket to buy a coffee to make this for you!:) Thanks, and as always please send me any comments you may have.

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