30 September 2009

Happenings and Events in Amsterdam for the long weekend of October 1 - 4

Another jam packed weekend coming your way! With lots of new exhibitions, plenty of films and events to keep you pedaling across the City.

This project has been smoothly rolling along for just four months; interest has grown exponentially and thus we are looking to expand the simple agenda to something bigger- by way of a more accessible site! I have been experimenting with some different site choices and researching possibilities before making the next move but now I am looking for someone who has the technical skills, that I lack. So, if you, or someone you know has experience building a database-driven web site using PHP and MySQL, please send contact me, busyinamsterdam [at] gmail.

As always enjoy your fabulous weekend in Amsterdam!


Ongoing & Entire Weekend:

Festival: Camera Japan Festival @ Melkweg and Kriterion, October 1 – 7, various times and prices, special events for kids, all films with English subtitles.

A festival of film, dance, music, exhibition. lectures, debates. workshops, and food centered around Japan and Japanese culture.
Check out: Kōji Wakamatsu's 1970s films at the Melkweg
Swing by the Japanese dj party at Kriterion on Saturday at 23.30 €8, with DJ Hito.
Also indulge in the filmbrunch on Sunday, 12.00 at Kriterion; for €10 you get a Japanese brunch and a film ticket to “One Million Yen Girl”.

Exhibition: Vrijstaat Amsterdam @ Tolhuistuin, daily 'til November 8, FREE.

Vrijstaat Amsterdam (free city) is an exhibition about the future of the city? Nine urban design bureaus display their dreams and ideas. Part of het International Architecutral Biennale Rotterdam.

Exhibition & Event & Muesum: Stedlijk in de Stad- Bouwkeet on tour in Amsterdam-Oost @ various locations, but the main places for events is Studio K, ongoing – end of October, Wednesday – Saturday 12.00-18.00, Thursday 'til 20.00, FREE (except for a party on Octber 17th), most activities in Dutch unless noted.

Check out this weekend: Hunting Luck Oost, Friday, 14.00 – 16.00. A photo tour with artist Frank Koolen. Bring your own camera and learn how to take great photos of daily street life. Then join in the KICK OFF borrel at 16.00 with a presentation about why Oost is the place to be.

Then Saturday from 14.00 – 16.00 take part in the Video workshop Night Shots organized by n8 and Cineville. The workshop is preparing for the video contest held during museumnacht on November 7th. Get some tips on how to make your one minute film for the competition.

Exhibition: Utopian Grids @ Trouw, de Verdieping, daily 'til October 5, Monday – Friday, 12.00 – 22.00, Saturday & Sunday 15.00 – 22.00, FREE.

This special exhibition organized by the Design Department of the Sandberg Institute Amsterdam (master’s program at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy) sheds light on the new structures of urbanization- from Google city-building, holiday parks and perfect landscapes to disappearing city states, military strategies and revolts. These concepts will be explored through the media of film, drawings, installations, books, debates and performances.

Theater: “West Side Story” @ Carre Theater, ongoing – November 11, Tuesday – Friday daily showing at 20.00, Saturday 15.00 & 20.00, and Sunday 14.00 & 19.00, various prices €20 - €69, in English with an American cast.

One the most well-known musicals, West Side Story comes to stage in Amsterdam, in celebration of the Amsterdam – New York 400 jaar events.

Photo Exhibition: Daniel Cohen's 'We want more' @ Melkweg Gallerie, October 1 – November 1, Wednesday – Sunday, 13.00 – 20.00, FREE.

Photographer Daniel Cohen (1979, Leiderdorp) takes shots behind the stage at the Melkweg and Paradiso, gathering a group of photographs that portray unique and vulnerable moments of musics.

Film: Buddist Film Festival @ various locations and times, Friday – Monday, €7.50 /film or a passe-partout for €27.50, most films with English subtitles.

The Buddhist Film Festival Europe is an international platform to present films, documentaries, television programs and experimental works that are inspired or influenced by Buddhism.

Theater: The Queen's English Theatre Company: 'the history boys' @ CREA, Thursday – Sunday, daily at 19.30, €15, in English.

A theater show about students in a high school in Northern England = fun, sex, classroom antics.

Kids & Museum & Event: Scientific Festival @ NEMO, Saturday and Sunday, 10.00 – 17.00, FREE.

The Scientific Festival, not only lets you play around in the already exciting science museum, but also presents a day long special presentation of experiments, presentations and shows to captivate your mind.

Event: Open Ateliers De Pijp @ 88 artist studios in De Pijp, Saturday and Sunday, 12.00 – 18.00, FREE.

Check out the ateliers of 70 artists and 25 creative and traditional crafters in De Pijp. All forms of art can be found from traditional to hyper-modern, from paintings to installations, photography and fashion. A main exhibition is located at the Cultuuruis Diamantslijperij, Tolstraat 129.



Thursday

Film: Quickflicks @ de Nieuwe Anita, Thursday, 20.00, €2.50.

Check out recently made home videos submitted for the 11th International Quickflicks party, with the theme of bugs. Also perhaps a good opportunity to gt free aversion/bug phobia treatment, since the night promises lots of insects!:)

Music: Pop/Rock night- Nancy's Revenge @ Volta, Houtmankade 334, Thursday, 20.00, unknown price.

Volta is an activity center in the Westerpark district of Amsterdam and part of the foundation Welfare Westerpark for young people from 16 years, with live music every Thursday.

Music: Istituto Italiano di Cultura & Fondazione Musica per Roma: Let's Kill the Moonlight – A futuristic Italian Soiree @ Bimhuis, Thursday, 20.30, €8.

A multimedia presentation from Giancarlo Schiaffini – the trombonist/composer, plays his first free jazz concert with futuristic music and vocalist Silvia Schiavoni.


Film: “Los bastardos” @ Smart Project Space, Thursday, 22.00, €7.

Follow the lives of two illegal Mexican workers in Los Angeles as they wait on the corners of the streets for work.

Music: Hard rock karaoke @ Cafe PakHuis Wilhelmina, Thursday, 22.00, €5.

Stop just practicing with "Guitar Hero" and get on stage with a live band to accompany you.



Friday

Event & Musuem: Van Gogh Museum Avond @ the Van Gogh Museum, Friday 18.30 - 22, entrée to museum, but free with Museumkaart, stuff for older kids.

20.00 and 21.00 check out (DE)-Constructing me, where designer Catta Donkersloot, winner of the IAF for the most creative design of 2008 and photographer Lisa Kortenhorst prepare an installation inspired by themes in the exhibition on Alfred Stevens. The films deal with the search for an individual identity, the limitations of freedom through clothing, the evanescence of time and reality, and the perception of women in general.

Film: “Mama Don't Like No Guitarpickers 'Round Here” @ Melkweg Cinema, Friday, 19.00, €6.

This film (Jacqueline van Vugt, NL 2009), is in competition for the best long documentary in the Nederlands Film Festival, about the Amsterdam pop scene via scenes in the music store De Plug.

Music & Event: New Orleans Gumbo @ de Nieuwe Anita, Friday, 20.00, €6.

In the spirit of New Orleans de Nieuwe Anita brings together live music, food and film. First check out the film “ Faubourg Treme - The untold story of Black New Orleans” and then live tunes from The Souldiers, and Combo Gumbo. With DJs Cowboy & Henk spinning the New Orleans Funk there after! And Cajun rice and beans will be served the entire night. Costumes are encouraged.

Theater: De Nederlands Opera “After life” @ Het Muziektheater, Friday – Saturday, 20.00, various prices, in English with Dutch titling.

The world premier of this one act opera addresses the most defining moment of your life, adapted from Hirokazu Kore-Ed's film.

Event: Subbacultcha music magazine release party @ OT301, 21.00, €6.

Not only check out the new magazine but also indie bands and party festivities with the Finnish band Joensuu 1685 (garage drones) and the Dutch band the Strutters, and the rock 'n roll DJ Furbanger (Bjorn from zZz).

Music & Party: Rocking da farm @ de Buurtboerderij Westerpark, Friday, 21.00, €5.

A party at the kinderboerderij with djs spinning everything from disco, classics, r&b and hip hop.

Music & Dance: Nataraj @ Muiderpoort Theater, 21.30, €9.

Oriental Dj, music dance party with a biodanza lesson at 19.30 to prepare you for the evening.

Music: The Pedro Delgados @ Pacific Parc, Friday, 23.00, FREE.

The Pedro Delgados, a bluegrass band from Amsterdam, are guaranteed to get your toes tapping, with DJ Bennis Burke to follow.

Music: Grand Wazoo @ Badcuyp, Friday, 23.00, €8.

Progressive live jazz and funk!


Saturday:

Museum & Tour: Schatten van de volkshuisvesting @ Museum Het Schip, every Saturday, 11.00 (English tour), 14.00 (Dutch tour), €15 includes museum entree and drink, reservation required, 020-418 2885.

A tour of the world famous volkswoniningbouwblokken (working man's “palace”) by architect Michel De Klerk, includes the museum.

Kids & Event: Kinderpret (kids fun activities) 15th birthday @ Occii, Saturday, 14.00 – 18.00, FREE, for kids.

A big party celebrating 15 years of fun for kids! Make recycled sculptures, your own puppets and a puppet show, a mini-circus, games, music, etc..

Music: Marancha & 3ple-D @ Badcuyp, Saturday, 14.00, €5.

A benefit concert for a new theater in Klawer, South Africa with Marancha taking the stage with over 35 musicians playing everything from samba batucada, reggae, afro samba, as well as 3ple-D on the didgeridoos and samba percussion acts.

Kids & Film: “Stardust” @ Filmtheater, Saturday, 14.30, €8.50, an autism friendly screening.

An adventure film based on the famous book by the same name of Neil Gaiman, with a famous cast of stars including Robert de Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Claire Danes.

Film: European Outdoor Film Tour @ Pakhuis de Zwijger, Saturday, 20.00, €10.

A selection of the most exciting outdoor films- kayaking in Brazil, mountain climbing in Kyrgyzstan, etc = pure adrenaline and adventure films.

Music: Sultan- Balkan Swing Night @ Cafe Pakhuis Wilhelmina, Saturday, 20.30, €10.

Enjoy the grandioos Balkan-esque party put on by Sultan and supporitng act Carlama Okestar. With a DJ to follow.



Sunday

Kids & Event: Dierendag (animal day) @ various locations (see below for suggestions), various times and prices.

Check out the Kinderboederij in De Pijp , 13.00 – 17.00, feed snacks to the animals, do crafts, face painting and compete in the best animal head contest. At 15.00 a clown is expected and the competition ends at 16.00 with prizes. The Artis zoo is also having special events for the day with events from 9.00 – 18.00 including games, food, and a treasure hunt. The Blijmerpark Theater is hosting a bunch of events which include the viewing of a special insect collection in Het Lab at 14.30, theater, and a presentation about making honey.

Market: Sunday Market @ Westerpark, Sunday, 13.00 – 18.00, FREE.

Indian Summer Market with fashion, art, design, food, etc...

Kids & Music: Kid's concert So What? @ de Duif, Sunday, 15.00, , adults €7,50, kids €5, for kids from 4 to 94!:), for tickets contact 020-520 00 90, zalen@stadsherstel.nl .

Classic, jazz and joyous sounds specifically for kids!

Kids & Event: Olga Orman book presenation with songs @ OBA, Sunday, 15.00, FREE, but reserve beforehand 0900-2425468, FREE, for kids 3 and older, mainly in Dutch.

The well-known Arubian writer, poet and story-teller Olga Orman presents her new book Michi with a singing and story program. The book is available in English, Papiamentu and Dutch.

Music: The Clazz Ensemble @ Bethanienklooster, Sunday, 15.00, €12.50, kids under 12 FREE.

The Clazz Ensemble, a ‘small big band’, plays works on the cutting edge of jazz and modern composed music.

Music: Chef Special @ Blijburg, Sunday, 17.00, FREE.

Suck the last days out of the nazomer but getting your feet all sandy and enjoying a live band on the city beach of Blijburg. Chef Special plays a mix of reggae, soul & pop.



Not in Amsterdam but also on my radar:

Party: Sleazefest @Timboektoe, Noordpier, Wijk aan Zee, Saturday, 16.00 – late, €9.99.

One of the best rock 'n roll parties of the year happens this year at the beach! This is a party not to be missed with great live bands including the Spanish band Felon y us Mierdofon, the infamous zZz, the Claw Boys Claw, the Skidmarks, and the list could on and just when you think the music is over rock 'n roll djs take over!


Did you know?

You can catch dinner and the film "Some Like it Hot", every Wednesday evening at 19.45 at the Smart Project Space for €32.50. Must book in advance as only 30 tickets are available, call the Media lab at 020 6169 994 to reserve a ticket.

The Buurtboederij Westerpark has a special daily program in October with something for kids and adults! All you have to do is send an email to register- activiteiten@buurtboerderij.nl.

Mondays: open podium, 21.00, FREE.
Tuesdays: a day of mindfulness with relaxation from 10.00 - 11.00 for FREE and Yoga, 19.30 - 21.30, €5. And schaken (chess) at 17.00, FREE.
Wednesdays: Kids dance 10.45-11.30 (2-5 years old), 13.00-14.00 (5-8 years old) and if enough people register another session at 14.00-15.00 (5-8 year old), plus FREE chair massages from 13.00 - 16.30
Thursday: play the card game klaverjassen, 19.30, FREE + snack and drink
Friday: Coffee meet-and-greet starting at 10.30 FREE + tea, coffee, cake.

If you find this agenda useful, click on my ads. No one pays me to make this agenda, so any coins can throw my way would be appreciated! Enjoy Amsterdam.

28 September 2009

Interested in writing about Amsterdam?

Are you interested in writing content for an online English magazine about Amsterdam? Amsterdam Spoke is looking for new writers. If you would like to write about life, happenings, society, news and politics in Amsterdam. Contact the Spoke at info [at] amsterdam-spoke dot com

23 September 2009

Happenings in Amsterdam the long weekend of September 24 - 27

This week's agenda surprised me, there is so much to do. A friend asked me this morning, after I made a few suggestions for his weekend, "so then, what are you planning on doing?"; I couldn't reply! It seems I need/want to be in multiple places at the same time, and although that is annoying it was also quite great to think that Amsterdam has so much to offer.

This week I had a request to specifically list theater shows that are in English, or where language is no problem, which I will work to continue to do. That being said I want to emphasize that this agenda is hand-picked and does not aim to post every event into English, rather I post a handful of happenings. Furthermore this agenda is not only for the non-Dutch speakers, so some events might be in Dutch (which I will note in the listing).

You can keep up-to-date on Amsterdam happenings in four ways: I just created a Facebook page, where I will post a weekly reminder about the Busy in Amsterdam agenda, but you can also get reminders of events via twitter, sign up for a RSS feed, and or I also send a weekly email reminder (if you would like to be on the list please email me at busyinamsterdam [at] gmail).

Enjoy!


The Entire Weekend:

Film: Manhattan Shorts Festival @ Ketelhuis, Thursday – Saturday, 21.30, €8.50.

Check out the best ten short films from the 12th edition of the International Manhattan Short Film Festival, the largest short film festival in the world.

Art & Event: Kunst Factor @ various locations, Thursday – Saturday, various times, €10, no special events for kids but Kunst Live! events could be interesting.

Amateur art festival with over 30 events highlighting amateur art in the Netherlands including a public debate in English at the OBA on Thursday from 12.00 – 16.00 about the meaning of practicing art at a local level; an opening parade with Amsterdam artists presenting work, theater, break dance and music at de Nieuwmarkt on Thursday starting at 17.30; and an interactive chain reaction event with public participation Saturday at 15.00, 17.00 and 20.30. at Garage Notweg, Notweg 38, Osdorp.

Festival: Rode Loper @ Oosterpark, Saturday 13.00 – 21.00 and Sunday 11.00 – 21.00, FREE, special program for kids.

Check out the cultural mix of Oost at the 9th annual Rode Loper Festival with a weekend long of performances, art, music, dance, live music, and poetry by artists in Oost. Also be sure to check out the Caribbean films, BMX show and a special children's program on Saturday, as well as a fashion show on Sunday.

Music & Dance: Earth Dance @ NDSM werf, Amsterdam Noord, Friday and Saturday, 23.00 – 06.00, €27 for tickets at the door.

In celebration of the World Day of Peace Earth Dance was organized as an international dance event with over three hundred thousand people dancing simultaneously across the globe. Considered a musical adventure with 50% of profits going to the Tibet Support Group. This event has six podiums with various acts including drum & bass, reggae, indie dance, electro punk, roots, progressive trance, chill out, techno, acid, etc… There is also an all night open-air chill out market with food, drinks and market stalls.

Film & Music: Music 4 Your Eyes : film festival about music @ Melkweg, something everyday final week ends September 30th, various times, €6, all films in English.

The 2nd year of the film festival exploring films about music and musicians.

This week: Thursday: “Johnny Cash’s America” – premier, 19.00;
Friday and Saturday “Part of the Weekend Never Dies”, 21.00;
Saturday and Sunday: “The Godfather of Disco” – premier, 19.00;
Monday and Tuesday: “Notorious B.I.G.” – premier, 19.00;
Wednesday: “Johnny Cash at San Quentin” including performance by Grant Campbell, 19.00.

Theater: “West Side Story” @ Carre Theater, ongoing – November 11, Tuesday – Friday daily showing at 20.00, Saturday 15.00 & 20.00, and Sunday 14.00 & 19.00, various prices €20 - €69, in English with an American cast.

One the most well-known musicals, West Side Story comes to stage in Amsterdam, in celebration of the Amsterdam – New York 400 jaar events.

Exhibition: Nardo Brudet: Slaves of Holland @ Meneer de Wit, de Baarsjes, ongoing – October 10, Monday – Friday 11.00 – 17.00, Saturday 11.00 – 18.00, Sunday 13.00 – 18.00, FREE.

Nardo Brudet (1968) presents a photo exhibition exploring the role of the Dutch in the history of slavery. His work is said to play on stereotypes and zet de kijker regelmatig op het verkeerde been (twists your expectations).


Friday:

Event & Museum: Van Gogh Museum Avond @ the Van Gogh Museum, Friday 18.30 - 22, entrée to museum, but free with Museumkaart, stuff for older kids.

20.00 and 21.00 check out (DE)-Constructing me, where designer Catta Donkersloot, winner of the IAF for the most creative design of 2008 and photographer Lisa Kortenhorst prepare an installation inspired by themes in the exhibition on Alfred Stevens. The films deal with the search for an individual identity, the limitations of freedom through clothing, the evanescence of time and reality, and the perception of women in general.

Film & Music: CineSonic 01: “Der müde Tod” @ Goethe-Institut Amsterdam, Friday, 20.00, €5, with English titles, perhaps for older kids.

Live music accompaniment to the German silent film “Der müde Tod”, experiment a new electro-soundtrack to a classic film.

Music: jazz - Mirjam van Dam @ Het Perron, Friday, 21.00, €15.

Mirjam van Dam sings the strong voiced women jazz tunes of the Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

Event & Museum & Music: Discovery 09 @ NEMO, Friday, 21.00 – 04.00, €10, must be 18 or older.

A group of young scientists have organized the first uitgaansnacht at the Science Museum. Experience a night of experiments, music, cocktails, games, films and visuals – discover something new.

Dance: Oh la la @ de Nieuwe Anita, Friday, 20.00, €6.

Famous French dance night.

Party: Rock on on- Retro Clash @ Club 8, Friday, 21.00 – 04.00, €10, minimum age 25.

Kick of party for the brand new retro clash (70s, 80s and 90s retro hits) celebration with resident djs spinning retro tunes late into the night.

Event: Strawberry Earth Nights @ Rialto, Friday, 22.00 - late, €8.

Strawberry Earth is a platform for creative people from all over the world who want to do something positive for our environment. They have an online magazine about international eco developments, as well as hold special themed nights for creative and others interested. The launch of Strawberry Earth Nights in Rialto starts Friday with events, speakers, music and fun. Including a visit from Roland Duong from the television program Keuringsdienst van Waarde (RVU), photography of photographers Anne-Claire de Breij and Sandder Lanen, special djs and fresh juice from Jay’s Juices.

Music: The Spoils @ Pacific Parc, Friday, 23.00, FREE.

Australian surf rock / Nick Cave-esque band makes a stop at Pacific Parc during their Euro tour.


Saturday:

Event: Amsterdam Polo Trophy @ Amsterdamse Bos, Saturday, 13.00, FREE, events for kids, must dress appropriately (smart causal).

Check out a live polo tournament with lots of extra events for the public including a walk on the field (no dogs or high heels allowed), games and polo demonstrations for the kids, a demonstration with a bird of prey, and you can also try out a Segway.

Music: Radio MORTALE benefit party @ Café Pakhuis Wilhelmina, Saturday, 20.30, €5.

Four bands: the Dutch pop/rock band Doloures Daze, singer-song writer Case Mayfield, Dress - the best pop band of 2007 named by Popencyclopedia, and the La La Lies for an overdoes of rock ‘n roll. With Radio Mortale DJs in between sets and after the bands.

Music: Reggae Recipe @ Maloe Melo, Saturday, 22.00 – 04.00, €7.
A night of Reggae music and Caribbean snacks with the live band – The Delegators, and djs.

Music and Party: /K met Peren + 2 jaar Studio /K @ Studio /K, Saturday, 23.00 – 04.00, €10.

Celebrate the birthday of Studio /K and enjoy the monthly mini-festival of the multi-dimensional world of music, acts, band, games and fun.


Sunday:

Film: “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” @ Rialto, Sunday, 11.00, €8, in English.

Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 vampire film of Bram Stoker’s famous Dracula story, winner of three Oscars.

Market: Pure market @ Park Frankendael, Watergrafsmeer, Sunday, 11.00 – 18.00, FREE, activities and crafts for kids.

A monthly tradition of lekker eten (delicious food) mostly organic, as well as other local, sustainable goods, and music. Also creative activities for the little ones.

Event: Shoot Wibaut @ on the street at Trouw, Sunday, starts 12.00 with a closing drink and show at 16.00, FREE but must register on-line before attending.

A photo safari on the Wibautstraat begins with everyone bringing their digital camera and taking pictures of the street. Participants can also compete in the competition or just join in on the fun and snap some photos on the often referred to “ugliest street” in Amsterdam.

Kids Workshop: Pixel Kunst @ OBA, Sunday, 15.00, € 5, just for kids 6 -12 years old.

Check out digital month at the OBA at the Kidslab where kids can learn to play with the pixels of digital photos.

Kids Dance: Wonderland: dance and music for kids! @ OT301, Sunday, starts at 16.00, €4, but kids FREE.

Wonderland is dance and music performance for/with kids.

Music & Party: Rock ‘n roll Party – Polanen 10 Daagse @ Polanen Theater, Sunday, 15.00 – 19.00, €5, reservations recommended.

A rock ‘n roll party in the theater hall with live tunes from the “The 8 ball Boppers”. There is a sate buffet after for an extra €9.

Music- Dutch Jazz: Theo Loevendie Quartet & CD presentation @ Bimhuis, Sunday, 16.30, FREE.

“Mandela (1968) and Chess! (1971) by Theo Loevendie Consort, two classic albums of Dutch jazz, will be reissued on CD this month by Muziek Centrum Nederland. To celebrate this re-release band leader Loevendie will play a couple of songs with ex-Consort members Hans Dulfer and Martin van Duynhoven. In 1974 they formed a quartet with bassist Arjen Gorter. This legendary formation, which was active for a decade, will reform in the original line-up for this occasion only.” - Bimhuis


Other stuff:

Don’t forget the Bimhuis’ FREE Tuesday night jam sessions are back in swing, with weekly workshops at 20.00 with live music to follow in the café at 22.00.

Final weekend of Artis (zoo) ticket discounts, with tickets for adults only €13.50 and kids between 3 and 9 €11.


Upcoming:

Festival: Camera Japan Festival @ Melkweg and Kriterion, October 1 – 7, various times and prices, special events for kids.

A festival of film, dance, music, exhibition. lectures, debates. workshops, and food centered around Japan and Japanese culture.

Exhibition & Museum: "Behind Walls" @ Oude Kerk, October 7 - November 10, open daily, price of museum.

A photo exhibition commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall.

If you appreciate this agenda please throw some coins my way so I can keep some caffeine in my veins and continue to keep making this agenda FREE for you!

17 September 2009

Happenings and events in Amsterdam for the weekend of September 18 - 20

I just heard the weather guy say it will get down to seven degrees tonight!, is summer really already over?!? I am hoping that I can suck one more flip-flop day out of the month before sweater weather truly invades. Anyway, cold weather can't keep us from having a fabulous weekend.

As usual lots of films on the agenda including a documentary about Bob Dylan at the @ Rialto, Saturday and the Animation Film Festival. But Sunday looks to be the busiest as Autovrije Dag/ car free day allows us to take to the streets in many forms! - including yoga in the street, neighborhood parties, live music, electric car presentations and the unique ParkArt a creative art market on the Spuistraat. Whatever you find yourself doing, enjoy!

Entire weekend:

KLIK! Amsterdam Animation Festival @ various theaters – Krieterion, De Balie, De Uitkijk, Chiellerie, Friday – Sunday, various times, € 7,50/film, day passes also available, with a special kid program on Sunday.

KLIK! Is the third annual international animation festival celebrating animation and its amazing strides! Over 200 films, events and competition.

Music 4 Your Eyes: film festival about music @ Melkweg, something everyday – end of September, various times, €6.

The 2nd year of the film festival exploring films about music and musicians.

This week: Continuing through the weekend the US film “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” (S. Gervasi 2008) about the Canadian metal band Anvil.
Friday and Saturday also check out the documentary “The Night James Brown Saved Boston” (D. Leaf USA 2006) about soul legend James Brown's concert in Boston the day of Martin Luther King Jr's death.

West Beach Outdoor Film Festival @ Sloterplas in Sloterpark, final weekend, pre-program starts at 20.30 with films from the end exams of Film Academie students with the main film starting at 21.00, FREE.

This weekend: Friday : "Ali Zaoua" a film about street children in Morocco. And Saturday: "The Kite Runner" a film based on Khaled Hosseini's best selling novel, about life in Afghanistan at the fall of the Soviet Union and thus the rise of the Taliban.

Last Session: live art performance, exposition, music @ Vlaams Cultuurhuis: de Brakke Grond, begins Friday – October 17th, various times, FREE opening events.

“a collective of eight international designers and artists based in Amsterdam that creates thematic and interdisciplinary fanzines since September 2007...[this] a special edition around the theme of Endism and is not only a hard copy publication, but also takes the form of an international group exhibition, performances, curated film screenings, and live bands.” - icpabackstage

Opening party Friday at 18.00, with the opening weekend release party to follow with cinema, bands and performances both Friday and Saturday from 20.00 – 01.00. On Saturday curator, Jan Van Woensel explains the curation of the exposition, in English.

Magic Circus @ Zeeburg, De Eilanden, Levantplein, Friday – Sunday, everyday at 16.00, €10 - €15 depending on seats and age, for kids.

Check out a traditional live circus with a 2 hour show of magic and fun.

Book market – Ramsj-terdam @ Posthoornkerk, Haarlemmerstraat, Friday 11.00 – 21.00 – Sunday 11.00 – 18.00, FREE to browse.

Ramsj-terdam implies new but cheap books.


Friday

Van Gogh Museum Avond @ the Van Gogh Museum, Friday 18.30 - 22, entrée to museum, but free with Museumkaart, stuff for older kids.

Get a special presentation about Alfred Stevens project (DE)-Constructing me by the designer Catta Donkersloot in which she shows three films and a tableau vivant. The Friday night continues online on www.vrijdagavond.wordpress.com: seven creative minds collaborate in (RE)-Constructing Stevens and explore in the blog how topical the various themes in the exhibition still are. This is to result in a visual product, such as film or a series of photographs. The end result will be presented on three evenings in January. The participants in the project are from different artistic disciplines including photography, video art and theater design
Then at 20.00 and 21.00 check out (DE)-Constructing me, where designer Catta Donkersloot (www.catta.nl), winner of the IAF for the most creative design of 2008 and photographer Lisa Kortenhorst (www.lisakortenhorst.com) prepare an installation inspired by themes in the exhibition on Alfred Stevens. The films deal with the search for an individual identity, the limitations of freedom through clothing, the evanescence of time and reality, and the perception of women in general.

Deutsche Bierfesten @ de Nieuwe Anita, Friday, 20.00, €5.

A German beer party with long tables, beer, dj’s Menno and Japp, as well as dirndls, lederhosen and wurst!

After the Wedding II: dance evening @ Café Pakhuis Wilhelmina, Friday, 22.00, FREE

A funk soul evening of good dancing.


Saturday

Leidseplein Live Clash of the coverbands @ Leidseplein, Saturday and continuing to Sunday (see Car Free Day below), 13.00 – 23.00, FREE.

Live cover bands and DJ's with music from the ‘70s to today.

Film: “Don’t Look Back” @ Rialto, Saturday, 16.00, €8.

D.A. Pennebaker’s 1967 black and white film documents Bob Dylan's 1965 tour through England, with special guest Henk Hofstede fro the group the Nits, who introduce the film with some live tunes.

Skek Third Anniversary Party @ Skek, Saturday, 20.00, FREE.

The birthday celebration of this eetcafe/late night music place with live music, djs, acts and party themes.

Greyhound Blues Band @ Maloe Melo, Saturday, 22.00, €5.

Dutch band who has mastered playing the blues.

Live band: Pint and We Fall @ Pacific Parc, Saturday, 23.00, FREE.

Live girl band from Finland playing electro pop and party and then a dj to follow


Sunday

Car Free Sunday @ basically everywhere inside the A10 ring in Amsterdam, Sunday, activities the entire day mostly from 10.00 – 17.00 but many activities running later into the evening, FREE, stuff for kids.
Lots of stuff going on throughout the city free from autos, the Gemeente officially lists over 40 events, but lots of neighborhoods are holding their own personal festivities on the streets and every stadsdeel has organized activities

Here are just a few suggestions:

1) swing by the Albert Cuyp in celebration of the nazomer (autumn) festival – with live music and events the entire day including free music at the Badcuyp, you can also check out “Electric Avenue” with a presentation of electric cars,

2) Leidseplein Live Clash of the cover bands, from 13.00 – 23.00,

3) De Hondejesfiets parade (dog bicycle parade), starts at 11.30 at the ANWB-office at Museumplein with parade starting at 12.00 making a tour to PC-Hooftstraat and ending up at the Vondelpark Openlucht theater with a program, goodie bags, drinks and snacks,

4) Sunday Afternoon Skate, organized by Friday Night Skate (the weekly skating tour in the city), this skate includes a live DJ skating along, stops for drinks and snacks and pure enjoyment on the streets. Begins at Sloterdijk at 12.00 ends 17.00,

5) Yoga on de Magere Brug, do yoga on the Amstel from 11.00 – 12.00, or perhaps you would rather belly dance at the belly dancing manifestation on the street at the corner of the Vrolikstraat/Eikenweg 66 in Oost, from 13.00 – 13.45,

6) Schoon Schip & Twist party celebrate the clean air day in Noord at the Kansweb/Combiwel Dock with sports, games, creative activities, pony riding, skateboard workshops, music and fun from 14.00 – 17.00,

7) Green City Oasis @ Frederiksplein, 13.00 – 21.00, a green oasis organized by GroenLinks (Dutch green party) with games for kids, live music, snacks and drinks,

8) Enjoy “soundtrack city”, you can download a Geluidswandeling/a soundtrack to your walk on de Amstel,

9) Tunnelfeest a party in Torontotunnel at the Weesperstraat/Mauritskade,

10) At the Dappermarkt hand-in your old electronics and then join in on giant street dance in Park de Meer from 12.00 – 17.00, a kunst (artistic) kickboxing training from 14.00 – 16.00 at Oosterpark, and the opening festival of Week van de Smaak/flavor (a food and sustainable market) in Oosterpark,

11) Check out ParkArt (listed below) a creative art market on the Spuistraat,

12) If you still don’t know what to do just go bike around or walk the open roads, you are certain to run into something.

Kindermiddag /Kids afternoon @ Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ, Sunday, 12.00 – 18.00, €12.50, for kids 4 and older.

A concert, as well as activities throughout the building including demonstrations, workshops, arts and crafts, and a treasure hunt.

ParkArt - the creative Sunday market @ Spuistraat 219/Wijdesteeg, Sunday, 13.00 – 22.00, FREE, stuff for kids.

Think art market, creative, music, funky space (street and a parking garage) = ParkArt with a huge market of stands, video installations, virtual graffiti, kid's arts and crafts, live music and surprises.

Live Band: Lex Empress @ Blijburg, Sunday, 17.00 – 21.00, FREE.

A soul band with a Brazilian touch on the beach.

Create and Resist @ OT301, Sunday, 20.30, €4.

A evening of social, cultural and political based documentaries preparing for the 24th and 25th of September- launching days for several Dutch campaigns for
Palestine. Baha from Palestine and Kristel, both involved with the Olive campaign on the West-bank, will talk about the current situation in Palestine and how you can help. And there after you can check out the film “Bilin my love” by Bilin Habibti

Live band: TenTemPies @ Studio K, Sunday, 21.00, FREE.

TenTemPiés -exciting and innovative music with a mix of rock, reggae end Latin American folklore.


Upcoming:

Wonderland: dance and music for kids! @ OT301, Sunday September 27, starts at 16.00, 4 euros but kids FREE.

Wonderland is dance and music performance for/with kids.

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10 September 2009

Happenings in Amsterdam the long weekend of September 11 - 13

For a few days this week I thought we might be on the way to real Indian summer, but then the glorious Dutch wind picked up and it all came to an end. That doesn't mean we can't enjoy these mild days in style. Check out Amsterdam's monuments this weekend when they open their doors for free.


Entire Weekend

Doctors without Borders: 25 years @ Oude Kerk, started September 8 continues until 13, €5 but free with Museumkaart.

A selection of photo reports about Artsen zonder Grenzen (Doctors without Borders). The exhibition invites visitors to step into the shoes of doctors in the field, getting an intimate view of their work.

West Beach Outdoor Film Festival @ Sloterplas in Sloterpark, Thursday – Saturday, continuing the following two weekends, pre-program starts at 20.30 with films from the end exams of Film Academie students with the main film starting at 21.00, FREE.

A four weekend long open air film festival in Sloterparkbad.

This week: Thursday - “Studio West @ West Beach” – a selection of the best short films from young talaneted Amsterdammers aged 15-25.
Friday – the Turkish film “Hokkabaz”,
Saturday – Cohen Brother’s film – “No Country for old men”

Music 4 Your Eyes: film festival about music @ Melkweg, something everyday – end of September, various times, €6.

The 2nd year of the film festival exploring films about music and musicians.

This week: Thursday the premier of “Who Killed Nancy” (A. Parker GB 2009) a film about a groupie of the Six Pistols found dead in the Chelsea Hotel.

Friday and Saturday: “Iron Maiden; Flight 666 (S. Dunn & S. McFadyen USA 2009) a film about the British metal band Iron Maiden. And “Arctic Monkeys Live at Apollo” (R. Ayoade UK 2008) a portrait of the British indie rock band in 2007.

Amsterdam Fringe Festival @ various locations and times, starts Friday and continues into next weekend, €7.50 per show. With a 'language is no problem' page for shows and performances that do not require the Dutch language.

“The festival with the most varied contacts is spreading over the city with politically kinetic theatre, sweet-voiced punk, poetic rock violence, self-torturing quests for honesty, inside-out migration theatre, international gems and an uninhibited love. Featuring this year, not only performances from the Netherlands and Flanders but also from Japan, Germany, America, Spain, Croatia & England.” – from amsterdamfringefestival.nl

Open Monumenten Dagen / open monument days , Saturday and Sunday, over 62 monuments in Amsterdam, various times, FREE, special events for kids.

Open Monument Day is a day for the public to enjoy the nation’s monuments (for FREE).

Check out the special activities in conjunction with day including a Carillon concert from the Oudekerkstoren (you can hear it from the street) at 16.00, and discussions and presentations about the monuments.

Noorderparkfestival @ Noorderpark, Saturday 12.00 - 23.00 and Sunday 12.00 - 18.00, FREE, lots of stuff for kids.

A party full of live music, a circus, kids theater, art, cultural market, and smartlappen (Dutch songs).

Elandsgracht Festival @ around Elandsgracht 45, Saturday from 18-00 – 24.00 and Sunday 13.00 – 23.00, FREE, kids welcome.

Neighborhood party with diverse activities, live Amsterdam volksmusic (folk music) and partying.


Friday

Van Gogh Museum Avond @ the Van Gogh Museum, Friday 18.30 - 22, entrée to museum, but free with Museumkaart, stuff for older kids.

DJ Daan modern starts spinning tunes at 18.30 and the Beufort Ensemble, a French classic music ensemble, takes the stage with a romantic program of Louis Théodore Gouvy (1819-1898) - Petite Suite Gauloise, Emile Bernard (1843-1902) - Divertissement Op.36, Jean Françaix (1912-1997) - Sept Danses.

Daisy Age @ Noorderlicht Café (Amsterdam Noord, NDSM-werf), Friday, 20.00 – 01.00, €6.

Daisy Age stands for Da Inner Sound Y’all, which presents playful, experimental, upbeat sounds with live soul, hip – hop, R&B, funk, and reggae. The party is outside if good weather and there is an all-night water taxis back to Central Station the entire night.

Floating Worlds: Baars-Henneman and Michiyo Yagi @ Bimhuis, Friday, 20.30, €15.

"Floating Worlds" is a project combining traditional Japanese music and Dutch children’s songs

Band: Horse Company @ Café Pakhuis Wilhelmina,Friday, 22.00, €7.50.

The Horse Company, a Dutch indie band, known for its “Own sweet time”

Glitter Punk Party Live: Basardz of Glitter & X Offenders @ Maloe Melo, Friday, 22.00, €5.

Live punk and sparkly stuff, need I say more.

Kiss Off Party @ OT301, Friday, 23.00, €5.

Electro, pop, pistol with live acts of the Shaved Monkeys as well as Shock and Awe.

Freak show Dj’s Ted & 13 @ Pacific Parc, Friday, 23.00, FREE.

The first freak show from the Swiss-German punk band Bonapoarte.


Saturday

Draaiorgel (barrel organ) Festival 2009 @ Dam, Saturday, 10.00 – 17.00, FREE, of interest to kids.

The barrel organ, often confused with the calliope, can be seen most often on the Kalverstraat in Amsterdam these days, with its usual accompaniment- the clanging change box (where the organist aka dude that puts the music in the organ asks for some small change in exchange for the delights of music). This weekend check out these organs in action, with a mixed group choir, het Zwanenkoor.

Illusio @ Pakhuis de Zwijger, Saturday, 12.00 – 18.00, FREE.

Teller of the famous illusionists and television personalities Penn and Teller will present his show (in English) “the Beautiful Lie: A tale of the art, science, and psychology of magic”, his performance begins around 14.30. A public event closing off the NWO cognition program.

Reggae On The Beach Festival @ Blijburg, Saturday, 12.00 – 03.00, €10.

EL Bongo presents the annual Reggae On The Beach Festival with a whoel day of music on three stages. Including: the Rebellions, Empress Black Omolo & I-Youth & Gideon Grounds, Rebel Jam, King Smo, and Jah Storm ft. I-Repeat

Salsa dancing @ Beursplein, Saturday, 14.00 – 18.00, FREE.

Dancing workshops and demonstrations in the open air at Beursplein.

Ear Massage Percussion Quartet @ Bimhuis, Saturday, 14.00, FREE.

Part of Gaudeamus Muziekweek 2009, Ear Massage is a percussion quartet of four Mexicans living in the Netherlands who won the second prize in Gaudeamus.

DFM RTV International Benefit @ OT301, Saturday, 20.00, €8.

An evening of live music, dj's, visual and spoken word performances in a benefit to support DFM's independent, international community of web-casting artists worldwide.

Teenage Kicks Of My Generation @ Winston Kingdom, Saturday, 21.00 – 05.00, €10.

The best surf, garage, beat and punk rock with live bands and djs.

BalkanXpress @ de Badcuyp, Saturday, 22.00, €8.

The monthly Balkan and klezmer night with djs Pilot and Hoppa!Selector.

Black & White latin Edition @ Club More Amor, Saturday, 22.00 – 05.00, €8.

Black and white salsa, merengue and latin house.

Sixties Kasbah @ Maloe Melo, Saturday, 22.00, €5.

Live '60s bands.

Armada Night @ Westerunie, Saturday, 0.00, €15.

A six hour long progressive house and energy trance with a tropical atmosphere.


Sunday

Kijk op de wijk @ Westergasterrein, Sunday, 13.00, FREE, stuff for kids.

Yearly neighborhood party with music, dance, sports, games.

Bloem: end of the summer party @ ‘t Blauwe Theehuis, Sunday, 15.00 - 01.00, FREE.

A final goodbye to the summer with a party of live music and a live dog fashion show!

Oyster Party @ Kompaszaal Loods 6, KNSM eiland, Sunday, 17.30, €17.50 includes welcome drink and oysters. Email: aanmelden@slowfood-amsterdam.nl for reservation.

A night to cherish oysters, check out short films about Hudson arriving in Manhattan (1953) and about oyster farms in de Oostersschelde in Zeeland from 1934. As well as a special message from the Slow Food Oyster party in NY and live jazz music.

Suki Osman @ Skek, Sunday, 20.00, FREE.

Sing-song writer.


Other stuff:

English story time @ Openbaar Bibliotheek Amsterdam, every Tuesday, 11.30, FREE, reading is for infants and toddlers.

The American Women’s Club started this initiative at the public library with weekly readings.

Bike routes/ fietstocht to check out the 90 million euros of investment in Groot Oost (the east part of the City including east of Central Station, Oost, and Zeeburg). The investments were made by the city, companies, EU subsidies. Check out the investments by bike.

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02 September 2009

Happenings in Amsterdam for the week of September 3 - 6

A jam packed weekend is awaiting you... with everything from film, to art, photographic exhibitions, robot shows, and food festivals. You seriously can't say you are bored this weekend.

I want to send a special shout out to the many new students in Amsterdam. I hope you are enjoying your first days in our little city, and have yet to get into a bike accident! I am sure by now you have numerous little guide books and pamphlets helping you to get to know Amsterdam, but this is the place where you can start by planning your weekend escapades from a bunch of hand-picked suggestions. For some more suggestions about what to do check out this previous post about what do to when you are bored and a list of wifi spots in the City. I would love to hear from you as I am curious about what you want to see on this agenda- are you lost?, where are you spending you time?, what are you finding difficult? Email me at busyinamsterdam[at]gmail.

As always if you find this agenda useful please "buy me a beer"/click on my ads, as I put this agenda together for you every week for free!

Enjoy and stay busy in Amsterdam.


Entire weekend

Complete Rembrandt @ Beurs van Berlage, final weekend, open everyday 11.00 – 17.00, €12, but only €3 with Museumkaart.

Why go? Have you seen the Nachtwacht / Night watch yet? If not go!

Sunsets Overhoeks outdoor films @ Amsterdam Noord Overhoeks (take the free ferry to Buiksloterplein in Noord then head to your left, not even a minute walking from ferry), a film every night Wednesday – Sunday, 20.30 except for Friday with a starting time of 22.00, €3, most films in English.

Part of the Filmmuseum’s Sunsets (summer outdoor films), Overhoeks presents current, and classic films with world famous stars. This week:
Wednesday – The musical based on the Wizard of Oz, “The Wiz” (Sidney Lumet, US 1978).
Thursday French film: “Les vacances de Monsieur Hulot “(Jacques Tati, FR 1953). Friday: “Taking Woodstock” (Ang Lee, US 2009), this film starts at 22.00.
Saturday: “U2 Rattle and Hum” (Phil Joanou, US 1988).
Sunday: “The Red Shoes” (Michael Powell, Eric Pressburger, VS 1948).

Why go? Check out Amsterdam Noord and enjoy an outdoor film over the IJ.

West Beach Outdoor Film Festival @ Sloterplas in Slotervaart, Thursday – Saturday, continuing the following two weekends, pre-program starts at 20.30 with films from the end exams of Film Academie students with the main film starting at 21.00, FREE.

A four weekend long open air film festival in Sloterparkbad. This week Thursday showing the musical “West Side Story”, Friday “The Blair Witch Project” and Saturday “de Brief voor de Koning”.

Why go? check out the lovely Sloterpark, enjoy a free film and run around in the dark woods like the Blair witches.

Amsterdam Fringe Festival @ various locations and times, starts Friday and continues into next weekend, €7.50 per show. With a 'language is no problem' special English page for shows and performances that do not require the Dutch language.

“The festival with the most varied contacts is spreading over the city with politically kinetic theatre, sweet-voiced punk, poetic rock violence, self-torturing quests for honesty, inside-out migration theatre, international gems and an uninhibited love. Featuring this year, not only performances from the Netherlands and Flanders but also from Japan, Germany, America, Spain, Croatia & England.” – from amsterdamfringefestival.nl

Why go? Something for everyone

1st CASZUIDAS Urban Screen Festival @ Zuidas, Friday 17.00- 23.00 and Saturday 12.00 - 23.00, FREE.

This festival aims to change Amsterdam's Zuidas district into a free open-air museum. There is a varied program with over two hundred entries from more than thirty-one countries, but also many Dutch artists. Everything is presented at the public space Zuidplein in Zuidas, Amsterdam. With the event culminating in a competition on Saturday with 30 works on the urban screen.

Why go? Let yourself be visually stimulated and be part of something complete new


Thursday

Women Against the Mafia @ Felix Metris, Thursday, 20.00, €7.50.

Women against Mafia gathers three courageous and passionate women who each in their unique ways have contributed to the struggle against organized crime, in the impoverished land of Sicily as well as in the Europarliament and rich Western Europe. Alter/Native with the collaboration of the art gallery Metis_NL present this unique occasion to get the broad perspective and the peculiar view of three extraordinary women who like David risk their lives to stop the Goliath of the criminal dominion. – from alternativeamsterdam.org

Why go? get a first-hand perspective of what three women are doing in protest to the Mafia

Hard rock karaoke @ Café Pakhuis Wilhelmina, Thursday, 22.00, €5.

Why go? All the songs you have been singing shower, live on stage!


Friday

Opening of Photo Exhibition of American photographer Fazal Sheikh @ Huis Marseille, Friday, 17.00 – 19.00, €5, but free with Museumkaart.

Fazal Sheikh is known for his monumental and tranquil black/white portraits, which gives names and faces to the people in refugee camps in Kenya, Tanzania and Pakistan. He also records their stories in extensive statements. This opening includes a conversation with Huis Marseille’s curator and Sheikh, and questions from the audience staring at 17.30.

Why go? Not only check out a new photo exhibition but a live interview

Robot Show @ NEMO, Friday, 18.00 – 23.00, €5 for just the Robot exhibition and or €12.50 for show, for kids and adults.

The Rathenau Instituut and NEMO present an evening for robots, with a live fight. But also a presentation and discussion, demonstrations and other activities

Why go? See robots fight live!

Van Gogh Museum Avond @ the Van Gogh Museum, Friday 18.30 - 22, entrée to museum, but free with Museumkaart, stuff for older kids.

DJ Dirkson starts spinning electric tunes and vj-ing at 18.30.

At 20.00 check out Sabine de Lat, an acoustic singer with a seven piece band and video. Her music is inspired by the poems of Charles Baudelaire with topics like losing your self in art, dreaming, love, etc…

Why go? Check out a new band and some good ol’ Van Gogh

Africa in Picture Outdoor Film “I Bring What Love” @ Wittenburgerplein, Grote Wittenburgerstraat, Friday, 20.30, FREE.

Senegalese pop sensation Youssou NDour has for the past 20 years been well known in world music. At the height of his fame Youssou become frustrated with the negative perspective of Islam and made a cd about the topic. This award winning film follows him on his music making journey.

Why go? enjoy a film in the heart of the City

Friday Night Skate @ starts at Vondelpark, Friday, 20.30, FREE, but must have your own skates and bike lights to attach to yourself, older kids are welcome if they can keep up.

Skate together with a big group every Friday on a different route.

Why go? Get of the bike and work those muscles, then go out for a beer

Band - I love Teun @ Skek, Friday, 23.00, FREE.

Dutch rock 'n roll band.

Why go? chilling late in the center? check out these tunes on the Zeedijk

The Sleazy Naked Evening @ Pacific Parc, Friday, 23.00, FREE.

With live tunes from the French rock ‘n roll bands: Les Hulks, and the Motored, followed by the infamous DJ Bone.

Why go? A themed night not to miss


Saturday

Book market @ Hogeweg. Watergraafsmeer, Saturday, 10.00 – 17.00, FREE to browse.

Antique book market that travels throughout the Netherlands.

Why go? Find that book you have been searching for and enjoy the romantic Don Bosco neighborhood

New Food Fair @ Haarlemmerstraat and dijk, Saturday, 12.00 – 18.00 with outside dinners served at 18.00 (with reservation), FREE to observe but requires some cash for snacks or dinner.

The 12th annual New Food Fair takes over the Haarlemmerstraat with restaurants, cafes, snack bars and stores serving specialties, drinks and meer.

Why go? Enjoy the gezelligheid of the Haarlemmerstraat with a walking food tour

Kids interactive exhibition: Halte Holland @ Het Huis van Aristoteles, opens Saturday, various times, €5, for kids over 4.

A production with the Nationale Stichting ter Bevordering van Vrolijkheid is a special interactive exhibition for kids to experience what the life of a child asylum seeker is like in Holland. First see projects that the kids made in the asylum seeker centers, but also see what they brought with them and what this means about their memories and where they came from. Then make your own bag of memories.

Why go? Let your kids step into someone else shoes for a few hours

Caribbean carnival @ Tropen Museum, Saturday, 14.00, price of museum but free with Museumkaart, for kids!

The end celebration to the Caribbean carnival with the de Bijlmer Steel band Kids (the youngest children steel band of the Netherlands). Lots of activities for kids, music and fun.

Why go? Enjoy the last days of summer with a big party

Tape jockey night @ Occii, Saturday, 21.00, €5, bring as many tapes as you can find!

Why go? The greatest flashback evening with everything “spon” off tapes.

Solo show: Vic Ruggiero @ Maloe Melo, Saturday, 22.00, €5.

Vic Ruggiero, the front man for the ska band the Slackers plays a solo show.

Why go? Check out this NY guy in live action, with 50s, 60s and 70s music after the show


Sunday

Manuscripta book festival @ Westerpark Gasfabriek, Sunday (for public), 11.00 – 18.00, €10.

The festive opening of the book season, presenting the 100 Dutch printers and new titles that will be coming out this season. With book presentations, interviews, discussions, signing sessions and exclusive previews.

Why go? Check out how you are going to be spending your winter (with a book in front of your nose under a blanket looking out on to rainy weather).

Live music of Liquid Lefty @ Blijburg, Sunday 21.00, FREE.

Liquid Lefty plays groovy modern tunes that are a bit jazzy, break beat and funky-esque.

Why go? Suck the last beach days out of summer and get some sand between your toes


Outside Amsterdam:

European Sand Sculptures @ Noordwijk, on the coast, everyday until the end of September, FREE, stuff for kids.

Friday is the final day of sculpture competitions. This year’s theme is Disney princesses

Why go? Go check out the amazing sand creations of the pros.

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