SAIL Amsterdam 2010, August 19 - 23

Every five year SAIL, boat festival, takes over the IJ river showcasing impressive "tall ships", naval ships, and modern yachts for a weekend.

On Thursday check out the traditional parade from IJmuiden to Amsterdam from 10.00 - 15.00 where you will see hundreds of ships making their way to thier mooring places and preparing for the ceremonial salute from 13.00 - 15.00 at Sixhaven. Check out the rest of the program for more details and events.

Pluk de Nacht, outdoor film festival

The best film festival of the year- Pluk de Nacht (loosely translated to: take the night, literally pick the night), August 5 - 15, starts at dark, FREE!

Every evening a new film, some art, a disco, food and beers on het IJ.  Check out the lastest fave o nteh net- Winnebago Man Friday August 13th.

Dragon boat race

European Nations Championship-Dragon Boat Race @ Amsterdamse Bos (bosbaan), August 13 - 15, various times, FREE!!!

M I A

We have been missing in action for the past two months, due to some unexpected personal circumstances. We don't expect to be back up online and active until mid-August. 

Apoligizes on behalf of Busy in Amsterdam and hope you are enjoying the summer.

Final party before renovation @ OCCII, July 11th

Party + Music: last party before renovation with the KUMBIA QUEERS @ OCCII, Sunday July 11th, 22.00 - 02.00, €5.

OCCII will undergo renovation this summer, so say one last goodbye and party with the Kumbia Queers- a "punk tropical" band from Mexico and Argentina.

oops, we'll get there

We have been experiencing some technical difficulties over at BIA, and just realized you haven't seen any updates due to this problem! So sorry. We are working on it. Look for updates, if not tonight then later this weekend.

A summer trip: Muiden, a Fort and a castle

Although Amsterdam has lots to offer we recommend you leave the city at least every once and a while and since the weather is so nice we thought we might include a suggestion for a nice summer bike trip to Muiden, a fort and castle just outside Amsterdam. An interesting bike trip is to Muiden a small town just some 15 kilometres southeast of Amsterdam.
There you will find Muiderslot, a Dutch castle located at the mouth of the river Vecht, which flows into what used to be the Zuiderzee (now IJsselmeer). It's one of the better-known castles in the Netherlands and has been featured in many television shows set in the Middle Ages.

If you are not into castles you could visit a fort just 30 minutes off the coast of Muiden. Fort Pampus which is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Both sistes are great visits for kids and adults alike, giving you insight into Dutch history and its long relationship with the water.

Desperate Housewives-esque party @ Tolhuistuin June 26th

Event: DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES  @ Tolhuistuin, Saturday June 26th, 14:00 – 23:00, €5. 

A themed desperate housewives night with music, dance, workshops and food . Includes a high tea with "housewives" and complete with cupcakes and cucumber sandwiches! Moblie shopping trolley disco, housewives bingo, chocolade fontein, tombola, the price is right, fashion show and samba band Bumba Amsterdam. Dresscode - Betty Boob, Mien Dobbelsteen, Freddy (I want to break free) Mercury, Amy Housewine, bloemetjesjurken, and schorts.

suggestion for the Day of Architecture outside of Amsterdam, June 27th

Event: Re-use of (agricultural) heritage @ Architectuurpark Makeblijde, Oud Wulfseweg 3, Houten, tour & cycling, Sunday June 27th, 13.00 - 17.00, FREE but need to bring your own bike for the bike tour, subscribe via e-mail: aanmelden@makeblijde.nl.

Houten is a new town developed around a small agricultural village alongside the trade route of the rivers towards Utrecht. The rural area around Houten is subject to transformation processes. Two events are planned for the Day of Architecture.

First is a bicycle tour of architecture in Houten. Departing from the Architecture Park Makeblijde you will cycle past four buildings recently converted into a contemporary home, a community centre and cultural and studio spaces. In collaboration with the urban historian Otto Wttewaall, you visit the beautiful old grain silo - the building of the cooperative, the old station of Houten, the farm Korteland and the former castle Wickenburgh. At each location, an expert will lead you through the building and give a lecture on the history of the place, the conversion and current use. For the return trip you will take the TRAP route, standing for touristic, recreational and archaeological projects with routes along major historical or archaeological sites.

 

The second event is a workshop about recycling and reuse happening at Architectuurpark Makeblijde through the tours. Together with the architect/designer Calanne Moroney and the artist Geert Hutsebaut, Architectuurpark Makeblijde creates an object as a place/furniture in the garden of the Architecture Park Makeblijde. Moroney is one of the initiators of the foundation raw, an initiative to build with recycled materials, especially in South Africa and is an independent architect, designer and builder and has a masters in ecological building and energy systems with a lot of experience in recycled materials and sustainable buildings. Geert Hutsebaut and Karin Christof will complete this workshop team, with their expertise as artist and architect respectively. (See http://www.campism.org/, and http://www.hamaai.com/ for more info). During this workshop 'Playback' examples of successful recycling will be used to create a very 'new' object.  The resulting objects will stay at the Architecture Park Makeblijde as the summer-exhibition to visit.

Text thanks to Makeblijde Architectuurcentrum.

Monthly rommelmarkt /flea market @ Blijburg, Sunday June 27th

Market: Monthly market @ Blijburg, 11.00 - 16.00, FREE. 

A monthly (every last Sunday of the month in summer) market "uit kofferbakken" out of your boot/trunk with lots of clothes, gifts, music, food, and fun. If you want to sell stuff yourself mail kofferbakmarkt [at] gmail.com it costs 5 euros to stand out on the urban beach trying to make your sale! but otherwise free for shoppers and browsers.  Afterwards enjoy the beach.

Flea market @ NDSM werf, June 27th

Open Air Flea Market / Vlooiemarkt @ Ij-hallen, Amsterdam Noord, Sunday June 27th, 9.00 - 16.30, €3.50 €1.50 for kids. You can take a free ferry to NDSM-werf from behind Central Station, leaving every half hour, or buses 91 and 94 get off at Klaprozenweg.

This is a monthly market (it is huge). Lots of stuff for filling a house, antiques, toys, furniture, knick-knacks, etc... furthermore the stands change frequently and this outside/open air version is much larger than the inside market. There is also music and food & drinks available. Go find something Kitsch Kitchen-esque??:) at half the price.

Day of Architecture, June 27th and 28th

Event: National Architecture Day @ various locations throughout NL- see ARCAM for Amsterdam events, Sunday June 27th, 10.00 - 17.00, €7.50/ticket includes access to all buildings including the busses touring from project to project.

The annual National Architecture Day takes place throughout the Netherlands, with sites openingtheir doors for tours and exploration. The theme this year is ‘Re-use’. The Amsterdam event, hosted by the BNA (Association of Dutch Architects) and ARCAM, will spotlight recently reused/renovated buildings, each with their unique story and rebuilds (some finished and others in process).

Buildings that will be opened for public:

1. Kraanspoor, Kraanspoor

2. MTV Networks Benelux, Neveritaweg

3. NDSM-loods, Neveritaweg

4. Smederij, Neveritaweg

5. Silo’s Zeeburgereiland, IJburglaan (the future the Annie M. G. Schmidt house)

6. Slibvijzelgemaal Zeeburgereiland, IJburglaan

7. Kauwgomballenfabriek, Paul van Vlissingenstraat

8. Burgerziekenhuis, Linaeusstraat

9. ARCAM, Prins Hendrikkade 600

10. The Bank, Rembrandtplein (a new office centre and supermaket at Rembrandt square)

11. De Bazel, Vijzelstraat (Opens at 11.00)

12. Duintjer CS, Vijzelstraat

13. Schijnheilig, Passeerdersgracht 23

14. De Hallen (tramremise), Bellamyplein

15. Centrale Markthal, Jan van Galenstraat 4

16. Toren Overhoeks, Buiksloterweg

Cirque Excentrique @ Blijburg, Saturday June 26th

Party: Cirque Excentrique @ Blijburg, Saturday June 26th, 22.00 - late, €8.

A crazy night of surprises, tunes and fun on the beach - Miami Beach style!

Sleazefest @ Timboektoe, June 26th

Party: Sleazefest @ Timboektoe, Wijk aan Zee, Saturday June 26th, 18.00 - late, 9 euro 99 cents:).

Another round of the Sleazefest (#12) makes it way to the beach this time. With a line up 10 live bands (reverend beat-man sixtyniners, anacondas, honeyfly), rock 'n roll djs and the best party you will find on beach to set the summer off right!

Pecha Kucha Night - summer edition @ Tolhuistuin, June 23rd

Event: Pecha Kucha Night @ Tolhuistuin, Wednesday, June 23rd, doors open at 20:50 (it's always sold out so get there on time, not fashionably late) starts at 21.30, €7, some presentations in English others in Dutch.

A modern spin on show-in-tell, Pecha Kucha Night shows it face again on Wednesday night for the summer edition. With 12 presenters sharing their images, new projects, brilliant thoughts and inspiring topics on 20 slides of 20 seconds. Check out the line-up: Nalden (Nalden.net), Leonard van Munster, Rob Voerman, Zelda Beauchampet, David Mulder/Max Cohen de Lara (X-M-L), Walter Langelaar (Moddr), Joris van Tubergen (Protospace), Hessel Stuut, Menno van der Veen (Welcome to Youtopia), Piet Meeuws/Job Martens (Also Starring), Dim Balsem, Bram Esser.

Art In Motion, experimental German film festival @ Smart Project Space June 18th - 20th

Film + Festival : Art in Motion Festival @ Smart Project Space, Friday June 18th - 20th, various times, various prices.

The Goethe instiute Amsterdam and the Smart Project Space have held an on-going film series "Art in Motion" which explored the multi-faceted history of experimental fimmaking in Germany since the beginning of the 20th century to present. The conclusion of the series features a special three day festival which features a wide range of films, lecutres, documentaries, disucssions, and music.

Open Tuin Dagen / Open garden days, June 18th - 20th

Event: Open Garden Days @ various gardens in the City, June 18 - 20th, 10.00 - 17.00, €15 for all three days.

The annual Open Garden Days organized by the Amsterdam Canal Museums takes place again on the third weekend of June. Thirty canal gardens will be open to the public around the theme 'Courts and Community Gardens'. Starting locations include: Bijbels Museum, Herengracht 366-368; Huis Marseille, Keizersgracht 401; Museum Van Loon, Keizersgracht 672; Amnesty International, Keizersgracht 177; Museum Willet-Holthuysen, Herengracht 605. A map can be found on the Open Garden Days site.

Mid-Summer Market @ Tolhuistuin June 20th

Market: Midsummer Market Noord @ Tolhuistuin, Sunday June 20th, Sunday June 20th, 13.00 - 18.00, FREE.

The monthly fashion, art and design market take shte stage at the Tolhuistuin. thsi market, usually held in Westerpark, is a platform for designers, and artists to showcase their work which includes: interior deisgn, ceramic, fashion, vintage, jewerly, accessories, drawing, "affordable art" as well as good food, drinks and tunes.

Amsterdam Roots Festival @ Oosterpark, June 17th - 19th

Festival: Amsterdam Roots Festival @ Oosterpark but also at five other locations/clubs, June 17th - 20th,  various times, FREE.

The annual Amsterdam Roots Festival presents music, dancing and presentations for a weekend of 'Voices' - an emphasis on the urban voices of the hip-hop. All types of music including Portuguese fadoster, Congolese rumba, reggae, rough funk, antillian tunes, flamenco, etc.. The festival is free and everyday from Oosterpark from 12.00 - 22.00 with seven podium in the park, which also includes a world market with more than 100 market stands.

La Nuit Blanche, night of June 19th

Event: La Nuit Blanche / All night art festival @ throughout the City, Saturday June 19th, 19.00 - 07.00, FREE.

All night/12 hour festival: music, shows, art installations, private and public galleries, haunted play house/circus. WIth events at various locations including: Tolhuistuin, Illuseum, de Brakke Grond, Amsterdam Centraal, Street Lab_, but also throughout the center. Rocket Cinema will be presenting train classics on spoor 2 at the train station with "Murder on the Orient Express", "Brief Encounter" and "The Great Train Robbery" with dj's, bands and singer songwriters playing a new soundtrack. But be sure to check out the Illuseum with a funky party and the GPS guided trip for your fun evening.

New York Underground film @ OT301, June 15th

Film: THe Cult Corner: NY Underground @ OT301, Tuesday, June 15, 20.30, 4 euros.


OT301 will be showing two films on Tuesday: Paris Is Burning (1990) which documents a world that was a secret until the dance style "voguing" arose thansk to Madonna. Dark Days (2000) a film about the undeground subway communities in Manhattan.

Rebel Without A Cause @ Filmtheater, Sunday June 13th

Film: Zondagmiddagklassieker: Rebel Without A Cause @ Filmtheater, Sunday June 13th, 12.00, price of film.

A classic film for a lazy Sunday afternoon- ' Rebel without a Cause' (1955). Also enjoy a free cup coffee or tea. while watching James Dean on film. In English.

Atelier route Boven Het IJ, June 12th - 13th

Open Atelierroute: Boven 't IJ /Open artist studios @ various locations in Amsterdam-Noord and in the Waterlandse villages of Nieuwendam, Schellingwoude, Durgerdam, Ransdorp and Holysloot, Saturday June 12th and Sunday June 13th, 13 - 18ish, FREE, stuff for the kids.

The atelierroute in Amsterdam Noord brings you from industrial areas to the countryside, with ports, dijkjes, and many artists! 70 professional artists open their doors for your viewing. There are various activities beyond viewing studios, such as workshops, poetry readings, parties, as well as music. A good excuse to get out and explore Amsterdam Noord.

Ruigoord weekend, Saturday and Sunday June 12 - 13

Event: Ruigoor weekend @ Ruigoord, Ruigoord 76, 1047 HH, AmsterdamSaturday June 12th - Sunday the 13th, Passe-partouts 25 euro (excl.fee) via this link.

The All are One festival in Ruigoord is an experimental creative gathering in the village. It is an independent two-day event f 12:00 - to late. Line-up: 100 artists, bandsmen and DJ' s.

Naked Bike Riding on June 12th

Event: World Naked Bike Ride @ tour of Amsterdam, Saturday June 12th, meeting at 13.00, FREE, but must register on site to particpate.

The naked bike tour begins from the front side (bus side) of Amstel Train Station at 13:00 (they ride to a quiet place nearby for the last preparations- taking off clothes). At around 13:45 the tour begins going through the center of Amsterdam, and ending in the Vondelpark.Check out this article for more info.

Rocket Cinema @ Tolhuistuin, June 12th

Film + Event: Rocket Cinema - King Kong vs Godzilla @ Tolhuistuin, Saturday June 12th, garden opens at 19.30, film starts at 20.00 - midnight, €10.

Remember Rocket Cinema from last fall? - the live soundtracked films in unique locations like Frankenstein in the Oude Kerk!? Well they are back again for summer wit the first film at the Tolhuistuin in Amsterdam Noord. The Amsterdam surfband `The Anacondas' makes a new soundtrack for the monster movie `Kingu Kongu tai Gojira' (Ishiro Honda, Japan 1963).

Ultimate Frisbee in Amsterdam June 11th - 13th

Event: Ultimate FrisbeeTournament -Windmill Wind Up @ Eendracht Sports Park, June 11th - 13th, various prices depending on your participation level, check out the site for more info.

Are you into "frisbeeën"? Ultimate frisbee is a global sport rising first in popularity in countries such as Australia and the United States. This international tournament hosts 90 teams with 1200 participants which si the largests frisbee tournament in Europe!

DOKU.ARTS film Festival @ Smart Project Space, June 10th -13th

Film festival: DOKU.ARTS @ Smart Project Space, June 10th - 13th, various times, and prices.

EYE Film Institute Netherlands and the Dutch Cultural Media Fund present the fifth edition of the international DOKU.ARTS festival with a special focus on contemporary visual arts. Films include documentaries by and about artists, museums and curators; as well as other forms of art such as: dance, music and architecture exhibitions. Many filmmakers will be present at the screening of their film.

Oerol Festival, June 11th - 20th, Terschelling

Festival: Oerol @ Terschelling (West Frisian Island, June 11th - 20th, Het Oerol paspoort €20 (for the entire festival) or €15 for a midweek or weekend ticket.

Oerol started in 1982 a multidisciplinary festival. The Oerol festival is an annually 10-day festival for theater and landscape arts on the island Terschelling. With the island as an inspiration source and podium for broad programming the Oerol  festival presents a wide variety of programs that experiment with culture and nature this includes: 40 medium and large theater shows, 20 passport projects existing from smaller shows, performances and installations, 50 musical acts and daily street theater in the streets of West and Midsland.

Make a trip out of it and squeeze some wadlopen (walking between islands during low tide) in while you are up there.

Electric Cinema @ OT301 June 8th

Film: Electric Cinema@ OT301, Tuesday June 8th, 20.30, 4 euros.  08-06-2010

Two films: 20:30 ‘Final Flesh’ (Vernon Chatman 2009 U.S.A);  22.30 'House dir. Nobuhiko Obayashi' (Nobuhiko Obayashi 1977 Japan). Final Flesh is said to be a suburban porn??

"From the creator of Xavier: Renegade Angel and Wonder Showzen, Final Flesh is a feature film made by commercial porn companies commissioned to visualise the sexual fantasies of the client. This movie replaces the sex with metaphysical dialogue, cum shots with cold meat, intercourse with brain-damaged philosophy. A murky, awkward trip to suburban fantasies, existentialist longing for meaning and antibacterial hand cream. The second film on the bill is an optically intense, Japanese teen-comedy ghost film 'House', Dario Argento circa Suspiria meets Sound of Music on acid. Beware of singing watermelons and carnivorous pianos." - OT301

Geeks Can Dance @ Filmtheater, June 7th

Film: Upload Cinema 19- Geeks Can Dance @ Filmtheater, Monday June 7th, 19:00 and 21:30.

The world of the dancing is enormous; with elegant movements to seduce, amuse and move each other. We even dance during anniversaries, festivities and burials. This month at the Filmtheater check out the special production of "danskunsten" /dance arts, with guest curator Janine Dijkmeijer, is director of Cinedans. The films show montages of people dancing in the house, on the street or in office. Check out the trailer on the Filmtheater site- (click on 'bekijk de trailer').

Haven/Harbour bike routes

Some of you might know Amsterdam has a deep-sea port, on the west side of the City. If you are curious to find out more about this often forgotten part of the city hop on your bike and start to explore with the new bike routes. The city has laid out four bike routes each with a special thematic topic displaying all the 'particularities' of port life. The maps are in Dutch, but are quite detailed about directions so as long as you know links en rechts (left and right) you should be fine.

Most interesting is the Ruigoord Route which brings you to the artists colony Ruigoord which has resisted the expansion of the harbour since the 1960s.

Artis ZOOmeravond begins June 5th

ZOOmeravond /summer night @ Artis (the zoo), various programs, opening June 5th there after every Saturday until end of August,18.30 - 22.00, price of zoo.

A broad program with a little bit for everyone- 2 music stages, theater of 20 shows, a kinderboederij (petting zoo) and other creative activities for kids! But not just for the kids, previous summers have brought in big name musical acts and special organized events for the odler crew.

Why go? see the animals go to sleep?!

Amsterdam Street Art, June 8th - 12th

Event: Amsterdam Street Art @ various locations - Bobs Youth Hostel, Bep Gallery, Outland Records Gallery, De Duivel, The Thought Gallery, GO Gallery and afterparties at Sugar Factory (Hells Kitchen) and Flexbar (Undercover), June 8th - 12th, various prices.

Project Amsterdam Street Art (Project ASA) an organisation with creative artists and entrepreneurs, with a passion for street art, organizes diverse street art events. The streets are seen as an open gallery, which can be visited day and night. Happenings include exhibition openings, paint jams and afterparties.

Vondelpark Openlucht theater, every weekend starting June 6th - August 29th

The Summer activities are just about to begin. Opening day of the Vondelpark Open Air Theater/openlucht theater seems to always mark summer in my agenda with the start of beer sipping, sun soaking and chilling in the park. Now let's just hope for weather above 20 degrees and we will set!

The Vondelpark Open Air Theater/openlucht theater opens Sunday June 6th, thereafter every weekend (Friday - Sunday) 'til the end of August from 14-18ish, always FREE!! There are events throughout the park such as music, plays, comedy, games! Check out the program for more info about daily activities.  There are always events for kids on Sunday and Saturday afternoons, as well as live music in the evenings.

De Buurtmarkt Home Made in v/d Pek, Amsterdam Noord is back! starts June 5th

Market: Buurtmarkt van der Pekbuurt @ Pekplein, Amsterdam Noord (get of the ferry go straight ahead you will see it on your left near the canal), opens June 5th and their follow the first Saturday of every month 'til October 2nd, 12.00 – 17.00, FREE, stuff for kids.

An initiative out Noord in cooperation with Stichting Broedstraten and de Tolhuistuin brings together neighbors and visitors. All goods “handmade” in the neighborhood such as delicious handmade Surinamese food (including ginger beer - something like ginger ale), handmade clothes and slippers, art exhibitions, etc, oh and a makeshift cafe.

Reserve a free place at the market for your creative occupation (sales and exhibit to a workshop or act) via Maaike@broedstraten.nl.

Gumbo Night @ De Nieuwe Anita, June 5th

Music: Gumbo Party @ De Nieuwe Anita, Saturday June 5th, 20.00, €6.

I am sucker for jambalaya and foot tapping music, together; luckily the New Orleans "scene" is popping up throughout Amsterdam this year. Check out another fun evening at De Nieuwe Anita; guaranteed fun with or without the hot sauce. 

Burlesque Freakout @ RozenTheater, June 5th

Theatre: Burlesque Freakout @ RozenTheater, Saturday June 5th, 21:30 - 03:00 (main show between 22:30-00:00, €17.50 (after 00:00 €6).

Featuring one of the most famous British burlesque stars: Chrys Columbine as well as eight other acts from around the world. Following the show is the after party with DJ's Ir. Vendermeulen and Charley's Rhythm Revue.

Dag van het Bouw, June 5th

Event: Dag van de Bouw / Day of the Building @ various construction sites through the Netherlands, Saturday June 5th, 10.00 - 16.00, FREE.  For the non-Dutch speakers click on "Projecten en Locaties", then pick your province (Amsterdam is in Noord-Holland), then a pop-up window lists all the locations.

Free tours of various locations under construction, including the controversial Noord-Zuid Lijn (the Metro line, check out the Ceintuurbaan), the Rijksmuesum, EYE Film Instituut Nederland, Fort Diemerdam (restoration project on an old fort in Diemen), Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum, Coentunnel in West, etc....

We would suggest checking out one of the Noord-Zuid Lijn sites, but get there early as in 10am or before if you have your heart set on a specific destination; as at many of the Metro sites you are only allowed to go in in groups of 10-20 which usually creates some long lines!! Although the Noord-Zuid Lijn site in Noord is a massive cement tunnel with no waiting necessary! Bring your camera.

Dag van de Amsterdamse Geschiedenis / Day of Amsterdam History @ Filmtheater, June 5th

Film: Day of history @ Filmtheater, Saturday June 5th, 21:00, €15 includes hapjes and a drink, film in English with Dutch subtitles, reservations recommended 020 623746.

On the eve of the Second "Day of Amsterdam Geschiedenis/History" het Parool has organized tghe showing of the film "Operation Amsterdam" (1959). There is short intro (in Dutch) about the history of the Filmtheater, the oldest theater in Amsterdam, then the film, and some drinks. Operation Amsterdam is a nearly forgotten film about IJmuiden and the importance of diamonds in the city of Amsterdam briefly before occupation in 1940 when the British secret service attempts to take control of the diamond industry before it falls into the hands of weapon makers.

ROOTS, FEAR and IDENTITY: The rise of PVV and Lega Nord @ UvA Bibliotheek, June 5th

Event: ROOTS, FEAR and IDENTITY: The rise of PVV and Lega Nord @ Library of the Universiteit van Amsterdam, Singel 425, Saturday June 5th, 20.0 - 22.00, FREE.

A special lecture and discussion organized by Alter/Native Amsterdam about politics in the Netherlands and Italy. Includes special guests: Hon. Judith Sargentini, Member of the European Parliament, Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE); Prof. André Krouwel, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Prof. Luigi Ceccarini, LaPolis, Università di Urbino.

"Will the Dutch turn away from the Polder model? Is Northern Italy just racist? Why are xenophobia and extreme localism rising in The Netherlands and Italy? With the elections just a few hours away, an international round-table to look into the world of the new nationalistic right wing in Europe, through the cases of the PVV in the Netherlands and the Lega Nord in Italy." - alternativeamsterdam.org

The Tolerance Trail @ Amsterdam Historical Museum, June 6th

Event: The Tolerance Trail @ Amsterdam Historical Museum, June 6th, 12:30 (in English) or 14:30 (in Dutch), €10 includes two drinks at the closing party in the courtyard of the Amsterdam Historical Museum, only for adults

The Tolerance Trail is a special event during the Day of Amsterdam History which brings you through the city centre to places that are connected with religious and sexual freedom, as well as persecution. It is a 1.5 hour walk with a group of maximum 15 participants, register here.

Balkan Buro presents a southeast european cultural journey, June 4th - 6th

Event: Southeast Europe: a cultural journey @ various locations, June 4th - 6th, various prices, tickets can be reserved at the location of events, or send a mail to tickets@balkanburo.org. But no answer = no reservation!

Southeast Europe, a Cultural Journey is a festival that travels through several cities in Germany, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. It's goal is to present the possible new EU countries in the Southeast to the West of Europe through magnificent concerts, great food, literature and film. The festivities are spread over different venues in the city. 

Friday night: Cafe Pakhuis Wilhelmina will feature the best live Gypsy music from the Balkans, with as main act the top of gypsy acts: Kocani Orchestar. 

Saturday is alternative: at Schijnheilig featuring the best cult act that Serbia has to offer: Rambo Amadeus! This is a open/public event with no reservation possible, come early! Kriterion will show great Balkan movies on the same day. 

Sunday: lazy day! with some impressive writers at Brakke Grond, and will continue with a greasy Serbian roast: the Balkan Barbeque! On the square in front of Brakke Grond, a Serbian cook is coming to roast the pork himself! We will collectively digest the weekend to a cinematic experience of underground music in Istanbul.

Blijburg opens! June 1st

Beach: Blijburg @ the end of Amsterdam Ijburg, open everyday 10ish - late, FREE.

Amsterdam's favorite city beach is back again! With live music the entire summer, lots of great festivals and a beachy cafe to get you in the mood. So get your swimming trunks on, and cycle as fast as you can over to Ijburg (let's hope there is at least sun:-)

Final Sunday Market @ Westerpark, June 6th

Market: Funky Sunday Market @ Westerpark, Zuiveringshal Oost, Sunday June 6th, 12.00 - 18.00, FREE.

Westerpark's monthly Sunday market includes handmade clothes, goods, art (everything from interior goods, to jewelry) and food with 100 stands. Entertainment and workshops for the kids are also provided. This is the last one for the summer, starting again in September. (Is it seriously already summer?)

Breakdance class @ OT301, June 2nd

Break dance class for beginners @ OT301, every Wednesday in June, 14:30, 8 euro, register via - movement301@live.com, or by calling 06 50 99 80 32.

A special workshop with B Boy Bruce & Monika Stepak who will teach you how to dance by integrating dance techniques, and stretching and twisting your body to the limits on the floor.

the Anti- Pinkpop @ Occii, May 28th

Purplepop Amsterdam (vs. Pinkpop) @ OCCII , May 28th, 20.00 - 03.00, €6.

Pinkpop is an annual pop festival held in Landgraaf, Netherlands which features big named musicans and all the festival shennigans. This is the anti-pink pop = purpole pop with some real music!

Occi has a non-stop program full of bands, cocktails, and good Dj-ing from Foxy Roxy (oldskool 60s/garage vynil); Future Pop (newskool hits and unknown delights of today and tomorrow) ''no Techno, no Metal , no Emo" - occii

Check out the Suicidal Birds (garage blues punk, NL),Yes…pinkpink (party beats, NL), The Stutters (Indiepop, NL), Alos (doom performance, NL), Apneu (garage, NL), RedThePlaneeet!!! (electro punk, NL), Pattern Cuttoff (drum& bass punk, NL). Drinks are cheap and the partying good!

Solar Films @ Park Frankendael, May 28th and 29th

Film: Open air film- Cinema Park Frankendael Solar @ Park Frankendael, outdoor cinema is located on the lawn between the Scout building and playground, Friday may 28th and 29th, 22.00, FREE.

A solar powered screening! On Friday, the film "Herring IJ" will be screened. The film of Saturday night visitors can choose by mailing their choice to - frankendael@localworld.nl. Choices include:

1) "Addicted to Plastic"- Every piece of plastic ever made still exists. Addicted to Plastic explores the culture of disposable plastic.

2) "Milking the Rhino" - wildlife film about about one of the animals most threatened with extinction- the Rhino.

3) "Water Life" - documentary on the Great Lakes, group of freshwater lakes located between the United States and Canada. An ode to the beauty of water.

Nationale Dag van het Park, May 30th

Event: Day of the Park@ various locations in NL, May 30th, all activities are for FREE, check out the complete national program.

1) Environmental Market @ Westerpark, May 30th, FREE.

In Westerpark several events happening including street theater, live music, nature excursions and an environmental market. The environmental market hosts a range of products working to promote organic and local produce, recycling, electric transportation, green building and corporate social responsibility.

2) In Oost- Flevopark and Park Frankendael.

In Flevopark from 12.00 to 17.00 hours, there will be party at the pond; including live music, market stalls and activities for kids.

And Park Frankendael hosts the third annual Bloei Feest, which begins Friday with Solar Films, plus the Pure Market on Sunday and a cultural podium from 12.00 - 23.00 including a "Furniture Pimp Parade" at 17.00 - with old furniture by artists 'pimped' to be auctioned. Klein Danzig - the volkstuin in Park Frankendael will host a free painting workshop from 14.00 - 17.00. A picnic pack can be purchased at 17.30 with all organic products and BBQs. A huge amount of activities for kids.

Want to make your way to both parks check out the routes between the parks.

Roncalli Circus near Station Zuid every night til June 13th

I hesitated about posting about the Roncalli Circus a few days ago; thinking it was just a "regular" circus. But then I saw the tents go up and the beautiful set-up and grew very curious about what was happening in Zuid. So I decided to give it a go!

The Circus advertises itself as a `dream with open eyes', with a three hour show of fantastic circus events. The moment you enter the grounds of the circus you are shot back into a time warp (minus the modern lighting and live band playing electric guitars) with lovely wooden karts selling pretzels, cotton candy and foot-long worsts in little buns; the music is jolly; the man checking your ticket is dressed in an elaborate red suit and then you walk into a cozy big top! where the show begins.... it is a combination of original and traditional acts from trapeze to dancing, to magicians, to clown shows, with only one animal performance which involved horses. The costumes are glittering and elaborate, the women entrancing and the men muscular and manly.  All-in-all a very sexy circus. I won't dive into the details as I don't want to ruin the excitement for you, but an event that everyone will love and go home talking about children and adults alike.

The Roncalli Circus takes place on the corner of the Boelelaan/Beethovenstraat, fa ive minute walk from Station Zuid, ongoing - June 13, nightly shows at 20.00, and weekend and Wednesdays shows with various matinee times, average ticket €25 - €40.

And an additional fact (I just found on the ol' wikipedia), the circus which began in 1976 in Bonn and continues to transport everything by train. 

North Korean Film Night @ Kriterion, Saturday May 29th

Film: North Korean Film Night @ Kriterion, Saturday May 29th, short films and discussion start at 19:00, the two other films at 22.00 and 00.00; €5/film or €10/passe partout (all three films+event).

Check out three leading North Korean films on this special event evening. South Korean filmmaker, Shin Sang-ok, kidnapped on command of Kim Jong-il made seven films with Kim as a producer. This evening you can check out two of the most imporatant N. Korean films: "Hong Gil Solicitted "(1986) - a Robin hood-esque kong fu film. The second film is "In Our Lifeline" (2002) a film about the life of a double agent. Korean short films will be played in the bar with a discussion about the films. The short films include a recording of the Arirang Massaspelen, "Pyongyang by Night" and an informative film on "Weapons of Korea".

Russian curator in the Hermitage

Lecture: Matisse and Picasso @ Hermitage, Saturday May 29, 14,00, in English.

Russian curator Natalia Krollau from the Hermitage St.-Petersburg discusses her work and the present exhibition.

W139 hosts the official Art Amsterdam Afterparty tomorrow

Event: Arty Farty After Party! @ W139, Wednesday May 26, 21.00 - late, free entrance 'til 23.00, there after 5 euro.

Planning to attend the Art Amsterdam 2010 @ RAI? (Check out this previous post for more info about the fair)

W139 will host the official Art Amsterdam afterparty with DJ Brother Boogaloo.

Amsterdam Comedy Festival @ Melkweg, May 28th and 29th

Festival: Amsterdam Comedy Festival @ Melkweg, May 28th and 29th,  €29.50 /day tickets or €49.50/passepartouts, some shows in English.

The Amsterdam Comedy Festival is a two day comedy festival, an initiative of Comedytrain en PIAS Comedy with support from VARA. The two evenings of comedy feature the best Dutch, Belgian and other international comedians. One ticket gets you into the entire event, where you can move from the various podia.

Cry Baby! @ Badcuyp, May 27th

Music: Jazz -Cry Baby! @ Badcuyp, Thursday May 27th, €8.

One of my most well-known saxophonist in NL, Dick de Graaf, plays his blues, rock music inspired jazz with a funky crew of uniquely talented musicians throwing their spin on the tunes. Check out what they are calling urgent power jazz.

Smooth Structures + "wild Blue Yonder"@ Smart Project Space, May 27th

Event + Film + Lecture: Smooth Structures @ Smart Project Space, Thursday May 27, lecture time: 19.30 – 20.30, film: 21.00 – 22.30, unknown price.

First a lecture and then German director Werner Herzog, science fiction film "The Wild Blue Yonder" (2005). The film is winner of the FIPRESCI Prize at the 62nd Venice Film Festival. It is a film made up of documentary footage with fictional narration from an alien.

The lecture is to be on "a new theory about dark matter and dark energy by NASA mathematician Martin Lo" - Smart Project Space

Pure Market and Dag van het Park Sunday May 30th

Market: Pure Market @ Park Frankendael, Oost-Watergraafsmeer, last Sunday of the month, Sunday May 30th, 11.00 - 18.00, FREE, includes activities for kids.

This is a monthly market with lekker eten (delicious food) mostly organic, as well as other local, sustainable goods, and live music. It is what we might call the Noordermarkt of the east but you can eat your way through the market with picnic tables and ready to eat brunch style food. Check out this article for more info.

Then mark your calendars for the rest of the year with markets on Sunday June 27; then a break over the vacation period, August 29, September 26 October 31 and the final Christmas market on December 19th.

Rock 'n Roll Dance @ Cruise Inn May 29th

Party: Rock 'n Roll Dance Night @ Cruise Inn, Saturday May 29th, 21.00 - 03.00, FREE.

A serious rock 'n roll party with live bands and rock 'n roll djs. Guaranteed best party of the weekend & 2 euro beer.

Pop-up cafe, Stumptown Coffee @ Albert Cuyp market 'til end of July

New "pop-up cafe" @ Albert Cuyp Market, 101 Albert Cuypstrat, opened May 1st - end of July, open Monday - Saturday 07.00 - 19.00. 

Stumptown Coffee a coffee roaster, importer and cafe with its roots in Portland, Oregon recently opened it's doors for you tasting pleasure. The beans are from a roaster in Red Hook, Brooklyn (originally Roode Hoek, a village founded by the Dutch in the 1630s). The staff is made up of US baristas two of whom are documenting their three month adventures on two blogs- whoa cup and grover does amsterdam.

Art in Motion, experimental German films @ Smart Project Space, May 26

Film: Art in Motion @ Smart Project Space, Wednesday May 26th, 20.00, €6.00, all films with English subtitles.

Smart Project Space and Goethe Institut Amsterdam present an on-going film series dedicated to experimental German cinema. This is the final screening which presents a compilation of the most important German art films from the '80s; from "40 years of Video Art"'s collection.

Art Amsterdam, May 26 - 30th

Exhibition + Event: Art Amsterdam 2010 @ RAI, May 26 to 30, €20.

The 26th edition of Art Amsterdam hosts 129 leading galleries from the Netherlands, Europe and Asia with exhibits range from photographs, paintings and video art to sculptures, drawings and installations. With a special programme element entitled No Holds Barred featuring large-scale presentations, but also lectures and debates, professional guided tours, and educational workshops for beginner collectors (Young & Collecting) as well as an exclusive programme for established Dutch and foreign collectors (Club C).

Kerkennacht Amsterdam / Church night Amsterdam, Saturday May 22

Event: Kerkennacht Amsterdam / Church night Amsterdam @ a number of Protestant churches in Amsterdam, Saturday May 22, 19.00 - 23.00, FREE.

Not sure how to classify this event; is it an intiative to stir up membership in the protesant church,? a cultural event (following the tune of the Museumnacht?), or a community gathering?. Well whatever it is or isn't eleven churches are participating; so go take a peak inside as they open their doors to the public for one evening. This is the first church night in Amsterdam, with each church hosting a differnet program of events ranging from standard tours, to youth programs, concerts, games and borrel-esque events!?! Click on the images of the churches for more info. And tell me did you go?

Satellite dancing? @ OT301 May 23

Dance: Art(H)Emigra Satellite @ OT301, Sunday May 23rd, 18.00, €6.

"The Performances of ART(H)EMIGRA SATELLITE are a series of dance and music improvisation performances taking place on the same dates and at the same time in Italy and the Netherlands. The events are streamed to each other, so that the audience will assist to both performances" - OT301

Check out the video of the first event - ART(H)EMIGRA SATELLITE #1

live tunes on the Museumplein May 21st

Music: Tabor @ Museumplein, May 21st, 14.00, FREE.

Traditional Eastern European Sinti and Roma songs.

Sunday Van Gogh lectures, May 23rd

Lecture: From the Real to the Unreal: Photography and the Naturalist Career of Eanger Irving Couse @ Van Gogh Museum, Sunday May 23rd, price of museum, FREE with Museumkaart, English spoken.

Guest curator, Gabriel Weisberg, discusses the upcoming exhibition Illusions of reality: Naturalist painting, photography and cinema at the Van Gogh Museum (which starts in October 2010).

"Academically trained in France, the American painter Eanger Irving Couse (1866-1936) was well aware the role photography played in how paintings were constructed. Couse used his camera as an ethnographic reporter focusing on sites, ceremonies and the native Americans in New Mexico. His paintings, developed from photographic portraits, became idealized representations of the contemporary American Indian." - Van Gogh

Electro Wars @ Rialto, May 22nd

Event: Electro Wars @ Rialto, Saturday May 22nd, 23.00, €9.

The Electro Wars is an event organized by Streetlab- a platform for young Dutch fashion designers, illustrators, photographers, graphic designers and musicians; and Kits Zonder Blog -is an "offline music blog"/organizer of underground music. This event brings together films and music; it starts with the European première of the documentary "The Electro Wars" (2009) from New Yorker Stephen Vasquez about the "electric lifestyle"- electro/house-scene. Following the film Vasquez will take questions about the film. Following the film is a night of DJ's.  

Rollerdis/Ko @ Studio K, May 22nd

Music + Dance + skating!:) Rollerdis/Ko @ Studio K, Saturday May 22nd, 21.00 - 03.00, €5.

Skating, disco balls and tunes. You can rent skates for €1.50 and swing around the dance floor shaking your hips and crossing your fingers that you don't fall on your rolschaatsen.

CinemAsia @ Ketelhuis, May 20th - 30th

Film Festival: CinemAsia @ Ketelhuis, Thursday May 20th - 30th, €8.50/film, other events various prices.

CinemAsia is an Asian filmfestival, that screens never-before-seen (in NL) films from throughout Asia. Includes 60 films and documentaries, a bazaar (with different stalls that offer Asian food and snacks, accessories and information), discussions and presentations on film in Asia, as well as special parties. Check out the program here.

Festival a/d Werf @ various locations in Utrecht, May 20th - 29th

Event: Festival a/d Werf @ various locations in Utrecht, May 20 – 29, various times and prices.

This is an annual music/theater/art festival in Utrecht, which presents performances, art exhibitions, music, workshops, parties, etc...Festival a/d Werf takes place in fifteen indoor and outdoor sites around Utrecht, and includes two live music events every evening on Neude square. Check out the full program here.

A seriously great reason to take a day trip to Utrecht. Also check out the Domtoren. Tours are everyday from 10.00 – 17.00, guided tours every hour, lasting an hour, €7.50. Or check out the many great museums in Utrecht. Why you are there do some second hand shopping at the many great stores on the Oude Gracht and enjoy a beer at Café Belgie or even lower on the ‘deep’ canals.

a random night of acts at high speed @ Cafe Wilhelmina May 20th

Music: Page Turner #17 @ Cafe Wilhelmina, Thursday May 20th, 21.00, €5.

"Pageturner is a night of zap performance-art for people with a short attention span. Bands, electronic acts, singer-songwriters, writers, poets, weirdo's, video-artists.. you name it! Passing by at high speed, these acts will make for one big freak-out caroussel performance." Cafe Wihelmina

So think short films but live shows with music!

Latin American Filmfestival

Open Air Film: Latin American Filmfestival @ Studio/K, Friday and Saturday May 21st - 22nd, 21.30, FREE.

First let's hope that its warm enough to sit outside!:) Then enjoy the works of new Latin American filmmakers on the square in front of the Studio. On Friday check out Turistas. And Saturday Play.

Thievery Corporation coming to Amsterdam

Need to chill a bit? Check out one of the coolest bands of the past decade as they arrive in Amsterdam in early June. As a duo with a pretty strong (but not at all heavy, if that makes sense) socio-political message, they are from the unlikely homebase of Washington, D.C. They partner with the UN World Food Programme and collaborate with artists from Nigeria, Brazil, India and Slovakia. Their music, for us layfolk, is probably best described as ambient or chill-out. Their message is probably best described by Rob Garza, one half of the duo: "We definitely want to contribute to the opening of ears, eyes, and minds. With our live shows it’s a poignant example of music and culture mixing together in an explosive vibrant way. To see a Persian singer singing in Farsi, as America debates on a war with Iran, next to other band members from all corners of the earth singing in Spanish, Portuguese, French and so on, it makes people wonder... and if you can get people to question the things around them, just a little, then that’s not such a bad thing."

Thievery Corporation, tickets 25 Euros plus service charges and cheap Melkweg membership (total about 30 Euros), at Melkweg June 7th, 2010. You can buy tickets online here or in person at the Melkweg ticket office after 16:30 every day just off Leidseplein.

- tip from Jeff Funnekotter, check out his Big City Blog about life in Amsterdam and everywhere else the road takes him.

Relive De Diepte

Music: Garage-Night @ OCCII, Friday May 21st, 21.00 - 02.00, €7.

A seriously missed late-night landmark in the City- De Diepte, the legendary rock 'n roll bar (nachtkroeg) on the St. Pieterspoortsteeg (off the Dam), closed down nearly two years go:( Rumor had it they continuously refused to close up shop at bar time that the City gave them so many fines they couldn't stay afloat. Relive your Deipte days at the OCCII with two live bands THE HEX DISPENSERS (Austin, Texas)and THE ANOMALYS (Amsterdam), and DE DIEPTE DJ'S (Amsterdam, Holland).

Circ/us @ Tolhuistuin May 19th - 24th

Event: Circ/us @ nearby Tolhuistuin, Wednesday May 19th - May 24th, 20.30, €5.

This is no regular circus! This is a show that brings together professional acrobats, magicians, tight rope walking, lion taming, and trapeze artists with neighborhood creatives in a creative circus show.

Lecture about the Zuidas @ ARCAM, May 18th

Lectrue/discussion: Malcolm Smith (ARUP) @ Brakke Grond but organized by ARCAM, May 18, €10, students €7.50.

Malcolm Smith, head of the Zuidas Design Team, is responsible for the general design strategy and principles of Amsterdams 'South Axis' development project. He talks about the plans for the area around Amsterdam Zuid Station, which is presently dominated by office developments.

Hollywood film at Hermitage

Film: Surviving Picasso (1996) @ Hermitage, Wednesday May 19, 20.00, in English, no Dutch subtitles:(.

A Hollywood interpretation of the life of Picasso; a love story of fact and fiction with Anthony Hopkins as Picasso and Julianne Moore as Dora Maar.

Film & Dinner every Wednesday @ Smart Project Space

Event: Film & Dinner @ Smart Project Space, every Wednesday, €35, only 30 tickets available!, for reservations: 020 61 69994.

Enjoy a modern film classic while enjoying a 3 course dinner directly inspired by the film.

Wednesday May 19th, 19.45 - Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation" (2003). With Bob (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson)- two Americans meeting in Tokyo.

Electric Cinema, May 18th

Film: Electric Cinema @ OT301, Tuesday May 18th, 20:30, €4.

OT301 screens under-represented cult classics, energetic contemporary video shorts, off-beat animation and lost movies of the global underground. Non-profit artist-run.

20.30 F is for Fake by Orson Welles (1974, 85’)

22.30 Tribulation 99 by Craig Baldwin (1992, 48’)

You can also have dinner at OT301 at Restaurant De Peper  all 100% organic and yummy as they put it themselves. We would say freaking good and cheap. Be sure to make a reservation between 16.00 - 18.30 by calling 020-412 2954.

TV dinner @ Trouw, May 18th

Film, food, music: TV dinner docu film "Forbidden Metal from Iraq" @ TROUW, Tuesday April 20, 19.30, €15, reservation recommended.

Sitting at home in front of the tv eating your kant-en-klaar meals, got you down? Hop over to TROUW where they serve you dinner while you enjoy a film with your friends. This month check out the documentary about the only Iraqi heavy metal-band- the men of ‘Acrassicauda'.

Kunstvlaai @ Westergasfabriek May 15 - 23rd

Event: Kunstvlaai @ Westergasfabriek, Saturday May 15, 16:00-19.00, FREE; continues Sunday May 16th - 23rd, 12:00-18:00, €7.

An art fair for "starting artists" (recently graduated students), takes over the Westergasfabriek with a tour of up-and-coming artists from around the world including spaces from Aruba, Curaçao, Suriname, Turkey, China, the USA, and of course the Netherlands (check out the list of participants here).

How about a head-butt or a submarine? to start the chilly weekend in Amsterdam

It looks like a slow weekend in Amsterdam perhaps the City knew we would all want to stay inside this weekend to avoid this unseasonably cold weather. In light of the chilly weather forcing us indoors you might be finding yourself at a cozy cafe to pass the next few days; so how about a head-butt or a submarine, to start your weekend?

Have you ever ordered a kopstoot (head-butt) at a bar? Well you don’t need to worry about your head until the following day. The bartender will serve you a shot of Jenever and a glass of beer. Or how about a duikboot (submarine)? This will get you liquored up rather quickly as it involves dropping a shot of Jenever into a glass of beer.

For those of you that don’t know Jenever here's a short introduction. Jenever is a clear distilled alcohol, traditional made from grain and juniper berries. There are two types of Jenever, a jonge (young) and an oude (old) jenever. The oude jenever is aromatic and mellow and served at room temperature. The jonge has a milder taste and is served ice cold. Several variants exist as well, such as bessen jenever (currant) which is often favored by the ladies, and citroen jenever (lemon).

But, lets get back to the tasting. There remain two authentic distillers in the City the oldest being Wynand Fockink, which opened its doors in 1679. Wynand Fockink offers numerous workshops in English (even learning how to make your own jenever). Another local distiller is A.van Wees distillery de Ooievaar  located in the Jordaan. It started distilling in 1782 and continues to produce jenever using authentic methods and ingredients.

The City also harbours some inspiring microbreweries. The most famous must be Brouwerij t’IJ, famous for its windmill and large sun terrace. At Brouwerij ‘t IJ they serve their organic beers with good old Dutch snacks such as boiled eggs or a giant meat ball with mustard. Another microbrewery is de Prael and is located right in the city center. All their beers have been named after famous singers from Amsterdam. Besides beer they sell beer bonbons and you can buy your own beer brewing kit at their brewery shop/bar. Two additional microbreweries can be found in the City - De Bekeerde Suster and De Snaterende Arend. The newest addition to the group is Brouwerij Zeeburg which started brewing in 2009. All the aforementioned beers can be enjoyed at café ‘t Arendsnest, as well as other beers from the Netherlands.

Fijn weekend! 

If you appreciate this site "pass us a jenever" via an ad click in order to keep us going! Busy in Amsterdam is not sponsored by any organization/cafe/company; therefore the suggestions we make on the site are based on our own experiences and knowledge of the City.

Amsterdam Beatclub @ de Nieuwe Anita, May 14th

Music + Dance: Amsterdam Beatclub- Tiki Party @ De Nieuwe Anita, Friday May 14, €7.50.

Check out the ABC_TIKI_PARTY with live music from Mellow Jo & The Hi-Tones (Rock 'n Roll / Swing); a limbo show with "How Low Can You Go.."; and then a the dj/vj duo of The Scopi-Tonics to bring you through the evening.

Antillen Festival @ Tropentheater May 12th

Festival + Film + Music: Antillen Festival - Sams Ensemble & film Panman @ Tropentheater, Wednesday May 12, 20.30, €15.00.

Music from the Bovenwindse Eilanden (Saint Maarten and Saint Eustatius)with ketel drums and string bands. Following the band is the film "Panman, Rhythm of the Palms"- a story about the life of the famous steel pan player Harry Daniel.

live funky-jazz rock @ Badcuyp, May 13th

Music: The Ploctones @ Badcuyp, Thursday May 13th, 21.30, €8.

End your free day with some swining jazz from the Ploctones.

Underground farmer's market, May 16th, somewhere in Amsterdam

Event: Underground Boerenmarkt @ near Downtown 75, Rokin 75 - follow the clues via Twitter, Sunday May 16th, 12.00 - 17.00, FREE. 

A wild underground farmer's market where a semingly "spontaneous" market arises somewhere in Amsterdam on Sunday.  Except an eating extravaganze with sweets, handmade kroketten, traditional mosterds, bier, jams, worstjes, soepjes, home grown sambal, gourmet food, and organic butchers.

New soundtrack film at Goethe-Institute May 14th

Film: Tabu - A Story of the South Seas @ Goethe-Institut, Friday May 14, film starts 20.00, €5.

Live soundtrack by Filippo Castellazzi, Michael Stratz, Mark Van Soest,Mataklap & Hakki Takki. A love story out of Bora Bora to more "civilized society".

IDFA film at Kriterion, May 9th

Film: Necrobusiness series @ Kriterion, Sunday May 9th, 15.00, €6.50, includes a discusion and the three films.

Check out the preview here.

Stop & GO - Motion animation films, May 11th

Film: Stop & GO @ OT301, Tuesday May 11th, 20.30, €4.

Stop & Go features 22 films by established filmmakers and visual artists of motion animation films, from around the world. With an 80-minute program of short videos that highlight the process of stop-motion animation in many of its forms.

Open Day at the Opera, May 9th

Open day: De Nederlandse Opera @ Het Muziektheater, Sunday 9th May, 12:00 - 17:00.

At 12.00 the doors open with choir workshops for children and adults, tours, performances, demostrations of theater techniques, acting techniques, opera quiz and an open podium. A panel discussion: begins at 14.00 with Klaus Bertischm Dramaturg for the Netherlands Opera speaks with guests about 'Animals on stage'. With musical intermezzos and a grand finale at 17.00.

If you want to show your own talents during the open day, then register for the open podium. If you need musical accompaniment by piano indicate this with your registration. Send an e-mail indicating your name, the title of the music piece you will perform and how much time you need for the performance to: openpodium@dno.nl

National Windmill Day, May 8th and 9th

Event: Nationale Molen en gemalen Dag/National Windmill and Pumping Station Day @ throughout the Netherlands, Saturday May 8th and Sunday 9th.

This must be the most exciting day next to Queensday the celebration of another Dutch icon - the windmill. Millers open their doors for you to visit the inner secrets of these buildings. It is an ideal opportunity to understand the important role the windmill played in the economic development of the Netherlands. Yes these high-tech machines were one of the main reasons why the Dutch ruled the seas during the Golden Age.

Mills that take part in this festive day can be recognized by the blue flag on the windmill sail or by more high-tech means you can look at the online map; take your pick.

Now let's keep our fingers crossed for a national tulip or clogg day. Or maybe we should create a special day for ourselves like krokettendag?

Van Gogh Museum Avond, Every Friday at the Van Gogh Museum

Event + Museum: Van Gogh Museum Avond @ the Van Gogh Museum, Friday, 18.30 – 22.00, entrée to museum, stuff for older kids. Guaranteed - free guided tour at 19:30 of the exhibition Paul Gauguin (in Dutch and English) and a DJ to bring you through the rest of evening between all the other acts.

May 7th - Science/technology program by De Praktijk at 18.30 with a the showing of artist Sander Veenhof's "invisible" outfit that visitors can use to avoid being seen by surveillance cameras, plus 'Formamat' (Leiden University) - a machine that frees you of all the unnecessary data on your USB device. In exchange for your old data files you'll receive sweets as payment. Also in the Central Hall check out the Giro d'Italia special from 19:30-20:00 o'clock / 20:45-21:15 o'clock with a theatrical music program by the passionate and multitalented singer Quirine Melssen, Napolitan artist. Free Italian wine tasting from 18:30-20:30  (Central Hall).

May 14th - Introductory tour

At 19:30 free guided tour of the exhibition Paul Gauguin (in Dutch and English). Plus the Music conservatory takes the stage at 20:15.

May 21st - 2 move Wear

From 18:30 check out Ok 2 moveWear - an interactive suit that causes music and images to respond to your movements. Then at 20.30 a discussion with the maker of the suit - Angelina Baker on her intentions and the results of this installation.

May 28th - Augmented Reality

From 18:30 students from the Royal Academy of the Visual Arts in The Hague present their newest inventions and discoveries of 2010. Discussion with the students from AR-RFID lab at 20.30 with a

moderator asking the students of the KABK about the project.

Biking exhibition - Sur Place May 8th - August 22nd

Still can't get enough of the biking craze?  Check out Mediamatic exhibition on biking culture @ Mediamatic, from May 8th - August 22nd, various prices and times.

With photos of bike crashes, a collection of awesome bikes, workshops and lots of other craziness!:)

Animation for Kids, May 8th

Animation for Kids: Minibios an animation afternoon for kids from 5 – 10 years @Paradiso, Saturday May 8th, 14:00 – 15:00, €5.

First screening of:

Joris en de Liefde

Een sprookje in een Monsterklas

Bling Bling Boy en zijn vijf zussen

These animations are based on stories that were conceived by children of “Group 6” (10/11 years) of primary school. The participating children were the winners of a writing contest organized by the public library. 10 additional animations will be screened inspired in musical poems, supported by live music.

Cannabis bevrijdingsdag/ marijuana liberation day

Event: Cannabis bevrijdingsdag/ Marijuana liberation day @ Westerpark Manifestatieterrein, Saturday May 8th, 14.00 - late, price unknown.

A day to celebrate cannabis with live music, speaker,s a market, old time circus, and acts from Joost Belinfante, Hans Plomp, Edith Rignalda, and possibly Spinvis (yet to be confirmed).

Friday Night Skate

Looking for some skating/rollerblading buddies? Check out Friday Night Skate- with weekly routes around the City. 

Go get your butt back in shape after a cold winter of watching re-runs and stuffing your face with mini-stroopwafels.

Rocking da farm at Buurtboerderij Westerpark May 7th

Music + Farm: Rocking da farm @ Buurtboerderij Westerpark, May 7th, 21.00, €3.

Live bands and djs at the farm! in Westerpark. Yes, this is serious there is a party at the boerderij!

Very Short International Film Festival, May 8th and 9th

Film: Very Short International Film Festival @ CREA, Saturday May 8th, 20.00, Sunday May 9th 13.00, €5, students €3, for reservations call 020 525 1400.

The Very Short International Film Festival is a festival for short films of three minutes or less. Every screening consists of three parts, with two breaks; with from Japan, England, Romania, France, Iran, Norway, Mexico, Spain, Lebanon, China, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Germany, the United States, Belgium, Isreal, Switzerland, Singapore, and a few from the Netherlands. See 72 best videos, hand picked from more than 1,000 submissions; and you can vote for your favorite.

Bicycle Film Festival May 8th

Film: Bicycle Film Festival  @ Pathé Tuschinski, Saturday May 8th, three program, first one starts at 18.30 (see below), € 11/program; after-party starts at 20.00 at Mediamatic.

"The Bicycle Film Festival has been a major catalyst for the spread of urban bike culture internationally. From its roots in New York City, the BFF has grown exponentially into a multi-faceted, international event that visits nearly every continent. This year 300,000 people are expected to attend worldwide."- Mediamatic

Program 1, LET OP! the time changed, again!! back to 18.30 - 19.30, Urban Bike Shorts

A collection of short films that highlight the experiences of urban riders, including Anima d’Acciaio (Soul of Steel).

Program 2, 20.30 - 22.30, Standing Start + Tour Des Legendes

Tour Des Legendes is a Dutch production that premiered at the Bicycle Film Festival in 2003, in which director Erik van Empel digs through the annals of the Tour de France to capture the history of the world’s most beautiful bike race.

Program 3, 22.30 - 00.30, Made in Queens + Where Are You Go

Where Are You Go: chronicles four months on bicycle from Cairo to Cape Town, en route with the Tour d’Afrique, the world’s longest bicycle race and expedition.

An after party starts at 20.00 at Mediamatic Bank, free admission with program ticket.

Giromania! May 6 - 9

In just a few days, the Giro d’Italia, a long distance road bike race, begins in Amsterdam! wtih three stages/days of cycling circus through the City. If are into eyeing up men in tight spandex or a genuine cycling fan you will certainly enjoy this weekend. For an overview of the stages and side-events visit Giromania. Keep in mind many main through-fares/streets will be closed off to bike and car traffic during this three day event.

There are a number of side-events that may also tickle your fancy with a GiroRun, Italian films, and exhibitions all in celebration of the big event:

1) Photo Exhibition @ het Stadsarchief Amsterdam, ongoing, daily 10.00 - 18.00, price of museum.

A historical exhibtion of the past 100+ years of Giro d'Italia race with films, photos, and artifacts from Dutch racing champions Gerrie Knetemann and Piet van Heusden and other fietsfoto's/biking pictures.

2) On Friday the 7th Tourist Run Amsterdam hosts a special run to discover the route of the Giro d'Italia individual timetrial on foot! (reservation necessary)

The 8km runs will be in small groups of 5 - 10, from Museumplein to Olympischstadion. Participlants recieve a public transport ticket to return to the start, as well as a pink "Giromania" T-shirt.

3) New Italian Cinema Events (NICE) @ Filmmuesum, May 6 - 19th, various times, price of film. 

In cooperation with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura and the EYE Film Instituut Nederland, this international festival takes the stage in celebration of the start of the Giro d’Italia with a selection of films from Italian films from the 1960s.

FYI, if you can't get enough of road biking plan to get to Rotterdam for the start of the Tour de France on July 3rd.

Hard rock karaoke, May 6th

Hard rock karaoke @ Pakhuis Wilhelmina, Thursday May 6th, 22:00, €5.

Hard rock karaoke accompanied by a live band.

On a serious note...

It is quite something to see just how much the Dutch genuinely appreciate and respect the significance of a liberation that took place 65 years ago. With my own parents who were back then just small children in the bombing of Rotterdam, I am amazed and grateful how Nederlanders continue to pass on the historical importance of the war and the subsequent liberation to their kids. I've heard that to this day, Dutch families tend the gravesites of fallen Allied soldiers throughout the country.

If you are in a solemn and reverent mood and would like to see and appreciate the level of this respect, there are a ton of locations in the city to be to experience the 'Herdenking' or commemoration/memorial services.

Between 18.30 and 21.00 on Tuesday, May 4th, there are no fewer than 30 spots around the city to pay your respects and to witness how the locals do the same. Each corner of the city has a number of locations - see the full listings.

- Jeff Funnekotter, check out his Big City Blog about life in Amsterdam and everywhere else the road takes him.

Architecture workshop for kids, May 8th

Workshop for kids: Archikidz @ Westerpark Gashouder, Saturday May 8th, children 7 -12, FREE, must register in advance here.

A workshop kids about the future of transporation; what is the ultimate vehicle?, what does it look like?, how does it function?  Kids work in small groups with an architect to build different forms of vehicles.

Bevrijdingsdag / Liberation Day, May 5th

Various events: Bevrijdingsdag / Liberation Day, the evening of May 4th and entire day and evening of May 5th. First, don't forget Tuesday evening May 4th, the day before Liberation Day, is the Nationale Herdenking at 20.00. This national commemoration has been held since 1946 to commentate the victims of the Second World War. At 20.00 the entire country is quiet for two minutes of remembrance. The official event is held at the Dam, starting around 19.45ish with the Queen and other officials holding an official ceremony which can be seen on National Television, but also is host to about 20,000 people lining the Damrak to het Nationaal Monument! But where ever you are on Tuesday at 20.00 stop! and be quiet; that counts for driving in your car, in the Metro, on the street, at your house, etc...

1) Amsterdams Bevrijdingsfestival - Liberty City @ Museumplein, a whole day of music, events, activities, stuff for kids, etc..., FREE.  Check out the program for more details.

2) Every year, since 1996, in front of the Carré a special concert is set-up on the water. This year Het Limburgs Symfonie Orkest takes the stage, with an opera. The concert starts at 21.00 but in order to get a decent seat on the water get there by 20.00. The concert can also be seen on NOS on Nederland 1 at 20.30.

3) Haarlem is the usual host to a full day of music, djs and fun at Bevrijdingspop @ Haarlemerhout, 12.00 - midnight, FREE.

Funky Sunday Market at Westerpark May 2nd

Market: Funky Sunday Market @ Westerpark, Zuiveringshal Oost, Sunday May 2, 12.00 - 18.00, FREE.

Westerpark's monthly Sunday market includes handmade clothes, goods, art (everything from interior goods, to jewelry) and food with 100 stands. Entertainment and workshops for the kids are also provided.

'Waarom lijn 8 niet meer rijdt', a public storytelling/show on May 2

Performance: Openbare vertelvoorstelling 'Waarom lijn 8 niet meer rijdt' @ de Boekmanzaal Stadhuis Amsterdam, Sunday May 2nd, 14.00, FREE, for ages 11+, reservations not possible only 200 seats, in Dutch.

'Waarom Lijn 8 niet meer rijdt'/ 'why line 8 doesn't exist anymore' is a true story about Amsterdam during the occupation in the WWII. And the life of two women who took Jewish children in their house. It also explains why tram 8 no longer exists, as it was used during the War to transport Jewish people from Hollandsche Schouwburg to Centraal station, and from there to Westerbork. After the War it was decided that tram 8 would not be used again due to its history. The production is developed with help from het Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam.

Karel Appel Huis opened in Oost

The Karel Appel House opened its doors in Oost Sunday, April 25th. Appel was a famous avant-garde CoBrA painter born in the Dapperbuurt. The Karel Appel House is a mixed-use housing and art project developed for international artists working at the Royal Academy of Visual Arts, where Appel himself studied between 1942 and 1944. Once a year the house plans to open its doors for a temporary mini-museum in the four apartments of the House. You can spot the house, at Dapperstraat 7, by the large bronze apple hanging on the facade with the text "Karel Appel was hier".

Check out the newly opened exhibition at the CoBrA Museum, in Amstelveen, featuring an overview of Appel's life and work.