23 June 2010
Monthly rommelmarkt /flea market @ Blijburg, Sunday June 27th
21 June 2010
Cirque Excentrique @ Blijburg, Saturday June 26th
29 May 2010
Blijburg opens! June 1st
10 September 2009
Happenings in Amsterdam the long weekend of September 11 - 13
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
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.
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Enjoy and stay busy in Amsterdam.
Entire weekend
Why go? Have you seen the Nachtwacht / Night watch yet? If not go!
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.
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.
“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
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 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
Why go? All the songs you have been singing shower, live on stage!
Friday
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
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!
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
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
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
Dutch rock 'n roll band.
Why go? chilling late in the center? check out these tunes on the Zeedijk
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
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
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
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
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
Why go? The greatest flashback evening with everything “spon” off tapes.
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
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).
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:
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.
26 August 2009
Happenings in Amsterdam for the weekend of August 28th - 30th
The Uitmarkt is the official beginning to all the fun, introducing the City to all that is to come during the 2008 - 2009 cultural season. But if you aren't ready to accept that summer is nearing its end there are still lots of reasons to stay out and enjoy with lots of outdoor film festivals, and my personal favorite a Pet Meet-and-Greet Day at Oosterpark on Sunday!
Enjoy your weekend...and don't forget I am making this agenda for free, for you!, so if you appreciate it please click on my small ads to throw a few coins in my purse so I can continue to improve its functionality and keep it going! Furthermore I really do appreciate your comments and suggestions so send them my way at busyinamsterdam [at] gmail.
Uitmarkt is the annual national opening of the cultural season. With “free samples/taste tests” of musical acts and performances to hit the stage over the next year. As well as a book market with stands from publishers and bookstores throughout the City selling discount books, posters, and advertising about upcoming events (kids books, too).
Lots of events to check out, I recommend: Matt Bianco – the internationally famous jazz master plays on Friday at 23.00 at the Dam; a presentation of wooden marionettes by Het Amsterdams Marionetten Theater Saturday and Sunday 13.00, a sing-along at the Dam on Sunday at 21.00, as well as various musical acts on the water.
Activities and shows for kids all over the City check out Uitmarkt Junior.
Why go? get a sneak preview of how you will be spending your winter and enjoy the FREE fun!
DJ DaanModern, resident DJ of Pacific Parc, from 18.30 on plays a mix of steamy soul, nostalgia, exotic and natural modern jazzy tunes.
Candy Cash, a beloved new comer band from Paris with influences of electric, dubstep and trip hop music. Begins at 20.00.
Why go? Check out an up and coming band and some good ol' Van Gogh
The Cantina Mobile is back in the terrace of Pacific Parc with tunes, eats and fun.
Why go? a funky atmosphere to spend your afternoon.
A four weekend long open air film festival in Sloterparkbad. This week the hit of 2007 “Alles is Liefde” on Friday, Saturday the adventure film “Into the Wild”.
Why go? check out the lovely Sloterpark and enjoy a free film.
Rock ‘n’ roll delight, with three live acts.
Why go? three times the musical delight
Part of the Filmmuseum's weekly (every Friday evening) outdoor film screenings – Sunsets. This Friday check out the 2008 film “Sita Sings the Blues”, an animation film by famous animator and cartoonist Nina Paley based on a Indian heldendicht (epic narrative poem).
Why go? enjoy the open air at new Hermitage
The summer is almost over and the new party season begins so Club 8 is making one big party to introduce their season of parties including rock, 80s, 90s, indie, punk pop, techno, etc...
Why go? if you can't decide what kind of music you want to jam to check out this mix of everything
Saturday
A music festival in Noord with two stages of unique international acts, including Beat Pharmacy, Gaiser, Richie Hawtin, Paul Ritch Drumcode, Kabale UND Liebe.
Why go? squeeze in one more festival before the summers over.
A broad program with a little bit for everyone- 2 music stages, theater, a kinderboederij (petting zoo) and other creative activities for kids! This Saturday Spinvis plays in the planetarium.
Why go? Check out Spinvis live!:)
The successful touring party KISS (a collective of artists, musicians, VJs and DJs) makes a stop at Blijburg with DJs: DIM, CLYDE, GIANNI, PHIL, PRINSJE POOTJE PIETJE PAPJE, FROUKJE POLA, BEAR GRYLLZ, ILLVESTER SOPHIE VOM S., and MADE IN JUNE.
Why go? Enjoy the warm nights with some wild beach fun
Comedy cabaret (in Dutch) with dj/vj after the show.
Why go? add some comedy to typical Saturday night
A free open air presentation in the Westerpark. This Saturday check out the film “Terra Sonâmbula” (Sleepwalking Land) in conjunction with the project Africa in the Picture. A magic realist film from Mozambique about the effect of war.
Why go? good excuse to stay out late in the park
If you missed Lowlands you can see the recording on the big screen at Skek.
Why go? check out the highlights of the always sold-out Lowlands
Sunday
A monthly tradition of lekker eten (good food) mostly organic, as well as other local, sustainable goods, and music. Also creative activities for the little ones.
Why go? check out the start of the new season and pick up some handmade fudge!
Why go? as you make your way to the many stages of Uitmarkt you can also pick up some tunes for the evening.
1st project from www.dezoektocht.eu a community building initiative. Ella’s dieren ontmoetings dag was suggested by eight-year-old Ella Vermey. She loves animals and wanted to meet and share her passion with others in the Dapperbuurt. Lots of activities for kids, animals and adults; including games, crafty corner, face painting, inflatable jumping castle, a dog trainer, a photo exhibition of the neighborhood animals, a dog-cat walk, pick-nicking, Djs, and food.
Why go? mingle with your dog
The Pavadita Tango String Quartet and Flashmobcinema present "La Graine et le Mulet"- the price winning 2007 film about the ambitions, frustrations, courage, slothfulness (indolentie) of migrant families of North-African decent in Southern France.
Why go? make your way to Amsterdam Noord and check out the trendy Tolholtuin
The fourth round of Winston's 11th annual band competition for local talent.
Why go? check out the local talent
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14 August 2009
Happenings and events in Amsterdam the weekend of August 14 - 16
Hartjes Dagen @ Zeedijk and Nieuw Markt, Saturday – Sunday, FREE, various events but things happening the entire day, no specific events for kids but kids are welcome.
Droomfestival / dream festival @ Blijburg, Saturday and Sunday starts at 12.00 – til late in the night, €7/ during the day ticket, €11 for tickets after 17.00, some special events for kids.
A festival with three stages of music and djs, a “spiritual corner” with a dream tepee where you can make your own dream catcher, learn yoga techniques with your kids; a “wake-up tent” with Raja Yoga, meditation, and Vortex healing; a relaxing tent with chair massage, and aura reading; and a rainbow camper with a special exhibition; a Hippy Market with creative handmade goods; a Trailer Trash Camp with a gallery for artists, a tattoo truck, face painting, etc; also Capoeira performances.
Pluk de Nacht / outdoor film festival @ Stenen hoofd near Silodam (bus 48 from Centraal Station brings you directly to the festival), final weekend 'til August 15th, starts at dark 21.30ish, FREE (all the films are subtitled in English). The festival then continues next week to Studio K, Timorplein from August 18th – 22nd.
Annual outdoor film festival overlooking het IJ with nightly films, art exhibitions, bar and restaurant. With a short film before every headliner. This week- Friday: "Der Architekt" German, and Saturday: "Boogie" Romanian.
Grachten Festival @ various locations, starts Saturday August 15 – 23, various prices, a different program everyday, with special events for kids.
The Grachten (canal) Festival is an annual festival celebrating classical music, architecture and the water, with more than 100 unique concerts for adults and kids in monuments, museums, sometimes even private houses in Amsterdam. There are also boat tours, guided architectural walking tours, music theater events, master classes, etc...
Acoustic Brazil Festival @ De Roode Bioscoop, starts Sunday August 16 – 22, every evening 20.30, €12.50/ticket.
Live Brazilian music and film, with different performances every evening.
De Parade @ Martin Luther Park, final weekend – August 16th, everyday 15.00 – 01.00 ('til 02.00 on Fridays and Saturdays), €7/ticket, kids under 12 FREE.
De Parade is a two month mobile theater and music festival that tours the Netherlands stopping in the four largest cities in the Randstad. A huge, packed line-up of events, check out daily program.
Down Under film and activities @ Filmtheather, Prinsengracht 452, final weekend, various times, prices and activities until August 16, special events for kids.
Australian and New Zealand films (events every weekend, but films through the week). This weekend: “The Piano” (1993, winner of three Academy Awards and Palme d'Or) starts every evening at 19.00. Also on Saturday enjoy the final closing party of the festival (15 euros/ticket)with didgeridoo preformances, a wine tasting and lots of Down Under music.
Sunday for kids starting at 11.45 is a Down Under Kids Disco (a good excuse to boogie with the little ones) and the showing of the film “De reddertjes in Kangoeroeland” (only Dutch audio).
Comedy Train International Summer Festival @ Toomler (near the Hilton) Wednesday- Saturday. €12.50- €16.00, 20.30, all shows in English.
Two U.S. comedians, Dave Fulton and Rory Scovel perform in two separate sets, each lasting 45 minutes in total.
Vondelpark Openluchttheater (Open Air Theater), Friday - Sunday, various times see previous post for details, FREE, stuff for kids.
This weekend lots of music! Everything from music theater, jazz, cabaret to classical. Always a kids show on Saturday at 14.00.
Just Friday
Van Gogh Museum Avond @ the Van Gogh Museum, Friday 18.30 – 22.00, entrée to museum, but free with Museumkaart.
Part of the Filmmuseum's weekly (every Friday evening) outdoor film screenings – Sunsets. A critically acclaimed film about a hysterically sarcastic pregnant teenager from the suburbs of Minnesota, USA.
Re-opening (after summer holiday) party @ De Nieuwe Anita, Friday, 20.00, €6.
Bohemian-esque party for the reopening and improved Anita with the big wine box exhibition (during the last year people were asked to decorate wine boxes any way they liked and return them to be part a traveling exhibition. Live super funky jazz music, djs, tarot, movies and a cocktail bar.
Just Saturday
ZOOmeravond /summer night @ Artis (the zoo), various programs, 18.30 - 22.00, price of zoo, every Saturday until September, stuff for kids.
Just Sunday
Generations of Love Festival @ Strand West, Sunday, €32.50/ticket.
2nd annual beach party inspired by “Tolerance! Peace! Brotherhood! Togetherness!”, celebrating House music by brining together generations of artists and visitors. With four stages, food, drinks, party.
Outside Amsterdam:
Gaasper Pleasure / dance event @ recreation area Gaasperplas Zuid, Saturday, FREE.
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29 July 2009
Agenda for Amsterdam July 29 - August 2
This weekend is guaranteed a success, as no matter where you travel in het Centrum you will be certain to find a party in celebration of Amsterdam Gay Pride! This event deserves much more than just one small mention in this post, first and foremost because it is fabulous and second because there are literally hundreds of events going on that I couldn't possibly list them all here. Even if you don't want to be apart of the dancing or partying that Gay Pride has to offer there are lots of other events such as the open air film at the Nieuwmarkt or the Men's choir both on Thursday, plus there are over 15 galleries opening their doors with special exhibitions, and Artis is even getting in on the fun with a special showing of the zoo's gay couples.
If Gay Pride doesn't tickle your fancy:), then check out the opening weekend of the traveling theater and music event the Parade at Martin Luther King Park. With packed line-ups 'til the middle of August. If you are still looking for stuff to do check out the previous post about what to do in Amsterdam zonder agenda (without an agenda).
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Entire long weekend
Amsterdam Gay Pride @ various locations, everyday 'til Sunday, various prices and times, check out official agenda.
The opening party begins Thursday at the Homomonument at 18.00 – 01.00 with bands, speeches, and djs. Some street parties begin Thursday all over the City; but the majority of them really kick off on Friday from 18.00 on @ Reguliersdwarsstraat, Zeedijk, and Utrechtsestraat. Friday at the Homomonument is the “Drag Queen Olympics” at 19.00. And Saturday is the wonderful, the fabulous, the famous Gay Pride boat parade (the route).
Lots of things to do, and after looking over the agendas I could not possibly list everything here!:) Instead I recommend that you take to the streets and enjoy Gay Pride! And check out the official agenda for more detailed info.
Rainbow tour: animals do it too @ Artis, everyday during Gay Pride, 13.00 – 14.30, unknown price.
A special tour displaying homosexuality, transgender, and sexual changes in the animal kingdom.
Why go? Check out Amsterdam's the famous gay penguin couple
De Parade @ Martin Luther Park, July 31 – August 16th, everyday 15.00 – 01.00 ('til 02.00 on Fridays and Saturdays) , €7/ticket, kids under 12 FREE.
De Parade is a two month mobile theater and music festival that tours the Netherlands stopping in the four largest cities in the Randstad. A huge, packed line-up of events, check out daily program.
Why go? Certain to find a little something for everyone, especially during these lazy days of summer when lots of other doors are closed!- the Parade is open!
Down Under film and activities @ Filmtheather, Prinsengracht 452, various times, prices and activities until August 16, special events for kids.
Australian and New Zealand films (events every weekend, but films through the week). This week: Wednesday is the last showing of “Shine” (an Academy and Golden Globe winner for best male lead actor in 2008) at 19.00, Thursday – the following Wednesday the showing of the Aussie film “Ten Canoes” (winner of Cannes Jury Prize). Also on Saturday learn the Melbourne Shuffle dance through demonstration and workshops at 19.00 and then enjoy the film.
Sunday for kids starting at 11.45 is a Kiwi Kangaroo Kinder(kids)quiz, test your knowledge about Australia and New Zealand and have a chance to be crowned the kangaroo queen. Following the quiz is the film “De reddertjes in Kangoeroeland” (only Dutch audio). At 15.00 on Sunday is Autismevriendelijke voorstelling (Autism friendly showing) of the film.
Why go? soak up a little Aussie history through film.
Comedy Train International Summer Festival @ Toomler (near the Hilton) Wednesday- Saturday. €12.50- €16.00, 20.30, all shows in English.
Two North American comedians Sean Collins and Jamie Kilstein, perform in two separate sets, each lasting 45 minutes in total.
Why go? get your dose of comedy on a rainy night
Just during the weekend
Kwakoe @ Bijlmerpark, Zuid-Oost (metro stop Arena, then a short walk to the park), FREE, continues every weekend until the end of August, not specific activities for kids although a very colorful, musical, delicious place to visit. See previous post for more details.
Why go? This is a must do & you have a few weekends to figure out how to fit this festival, but really it should only take a sunny day to convince you to drop everything and head to Zuid-Oost and enjoy the chicken.
Vondelpark Openluchttheater (Open Air Theater), Friday - Sunday, various times see previous post for details, FREE, stuff for kids.
This weekend stand-up comedy, classic and world music, something for everyone. Always a kids show on Saturday.
Why go? every weekend until September enjoy different shows, theater, music, etc...
Raw Rhythm Festival @ Westergasfabriek, Westerpark, Friday – Sunday, day pass €39.50, weekend pass €70.
A festival of a packed line-up of djs, artists, awesome raw sounds, including the “Jeugd van Tegenwoordig”. With a special edition of MTV's “Pimp My Ride”/bike during the festival.
Why go? Catch some interesting sounds at this multiple venue festival
Wednesday
The Loo & Bobby Kingsize @ Winston Kingdom, Wednesday, 21.00 - 03.00, €5.
Every Wednesday a different band, different theme, this week: Unadulterated raw rock 'n' roll (think AC/DC, G 'n' G & Cult).
Why go? Something unexpected for a Wednesday
Thursday
CD and Record Market @ Nieuwmarkt, Thursday and Friday, 9.00 – 18.00.
Why go? Pick up some new tunes
Mannenkoor Manoeuvre @ Singelkerk, Thursday, 21.00, FREE.
Mens choir singing nontraditional choral tunes from Madonna, Amy Winehouse, George Michael, Kylie Minoque, etc...
Why go? Something a bit different from the usual lovely and boisterous street party festivities of Gay Pride.
Pink Ladies on Stage @ OBA, 19:30-21:30, Thursday, €7.50, Dutch/English language mixed.
A rich cultural program for Lesbian Pride with a percussion group, tango, bands/singing groups, poetry, photo exhibition, live interviews, documentary films, “Lesbo-Encyclopedie: Quiz”.
Why go? celebrate Lesbian Pride
Openair film: “Breakfast on Pluto” @ Nieuwmarkt, Thursday, 21.30, FREE.
Part of Amsterdam Gay Pride, first some music then the film.
Why go? Catch a film in between your street partying
Hortus Festival / chamber music @ Huize Frankendael, Frankendael Park, Watergraafsmeer, every Thursday evening from July 17 - August 27th, 19.30, €20.
A different program of chamber music for every week in the historic Huize Frankendael. This week an Eastern night with guest from Tbilisi, Georgia.
Why go? enjoy the gardens and a trip just outside the Ringdijk.
Friday
Van Gogh Museum Avond @ the Van Gogh Museum, Friday 18.30 – 22.00, entrée to museum, but free with Museumkaart.
Gay Pride special discussion given by Dr. Jaap Kooijman (professor of Media and Culture at Universiteit van Amsterdam) about the present queer theory of Amsterdam Gay Pride.
DJ DaanModern, resident DJ of Pacific Parc spins a mix of steamy soul, nostalgia, extoicism and jazz, starting at 18.30.
Mat Sweet, from the Britsih group Boduf Songs, plays his first cd live tonight- minimalistic, psychedelic, folk to neo-folk tunes. Starts at 20.00.
Why go? why not enjoy some live music will checking out Van Gogh's work.
Den Tex @ Blijburg, Friday, 20.00, FREE.
Enjoy the warm sounds of Den Tex, and bring your dancing shoes for a night at Blijburg.
Why go? Check out the architectural wonderland of IJburg on your way to the beach
Friday Night Skate: special Gay Pride edition @ begins at Vondelpark near Filmmuseum, 20.30, FREE but have to have your own skates/rollerblades.
Nearly weekly group skating event, with new routes every time.
Why go? do something go for your heart and fun!
Outdoor screening silent film: “The General” @ Filmmuseum, Friday, 21.30, €3.
Part of the Filmmuseum's weekly (every Friday evening) outdoor film screenings – Sunsets. Joseph Frank 'Buster' Keaton's 1927 film with Dutch titling. The General is a silent film comedy which takes place during the American Civil War. The scenario is based on the book 'The Great Locomotive Chase' by William Pittenger. The Filmmuseum has a restored copy with a new musical score from the Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi (Hana-bi, Spirited Away).
Why go? enjoy some silent humor
Saturday
ZOOmeravond /summer night @ Artis (the zoo), various programs, 18.30 - 22.00, price of zoo, every Saturday until September, stuff for kids.
A broad program with a little bit for everyone- 2 music stages, theater, a kinderboederij (petting zoo) and other creative activities for kids!
Why go? Check out the flamingos and enjoy some tunes.
Buitenbios /Outside theater@ Het Ketelhuis/Westerpark, every Saturday 'til August 22nd, starts when it is dark around 22.00, FREE.
A free open air presentation in the Westerpark. This Saturday Belgian/French film “Le vélo de Ghislain Lambert”. NO English subtitles. Next Saturday playing the film “Juno”.
Why go? good excuse to stay out late in the park
Sunday
Appelsap @ Oosterpark, Sunday, 12.00 – 22.00, FREE.
A hip-hop music festival. “To put it short, Appelsap is a party. But not just a party... Most famous because of the unique vibe and high quality of resident dj's such as SP, Edzon & Lil'Vic, in the last 8 years Appelsap evolved into being one of the best (according to the annual 'GoudenGreep-awards' THE best) Dutch hiphop-events.” - appelsap.net Including acts: Pharoahe Monch (US), Theophilus London (US), Zwart Licht & Boyz in the Hood (Hef, Crooks, Adonis); Dj’s: Benji-B (UK), Lefto (BE), SP, Edzon, Lil’Vic, Danny de Funk & FS Green.
Why go? check out new hip-hop acts and enjoy some Surinamese food
Trunk sale/Kofferbakkenverkoop, Blijburg, IJburg, Sunday, 12 - 16, FREE.
Why go? Enjoy a sunny day at Blijburg beach and pick up some kitsch goods/knit-knacks for the living room table.
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