Amsterdam Events
Spring: | ||
Remembrance & Liberation Day Amsterdam joins the rest of the Netherlands on 4 May when they pause to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers of World War II and more recent military conflicts and peacekeeping operations. The ceremony is on the Dam Square with a two-minute silence at 20:00. Then it's time for a national party on 5 May as the crowds take to the streets to celebrate their freedom on Liberation Day. International bands and DJs perform on stages erected throughout the city. The national Liberation Day festivities are traditionally brought to a close with the classical 5 May Concert, held on the river Amstel near the Royal Theatre Carré. The Queen and Members of Parliament are amongst the dignitaries who attend the performance. | Queensday On Queensday (Koninginnedag) everyone in the Netherlands celebrates the birth of the beloved Queen Juliana. Nowadays Beatrix is wearing the crown but April 30 remains the party date for the Queen's birthday. Royal madness starts on Queensnight, the 29th of April. There are open stages with live music and DJ’s everywhere in Amsterdam, and numerous parties are organized in bars and clubs all over the city. On Queensday there is also a vrijmarkt, a market for anyone and everyone in Amsterdam to sell their attic crap, old clothes and whatever you can think of in the streets. If you're in Amsterdam for Queensday, wear orange (orange is the colour of the Dutch Royal Family). Website: Queensday | |
World Press Photo  World Press Photo is the world's largest and most prestigious annual press photography contest. The exhibition takes place every year from april till June in De Oude Kerk (The Old Church), situated in the heart of the Red Light District. Following the World Press Photo Contest in Amsterdam, the prize-winning photographs are assembled into a traveling exhibition that is visited by over two million people in some 45 countries worldwide. | Keukenhof An unprecedented wealth of spectacular floral displays planted in endless varieties, alternated with works of art. Keukenhof - also known as the Tulip Festival - has more to offer than just tulips. All sorts of flowering plants are on display and each year there is an orchid contest. The most beautiful spring garden in the world will be open from March until May. Keukenhof is situated in Lisse, between Amsterdam and The Hague in the Bulb region. The easiest way to visit Keukenhof is Connexxion's all-in Combi-ticket (a return bus ticket and an entrance ticket to Keukenhof). You can buy your combi-tickets at the Tourist Information desk at the Trainstation and at Leidseplein. Website: Keukenhof Book: Book your Keukenhof tour tickets online at Amsterdam City Tours | |
Imagine Film Festival For eleven days in April, movie goers will be treated to a slew of amazing films. Great crossovers, huge titles and films just waiting to be discovered. The line-up includes both art house and mainstream, as well as crowd pleasers and debate provoking films. Experience it for yourself at Kriterion Cinema. | ||