9 Popular Festivals In Amsterdam, Netherlands

1. Pride Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage and it is probably one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world. This dutch land is the ideal place, where gay, lesbian, transgender, queer and intersex communities are treated equally and with respect. In order to honour the tradition, an annual “Pride Amsterdam” takes place in the country every year.

More than 350,000 people, flaunting vibrant colours, participate in this event. Activities like dancing, movie screenings, musical events, sports, debates and exhibitions take place on the parade grounds. This year it is slated to be held from July 25 - August 2, 2020.

Pride Amsterdam

Address:1015 DK AMSTERDAM

Takes place: July and August

2. Amsterdam Dance Event

This annual dance event, held in October, is one of the most happening and vibrant events that brings together music maniacs under one roof for five days. It also features a music conference and has come into the limelight for its array of artists and musicians it hosts. This event turns this part of Europe into a true mecca for all dance and electronic music enthusiasts. The 2020 Amsterdam Dance Event will begin on Wednesday, October 21st and end on Sunday, October 25th.

Amsterdam Dance Event

Address: 1017 SG AMSTERDAM

Website: Amsterdam Dance Event

Takes place: October

3. King’s Day

King’s Day, or Koningsdag, is regarded as one of the most important national festivals in the Netherlands by the Dutch. The celebration honours the arrival of the male monarch of the country and it’s a national holiday. Prior to 2013, it was celebrated as “Queen’s Day”. However, since then, when the next male monarch, Willem-Alexander, was installed, the dutch celebrate this day as the monarch’s official birthday.

On King’s Day, the cities are decorated in vibrant colours and locals unite to dance and sing. It’s truly something to behold. There is a carnival and theatrical performances on the streets. The celebration starts early in the morning with trumpets and orchestra performances and ends with fireworks at night. King’s Day in 2020 will be celebrated on April 27th.

King’s Day

Takes place: April 27

4. Light Festival

The Light Festival in Amsterdam is a visual treat, which one must definitely witness first-hand. The city glows from end to end, lighting up even the remotest canals and passages, houses, bridges, cafes and streets. The lights are a treat at night and thousands of artists from all around the world collaborate on the light installations.

Since, during the winter, it gets dark very early in the Netherlands, it is when Amsterdam turns into a beautiful paradise, where one can enjoy a stroll by the canals or take a boat ride and view the magnificent illuminations.

Light Festival

Website: Light Festival

Takes place: December to January

5. Cannabis Cup

A one-of-a-kind festival, which celebrates the harvest and use of cannabis and marijuana, the Cannabis Cup is what draws many tourists to this “high” land. Compared to countries where marijuana is banned, Amsterdam prides itself on celebrating the usage of this weed. The event, which was initiated by the chief editor of the High Times magazine, Steven Hager, has been going on since 1987.

Along with the regular format of the event, which showcases a wide variety of weed and marijuana strains, the festival also organises music concerts and parties and has become an international event.

Cannabis Cup

Website: Cannabis Cup

Takes place: November

6. Tulip Day

Every third Saturday of January, Amsterdam unites to celebrate National Tulip Day, or Nationale Tulpendag, whereby citizens and tourists celebrate the prelude to the tulip season.

Since 2012, this event has taken place on Dam Square, located in the central part of the city, and people gather here to gaze upon the hundreds and thousands of tulips that cover the area.

Tulip Day

Address: Dam, 1012 JS AMSTERDAM

Website: Tulip Day

Takes place: Usually held in January

7. Vondelpark Open-Air Theater

Vondelpark Open-Air Theater, or the Vondelpark Openluchttheater, is an open-air theatre and concert site that garners an audience from kids to adults. Held every summer season, from May to September, this outdoor activity features multiple programs, including children’s shows, art and culture exhibitions, comedy performances, musical concerts, dance performances, youth shows and traditional shows. The aim is to build and nurture extra-curricular activities and creatively ignite young minds.

Over the years, it has gained popularity and attracted artists from all around the world, who come to participate in the Vondelpark Open-Air Theater event.

Vondelpark Open-Air Theater,

Address: Vondelpark 5a, 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Website: Vondelpark Open-Air Theater

Takes place: May to September

8. Open Garden Days

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This annual event, which takes place over one weekend in June, is a favourite for all nature lovers who want a serene view of this secret gem, tucked safely behind the cosiest canal houses. Step into these amazing canal-side homes and you enter into a green paradise! This year, Open Garden Days is scheduled for June 12 - 14, 2020.

Open Garden Days

Website: Open Garden Days

Takes place: June

9. Chinese New Year

The Netherlands, being a multinational country, welcomes and celebrates every religion. Every year, the Chinese community, along with other communities, unite to celebrate this festival in grandiose style, with artwork, fireworks, dragon dances, artistic decor, a fun parade and musical and dance performances, with a variety of Asian cuisine to indulge in. As per Chinese tradition, 2020 is the Year of the Rat and the element is Metal, so it is the year of Metal Rat.

Chinese New Year

Address: Dam 1, 1012 JS AMSTERDAM

Takes place: January or February

Come one, come all!

So, have you made up your mind yet and decided which month you will come to Amsterdam to enjoy these various festivals? Whether you’re planning to come in February to celebrate Chinese New Year or you’re planning to attend the Cannabis Cup, every month has a unique festival to offer its visitors. So, cross some items off your bucket list by attending these exciting festivals that take place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.