Events

January/February

Rotterdam International Film Festival

Amsterdam Pre-Lenten Carnival and parade

Antiques Fair - Nieuwe Kerk, Dam Square

March

Amsterdam Art Week - held in the city's theatres and concert halls

Late March: The beautiful gardens at Lisse open for the season as tulips and other spring flowers bloom.

April

National Museum Weekend (mid-month). Museums offer free or reduced-price admission.

World Press Photo Awards (mid-month) Amsterdam based annual photojournalism prizes and exhibitions.

Haarlem Blomencorso (last Saturday in April): Tulip season procession from Noordwijk to Haarlem

Koninginnedag (April 30) The Queen Beatrix’s Birthday celebration with massive street parties an free markets.

May

Herdenkingsdag (World War II Remembrance Day) May 4. Two minute silence at 8PM.

Bevrijdingsdag (May 5) Liberation Day celebrations.

National Cycling and Windmill Day (2nd Saturday). Windmills open to the public.

Vlaggetjesdag (last Saturday) Flag Day fishing boat race at Scheveningen. The objective is to bring the season’s first new herring to the Queen.

June

The Netherlands Festival of Dance, Music and Drama, Amsterdam

Amsterdam Canal Race

June to August

Vondelpark Open-Air Theatre

Zomerfestijn Summer Festival

August

Amsterdam Football Tournament

Prinsengracht Canal Concert

Uitmarkt - music and theatrical performances - Vondelpark

September

Bloemencorso 1st Saturday - Amsterdam Flower Pageant and parade.

Jordan Festival

October

Indoor equestrian event

November

Sinterklaas St. Nicholas' Entrance Parade - launches the Christmas season on the third Saturday of the month.

December

December 5 – Pakjesavond: Saint Nicholas' Eve. Traditional day for exchanging Christmas gifts

Oudejaarsavond: Partying in the streets and fireworks on December 31 to bring in the New Year.