Trio of Cultural Festivals in Amsterdam
Culture Vultures should flock to Amsterdam this summer. If you love theatre, dance or classical music, there are several exciting festival programmes that are sure to tantalize you. Showcasing both acclaimed and rising local Dutch and international talent, these festivals make a summer visit to Amsterdam extra rewarding.
June – The Holland Festival
The Holland Festival is a feast for theatre lovers, drawing around 70,000 visitors annually. With around 40 high quality productions, ranging in price from free – yes, some good things in life are free – to 110 euros, June is a month to circle in your calendar. The Holland Festival offers a mix of theatre, opera, dance, music and musical theatre in a variety of languages, making it the perfect arts escape for international residents and visitors alike. It's also renowned for its multi-disciplinary approach and regularly features innovative cross-over productions.
July - Julidans
Each year, an impressive line-up of international dancing talent put on their dancing shoes in the first two weeks in July. The Julidans Summer Festival for International Contemporary Dance showcases the best up-and-coming choreography and dance theatre moves. Julidans brings its audience performances that are daring, unusual and much-talked-about. The festival also introduces the latest developments in African and Asian contemporary dance. All locations (except for the Rialto and Kratet theatres) are within walking distance of Amsterdam’s Leidseplein, making it very easy to glide from one performance to the next.
August – Grachtenfestival
One of the summer highlights for many visitors and residents of Amsterdam is the Prinsengracht concert, the finale to the Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival). What can be more idyllic than thousands of hushed people lining the picturesque canal – some in boats - listening to celebrated classical artists? This is a fitting finale to a classical musical festival that takes place on Amsterdam’s waterways for about 8 days every August. Also part of this event is the Kindergrachtenfestival, which has special productions for babies and children.
Amsterdam’s monumental venues and gorgeous waterways make the perfect backdrop for world-class dance, theatre and classical music festivals this summer. Many performances are free or accessible at a low charge – and there is something to delight both young and old. Enjoy!
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