Amsterdam Weekend Guide (1-3 November)
ART & EXHIBITIONS
The Upside Down
In collaboration with The Upside Down
Visit The Upside Down Amsterdam this autumn and enter into a world quite literally turned upside down, courtesy of some clever optical illusions. This unique social media experience centers on the theme ‘The New Dutch’, where each room tells a story about contemporary Dutch culture, from diversity to design, fashion to music. Other than a fun chance to explore one of Amsterdam’s more unusual cultural attractions, this immersive experience is also an opportunity to discover the Netherlands from a new perspective. Better yet, there’s a 25% discount when you use your city card.
The Upside Down | Open daily, 9:30-19:00 (Fridays & Saturdays until 20:00) | Europaboulevard 5
Museum Nacht
Amsterdam’s annual museum soirée returns for an always memorable evening of culture for the city’s residents. One wristband gets you entry to over 50 museums – whether they’re big or small – up until 02:00, where you’ll find all exhibits open as usual with the added pull of live music, DJs, food and drink and plenty of surprises. It’s an event geared towards locals and no matter what you choose to do, you’ll find an infectious, convivial spirit wherever you go.
Museum Nacht | Saturday 2 November, 19:00-02:00 | City-wide
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Halloween Roundup
The end of October brings the ghosts of days gone by back for a night as Halloween returns. With the celebration growing increasingly popular in Amsterdam, we’ve collected a few events which cater to everything from campy tastes to horror:
- Immersive haunting at Night of the Dead NDSM | Friday 1 November | NDSM Fuse
- Rooftop Halloween Party at Zoku | Friday 1 November, 18:00-00:00 | Zoku
- Dark vibes and raw rhythms at Skek’s Halloween Party | Friday 1 November, 22:00-03:00 | Skek
- Prison hauntings at Levanslang’s Halloween special | Friday 1 November, 23:00-05:00 | Levanslang
- The Red Room Party at Stacks | Saturday 2 November, until late | Stacks Diner
Wonderlicht Festival
Autumn might be in full swing, but winter is around the corner, and Zaandam is already getting ready for it. Enter the Wonderlicht Festival, a gentle prelude to Amsterdam’s more well-known light festival, where light installations and street theatre whisk you away on a two-kilometre walking route through the town. While the major attraction is the walk, there’s a festival heart complete with live music, snacks, drinks and campfires to melt marshmallows over, for a dose of the cold season’s best bits.
Wonderlicht | Thursday 31 October - Monday 2 November | Zaandam
SHOPPING & MARKETS
NoordOogst outdoor market + Halloween special
An urban agriculture project with a dedicated community, eat, pick and learn about the harvest season and what sustainable urban living looks like from entrepreneurs who are masters of their craft. A great one for the family if you’re looking for a seasonal outing, have a wander in the fields until the market ends and a one-off Halloween event comes to life. Expect a ghost train, pumpkin carving, campfire cooking and even a trip to the underworld (we’re not sure what this entails but all the more reason to go).
Outdoor Market | Saturday 2 November, 11:00-16:00 | Noord Oogst
Halloween special | Saturday 2 November, 16:30-21:00 | Noord Oogst
CONCERTS & GIGS
Classical concerts roundup
There’s rarely any shortage of classical concerts in Amsterdam, but this weekend, in particular, stands out for the offbeat offerings on show. These are our picks:
- Opening concert of Amsterdam Sounds (Amsterdam Klinkt!) | Sunday 3 November, 15:00-17:00 | Eigenwijks de Serre
- The world’s biggest cello festival at Cello Biennale | Thursday 31 October - Sunday 10 November | Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ
- Chamber music at Music without Borders | Saturday 2 November, 17:30-18:30 | De Engelse Kerk
RESTAURANTS & BARS
winter bar (formerly zomer bar)
The summer bar had to change its tact at some point, which is why this season, it’s rebranded as the winter bar. No guesses as to what it’s specialising in as it trades open-air alfresco drinking and bar snacks for steamy indoor nights and warm food while keeping hold of the things it does best: atmosphere and wine. Their opening party is this Friday, where lucky guests can indulge in fondue with some special food and music until late.
winter bar | Friday 1 November, 16:00 till late | Papaverweg 15A
Sissi’s
Formerly located on the Amstel, Sissi’s reopens way out west just in time for the wintertime. Located near its sibling Bar Multipla (the same team runs both venues), Sissi’s looks to bring a little of that same dining to dancefloor magic, with an extensively curated musical programme, a restaurant and two club rooms. Head over here for the opening weekend club nights and, in their words, be part of the second start.
Sissi’s | Friday 1 November - Saturday 2 November | Anthony Fokkerweg 3
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