Amsterdam Weekend Guide (25–27 September)

SPORTS & GAMES

Editor's Pick: Museumplein Polo Amsterdam

Who says you have to go to the countryside for equestrian sport? During Museumplein Polo Amsterdam, international polo teams go head-to-head on Museumplein over 3 days. Watch 9 polo matches, discover other forms of equestrian sport and see multiple world champion IJsbrand Chardon in action. In between, there’s music and entertainment, and you won’t have to worry about going hungry either: the Polo Pavilion offers plenty of delicious treats. Think filled sandwiches and typical Dutch snacks to enjoy with a drink.

25 to 27 September 2026 | Museumplein | free | more information

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Ambacht in Beeld

At the NDSM Warehouse, you can take part in more than 100 workshops, demonstrations and masterclasses over two days. Learn, for example, how to forge, blow glass and work with wood; make a bucket hat from wool felt; or discover how to etch like Rembrandt. And that’s far from all: there’s a repair shop, cinema, exhibition space and a programme of talks. Tjeerd Veenhoven, for instance, will be talking about material innovation and more sustainable production systems. So there’s plenty to do. Good luck choosing!

26 to 27 September 2026 | NDSM Loods | from €10.00 | more information

Neighbourhood Watch

When does a place feel like home? Portrait photographer Jaap van den Beukel photographed people in Europe, Asia, the United States, and Amsterdam for In the Neighbourhood, capturing what connects people to where they live. For the Our Grid series, for example, he photographed young people in IJburg, while for Mijn Noord he followed residents of Tuindorp Nieuwendam. The photographs show how they experience their neighbourhood and the role their surroundings play in their daily lives.

And for a truly neighbourly weekend, check out Neighbours’ Day. Activities are being organised across the city, from neighbourhood drinks and workshops to area walks. Find out here which activities are taking place in your neighbourhood. Save 10 October in your diary too, as 24 Hours Zuid kicks off then, with a programme packed with art, culture, music and more. Read our tips here.

25 September – 29 November 2026 | Hotel Arena | free | register

Abracadabra

Around 1900, the art of magic reached its golden age: major shows drew packed audiences, and illusionists became superstars, with Harry Houdini one of the best-known names. He caused a sensation worldwide with his spectacular escape acts. In Abracadabra, you’ll go behind the scenes of magic and can try your hand at it yourself. Make your little brother disappear, try out a levitation trick and get help from none other than Hans Klok.

25 September 2026 – 29 March 2027 | Jewish Museum | from €20 | buy tickets

Come Back to Your ___ (Nature / Culture)

At Treehouse NDSM, 11 artists show which rituals and customs people from different parts of the world bring with them to the Netherlands. For Veldreis, Dewi van den Bossche photographed a legal hemp plantation where hemp is grown for insulation material. For Shared Garden, artist Alina Bielun and 4 Ukrainian refugees searched for plants they knew from their childhood and sowed them again in the Netherlands. The exhibition is part of the annual Art Park series, which began in 2023 as part of plans for more greenery at NDSM. Join one of the workshops too; create a textile artwork from plant-based materials or make your own smudge sticks: bundles of dried herbs and spices from the Moluccan Islands.

24 September to 11 October 2026 | Treehouse NDSM | free | more information

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Wildcard Pick: BUNKA-SAI

A trip to Japan? This time, you won’t need to take a plane. In Amstelveen, an afternoon full of Japanese culture and creativity awaits, with a bazaar, retro games, Japanese snacks and live performances. There’s no shortage of workshops either: learn the basics of Japanese calligraphy or delve into Shinto and meditation.

27 September 2026 | 12.00–16.00 | SAKB KunstLokaal | free | more information

Budget Pick: Sip & Paint

Losing someone at a young age: how do you cope? At Sip & Paint, you can meet people your own age and share experiences. The initiative was started by Merel Beks (30), whose mother died when she was 4 years old, and in 2022, she also suddenly lost her father. She soon realised that it can be difficult for young people to talk about grief. With this evening, she wants to bring young adults together, creating space for them to share their experiences with one another.

26 September 2026 | from 14.30 to 17.30 | Kanarie Club | free | more information

We've already mentioned Neighbourhood Day, but this event deserves an extra mention: on Saturday, the Bajeskwartier will celebrate its very existence for the first time. This is a completely new neighbourhood that has emerged on the site of the Bijlmerbajes prison, which stood until a few years ago. Discover the area during a guided tour, take part in a pétanque tournament or boxing clinic, and join the neighbourhood dinner. Afterwards, there will be Sixties music, a prize quiz and, yes, a singing ice-cream man. And if you’re still in the mood to party, you can head to the after-party at Café Jansen from 7 pm.

26 September 2026 | from 12.00 pm | Bajeskwartier | free | more information

CONCERTS & PARTIES

Anniversary concert with Sam Ghezzi & Dusty Ciggaar

Listen to jazz between the barber chairs? You can at Barber School Amsterdam on Molukkenstraat. On Friday evening, Sam Ghezzi and Dusty Ciggaar will perform together here. Ghezzi is a singer, tenor saxophonist and harmonica player who tours festivals and clubs worldwide with Roaring Cats and The Hi-Stakes. Dusty Ciggaar is a guitarist and singer, known as a versatile roots and blues guitarist. The performance is part of Jazzfest’s anniversary programme. You can attend for five quid.

25 September 2026 | 20.00–22.00 | Barber School Amsterdam | €5 | more information

RESTAURANTS & BARS

A game of pool with vinyl playing in the background? Head to Spin at Ten Katemarkt. This new pool and vinyl bar opened its doors this month and is decked out in a dark, retro-style interior that looks straight out of The Hustler. With an extensive record collection, a menu of tasty Hong Kong snacks and 9 pool tables, boredom isn’t an option. So: message your friends, grab a cue and find out who the Fast Eddie of your group is. The loser buys a plate of karaage.

Bar Spin | open Mon to Thu 15:00 - 01:00, Fri-Sat 12:00 - 03:00, Sun 12:00 - 01:00 | price range €-€€ | Ten Katestraat 117

Not hip, but deliciously French: Tire-Bouchon is the new wine and coffee bar from the team behind Café Oosterling, in the former Bouchon du Centre premises. The interior has largely stayed the same, but the menu now features madeleines, classic wines and savoury French snacks. No complicated frills, just a good glass of wine and a plate of charcuterie.

Tire-Bouchon | open Mon & Wed to Sat 09:00 - 10:00, Sun 14:00 - 20:00, | price range €-€€ | Falckstraat 3

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