Amsterdam Weekend Guide (30 October - 1 November)

ART & EXHIBITIONS

EINDER by Boris Acket

Sponsored content by EINDER 

Don’t miss your chance to experience Boris Acket’s art installation EINDER.  Step into the soundscape and experience the large-scale art waiting inside Centrale Markthal Amsterdam. If you fancy starting the weekend a touch early, don’t miss Joep Beving’s performance of his album Liminal on Thursday the 29th of October. This is EINDER’s last weekend on show.

Friday - Sunday, 30 October - 1 November | buy tickets

CLUBBING & PARTIES

Halloween parties

All Hallows Eve, aka Halloween, has grown in force every year, and while we can put some of that down to the spirits that haunt this night, it reflects a growing demand for Halloween celebrations. Try your hand at a spooky cabaret in the form of Fatale Cabaret at Raum – you can linger around after it’s over for a dance – come dressed as your worst nightmare for a Friday and Saturday night at NYX, or a no tricks just grooves for Club Roto at Lofi. Or go wild at the Supper Club’s haunted house with 30 different horror shows and other surprises lurking around every corner.

30 - 31 October | city-wide

CINEMA & FILM

Kusama: Infinity

Discover the life and work of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, the iconic 'princess of the polka dot', in this documentary at LAB111. This documentary highlights her unique journey, from her childhood in Japan to her breakthrough in the art world. You will see how her personal experiences and the impact of World War II profoundly influenced her work and the signature polka dot motif since the 1950s. To her, these round shapes symbolised the sun, the moon, and the path to infinity. Discover how she created hallucinatory, infinite installations using these seemingly simple dots that stimulate your senses.

Friday, 30 October | LAB111 | buy tickets

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Budget pick: Cello Biennale Amsterdam: First Round

The Muziekgebouw and Bimhuis play host to one of the biggest annual events this autumn as they welcome the world’s largest cello festival. Complete with top celloists from all over the globe, you’ll find experimental performances, new talent and even a special night dedicated to cello, dance and club music. This Friday, Cello Biennale Amsterdam begins with the First Round of the competition, in which fifteen talented young cellists will perform the same pieces. Best of all, entry is free.

29 October-7 November | Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ | free entrance

Brainwash Festival

A chance to use your brain instead of your phone, Brainwash Festival is for the thinkers out there. A two-day festival that is about challenging the thinking of the status quo, you’ll join philosophers, writers, scientists and artists in interrogating our beliefs and maybe even changing your mind. This year’s theme is ‘the shape of us’, so broad interpretations are welcome, with the likes of acclaimed writer Deborah Levy set to help define what this can mean.

31 October - 1 November | Skate Cafe + Tolhuistuin

MARKETS & POP-UPS

Pumpkin carving

What could be better than carving a pumpkin on Halloween? This spooky, kid-friendly fun awaits at De Versmarkt at Amstel 1. Come carve your own pumpkin and take it home as a lantern for the dark days ahead. In between, browse the market stalls for bread, speciality nuts, savoury bites and sweet treats everything fresh, everything straight from local chefs and makers from all corners of the city.

Halloween carving pumpkins | Saturday, 31 October, 10:00 - 17:00 | Amstel1, Waterlooplein 4c

Looking for more Halloween tips? We’ve got you covered.

Labellov pop-up

Labellov pop-up is opening its doors at Coffee Concepts in Amsterdam Zuid, and if you are a bag lover or you appreciate a little designer treasure hunt, this is the place for you. Pre-loved Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior pieces and even truly exclusive Hermès bags: there’s plenty to explore. If you’re not in a purchasing mood, bring your favourite bag in for some TLC at the bag spa, have your designer pieces authenticated, or give your bag a little personality boost with the cutest bag charms. 

Labellov | 29 October – 1 November | Coffee Concepts, Jacob Obrechtstraat 5, Amsterdam Zuid 

RESTAURANTS & CAFES

Yusu Bakery is bringing its A-game this Sunday with a fresh pop-up, serving Chicken Ceasar, crispy halloumi and sweet matcha chocolate buns, as well as three flavours of cookies and ice cream, including Earl Grey black sesame paired with white chocolate (yum) and more. 

Sunday, 1 November, 11:00 until sold out | Yusu Bakery | Andreas Bonnstraat 2

Indulge in the world of Mexican baked goods, from delectable sugar-dusted Pan de muerto to soft, fluffy conchas with crackly tops, Cajeta Latte with Mexican goat’s milk caramel, savoury bites such as flour tortillas, cubiletes with cream cheese and Mexican hot chocolate. Need we say more?

Flour Shop | Jan Hanzenstraat 21A 

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