Amsterdam Weekend Guide (9-11 October)

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Deep Seeing Currents by Olafur Eliasson

Sponsored content by ARTIS

Descend into the sea with Deep Seeing Currents, a new permanent installation by world-renowned artist Olafur Eliasson in the new ARTIS Aquarium. “Everything we know has a boundary”, says Eliasson when asked about the inspiration for this piece. “But there are things we know we don’t know, and there are things we can’t know because they are unimaginable.” That’s part of what this exhibit looks to explore, the deep parts of the sea we otherwise have no knowledge of. Known for his sensory artworks exploring light, nature, and perception, Eliasson has transformed the space around the monumental rotunda to transport visitors within the Aquarium to one of the most mysterious and inaccessible places on Earth: the deep sea. Darkness, sound, vibrations, and light make tangible a world that normally remains beyond our reach. 

From 5 October | ARTIS Park

Editor’s Pick: Disco

In 70s New York, clubs and private lofts filled with music, movement and people seeking a moment of escape from a city marked by tension and uncertainty. Disco music and the scene surrounding it developed during this transformative period and went on to undergo a remarkable evolution in the decades that followed. Disco explores how the genre became a cultural breeding ground for freedom, resistance and self-expression. Through original club objects, photography, fashion and performance, it reveals how the disco scene redefined the way communities connected and, perhaps most importantly, how they let go.

From 9 October | Wereldmuseum

Art Is Not A Crime

Photographer Henry Chalfant played a defining role in preserving and legitimising New York’s graffiti movement. Through his iconic images, films and publications, he transformed graffiti from a fleeting street phenomenon into a globally recognised cultural and artistic movement. This autumn, street art museum STRAAT Museum celebrates Chalfant’s legacy with the exhibition ART IS NOT A CRIME.

From 9 October | STRAAT

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Budget Pick: 24 Hours Zuid

This day-long celebration of a different neighbourhood in Amsterdam arrives in Zuid this October. Highlighting the many people and makers that make the southern corner of the capital come to life, you’ll find a day-long programme of events and activities. If you’re in need of tips, we’ve picked out 10 of the best, including yoga in the St Thomas Church or stargazing from a hotel rooftop. We’ve also put together some tips for families and kids and included some extras below to get you started: 

• Golf, cava and oysters at Club Birdies
• A street-art inspired route through Rivierenbuurt
• Board game marathon at OBA Roelof Hartplein

10 October | Zuid

CONCERTS & GIGS

Wildcard Pick: Piano Duo Festival

What’s better than one piano? Well, two – at least that’s the premise of the Piano Duo Festival. Celebrating its 14th edition, this weekend-long event across a range of locations – including the Willem de Zwijgerkerk and De Duif – focuses on piano duets. It’s one for classical music lovers but also for families, courtesy of the children's concerts on offer, too and those after something a little unexpected. 

8-11 October | various locations

CLUBBING & NIGHTLIFE

Horse Meat Disco

Dive into the queer disco of it all at one of London’s most popular parties. Horse Meat Disco has been bringing dancefloor romantics together for 20 years now, so expect a roster of glittery, sumptuous disco for a special night at Tilla Tec. Come as you are. 

9 October | Tilla Tec

FAMILY & KIDS

Cinekid Film Festival

Don’t miss this year’s Cinekid Festival at Pathé Amsterdam Noord. Marking its 40th anniversary, the film festival has prepared a nostalgia-fuelled agenda featuring the finest Dutch children’s films and series, plus workshops and masterclasses for all ages. Kids can take part in meet-and-greets with actors or head over to the MediaLab for interactive VR experiences and games to keep them occupied during the autumn holidays.

10-25 October | Pathe Amsterdam Noord

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Kaf

Kaf started out as an artisan bakery supplying the hospitality industry, but the owners of the now-closed Brot are changing their approach and opening a bakery café. Expect a modest selection of sourdough bread, focaccia, cinnamon buns and ciabatta. And yes, they have baguettes too – perfect for a weekend brunch or just an indulgent snack. 

Bakery KAF | open Wednesday-Saturday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm | price range €-€€ | Spaarndammerdijk 661A

Wispe Oktoberfest

Welcome in the harvest season or the beer season (whichever you prefer)at Wispe Brouwerij in Weesp. This cavernous church-turned-brewery transforms into a Bierhalle that would make Bavaria proud, at least for the weekend. With performances, bratwurst, pretzels, and freshly tapped bockbier, this is for those who want Oktoberfest a little closer to home.

9-10 October | Wispe Brouwerij

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