Amsterdam Weekend Guide (1-3 May)

Updated 29 April 2026 at 08:39Written by Garvan Ó Deaghaidh

Following King’s Day celebrations, many Amsterdammers may be hoping for a quiet weekend of recovery. However, the weekend promises events not to be slept on, with film festivals, exhibition openings, concerts, club nights, and more.

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Highlights of Holland

In collaboration with Highlights of Holland

Though to some of its residents, Amsterdam may seem to be all there is to the Netherlands, the country's 41,850 square kilometres are packed with things to do and experience. This interactive museum lets you explore the entire country in just one hour, without leaving the capital – a relief for those reluctant or unable to travel beyond its confines. Sail through Dutch waters, wander past tulip fields or view the masterpieces of Vermeer and Rembrandt and so much more; only a 5-minute bus ride from Amsterdam Central.

Highlights of Holland | Sunday-Friday 10:00-17:00, Saturday 10:00-18:00

Editor’s Pick: International Queer & Migrant Film Festival at Lab111

Camera Japan location at LAB111 exterior

Image from Camera Japan

IQMF is a growing voice in the international film scene. Connecting vital stories at the intersection of queer and migration-related identities, it champions voices from around the world and celebrates stories of belonging. Head to LAB111 to get your fill of films, either short or feature-length.

IQMF | 1-3 May | LAB111

Local Pick: Lukjansky’s Underneath it All at WG Kunst

For this weekend only, a Dutch Neo-expressionist painter is exhibiting at this hospital pavilion, now a cultural institute and art haven. While medical help is no longer promised, a number of large, acrylic and oil paintings lend themselves to your emotional healing. Be sure not to miss the saxophone performance based on the works that accompany Friday's opening.

Underneath it All | Friday 1 May 17.00-19.00, Saturday and Sunday 2-3 May 13.00-17.00 |WG Kunst

THEATRE & STAGE

Soundpainting at Zonnehuis

Image from Diego Ingold

Image from Thomas Schlijper

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This fertile meeting ground of art forms is best understood as the answer to any weekend indecision: find theatre, dance, music, and live visual arts all in one place. Friday’s Echoes explores a longer narrative, while Saturday’s, rightfully titled Big Show, presents a medley of entertainment across genres. And a Sunday matinee is about getting the whole family involved.

Soundpainting | Friday-Sunday, 1-3 May | Zonnehuis

CONCERTS & GIGS

Girl Scout at Paradiso Upstairs

Image from Paradiso

Sweden’s reputation for music is world-renowned, but mostly within the realm of pop. Indie-rock trio Girl Scout looks to change that. One of the year’s most talked about new bands, they’re touted for big things with a sound that drifts between the shoegaze-y goodness of Alvvays and the punchy, brattiness of Sleigh Bells. Still, their sound is firmly their own – catch them in Paradiso while you can. The hype is worth it.

Girl Scout| 2 May, doors open 19:00 | Paradiso Upstairs

Live Resort

Image from Jaap-Kwaak

This Sunday, the Volkshotel – a hotel containing a bar and a nightclub – goes all out with a nine-floor musical experience. Expect any and all of your tastes to be satisfied, as artists spanning genres aplenty inhabit the industrial confines of this eastern haunt. Highlights included The Sophs, a six-piece merging pop punk, funk and rock; Barren Sea, the grunge, folk and shoegaze trio; and Send me flowers, a soloist of trademark soft ballads. Embark on a musical pilgrimage through countless rooms, or find your favourite and stay there for hours on end.

Sunday 3 May | doors open 15:00 | Volkshotel | tickets here

CLUBBING & NIGHTLIFE

Wildcard Pick: Atlantis X Atmosphere at OT301

Atlantis emerges at this former squat in Amsterdam-West. While countless explorers struggled to find the underwater island, OT301 is easier to find, just off Vondelpark. Feel free to attend and do what they couldn’t, as Jungle plus Drum & Bass ensures island vibes and good times until late into the night.

Atlantis X Atmosphere | Saturday 2 May, 22:00-3:00| OT301