Amsterdam Weekend Guide (12-14 June)

Named after the Roman god of wine and revelry, this festival promises all that and more. The lush greenery of the Amsterdamse Bos plays host to food trucks, a music stage, hundreds of visitors and of course – wine, for a second weekend in a row. You may need the powers of a deity in order to sample the over 300 wines on offer, but we’re sure you’ll find a way to manage. 

Bacchus| Friday 12 June 16:00-23:00, Saturday 13 June 14:00-23:00, Sunday 14 June 14:00-22:00 | Amsterdamse Bos

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Budget Friendly: Where We Land at Oscam

Experience the first solo exhibition by Paramaribo-based painter Vanity Wezer, as a part of the Young Oscam Art Kitchen, an initiative that platforms young, emerging artists and curators.  Wezer, through acrylic on canvas, works to capture the beauty behind everyday life in Suriname. Flights are only getting more expensive these days, so instead of jetting off somewhere, head to Zuidoost for paintings that will transport you across continents. 

Vanity Wezer – Where We Land – OSCAM  | From 11 June | Oscam (Bijlmerplein 97)

Pioneers of Media Art: The First Years of Montevideo at Nxt Museum

This exhibition, housed in an experimental museum that explores the intersection of art, technology, science and sound, focuses on the pioneers of media art. Highlighting the work of Jeep and Livinus van de Bundt, father and son, these are seminal figures in the development of experimental media art.  Expect technicolour abstract video paintings accompanied by rhythmic electronic music.

Pioneers of Media Art| Opens 12 June | Nxt Museum

Newly Opened: Artis Aquarium opening

Following a four-year renovation, this historic building will reopen this weekend, giving you yet another reason to visit the world-famous Zoo. The aquarium – the oldest of its kind still operating in the world – will now operate with a focus on sustainability and biodiversity.

ARTIS Aquarium| Opens 13 June 

CONCERTS & GIGS

Local Pick: Vokall Records at Vondelpark Open Air Theatre

Soul specialists Vokall Records present a free accessible event at Vondelpark Open Air Theatre on Sunday afternoon. Performing are Haarlem native and pop savant Alain Clark, K.ZIA an Afro-European singer whose soul and alt-R&B tunes incorporate Afro influences and TOINE and a jazz guitarist with smooth vocals from the Hague. Expect a sonically diverse showing in Amsterdam's most iconic park.

VOKALL| 15:00 Sunday 14 June | Vondelpark Open Air Theatre 

Jazz at H’ART Museum

While jazz usually lends itself to cosy, dimly-lit bars, Amsterdam’s Plantage neighbourhood proves it’s just as special in alfresco settings. Organised by H’ART Museum and in collaboration with Conservatorium van Amsterdam, this summer series takes place on Sundays in the museum’s sun-dappled courtyard, where intimate jazz performances gently ease you into the late summer nights. 

Jazz at H'ART Museum | 14, 21 + 28 June | H’ART Museum 

CLUBBING & NIGHTLIFE

Tropikali

NDSM’s most colourful and queer-friendly festival lands for its 8th edition this June. Returning to its original one-day format, there’s just as much packed in across its many stages: Kalinichta, Latinichta, Rosario, and Secreto, plus an extended Queer Market. Dress for the summer and the tropics, for sun-kissed dancing and music that spans Latin America and the Balkans. If you’re not ready to say goodbye, drop by Parallel in Noord for the official afterparty: Tropikali by Night.

TROPIKALI |  12:00-23:00, Saturday 13 June 2026 | NDSM Werf 

TROPIKALI| 23:00 till late, Saturday 13 June 2026 | Parallel

Restaurants and Bars

It's waste-not-want-not in Amsterdam West this weekend, as this Japanese restaurant is offering an all-you-can-eat week. This is the last chance to catch their old menu, so gorge on their signature Ribeye gyudon while you can, an old favourite consisting of rice and thin strips of beef paired with miso soup, or sample their fresh edamame onigiri - rice balls wrapped in seaweed. 

Narazaki| 11-17 June | Ten Katestraat 

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