Cultural tips for Amsterdam this Autumn
The leaves are falling, the colours are changing and the days are getting shorter. That can only mean autumn and the start of a new cultural season in Amsterdam. Read on for our guide to everything from theatre and film festivals to photo fairs, major exhibitions and music of all genres.
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)
Calling all electronic music fans, Amsterdam Dance Event is back again this year, taking over the city with parties, in-stores, lectures and lots of cool arty audiovisual stuff, no doubt. Along with the conference geared toward industry professionals, pretty much all of Amsterdam’s nightlife venues will be hosting DJ events by the leading lights of the genre. The official programme for 2022 is already out - try not to get lost in it, or keep an eye on our tips for ADE 2022.
Amsterdam Dance Event | 19 - 23 October 2022 | citywide
Cello Biennale
The world’s biggest cello festival returns to Amsterdam, bringing an impressive line-up of international soloists, ensembles and orchestras to the city to perform everything from classical and contemporary music to pop, jazz, world and rock. This 10-day international music festival encompasses a hundred events taking place in every nook and cranny of the BIMHUIS and the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ, with this years theme entitled: 'The Cello Moves'.
Cello Biennale Amsterdam | 20-29 October 2022 | BIMHUIS and Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ
The Amsterdam Storytelling Festival
The Amsterdam Storytelling Festival has built up a solid name for itself over the years. It provides a stage for the best Dutch and international storytellers to share their tales. This year’s theme is ‘Desire...’ whether that means an unrequited love, a sip of whiskey, a bite of a fresh strawberry or feeling the sun directly on your skin…. Many of the stories are told in English, so sit back, relax and light up your autumn nights with some heartfelt stories.
Amsterdam Storytelling Festival | 2-6 November 2022 | Podium Mozaiek
IDFA
Amsterdam’s much anticipated International Documentary Film Festival is returning in November. Expect a solid selection of documentary films tackling life, love, politics and society along with a trend-setting programme of talks, performances, and interactive and immersive projects throughout Amsterdam. Screenings will take place at cinemas around the city. Keep an eye on our documentary tips for IDFA 2022.
IDFA | 9-20 November 2022 | various cinemas
Unseen Photo Fair
Each September, international crowds flock to Westergas for Unseen Photo Fair, one of the major annual events in every photography-lovers calendar. Hosted within the unique shiny metal cylinder of the Gashouder - a former gas factory in the centre of Westerpark - the world’s most exciting photography galleries and cutting-edge artists are brought together for a weekend-long event. Along with the exhibition, you can expect a variety of talks, competitions and tours.
Unseen Photo Fair | 15-18 September 2022 | Westergas
Cinekid
Ketelhuis Cinema is the home turf for the annual Cinekid festival in October, which offers a wide variety of screenings and activities tailored for little ones. Its the biggest film and media festival for children in the world and once again the agenda is jam-packed with events to keep everyone entertained for hours. atch the latest films and series on the big screen, experience the coolest games and VR in the MediaLab and learn to vote from your favorites during the masterclasses.
Cinekid | 15-30 October 2022 | Ketelhuis Cinema
Amsterdam Fringe Festival
This off-shoot performing arts festival is all about bringing avant-garde theatre to light, with some 70 productions and eclectic performances set to unfold in the most unexpected of venues.
Amsterdam Fringe Festival | 1-11 September 2022 | various locations
Imagine Film Festival
Don’t miss the Imagine film festival in October, for the best in fantasy, horror and science fiction. During this edition, the central theme is: Nature Strikes Back! In this programme (climate) scientists, futurologists and film-makers compare the disaster scenarios from eco-horror and cli-fi (climate fiction) with the frighteningly changing climate in our reality.
Imagine Film Festival | 26 October - 4 November 2022 | various locations
Sports events
The Dutch capital has long-secured its reputation as one of the sportiest European cities. In October, the city will burst into orange as bars and terraces fill up with supporters for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. And when it comes to running events, you could say Amsterdam has a personal best: the TCS Amsterdam Marathon takes place annually in October drawing in elite runners from around the world alongside thousands of amateurs sporting their new running shoes. The course starts from the city’s famous Olympic Stadium and passes many of Amsterdam's most notable landmarks and attractions while making its way back to the stadium.
TCS Amsterdam Marathon | 16 October 2022 | Olympic Stadium
GLUE Design Route
This three-day design-route brings together Amsterdam-based designers, the general public, architects, brands, showrooms, galleries, academies, and other colleagues. Follow the route to discover a range of locations and an extensive events programme for both design professionals and enthusiasts.
GLUE Design Route | 15-17 September 2022 | various locations
