A guide to holidays and festivities in the Netherlands
30 September 2025
Events for internationals in Amsterdam this month
Updated 12 February 2026 at 11:50
Each month, the Amsterdam area plays host to an incredible range of things to do. Lots are accessible to non-Dutch speakers while still letting you get involved with your local community and explore aspects of Dutch culture. This time, don’t miss Foam’s Co Rentmeester exhibition, which celebrates the works of one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, from ground-breaking photojournalism to iconic advertising images. Catch it before it closes on 22 February.
Co Rentmeester – Witnessing Life
Born in Amsterdam in 1936, Co Rentmeester is one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, leaving a profound impact on journalistic, commercial and artistic photography. His reporting from the Vietnam war made him a pioneer of photojournalism, and his ‘Jumpman’ photo of Michael Jordan was recognised by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 most influential images of all time.
Metamorphoses
‘All things change, but nothing dies.’ The Rijksmuseum’s major new spring exhibition Metamorphoses shows how artists were inspired by the Roman poet Ovid’s two-thousand-year-old poem about shape-shifting gods, humans and animals. The exhibition includes an impressive selection of works by Titian, Caravaggio, Correggio, Rodin, Brancusi, Magritte and Bourgeois, as well as contemporary photography and video art. It’s organised in partnership with Rome’s Galleria Borghese.
Rijksmuseum, until 25 May
Animalia Amsterdam: Pet Portraits
Photographer Isabella Rozendaal’s pet portraits have been published as a much-loved series in Het Parool for years. This mini exhibition in the Green Salon of the Museum of the Canals presents some of her most striking works.
Conservatorium Concerts
Amsterdam’s Conservatory hosts free concerts and other events almost daily from piano recitals to woodwind workshops. It’s a great tip for the culturally inclined.
IJ-Hallen flea market
Once a month, the IJ-Hallen – a cavernous industrial building at NDSM Wharf – hosts one of the biggest and best flea markets in Europe. With hundreds of stalls selling everything from records and fashion to antiques, glorious vintage finds are pretty much guaranteed.
Lunar New Year
Image from Jan de Ridder
Celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Horse in Amsterdam. Most of the Lunar New Year celebrations take place in Amsterdam’s Chinatown – the Nieuwmarkt neighbourhood, which is also home to the Buddhist temple Fo Guang Shan He Hua. There are usually also festivities on Dam Square. Gong Xi Fa Cai! (Happy New Year!)
Shrek – The Musical
This musical adaptation of the much-loved Dreamworks classic is performed in English and promises fun for all the family.
Chocolate Festival
Image from Puccini
Two days filled with all things chocolate, with more than 100 stands from 35 countries, masterclasses, entertainment and, mmm, more than 40 tastings.
Impro Amsterdam
Few things are simultaneously as challenging and funny as improv, and this festival offers eight whole days of it, with workshops and lots of shows – but strictly no scripts.
Language Exchange Meetup
Image from Public Space
Practice your language skills in a laid-back setting at this multilingual social. All languages are welcome, so this is a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world and chat in your language of choice over some snacks and drinks.
February Strike Commemoration
In February 1941, tens of thousands of Dutch citizens went on strike to protest the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis. The strike was started by dock workers as a show of solidarity with their fellow citizens. Their remarkable act of bravery was swiftly followed by others in Zaanstreek, Kennemerland, Utrecht, Hilversum and Weesp. The protest is commemorated annually by the Dokwerker memorial in Amsterdam.
Children’s lunchtime concert: Junior Jazz College Bigband
The Concertgebouw hosts a special children’s edition of their famous free lunch-time concerts to coincide with the school holidays. Suitable for ages 6 and up. Please note that spaces must be reserved in advance.
Opera Forward Festival
Image from Edwin Walvisch
This year marks the tenth edition of this ground-breaking opera festival, which has provided a platform for today’s opera makers and opened up new perspectives on opera since its launch in 2016. Alongside three brand-new productions, there are events at other venues across the city, including the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ and Frascati.
Roze Filmdagen
Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ film festival has been going for no less than 29 editions, celebrating the best of LGBTQ+ cinema, documentaries and short films. This year’s opening film is Harry Lighton’s Pillion, starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling.
See also:
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Whether you’re new to the Amsterdam Area or have been living here for years, our newsletter is designed to help internationals make the most of life in this vibrant region.
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