Amsterdam Weekend Guide (23-25 January)

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Jan Dibbets 1966-1976 – Toward Another Photography

Located in the H’ART museum on the Amstel River, this exhibition is dedicated to Jan Dibbets, the renowned Dutch conceptual artist. It is the first monographic presentation of his work in Amsterdam since the 1972 exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum. Follow the artist’s journey from painting to photography – a perfect weekend activity for any art or culture lover.

 Jan Dibbets 1966-1976 - Toward Another Photography | Until 5 April | H'ART Museum

THEATRE & STAGE

Set Design in Three Acts

Head down to the Allard Pierson Museum for an exhibition presenting three visions of theatre design, centred on the 18th-century chamber theatre of Baron van Slingelandt. Nearly three centuries ago, the Baron’s miniature stage was used in living rooms to demonstrate how theatre worked.

Set Design in Three Acts | Until 5 April | Allard Pierson

Cruising the Wallen - panel and performances

Explore an alternative history of Amsterdam through a series of interviews with queer folks, sex workers, business owners, and residents of the de Wallen neighbourhood, connected to  Dana Lixenberg’s exhibition ‘De Wallen’. The neighbourhood is infamous for the prostitution windows that line the canals of Oudezijds Achterburgwal and Oudezijds Voorburgwal. Despite its reputation, De Wallen is a unique and important part of the city’s identity. Listen in on the interviews and learn about a part of Amsterdam you won’t hear about anywhere else.

Cruising the Wallen | 24 January, 15:00-16:30 | City Archives

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Automatic Noise Festival Cinetol

This weekend, the Automatic Noise Festival returns to Cinetol for its sixth edition.  The festival celebrates shoegaze and dreampop, showcasing both homegrown and international acts, such as Utrecht-based Part Garden and Finland's Mumrunner. The conclusion of the year-long celebration of automatic music that kicked off in Cinetol last year  - it's a party you won’t want to miss.

Automatic Noise Festival Cinetol | 23-24 January, 19:30-11:30 | Cinetol

CONCERTS & GIGS

Bach in de Buurt

The Westerkerk continues its 70-year tradition of bringing religious music to life through hosting a cantata service this weekend. The Westerkerk choir, conducted by Janjoost van Elburg, will perform two of Bach’s choral movements, “Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben”  and “Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir”. Expect an atmospheric performance combined with meditation and reflection that allows you to contemplate and absorb the spiritual significance of the composer’s work. This event only takes place around eight times a year, so experience it while you can.

Bach in de Buurt | Sun 25 Jan 10:30-11:45 | Westerkerk

CLUBBING & NIGHTLIFE

Rum Punch's 1-year anniversary

Shake off the January blues this Friday, as Rum Punch celebrate their one year anniversary. Every two months, they transform Bitterzoet into an energetic Caribbean experience, celebrating music from all over the islands. This event is in collaboration with Fi Di Gyaldem, another Caribbean party organisation who focus on female empowerment within the party scene. DJs such as Princess Vineyard, Rockefellababe - a staple of the Amsterdam nightlife - and Rum Punch’s resident Ozai are performing at the event.

Rum Punch | Fri 23 Jan, 11:30-4:00| Bitterzoet

Family and Kids

Jumping Amsterdam

Sixty-five years after its debut, Jumping Amsterdam returns to the RAI Amsterdam. Across Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the schedule is packed with events like dressage, shows, jumping, clinics, and even a kids' press conference on offer. Enjoy the show, experience sport at its highest level, browse the stalls, or treat yourself to a diverse range of food and drinks. 

Jumping Amsterdam | 22 Jan 08:30-02:00 23-24 Jan 09:00-02:00| The RAI Amsterdam

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Niko Cà Phê

Vietnamese for “Niko’s cafe”, this new pop-up coffee bar in de Pijp brings authentic Vietnamese coffee culture to Amsterdam. Try a cà phê sữa; a strong black coffee with condensed milk,  made using a traditional “phin filter”, that can be ordered both hot and iced. Or experiment a little with a cà phê trứng – hot black coffee topped with a fluffy layer of egg yolk. Whether you’re grabbing a caffeinated treat on a busy Friday, or sitting with friends on a quiet Saturday, Niko Cà Phê is the kind of cafe weekends were made for.

Niko Cà Phê | Fri-Sat, 11:00-17:00 | Mai Concept Store

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