Amsterdam Weekend Guide (13-15 February)

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Editor’s Pick: Sonic Acts Biennial

What does love mean to you? Every two years, Sonic Acts – an interdisciplinary arts organisation – hosts a festival of exhibitions, concerts, performances, screenings and conferences, with this year's theme being “melted for love”. “Listening Room” – where songs are played inside a glass pavilion in Amstelpark  and “Heart Rests Twice 1”; which begins with a “Fire Orchestra”, where alcohol-coated glasses are ignited and used as instruments, are this weekend's picks.

Sonic Acts Biennial 2026 | 05 February-29 March | Spread across the city

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Kamer

A wine bar (yes, another) in the Jordaan, this snug eatery is the place to hide away with your Valentine. Run by Justin Grooten and Ciaran Patrick Naughter (formerly of Turbo in Oost), it's another concept by wine collective Sebonsa. So wine takes centre stage but so does food; stacks of salted butter boast indulgence, seasonal specials like roast duck and quail, all best enjoyed in the candlelight that lights the space. Hide away here behind stained glass windows, for a drink, a bite and then a few more. Expect it to be busy this weekend, so book ahead to avoid disappointment!

Kamer |Tuesday-Saturday, 18:00 onwards | Westerstraat 266

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Yellow at Van Gogh Museum

Much is known about Van Gogh and, in particular, his love for the world’s sunniest and most exuberant colour: yellow. But this exhibition at the Van Gogh Museum looks to paint yellow in a different way, as something more than just a pretty shade. Through works by Van Gogh and his contemporaries, this is an exploration of what yellow did and can still mean – a symbol of light and courage.

Yellow - Van Gogh Museum | 13 February-17 May | Van Gogh Museum

Danh Vo at Stedelijk

Vietnamese artist Danh Vo brings his new exhibition entitled πνεῦμα (Ἔλισσα)- meaning Spirit - to the Stedelijk museum. It includes fragments from antiquity, religious relics and parts of monuments, thoughtfully positioned within a white room, directing your focus to them and them only. Move freely between artworks and create your own connections and meaning – modern art as intended.

Danh Vo — πνεῦμα (Ἔλισσα) | 14 February-2 August | Stedelijk Museum

THEATRE & STAGE

Giovanni’s Room at ITA

Adapted from James Baldwin’s book of the same name, ITA’s Giovanni’s Room promises to capture the darkness, intensity, and beauty of its source material on stage. A story that tracks the affair of two men in Paris who, despite their differences, are brought together by desire, this adaptation looks to dig into the difficulties of attraction, identity, and the nature of love as something all-consuming, if not forever. English subtitles available.

Giovanni’s Room | 15 February-1 March | Internationaal Theatre Amsterdam

CONCERTS & GIGS

Rochelle Jordan at Paradiso

London-born and Toronto-raised, Singer Rochelle Jordan merges the pop sensibilities of her birthplace and the sultry cool of the city she grew up in. A little bit dancey and a lot soulful, Jordan’s music is a nod to 90s R’n’b while still being distinctly modern, and her latest albumThrough the Wall is a lesson in what it means to make a sound your own. Better yet she’s performing two shows, one at 19:30 and one at 21:30, depending on how you like your Sunday nights. 

Rochelle Jordan | 15 February doors open 21:30 | Paradiso Upstairs 

CINEMA & FILM

Lab111 drink along

Lab111 presents the unique experience of watching The Fall, with a handpicked selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks paired with the viewing.The Fall, released in 2006, follows a fantastical story of heroes, myths and villains relayed to a young girl by a bedridden patient in a hospital. Sip along, and try to avoid an equally dramatised descent into your drink.

Drink Along:The Fall(2006) | 15 Feb, 16:00 | Lab 111

CLUBBING & NIGHTLIFE

Kalinichta XL

One of Tropikal Festival’s main stages returns on its own for a special party. Inspired by the sounds of the Balkans, Anatolia and southwest Asia, Kalinichta specialises in a region where everything is served hot. Organised at Paradiso and now in its 20th edition, there’s even a special Latinichta party – focused naturally on Latin music – in the basement for when you want a little extra transatlantic flavour. Billed as an LGBTQ+ event, this one’s for everyone - so come as you are, but with respect.

Kalinichta XL x Paradiso | 14 February, 19:30 | Paradiso

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