Amsterdam Weekend Guide (6-8 March)

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Verena Blok’s Love Shit and Julia Kochetova’s War is Personal at Foam

Two photography exhibitions open on Friday at Foam. Verena Blok’s Love Shit - inspired by her work in an abortion clinic and her own pregnancy - consists of a series of portraits, close-ups, abstract images and full scenes, accompanied by excerpts from diaries, notes and observations, all exploring reproduction and female bodily autonomy. Meanwhile, Emmy-winning photojournalist Julia Kochetova presentsWar is Personal,which focuses on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Her work asks that you look into the eyes of the victims of conflict.

Love Shit/War is Personal|6 March onwards | Foam

Unprecedented Talent: Women of the Amsterdam School at Museum Het Schip

Catch a special exhibition on the women of the Amsterdam School of Architecture featuring many previously unseen works in an expressionist building (nicknamed "the ship" for its nautical shape). With textiles, ceramics, graphics, and of course, Architecture, explore the expression of these women, once forgotten now celebrated. If you still fancy more afterwards, there’s a host of fascinating permanent exhibitions on the early 20th-century design movement.

Museum Het Schip|Until 28 June, 11:00-17:00

STRAAT Museum

Willfully lose track of time this weekend at this massive industrial complex in NDSM that answers the question of what happens when urban art is removed from the streets and placed in a gallery context. STRAAT Museum is entirely devoted to graffiti and street art, featuring a wide range of works by international artists, including large-scale murals. 

STRAAT Museum| 12:00-17:00 Monday 10:00-17:00 Tuesday-Sunday

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Head of the River

Over 4000 people will take to the Amstel this weekend, as this rowing competition returns for its 93rd edition. Sit by the riverbank in the picturesque town of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel and have a lazy afternoon sipping on coffee, as you watch the 475 boats go by. Or if you feel the need to exert yourself too, hop on your bike and follow the rowers along the 8km long course, ending in the city centre. 

Head of the River| Saturday 7 Mar 13:15-18:00, Sunday 8 Mar 10.45-18:00 |Start: Ouderkerk aan de Amstel Amstelveen, Finish: Rowing club de hoop

Opera Forward Festival at National Opera & Ballet

Billed as a platform for the opera makers of today and tomorrow, Opera Forward Festival is for lovers of the craft and those just being introduced to it. And this operatic showcase turns 10 this year, which means an extra special programme is in order. Catch brand-new operas at Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ and Frascati, while elsewhere, students take the reins to present their very own opera works in various labs.

Opera Forward Festival| 6-15 March |Various locations

NOCKNOCK Art Fair

Art, fashion and photography all come together along the IJ River. Join the over 15,000 visitors under the lofty ceilings of the Kromhouthal and browse through some of the 10,000 photos and 2000 artworks on display. This is the biggest ever edition of the fair, complete with an on-site restaurant and a graciously full programme. Sit among the crowds for one of the fashion shows, live painting sessions, talks or “Art on the catwalk” where models strut their stuff in wearable works of art.

NockNock Art Fair 2026| 5-8 March | Kromhouthal

CONCERTS & GIGS

Yumi Zouma

Four albums and endless singles down, New Zealand alt-pop band Yumi Zouma remain darlings of the indie-pop scene. Known for their fuzzy, shoegaze sounds and earworm melodies, they’re a perfect soundtrack to those days when the sun finally starts to come out. Catch them at Tolhuistuin for an intimate gig – you’re sure to leave with songs stuck in your head and some excellent merch too. 

Yumi Zouma | 7 March 19:00 | Tolhuistuin 

CLUBBING & NIGHTLIFE

Afro Fest at Paradiso

Waking up with a hangover on International Women’s Day might not have been on your bucket list this year, but with the largest afro party in Amsterdam happening on Saturday night, you may have to resign yourself to that fate. Console your future self with the Afrobeats, hip hop, R&B and dancehall, performed by an all-female line-up across Paradiso’s three halls.

Afro Fest | Saturday 7 March, Doors open 23.59 |Paradiso

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