Concerts and parties under €20 (October 2026)

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Concerts under €20

Editor's Pick: The Homesick

For fans of: post-punk-inflected indie rock, Factory Records 

A homegrown hit, this Frisian three-piece have been cult heroes across the Netherlands for a decade. They quickly garnered international acclaim for their unique take on the jagged sort of post-punk coming out of Manchester in the late ‘70s, eventually signing to legendary Seattle label Sub Pop. This show at 150-capacity venue Cinetol, a venue known for fostering local scenes as well as international talent. Get ready to pogo and quiver Ian Curtis style – this one will bring the house down.

The Homesick| Thursday 8 October | 20:00 | Cinetol | €13–23

An evening of voice solo

For fans of: intimate spaces, vocal experimentation

How’s this for something special? One of Amsterdam’s smaller, unique venues, Splendor is a former bathhouse now turned into a cosy haven for a wide range of culture. This evening gathers three different singers to perform voice-only improvised music. Vera Morais, Jodi Gilbert, and Almut Kühne each offer different cultural influences and training to bring to their pieces, which will be interspersed with intermezzi clarinet pieces from Michael Moore (no, not that one). Guaranteed to be a unique, spellbinding concert.

An Evening of Voice Solo | Friday 2 October | 20:30 | Splendor | €8–12

Amsterdam Bangs Festival

For fans of: crusty squat punks, queer friendly crowds, oddball performances

Rare is the cover charge at Vrankrijk, arguably the former squat with the most vigorous embrace of the city’s countercultural tradition and inclusive philosophy. This benefit for Palestine and Lebanon sparks a celebratory note in the face of troubled times, offering “Concerts, drag, rap, and groovy tunes to dance off all the tension!” DJ Pussy Rita spins between quirky performances from Dutch-language hyperpop duo NANO and Klara Krczer, among others. A grungy, warm-hearted affair.

Amsterdam Bangs Festival | Saturday 3 October | 20:30–03:00 | Vrankrijk | Donation-based

Coconuts nuts & Sorte Muld

For fans of: kid- and adult-friendly daytime shows, coconuts

Here’s one for the whole family: a daytime concert and collaborative dance performance – all powered by coconuts. Homemade electronic instruments from Martin Kofoed (aka Sorte Muld) will spar with sounds from banjo and, you guessed it, coconuts. All under the roof of reliably cosy neighbourhood theatre Teatro Munganga. This mixture of storytelling, music and dance presents a tropical event in which you (and your kids) will be very much encouraged to join in.

Coconuts nuts & Sorte Muld, concert & danceperformance | Sunday 4 October | 11:00 | Teatro Munganga | €11, babies <1 go free

Magic Carpet Sessions album release

For fans of: Eastern Mediterranean music, Kronos Quartet, plate smashing

Mezrab has long established itself as a centre for international culture. Besides its hugely popular storytelling and comedy nights, the cosy, carpeted venue also invites a variety of colourful musical acts as part of its Magic Carpet Sessions concert series – particularly (with influences) from the Balkans, Levant and Middle East. This instrumental four-piece made up of Tasos Kofodimos, Yvonne Melissa, Mahyar Tahmasbi and Laia Escartin are heavily inspired by traditional Greek music and present their new album Kormós: doubtless just as “adventurous” and “intimate” as these Sessions always claim to be. 

Magic Carpet Sessions: album release Tasos Kofodimos & Yvonne Melissa w/ Mahyar Tahmasbi, Laia Escartin | Thursday 15 October | 20:00 | Mezrab | €11–16

Microtonal Soundworlds

For fans of: non-Western musical traditions, modern classical

Plein Theater is an intimate venue by the Oosterpark that hosts a variety of culture for all kinds of audiences. This concert is part of the series Nieuwe Noten Amsterdam (New Notes Amsterdam), which champions brand-new music by contemporary performers. This time around, the focus of the performance is microtonality: sounds that fall “between the keys” of Western music. That’s the modus operandi of Ensemble SCALA, with three musicians performing on microtonal guitar, 96 tone piano/keyboards and the 31-tone Fokker organ. Sure to be mind-bending stuff for 3pm on a Sunday.

Nieuwe Noten Amsterdam: Microtonale klankwerelden | Sunday 18 October | 15:00–16:00 | Plein Theater | €12.50–19.50

Night at the Mausoleum part II

For fans of: knee-high boots, darkwave

Want to celebrate Halloween in style without (necessarily) dressing up? Here’s an easy option. Everyone’s favourite former squat venue, OCCII, plays to its grungy strengths by going full goth for one (other) night only. This second instalment of the Night at the Mausoleum showcase presents four macabre goth acts – including the return of local electro-goth and specialist in “Feral Moans”, Camy Huot. Get that eyeliner on and get ready to get gloomy!

Night at the Mausoleum part II| Saturday 31 October | 21:00 | OCCII | €10–12

Parties under €20

In House We Trust

For fans of: bouncy Afro rhythms, tasteful black outfits, halves of Guinness

One of the easiest ways to party affordably is by picking the right venue: vinyl bars, restaurant-clubs and smaller venues all offer low prices or even free entry. The same goes for select bars in the city, where DJs bring the vibe without the cover charge. You can hardly go hipper than this cosy drinking hole on the Rozengracht. Bar Theo is a minimalistic haunt for art school kids and musos with eccentric taste, and this Friday night presents two selectors slamming down house and Afro house: a place to be seen, and music to be heard – just don’t say we sent you.

In House We Trust | Friday 2 October | 21:00–03:00 | Bar Theo | Free 

DJ Spinn, BMLé BMLé + mystery guest

For fans of: DJ Rashad, juking, big bass and fast claps

Leading the charge for affordable, inclusive clubbing in Amsterdam, Garage Noord offer up a characteristically legendary Saturday lineup including iconic US producer DJ Spinn. Spinn is a mighty figure in Chicago’s footwork scene, known for its frantic 160BPM beats, ultra-syncopated hats and earth-shaking bass. Footwork disciple BMLé BMLé joins alongside an unknown third guest. Join the GN community and sign up for their newsletter for €10 entry.

DJ Spinn, BMLé BMLé, ??? | Saturday 3 October | 23:59 – late | Garage Noord | €10.50, €15.50, €20.50

Amsterdam Dance Event and Alternative Dance Event

For fans of: bargain-hunting, landmark festivals, busy city centres

It’s impossible not to mention partying this month without mentioning Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). While it’s known by many for premium, top-end parties with ticket prices to match, there’s plenty on offer for free or cheap. We’ve already done roundups of the best free and affordable parties, as well as our picks of the arts and culture programme – including concerts. Don’t forget that alternative programming that weekend can be found during AADE (Amsterdam Alternative Dance Event), including free and affordable events across the city’s more rebellious venues.

Various events | Wednesday 21 – Sunday 25 October | Various venues | Various prices