Culture Guide (March 2026)

Editor’s Pick: 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  

Ekō at The National Maritime Museum

Japanese for echo - this exhibition presents early photographs of Japan from the museum’s own collection, including work from Felice Beato, the most influential foreign photographer in the creation of the “exotic” European image of Japan; juxtaposed with contemporary work by photographer and visual artist Anaïs López, which it inspired. Trace the connections between generations, as work from 1863 converses with the modern day.

Ekō | From 5 March 

David Leventhal: American myth and memory at H’ART Museum

In his first major exhibition in the Netherlands, the American photographer reconstructs iconic moments from American history and culture through toys and figurines, questioning the construction of these narratives of power, heroism, and identity. From the wild West to baseball and Barbie, his subject matter is as varied and diverse as America itself. 

American Identities: David Levinthal - H’ART Museum | until 6 September 2026

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

Two photography exhibitions open on the same evening 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 presents War 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

St Patrick’s Day

Amsterdam’s red will be overcome by green for a day on Tuesday, 17 March. Head to O Donnell’s Irish pub in De Pijp, for traditional music, karaoke, and the obligatory pints of Guinness. O Reilly’s behind Dam Square is another great option, as their St.Patrick’s day celebrations - complete with masses of balloons and a disco ball -  are always overflowing with the Irish. 

St Patrick's Day | 17 March

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 2026

Amsterdam Wine Festival

The Kromhouthal plays host to another of this month's festivities, though depending on how much you indulge yourself at this one, you may not remember that the next morning. Here’s your chance to puff out your chest and become a wine critic for a day (or three), as you sample some of the more than 300 different wines on offer and comment on their “oaky tones”. Otherwise, relax, listen to the live music and sip on a glass of chardonnay accompanied by artisanal cheese or fresh oysters. 

Amsterdam Wine Festival | 26-29 March

Cinedans Festival at EYE Filmmuseum

Head to the Eye Filmmuseum to check out some of the most important dance films of the moment: from international shorts to feature films, documentaries, specials, installations, and VR. Though you must fight the natural urge to join the rhythm on screen, trust that these films will move you in more ways than one.

 Cinedans | 25-29 March

Roze Filmdagen at Het Ketelhuis

Amsterdam’s annual queer film festival returns, celebrating pioneering cinema, actors and directors from the community. The longest-running and largest LGBTQI+ film festival in the Netherlands, expect everything from shorts to documentaries, panel talks, and in-depth analysis, all within the industrial but cosy confines of Westerpark Cultural District's Het Ketelhuis. Grab a copy of the I amsterdam Magazine for a full write-up on the festival. 

Roze Filmdagen (Pink Film Days) | 18-29 March 2026

A Streetcar Named Desire at the Internationaal Theater Amsterdam

Award-winning director Rebecca Frecknall brings her adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ work to Amsterdam, after sold-out runs in London and New York. ITA’s ensemble brings a new life to this acclaimed show, while maintaining their predecessors' raw, blistering honesty of portrayal, tackling themes of domestic violence and fragile masculinity head-on. Throbbing drums accompany the actions on stage, pulse-like in the energy they lend to the proceedings. And while the play is performed in Dutch, English subtitles are available.

A Streetcar Named Desire | 4-22 March