Culture Guide (July 2026)
The Moco Museum
Sponsored content by the Moco Museum
The Moco Amsterdam on Museumplein presents a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art, both inside and out. Head inside for immersive digital art encompassing entire rooms or the work of modern art icons like Banksy, Warhol and Basquiat. Meanwhile, just outside the building is the completely free-to-enter statue garden, which is the perfect way to pair soaking in some of the summer heat with admiring art.
Editor's Pick: Julidans
An international festival of contemporary dance, Julidans will showcase the latest creations by choreographers and performers of worldwide acclaim. The experimental avant-garde is foremost on the menu, offering audiences the rare chance of experiencing the future of movement and expression. This year’s programming includes the latest work by Nina Laisé, known for her fusion of cultures and art forms, and Serge Aimé Coulibaly, the Burkinaben veteran of both choreography and performance.
Julidans | 2-14 July | All Over The City
Queer Amsterdam, The Pink City at the Nieuwe Kerk
In 1632, this Gothic church was the location of one of the earliest documented (but illegal) same-sex marriages in Amsterdam. Now, almost 400 years later, the Nieuwe Kerk will host a flagship exhibition in tandem with World Pride 2026 – one that acts as a biography of Amsterdam's LGBTQI+ community, celebrating the 25th anniversary of open civil marriage in the Netherlands. The church also hosts the “Pride Talk” every year on the eve of Pride Week where an international activist is given the opportunity to speak about issues relating to queer communities.
Queer Amsterdam, The Pink City| Opens 9 July | Nieuwe Kerk
Cabaret at the End of the World by the Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus
The Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus, the largest LGBTQ+ chorus in the Netherlands, takes a rather cheerful approach to impending doom in this summer showing. On Saturday 4 July, more than 100 singers and dancers from Amsterdam's gay, bi and queer community will take to the stage at the stunning Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ. A campy, defiant and radical celebration of queer resistance, featuring hits by Queen, Stromae, Troye Sivan, and Britney Spears.
Amsterdam Gay Men's Chorus | 4 July, 15:30 + 20:30 | Muziekgebouw
Boom Chicago Comedy Festival
This ten-day-long comedy bonanza promises laughs aplenty, showcasing both high and low-brow humour with a real knack for fun. While audiences are welcome just to sit back and enjoy the show, they are also encouraged to improve their own comedy chops through workshops open to all levels. They should, however, be wary of testing any newfound comedic ability on the performers, for fear of verbal annihilation at the hands of some of the world's best.
Boom Chicago Comedy Festival | 2-8 July | Boom Chicago Comedy Club
WorldPride Amsterdam 2026
World Pride comes to Amsterdam in 2026, combining with the usual week-long Pride celebration that marks the city’s longstanding reputation as a hub for queer acceptance and culture and culminates with the famed Canal Parade. Take part in the street parties that crop up on virtually every corner, as well as a host of free, organised events. Check out our full list of Pride cultural tips here.
WorldPride Amsterdam| 25 July - 8 August | Various Locations
Land Art Weekend at Flevoland
Flevoland is home to the world's most significant concentration of Land Art – giant artworks made in response to the surrounding landscape. During Land Art Weekend, a knowledgeable guide will be there to explain the pieces, alongside a packed programme that includes an exhibition about Flevoland's special relationship with water, a cello concert, a photography workshop and a poetry performance.
Land Art Weekend | 4-5 July | Flevoland
Het Landjuweel in Ruigoord
Ruigoord, the artist’s village and cultural sanctuary, hosts a yearly festival aimed at the free spirits among us, platforming crafts, both artisan and amateur, musical performances, dance, yoga and more. Expect grassy meadows, wooden huts, and an emphasis on getting involved.
Het Landjuweel| 23-26 July | Ruigoord
Open Air Cinema
Mercatorplein hosts two nights of queer films at the end of the month. Enjoy a rainbow-powered movie experience for free, with 400 chairs available for all film lovers. There might be a bar to buy drinks, but don’t forget to bring your own snacks and popcorn. Enjoy with friends and family or make it a spontaneous date night.
Open Air Cinema| 29-30 July | Mercatorplein De Baarsjes
TREK Food Festival
This street-food festival transforms Amstelpark into a large open-air restaurant, promising free entry and a down-to-earth approach to the culinary arts. Snack on everything from sushi to Surinamese food, with plenty of meat-free and meat-focused options on site. While you’re there, you might as well relax in the beer garden, admire the musical talent and cabaret artists on show before going wild during the disco evening.
TREK-AMSTERDAM| 3-5 July | Amstelpark
Our Faith is Love at the Luther Museum
An exhibition detailing queer histories and futures comes to the Luther Museum this July. The focus is on the intersections between queer people and religion; in the main room, young queer photographer Jesse van den Berg showcases ten portraits of contemporary Lutherans who are LGBTQI+. Elsewhere, artist and curator Andrea Keznovic is putting together an exhibition in which seven international young queer artists look to the future.
Our Faith is Love| Opens 10 July | Luther Museum
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