Music Guide (July 2026)

CONCERTS & GIGS

Editor’s Pick: Yebba

If you like: Maggie Rogers, Frank Ocean

Soulful, atmospheric and raw, Yebba knows her way around a song. Specifically, the kind that pulls you into a world of your own and leaves you devastated after (the good kind of devastation, though). She’s got a roster of emotionally rousing anthems – not least the stripped back My Mind – so prepare for a little summer cry. 

14 July | doors open 19:00 | Paradiso Main Hall | tickets here

Indie Pick: Runnner

If you like: Noah Kahan, Hozier

Melancholic indie folk reigns supreme with this intimate folk troubadour who’ll pull your heartstrings and your melodic tendencies. Head over to the gig listening to his single ‘bike again’ in true Amsterdam form – just don’t take the lyrics “fell off my bike again" to heart. 

4 July | doors open 20:00 | Tolhuistuin | tickets here

Seasonal Pick: ARTIS Summer Nights

If you like: wildlife and jazz

Summer hits the animal kingdom at ARTIS, Amsterdam’s zoo, the oldest of its kind in the Netherlands. Every Saturday from July to September, the ARTIS grounds remain open until sunset for their unmissable Zoomeravonden (Summer Nights) evening programme. Lay your picnic blanket between the kaleidoscopic flower beds as musical talent takes to the bandstand underneath golden skies. Alternatively, take a guided tour with a zookeeper and glimpse some of the slumbering animals or, better yet, the nocturnal ones. 

5 July - 30 August | Saturday nights | ARTIS | tickets here

PARTIES & FESTIVALS

Party Pick: WorldPride Amsterdam 2026

If you like: everyone

This year marks a special Pride as World Pride comes to Amsterdam. We’ve picked out some of the major parties, but there’s something for everyone. Like a little techno and a lot of men? Is Burning. Something softer and poppier? Then FPQ. For the techno heads, try Raum. For the boys who like boys and circuit music, FunHouse and Rapido. For the rest, read our party guide to WorldPride. 

25 July - 8 August | city-wide | discover the full programme here

Danserette 20 Years

Best for: Pop hits

This retro-facing party has a steadfast following among the queer community and for anyone who loves the pop hits of old and the divas that still reign, this 20-year anniversary party looks back on the decades from the 80s till now. 

18 July | doors open 22:00 | Tolhuistuin | tickets here

Lagos in NL

If you like: afrobeats

In response to the increased global popularity of afrobeats (and afrohouse) music, Lagos in NL looks to Nigeria and Ghana, and their music scenes, for inspiration. Featuring music by names like Asake, Davido and Ayra Starr, this is as much a crowd-pleaser as it is a celebration of a dynamic genre. Head here for an excellent early February pick-me-up – and if you arrive before 01:00, your first drink is free. 

10 July | doors open 20:00 | Paradiso Main and Basement | tickets here

Club Chrome Melkweg

If you like: Queer art and activism

As part of WorldPride 2026, Melkweg transforms into Club Chrome, with a program mirroring the full spectrum of identity in every colour, a little like how chrome reflects every colour.

25 July-8 August | Melkweg | tickets here

Milkshake

If you like: Camp fun

Huge among Amsterdammers and beyond, this open-minded dance festival, promoting tolerance (lactose included), in Amsterdam’s Westerpark. Gender and genre are fluid here, but you can expect generous offerings of electronic, disco, pop, and R&B across 11 stages.

25-26 July 2026 | Westerpark | tickets here

Disco Arabesquo

If you like: South-west Asian and North African beats

Arab Disco of the 80s and 90s takes centre stage at one of Amsterdam’s buzziest parties, celebrating the nostalgia of Arabic music. Run by DJ Moataz Rageb, expect anything from Yamani Jams, Algerian Rai and Egyptian Mahraganat to Syrian Rhythms, Libyan Reggae and Khaliji tunes as Paradiso goes global. 

25 July | doors open 21:00 | Paradiso | tickets here

Dekmantel

Best for: Forest techno

Amsterdam’s heavy-hitting festival in the forest returns for its yearly summery stint. Dance underneath the shaded roof of Amsterdamse Bos as this forest comes alive with some of the world’s best electronic sounds. Catch the likes of Four Tet, Yaeji, and Palms Trax alongside Berghain residents Sedef Adasi and Roi Perez in B2B, which promises to be something special. 

29 July - 2 August | Amsterdamse Bos | tickets here

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