Music Guide (May 2026)

CONCERTS & GIGS

Editor’s Pick: Girl Scout

For fans of: Alvvays, Snail Mail

Sweden’s reputation for music is world-renowned, but mostly when it comes to pop. Indie-rock trio Girl Scout looks to change that. One of the year’s most talked about new bands, they’re touted for big things with a sound that drifts between the shoegaze-y goodness of Alvvays to the punchy, brattiness of Sleigh Bells. Still, their sound is firmly their own – catch them in Paradiso while you can. The hype is worth it. 

2 May | doors open 19:00 | Paradiso Upstairs | tickets here

Live Resort

For fans of: anything and everything

The Volkshotel has done a superb job of marketing itself as more than a hotel, with its bar, club and space often guest-starring some of the city’s most exciting acts. In May, it’s going all out with a nine-floor musical experience, where emerging bands and artists are set to perform alongside one another in the industrial confines of this eastern haunt. Curated by the likes of Paradiso, Cinetol and Conservatorium Amsterdam, among others, make this Sunday a music-filled one. 

3 May | doors open 15:00 | Volkshotel | tickets here

Mitski

For fans of: Laura Marling, Big Thief

Few artists have had as swift a critical and commercial acclaim as Mitski. After years of being a critics’ darling, a TikTok hit in the form of ‘My Love Mine All Mine’ brought Mitski’s appeal to the masses. She’s got two nights at AFAS Live, a testament to her popularity as she debuts the gentle country-folk twang of her latest LP Nothing’s About to Happen to Me. 

6-7 May | doors open 18:30 | AFAS Live | tickets here

London Calling

For fans of: Arctic Monkeys, Wet Leg

This iconic indie festival has been a platform for some of the biggest bands of past years, from Foals to Wet Leg. Its return heralds a roster of indie and punk names you’re going to want to watch out for, from the percussive sounds of The New Eves and riot grrl-inflected Panic Shack to genre-bending crooner Marlon Funaki.

15-16 May | Paradiso | tickets here

Tame Impala

For fans of: Empire of the Sun, PinkPantheress

The ever-influential Kevin Parker and his band Tame Impala return to the main stage at Ziggo Dome, having now established themselves as one of the world’s biggest bands. Walker’s latest LP Deadbeat, marks a full-throttle descent into electronica – see ‘End of Summer’ and ‘Ethereal Connection’ – but not without plenty of woozy, psychedelic jams – from My Old Ways and Dracula – along the way to keep the old faithful happy. 

4 May | doors open 18:00 | Ziggo Dome | tickets here

TUL8ATE

For fans of: Ismail Nosrat, Saint Levant

Known as the masked performer, this Egyptian artist combines pop, bossa nova and psychedelic rock in gorgeous fashion. Both mysterious and enigmatic, TUL8ATE lands in Melkweg to cast a spell over Amsterdam’s little galaxy – prepare to get swept away in it. 

3 May | doors open 18:30 | Melkweg | tickets here

CLUBBING & FESTIVALS

Patio – Courtyard opening

You know the warmer seasons are here when there’s a day party on. And where better to enjoy some of Amsterdam’s electronic scene than at Lofi and its sunny courtyard, which reopens this month. Begin out underneath the open sky and work your way into the industrial and neon realism of Lofi’s interior with a host of regular acts and emerging favourites. Catch them all on the decks from 14:00 until late.

2 May | 14:00-05:00 | Lofi | tickets here

Lente Kabinet

The prelude to Dekmantel and run by the same team, Lente Kabinet – known as the ‘Spring Cabinet’ – brings greenery to the electronic scene. A two-day festival organised in the gorgeous natural reserve known as Het Twiske on the fringes of Amsterdam-Noord, Lente Kabinet is a mainstay of the springtime festival scene. Go for one day or two and expect big names in the scene, from Job Jobse and Honey Dijon to Bergahin resident Sedef Adasi.

23-24 May | Het Twiske | tickets here

Das Festival 2026

Hosted by electronic music festival organisers Komm Schon Alter, the focus here is great house music for a slightly older crowd. Everyone here has to be 24+, which means no kids are allowed either, and the onus is on creating a positive and communal atmosphere. Organised in the Gardens of West, this is an excellent daytime festival for those who want a dance in gorgeous green surroundings.

23 May | 12:00-23:00 | Gardens of West | tickets here

Spielraum 9YRS Weekender

Raum’s resident party celebrates nine years of existence with a world-beating weekend blowout. Expect heavy hitters like KI/KI and Keita to long-time residents like Fafi Abdel Nour, Sandrien and Afra for a well-rounded and unforgettable weekend of techno.

29-31 May | ClubRAUM | tickets here

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