Concerts & Clubbing Guide (July 2025)

Concerts & Clubbing

Editor’s pick: Gang of Four

For fans of: Talking Heads, Public Image Ltd.

When Entertainment! hit the shelves in 1979, there was simply nothing like it. Gang of Four delivered something confrontational, jarring, cerebral, and somehow, it still made you want to dance. With its funk-laced basslines, Andy Gill’s angular guitar work, and subversive, often cynical lyrics, the album was in a league of its own. And almost 50 years later, it is still piercingly relevant, both sonically and conceptually, influencing everyone from Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Franz Ferdinand.

Gang of Four first performed the album live in Amsterdam’s Paradiso in 1980. On July 5th, in a full-circle moment, they’ll return to that very stage for the last time as part of The Long Goodbye tour, playing Entertainment! in full, along with a few of the “best of the rest”. Ironic title or not, Gang of Four truly did entertain us for nearly five decades. They never sold out, never softened, and while there may be more grey hairs on stage this time, don’t be surprised if they still make you want to tear up the floor.

Saturday 5 July | doors open 18:30 | Paradiso | tickets here

Allie X

For fans of: Lady Gaga, St. Vincent

Dark, theatrical, ethereal, offbeat are some of the words used to describe Allie X, though none quite capture the layered persona she’s crafted. On her latest album, she takes full creative control, writing, performing, and producing every track herself, to deliver a dark, glittering synth-pop. On July 9th, catch one of today’s most slept-on alt-pop stars (which she literally wrote a song about) as she takes the stage at Melkweg in full goth glory, delivering killer vocals and a captivating presence.

Wednesday 9 July | doors open 19:00 | Melkweg | tickets here

Bright Eyes

For fans of: Elliot Smith, Bon Iver

While some might say that Bright Eyes is best listened to alone on a rainy day, the leafy Bostheater comes in at a close second, especially at dusk. On their most recent release, the band leans into a more personal sound, threaded with nods to their folky beginnings and anchored by Conor Oberst’s trembling voice and devastating songwriting. Surrounded by Amsterdamse Bos' woody setting, their bittersweet tunes will definitely tug at your heartstrings.

Sunday 6 July | doors open 18:00 | Amsterdamse Bostheater | tickets here

Kendrick Lamar and SZA

For fans of: Outkast, Frank Ocean

What’s better than seeing one groundbreaking artist live? Seeing two share the same stage. Kendrick Lamar and SZA are teaming up for their first-ever stadium-only tour, with a highly anticipated stop at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Both artists have dominated the conversation recently, Kendrick with his jaw-dropping Super Bowl performance and SZA with the genre-defying brilliance of SOS. With solo sets and a joint performance of their hits, they will definitely put on a show destined for the history books.

Sunday 13 July | doors open 19:00 | Johan Cruijff ArenA | tickets here

MICH

For fans of: Interpol, The Cure

On their latest album, Amsterdam’s MICH explore a more textured sound by fusing shoegaze and krautrock with their new wave roots. The result is a lush, bright sound that contrasts strikingly with their gloomy take on modern life. With their nostalgic sound and no-nonsense songwriting, they’ll feel right at home in Bitterzoet’s atmospheric setting.

Thursday 3 July | doors open 19:30 | Bitterzoet | tickets here

Chaerin im Quartet

For fans of: jazz fusion

This spring, pianist Chaerin Im teamed up with guitarist Siebren Smink, bassist Matteo Mazzù and drummer Ludvig Søndergaard to release Midnight Resets, an intricate mix of jazz, electronica and indie influences. If the weather holds, you can enjoy their serene performance on the summer terrace at Muziekgebouw.

Saturday 26 July | doors open 19:00 | Muziekgebouw | tickets here

Clubbing & Festivals

De Amsterdamse Zomer

If you like: summer and sing-along Dutch pop classics

Celebrate the spirit of summer at De Amsterdamse Zomer, where music and, hopefully, sunshine go hand in hand. This year’s edition welcomes both André and Roxeanne Hazes, making it a family affair. With standout acts like Emma Heesters and Jan Smit also on the bill, expect an evening of unforgettable pop moments that will make you raise your hands in the air and sing along.

11-12 July | Olympisch Stadion | tickets here

Psicotrópicos Festival

If you like: Brazilian rhythms and soulful voices

After starting out in Berlin, Psicotrópicos Festival is back for its second Amsterdam edition, and it’s bringing the full flavour of Brazil to Melkweg. On July 12, you’ll catch Jota.pê, a Latin Grammy winner who brings a fresh, soulful twist to Brazilian music. He is joined by the multi-talented Jéssica Gaspar and the performance artist Cris Masa, with plenty more in the mix. The festival continues on July 29 with a special performance by Hermeto Pascoal. Approaching 90, the legendary Brazilian artist is known for his use of unconventional instruments (teapots and children’s toys included), with wild improvisations that truly earn him the title “Sorcerer of Sounds.”

12-13 July | Melkweg | tickets here

Super-Sonic Showcase Fest: Celebrate Your Locals

If you like: discovering emerging artists before they blow up

There’s a new addition to the Super-Sonic Jazz family: the Super-Sonic Showcase Fest at Paradiso. Created to spotlight rising talent from the local scene, the festival fuses jazz, soul, funk and hip-hop. Highlights range from the jazz-electronica grooves of Brintex Collective to the Aruban-inspired rhythms of Siegfried and the intimate, contemporary soul of ii. Who knows, you might just discover your next favourite artist.

Thursday 3 July | Paradiso | tickets here

Milkshake Festival

If you like: community, glitter and colourful fashion

A staple in Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ scene, Milkshake Festival returns for a new edition of glitter, unfiltered joy and freedom. This year, the euphoric Loreen and the fierce Gottmik will take the stage, among other queer icons. Anticipate shimmering decorations, stunning shows, and a wonderfully diverse lineup of both music and crowds.

26-27 July | Westerpark | tickets here

*If the event has sold out, don’t despair! TicketSwap is a great place to get resale tickets in an easy and safe forum, so check it out, and you might get lucky.