Concerts + Clubbing Guide (July + August 2024)

CONCERTS & GIGS

Alvvays

It may have taken five years for Alvvays’ third album, Blue Rev, to take shape, but their shoegaze dreaminess and coastal flair return better than ever. After debuting at Bitterzoet in 2017, the Canadian band will take to the Paradiso stage for a night of wistful melodies and jangly guitars. 

• Wednesday 3 July | doors open 19:00 | Paradiso | tickets here

The Streets

British multi-instrumentalist Mike Skinner returns to Amsterdam after 5 years with his legendary musical project The Streets. Expect cutting lyrics and even more cutting beats from an artist whose work has been hailed as a landmark of UK rap.

• Wednesday 3 July | doors open 19:00 | Melkweg | tickets here

Patti Smith

Okay, this one’s a big one. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe Patti Smith exactly, so the best thing you can do is go on see her live. While tickets are sold out, there’s a waiting list for extras that might become available (or head straight to TicketSwap). It’ll be worth it for two nights of classic rock and undoubtedly a few moving words from one of rock’s most popular and poetic artists. 

• Tuesday 9 July & Wednesday 10 July | doors open 19:00 | Paradiso | waiting list here

The Roots

Jazzy, eclectic and innovative, American hip-hop group The Roots’ genre-splicing music has won them fans the world over. Regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop acts of all time, catch their blend of neo-soul, rap and jazz at Paradiso this month.  

• Monday 29 July | doors open 19:00 | Paradiso | tickets here

Timbre Timbre

Bluesy folk straight out of Canada, courtesy of Taylor Kirk’s Timbre Timbre, whose knack for soulful, brooding tunes has built the band a bit of a cult following. A great date night option or if you’re feeling particularly mellow, melancholy has never sounded so good. 

• Thursday 8 August | doors open 19:00 | Paradiso | tickets here

Neil Frances

Sample king and purveyor of 70s/80s funk, Neil Frances knows how to set a mood. Get into the groove of the Australian artist’s summery, house vibes at Melkweg this August, where some of the famed Aussie sun is set to make an appearance. 

• Monday 19 August | doors open 19:00 | Melkweg | tickets here

Killer Mike

Atlanta rapper Killer Mike was once best known for his feature on Outkast's 2001 song 'The Whole World' but since then he’s made his own way in the music scene – as well as forays into acting and activism – and returns to fray with his Grammy-award winning album Michale. Catch his introspective and autobiographical lyrics at Paradiso, one for any hip-hop fans. 

• Monday 19 August | doors open 19:00 | Paradiso | tickets here

Nick Ward

Bedroom indie crafted down under, Nick Ward lands in Cinetol, wielding a brand of soft organic sounds that will hook you into a summer daze, even if just for a night. 

• Wednesday 21 August | doors open 20:00 | Cinetol | tickets here

Jazz at the Plantage

While jazz usually lends itself to cosy, dimly-lit bars, Amsterdam’s Plantage neighbourhood proves it’s just as special in alfresco settings. Organised by H’ART Museum and in collaboration with Conservatorium van Amsterdam, this summer series takes place on Sundays in the museum’s sun-dappled courtyard, where intimate jazz performances gently ease you into the late summer nights. 

• Sundays throughout July-August | H’ART 

Terrace concerts at Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ

Head down to the waterfront of Amsterdam’s superb concert hall for a summer of intimate and atmospheric terrace concerts with a spectacular view. Whether it’s experimental jazz or a piano recital, bask in the sound of music over dinner and drinks while the River IJ laps gently next to you.

• Friday and Saturday nights through July-August | Muziekgebouw

CLUBBING & FESTIVALS

Milkshake

For queer festival goers looking for a little bit of everything, Milkshake has you covered. Billed as a celebration of what it means to be queer, the general consensus is ‘come as you are’ (though a bit of glitter helps). A two-day music festival that’s more a collection of parties than a roster of headline acts, Milkshake is an excellent introduction to Amsterdam’s LGBTQI+ scene, with a big focus on maximalist (and minimalist) outfits and everything from contemporary pop to techno. That’s not to say the festival is without some big-hitting acts, with the likes of Mel C, Sugababes, Jessie Ware, and Trixie Mattel all having paid the Milkshake stage a visit. Grab a ticket for one day or the weekend – and your most whimsical outfit.

• 27-28 July | Westerpark | tickets here

Dekmantel

This multi-day electronic music festival takes place each August and is growing in scope and popularity every year. With the Amsterdamse Bos still serving as the festival's leafy base, Dekmantel has added several other locations for their Dekmantel aan ‘t IJ programme (2-3 August). These include Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, Tolhuistuin, Parallel and Shelter, where you’ll find close listening sessions, live concerts, lectures and film screenings. But for ardent purists, head to the Bos for techno under the sun-dappled trees where some of the world’s best electronic acts gather for your pleasure. 

• 2-4 August 2024 | Amsterdamse Bos

Loveland

Techno lovers take note: head to Sloterpark between August 12-13 for Loveland, where electronic heavy-hitters like Honey Dijon, Speedy J and Joris Voorn as well as lesser-known names take to the stage. Organised in Nieuw-West’s major park, Loveland turns 25 this year, which means the celebrations are set to be even more electric and hedonistic.  

• 10-11 August | Sloterpark | tickets here

Dance Valley

The self-proclaimed longest-running daytime dance party in the world, Dance Valley is a staple of the Amsterdam Area’s festival scene and an excellent one at that. Located in the harbour town of IJmuiden, a short train ride form the capital, head out of the city to dance to your favourite techno among the fields.  

• Saturday 10 August | Recreatiegebied Spaarnwoude | tickets here

Grachtenfestival

It wouldn’t be Amsterdam without music on the canals. Luckily, Grachtenfestival returns for its 27th edition in August, when musicians from around the world perform at 30 different locations along the city’s watery belt. Don’t miss the iconic Prinsengracht Concert, where locals and visitors huddle on boats along the canal for a spectacular classical music show. 

• 23 August-1 September, City Centre | more information here
• Saturday 24 August, Prinsengracht | more information here

Mysteryland

For the seasoned electronic music lover to the newbie, Mysteryland has worldwide name recognition as a hub for genres spanning trance, disco and techno, right along the beautiful Harlemmermeer.

• 30 August-1 September | Floriadeterrein in Haarlemmermeer | tickets here

Zeezout

It all started as another beach party, but ZeeZout Festival has grown into something so much more. Don't expect any 'big' names here, because this festival marches to its own, low-key and unsung tune. Head here for emerging acts, where budding artists transform the Gardens of West into the largest dance floor in the city.

• Saturday August 31, 12:00 - 23:00 | Gardens of West | from €55,- | more information

*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.