Music Guide (February 2026)

CONCERTS & GIGS

Editor’s Pick: Midlake

If you like: The Decemberists, Fleet Foxes

Folk-rock troubadours Midlake have been the blueprint for indie rockers of today, inspiring the likes of the National and Fleet Foxes. They still remain a force of their own, armed with a woodsy, wintry sound that blends evocative lyricism with textured rock. Song ‘Roscoe’ is their biggest for a reason – all layered harmonies and ambling guitar – but consider it the entry point to one of indie’s great bands.

10 February | doors open 19:00 | Paradiso | tickets here

Anna of the North

If you like: Agnes, Tove Styrke

Arriving right towards the tail end of the winter, Anna of the North’s glacial pop sounds are a reminder of why Scandinavians are the foremost pop producers in the world. Best known for her sleek, electro-infused debut Lovers and frosty siren song Oslo, catch her in February for a winter chill done right. 

8 February | doors open 19:30 | Bitterzoet | tickets here

Rochelle Jordan

If you like: Ella Mai, Kelela

London-born and Toronto-raised, Rochelle Jordan merges the pop sensibilities of her birthplace and the sultry cool of the city she grew up in. A little bit dancey and a lot soulful, Jordan’s music is a nod to 90s R’n’b while still being distinctly modern, and her latest album Through the Wall is a lesson in what it means to make a sound your own. Better yet she’s performing two shows, one at 19:30 and one at 21:30, depending on how you like your Sunday nights. 

15 February | doors open 21:30 | Paradiso Upstairs | tickets here

Laura May Carter

If you like: KT Tunstall, Mitski

Some may know Carter from her time as the frontwoman of noughties alt-rock band Blood Red Shoes, but now she’s going solo. More dreamy than drum-led, Carter arrives at Cinetol for a downtempo night of fuzzy, cosy pop. 

17 February | doors open 20:00 | Cinetol | tickets here

Wednesday

If you like: Geese, Snail Mail

After releasing one of the year’s most critically acclaimed bands (Bleeds), the North Carolina-hailing band lands in Paradiso, in an attempt to convert Amsterdammers to their own church of post-punk shoegaze. Hair-raising melodies, poetic lyricism and plenty of grit, you’ll be hard pushed not to fall for Wednesday on a Saturday this February. 

21 February | doors open 19:00 | Paradiso | tickets here

Free lunchtime concerts at Het Concertgebouw

Best for: office-bound escapists

Every week throughout the year, the Concertgebouw puts on a special classical showcase at no cost (for you). This month, watch contenders from both the national piano and violin competitions as well as the Symphony Orchestra of the Amsterdam Conservatory and members of the Dutch National Opera Academy perform. 

Every Wednesday | 12:00-13:00 | Het Concertgebouw | tickets here

CLUBBING & FESTIVALS

Kalinichta XL

If you like: Balkan beats

One of Tropikal Festival’s main stages returns on its own for a special party. Inspired by the sounds of the Balkans, Anatolia and southwest Asia, Kalinichta specialises in a region where everything is served hot. Organised at Paradiso and now in its 20th edition, there’s even a special Latinichta party – focused naturally on Latin music – in the basement for when you want a little extra transatlantic flavour. Billed as an LGBTQ+ event, this one’s for everyone - so come as you are, but with respect.

N.b Kalinichta offers what they call Solidarity Tickets based on trust for people who can’t afford a ticket, with priority for refugees from the Balkan and SWANA regions, trans people, and BIPOC community members, while keeping all requests confidential.

14 February | doors open 19:30 | Paradiso | tickets here

Vault Sessions 11 Years Weekender

If you like: heavy, immersive techno

With over a decade of long nights, immersive sets and a dedicated community under its belt, Vault Sessions is putting on a special weekend-long event to celebrate 11 years. ISO plays host to Vault Sessions on Friday and before it runs off to RADION for the following one. Expect artists who’ve been part of the game for a while and new names helping Vault stay ahead, from MARRØN to Grace Dahl and Freddy K on the decks. 

6-9 February | doors open 22:00 | ISO + RADION | 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 its music scene 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. 

6 Febuary | doors open 23:00 | Melkweg Max | tickets here

Kiss All Hipsters

If you like: the indie crowd

Amsterdam’s leading indie party returns this February for all of you who prefer Tame Impala to The Blessed Madonna. Catch the left-of-centre crowd dance it out to The Arctic Monkeys, The Cure, La Roux and Florence at Melkweg. 

21 February | doors open 23:00 | Melkweg Oz | tickets here

*If you've missed out on tickets, don't sweat – TicketSwap is a safe and reliable resale site where you can source tickets for events that have sold out.