Amsterdam Weekend Guide (26-28 July)
As the capital enters into one of its busiest and most riotous periods, we’ve picked out the things you won’t want to miss, including Queer & Pride, Milkshake and the start of Dekmantel’s 10th anniversary.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Queer & Pride Amsterdam
Just like last year, Queer Amsterdam and the Pride Amsterdam Foundation are jointly organising Queer & Pride Amsterdam. The Queer Amsterdam programme is already in full swing, with plenty of events, sports initiatives, markets, talks and exhibitions colouring its program until the 4 August. Elsewhere, Pride Amsterdam launches this week, from 27 July until 4 August. There are numerous events, exhibitions, lectures and activities to explore for those who want to go out and those who want a little bit of history.
Read these curated tips for what's on and when during Queer & Pride 2024.
Queer Amsterdam | 3 July - 4 August
Pride Amsterdam | 27 July - 4 August
Milkshake
Complete with a memorable blend of music, performance, and style, Milkshake Festival has become one of the most beloved queer festivals in Europe. It’s a ‘come as you are’ festival, as long as it includes an outfit that reflects that. Open-minded and dancey, this electronic festival at the Westerpark is a complete weekend-long celebration, with Sunday being a hotspot for the local community. With nine stages and a kaleidoscope of performances, there is no lack of choice. Milkshake provides a platform for artists from underrepresented groups, featuring renowned names like Mel C, Sugababes, Jessie Ware, and Trixie Mattel on the main stage – so keep your eyes peeled for this year’s surprise guests.
Milkshake | 26-28 July | Westerpark
Kwaku
Zuidoost staple Kwaku enters its seventh edition for a riotous celebration of culture, food and sport. What began as a small, local football tournament has evolved into one of the country’s largest festivals, though the football tournament still makes up a crucial part of the event’s distinct flavour. The tantalising aromas of Surinamese, Asian, South American, Caribbean and African food are another key focus, and the various food stalls remain one of the festival’s biggest draws. Each year, disco and funk legends complete the main stage line-up for some guaranteed summer groove – and this weekend, it’s Earth, Wind and Fire.
Kwaku | July-August | Nelson Mandela Park
Dekmantel Ten at Het Hem
Another of Amsterdam’s most famous electronic festivals returns for its 10th anniversary, as it begins its tour de force of locations around the capital. It kicks off at the iconic Het Hem – Zaandam’s iconic industrial art centre – which will be closing its doors for good this Summer. From Friday to Sunday, panels, sets and workshops from names like Octa and Young Marco will be performing to bring some summer heat and techno beats to this corner of the Amsterdam area.
Dekmantel | 26 July - 4 August | Het Hem
SHOPPING & MARKETS
Antiques Market at Amstelveld
After a midcentury table or a statement piece to breathe new life into your home interior? Then, plot a route to this market in the Amstelveld, where antique gems and timeworn travels await. Filled to the brim with curio, vintage and secondhand finds, stop by one of the 120 vendors flogging their wares, and you might head home with something special.
Antiques Market | Friday 26 July | Amstelveld
MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS
NEMO Yoga and Summer Roof Terrace
NEMO museum gets summery with a few extras, in case their permanent exhibitions aren’t enough. For the bendable and flexible types among us, start your day with some yoga on NEMO’s roof this Friday for one of the best views. Alternatively, head for a more relaxed rooftop moment with drinks, food and music on NEMO’s terrace. Every Thursday night, there’s live music by new and rising talent from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Plus, there are also set to be special editions of the NEMO Summer Roof, including one this weekend that coincides with Pride Week.
NEMO Rooftop Yoga | Friday 26 July, 9:30-10:30
NEMO Summer Roof | Thursday-Saturday, 17:30-21:00
RESTAURANTS & BARS
The Jollof Club
If you love jollof rice as much as most people do, don’t miss out on Lotti’s (at the Hoxton Hotel), which combines the best West African flavours with some of Europe’s most beloved tastes. Created by Chef Nicolas Aquaa, you’ll find a contemporary West African menu with Jollof rice at the heart of it, as well as innovative dishes and drinks every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from now until mid-August. Dig in.
The Jollof Club | until mid-August | Lotti’s
Klaproos Blockparty
Pizza hideout Klaproos looks to bring energy and party to its usually low-key setting with a very summery block party. From 14:00-20:00 on Sunday, Klaproos’s garden and space will be knocking out tunes and records while dishing out food and drinks for anyone lucky enough to swing by. A great choice if you want to go out but not out out, when the weather’s nice, there are few places better than this bit of Noord.
Klaproos Blockparty | Sunday 28 July, 14:00-20:00 | Papaverhoek 39
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