Amsterdam Weekend Guide (6-8 February)

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Frans Hals Museum

Opened in 1913, Haarlem’s leading art museum features a diverse collection, ranging from artworks - with 16th-century paintings such as ‘Saint Luke Painting the Virgin’ and ‘Draper’s Altar’ - to contemporary 21st-century additions. Spend an afternoon viewing the collection of painted Masterpieces, or if you’re looking for something more radical, check out Sex, Drugs, and Pottery – a commentary on queer and pop culture through hand-painted pottery.

Frans Hals Museum | Tuesday-Sunday, 11 am–5 pm | Frans Hals Museum

Metamorphoses at the Rijksmuseum

Opening this Friday, this exhibition celebrates the transformative tales penned by Ovid, showcasing the profound influence of the Roman poet. From passion and desire to deceit and jealousy, this collection at the Rijksmuseum traces the many artists and works inspired by Ovid. One for the classicists and anyone who’s ever loved myth.

Metamorphoses - Rijksmuseum | 6 February-25 May 2026 | Rijksmuseum

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Summer Dance Forever Weekender

The first weekend of February every year, some of the best dancers from around the world come to Amsterdam for this weekend dance festival. This year’s event presents a packed schedule across two different venues, starting with Theatre Forever: Woman Up in Paradiso on Friday night. Stick around Paradiso after the events on Friday or Saturday to attend the Afro Beats & Vibes or Clubbing Forever club nights for free. You can also attend some of the hip-hop and house dance classes at the Academy of Theatre and Dance and learn the basics or challenge yourself with more advanced options.

Summer Dance Forever Weekender | 6-7 February | Paradiso / Academy for Theatre & Dance

Frascati Come Together

This annual gathering for innovative performance art returns for its 11th edition at Frascati. For three days, Frascati’s main building will host short sketches, presentations, poetic experiments, conversations, lectures, and debates, before finishing off with a dance party. The program, which includes 24 artists, was created through a unique “chain-curating principle” in which Amsterdam-based artists invited others to take part.

Frascati Come Together | 4-6 February | Frascati

Yogesh Maitreya x Mo Wrights at Wanakam

This South Asian culture café in the heart of Amsterdam Oost presents researcher, writer, and lyricist Yogesh Maitreya, along with host Mo Wrights, the music producer and researcher. From 20:00-21:30, there will be an interview with Maitreya, whose work aims to connect other people to the experience of caste and its oppression on people, drawing parallels between it and race and class. Afterwards, Mo Wrights will perform his music, finishing off the night in style.

Yogesh Maitreya x Mo Wrights | 6 February | Wanakam

CONCERTS & GIGS

Blue Tone Big Band

Join the Blue Tone Big Band on Friday for a night of 1930s and 1940s Jazz, in a 1956 art-deco venue. The band has been performing for 75 years and is led by Bart Truiman, a renowned trumpet player. There’s no fixed charge for the event, but the recommended donation is €19.50, and you get a free non alcoholic drink for donating.

Big Band Night | 6 February | Kompaszaal

CLUBBING & NIGHTLIFE

Vault Sessions 11 Years Weekender

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.

Vault Sessions 11 Years Weekender | doors open 22:00, 6-9 February | ISO + RADION

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Bar Blitz at Tolhuistuin

Head to Tolhuistuin in Noord to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon playing blitz chess - players have five minutes each to make their moves - or just enjoying the drinks and company on offer. The event runs from 16:00-19:00, including ten rounds of chess and as many rounds of beer as you fancy.

Bar Blitz | 16:00-19:00 8 February | Tolhuistuin

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