Amsterdam Weekend Guide (22-24 September)
As we bid farewell to summer in Amsterdam, this weekend promises a vibrant mix of culture, cuisine, and entertainment. No matter if you are a foodie, are looking for an art-filled day, or simply for a space to unwind—this weekend has something thrilling in store for everyone.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
West Beach Film Festival
There’s nothing like a lakeside setting to add drama to your cinema experience. West Beach Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, screening a diverse programme of movies on the edge of Sloterplas Lake in the last warm evenings of September. Enjoy an eclectic mix of Dutch and English titles during two weeks of pay-as-you-feel waterfront movie mania. Keep an eye on their site for weather updates. Sunday promises to be dry!
West Beach Film Festival | Wednesday 20 - Sunday 24 September | Sloterstrand
Ambacht in Beeld Festival
NDSM Loods is transformed into an extra-large public workshop, where over 90 international artisans and craftsmen will give masterclasses and demonstrations. Marvel at everything from clothing repair workshops and Turkish ceramics or marbling paper and embroidery. There will also be a vegan food court, documentary screenings, a live music stage and a materials fair.
Ambacht in Beeld Festival | Saturday 23 - Sunday 24 September: 10.00 - 18.00 | NDSM Loods
Amsterdam Dark Festival
Turn off the lights and admire another enchanting side of the city. Among the diverse activities available, you can embark on nocturnal strolls, immerse yourself in literature performances cloaked in darkness, and witness the mesmerising transition from day to night at unique locations.
Amsterdam Dark Festival | Friday 22 - Sunday 24 September | various locations
ART & CULTURE
Action Zoo Humain - Flemish Primitives
Following up on a presentation at the 35th World Exhibition in Dubai, Flemish Primitives is part of a talent show performed by Action Zoo Human. It is focused on identity, and the malleability of success, and subjects six young Flemish dancers in a series of incongruous experiments, with the aim of making audience members reflect on the desire to excel and the mediatic sensationalisation of differences.
Action Zoo Humain - Flemish Primitives | Friday 22 – Saturday 24 September: 20:00 – 22:00 | Vlaams Cultuurhuis de Brakke Grond
Unseen Photo Fair
Contemporary photography takes centre stage at Unseen. Organised in partnership with 65 exhibitors from around the globe, ranging from emerging initiatives to established curators, the art fair offers a wide-ranging perspective on the latest developments and innovations in photography. The photo fair serves as a hub for exchanging ideas, where tradition mingles with avant-garde, and the past informs the future. This inclusive approach is exemplified by Unfair’s circular design, which erases boundaries and distinctions between galleries and fosters a vibrant and interconnected community of photographers.
Unseen Photo Fair | Friday 22 – Sunday 24 September | Westergas, Klönneplein 1
RESTAURANTS & BARS
Low Food Festival
The Low Food Festival brings together the worlds of food and sustainability. This joint effort by Move Amsterdam and Low Food signifies a revival of culinary expertise and a fresh recognition of the value of locally procured ingredients, all while upholding ecological harmony. Food enthusiasts have the opportunity to craft their own unique experience by selecting tickets for a variety of workshops, films, and delectable dining experiences!
Low Food Festival | Friday 22 – Sunday 24 September | Move Amsterdam
Late Summer Festival
Pluk! is celebrating the end of summer through a free festival where visitors will be able to take part in workshops, watch movies, join games and kid-friendly activities and listen to live music by the fire as the day closes. The Fruittuin cafe will be open for refreshments and also be firing up their outdoor wood oven for freshly baked pizzas.
Late Summer Festival | Saturday 23 September: 13:00 - 21:00 | Fruittuin location
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