No matter what time of year you visit Amsterdam, you’ll be amazed by the number of festivals and events that are hosted in the city. In fact, Amsterdam is home to some of the world’s best music festivals which welcome visitors from across the globe, and the city’s cultural events are some of the most fascinating in Europe.
Whether you’re searching for an Amsterdam dance event or seek the famous Amsterdam Tulip Festival, we have the city’s best festivals and events covered for you here!
Amsterdam music festivals
There are a number of awesome Amsterdam music festivals that thousands of people flock to each year, because what could be better than listening to your favourite music in a truly fascinating city? Oh My! Music Festival is one of the most popular options due to being Europe’s largest urban festival. Featuring a host of amazing acts across rap, R&B, house, and dubstep music genres, this festival also promotes upcoming, local artists which gives visitors the opportunity to discover someone new. Surrounded by greenery, Oh My! Music Festival is easy to reach using Amsterdam’s public transport options, and there is also parking for both cars and bikes.
One of the top Amsterdam music festivals for electronic fans is Spring Break Festival. Located across the city in some of its top clubs throughout the night, you’ll also find warm-up parties, boat parties, and pub crawls taking place during the day. This music festival has sold out quickly the last couple of years, and acts are usually announced from around October for the following year. Covering everything from bass and house to garage and hip hop, this Amsterdam festival offers great value which makes it perfect for students.
As the largest outdoor techno festival in the world, Awakenings Festival is the place to be for fans of techno, deep house, drum & bass, and electro. Welcoming 80,000 visitors each year, you can expect to find over 100 techno DJs at the festival, so you’ll have plenty of acts to choose from. Awakenings Festival organises coach and bus transfers both in Amsterdam and outside of the city, plus the option to park your car. Alternatively, you could take on the 30 minute bike ride from the city centre instead!
Cultural Amsterdam festivals
When it comes to cultural Amsterdam festivals, the city’s Light Festival is the most magical option. See the city lit up in a completely new way as you wander around and spot beautiful light sculptures. Each year, hundreds of ideas are submitted in line with a chosen theme, and just 30 are chosen to be part of this popular Amsterdam event which completely changes the look of the city when night falls. One of the best ways to see the sculptures is from the water, and booking an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise gives you the opportunity to do this.
If you can’t get through the day without a caffeine hit you’ll love the Amsterdam Coffee Festival. This festival invites artisan roasters, coffee equipment manufacturers, and street food stalls to share their products and knowledge with around 12,500 visitors each year. You’ll have the chance to taste new flavours, discover upcoming trends, and try amazing food and drink pairings. Expect engaging interactive workshops, coffee cocktails, live music, and some great entertainment as you celebrate your favourite hot beverage.
See the city in full colour during the Amsterdam Tulip Festival. Public spaces around the city are beautifully brightened with this pretty bloom which is planted throughout the city centre, both in the ground and in large flower pots. Known as being one of the most popular flower events in the world, this Amsterdam festival is a must-visit if you’ve got greenfingers, or just simply love to admire natural beauty and vibrant colours. Don’t forget to visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens on your tulip quest too. Open from the end of March until the beginning of May each year, these gardens are home to some absolutely stunning displays than cannot be missed.
With so many awesome Amsterdam festivals and events to choose from, why not book your Hull to Rotterdam ferry crossing so you can start planning a trip to your favourite option today!
