7 events and festivals in Amsterdam to look out for in 2026

CASA is the perfect home base for your festival or event visits. Enjoy an ice cold drink on rooftop GAPP with stunning views over East Amsterdam before heading out, and fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Restaurant EAST the next morning to cure any hangover. Here’s a look at some of the city’s standout events in 2026: 

King’s Day in the Netherlands is a nation-wide explosion of orange, energy and celebration. Held every 27 April, the holiday honours King Willem-Alexander’s birthday - continuing a tradition that began over a century ago with Queen’s Day. Amsterdam transforms into one vast festival, with streets, bridges and canals glowing in bright orange as locals and visitors join the fun. All across the city you’ll find a huge open-air flea market where anyone can sell treasures, clothes, curiosities or homemade treats or drinks. Street parties pulse from morning until late night, with DJs popping up on corners, boats drifting through the canals turned into floating dancefloors, and neighbourhoods buzzing with music. It’s one of Amsterdam’s most joyful days—an unforgettable blend of tradition and celebration.

📅 26 April (at night only) & 27 April (day time)

5 May marks the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II with lively freedom festivals, riverside concerts and cultural events spread across the city. Visitors can enjoy free performances in parks, or join the crowds at Het Vrijheidsconcert on the Amstel for an unforgettable evening of music beneath the stars. Museums and cultural institutions often host special exhibitions or talks exploring stories of freedom, resilience and Dutch history. It’s a day when Amsterdam feels both festive and thoughtful.

📅 5 May

Holland Festival is Amsterdam’s premier international performing arts celebration. Held every June, it brings world-class theatre, dance, music and multidisciplinary performances to stages and public spaces across the city. From innovative contemporary works to reinterpretations of classic pieces, the festival attracts artists and audiences from around the globe. Visitors can immerse themselves in thought-provoking performances, live concerts, and spectacular outdoor shows, all while exploring Amsterdam’s vibrant cultural scene.

📅 June

WorldPride Amsterdam 2026 is set to be a spectacular celebration of love, identity and inclusivity. The city will come alive with colourful parades, open-air performances, parties and cultural events that honour LGBTQIA+ communities from around the world. Canals will be lined with spectators cheering on the famous Canal Parade, while squares and streets host music, art, and dance, creating an atmosphere that’s vibrant, joyful and welcoming.

Beyond the parties, WorldPride offers workshops, talks, and exhibitions that celebrate diversity and human rights, making it an event that’s as meaningful as it is unforgettable. Amsterdam becomes a city of connection, pride, activism and celebration.

📅 25 July - 8 August

The Canal Festival in Amsterdam is a charming celebration of the city’s waterways and musical heritage. Each summer, canals across the city host floating stages, bringing classical, jazz, and contemporary performances right to the water’s edge. Visitors can enjoy concerts from boats, bridges, or quaysides, soaking up the music alongside the picturesque historic architecture. With free performances, workshops, and activities for all ages, the festival creates a unique mix of culture and community. It’s a wonderful way to experience Amsterdam from a different perspective—on the water, surrounded by music, and fully immersed in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

📅 7-16 August

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is the heart of the global electronic music scene. Every October, the city transforms into a massive event for music lovers, with hundreds of venues hosting thousands of DJs, producers and artists from around the world. From intimate club nights and rooftop sessions to legendary warehouse parties and cutting-edge audiovisual shows. Whether you’re dancing till dawn or exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife, ADE delivers an unbeatable blend of energy.

📅 21-25 October

Museum Night in Amsterdam is an annual event held on the first Saturday of November, where over 70 museums open their doors in the evening with special programs. Visitors can plan their own route through the participating venues and enjoy concerts, workshops, performances, talks, and more. It’s the perfect way to discover Amsterdam’s museums, from well-known highlights to hidden gems.

📅 7 November

CASA is the perfect hotel to stay with your friends when you’re visiting a festival in Amsterdam. There is plenty of opportunity to have a drink at Hotel Casa before your festival visit. Rooftop terrace GAPP and the bar in Restaurant EAST are great places for a pre-festival drink, with many beer, cocktail and refreshment opportunities available. Feeling hungover the day after your festival? Restaurant EAST, the living room of Hotel Casa, has some great breakfast options to cure any hangover. During the weekend CASA even hosts bottomless brunch, with 5 delicious savoury and sweet dishes and unlimited cava and mimosa.