Our guide is updated at the start of every month, packed with the best events. Explore the best of Amsterdam with insider tips and recommendations. Whether you’re planning your weekend or looking to fill your calendar, let our monthly roundup help you make the most of everything Amsterdam has to offer!

What’s Happening in Amsterdam This August 2025?
August has arrived, and guys there is SO much to do! From canal parades and street parties to open-air films and music festivals, summer in Amsterdam is at its best. 

Check out the best things to do in August in Amsterdam here!

Pride Amsterdam Canal Parade – August 2

On 2 August, the world-famous Canal Parade takes place during Pride Amsterdam. The boats start at 12:00 and sail from Oosterdok through Nieuwe Herengracht, the Amstel, Prinsengracht and end at Westerdok. Find a spot along the route to watch, more than 80 boats will take part.

All around town there will be street parties, outdoor performances, and club events. 

Pride Street Parties – August 1 – 3 

Amsterdam turns into one big open-air party for Pride weekend. LGBTQ+ bars and clubs take over the streets with music, dancing, and celebration. On Friday and Saturday, there are street parties from 16:00 until midnight at Dam Square, Spuistraat, Zeedijk, Reguliersdwarsstraat, and Marnixstraat. On Sunday, the weekend ends with a big closing party at Dam Square from 14:00 to 23:00.

De Parade Traveling Theatre Festival – July 25 – August 10

The world’s only traveling theatre festival will be back at Martin Luther King Park. With around 80 performances including theatre, dance, mime, and music there’s something for everyone. Most shows are specially created for the festival and can only be seen at De Parade.

Martin Luther King Park, Amsterdam | Friday 25 July – Sunday 10 August 2025 | Daily opening hours vary | €10 entry (first hour free)

Das Refugium, Yoga, Pilates & Lifestyle Weekend – August 30 & 31

2 days of movement, music, and mindful connection in the heart of Amsterdam. Your weekend ticket gives you access to 12 unique sessions across yoga, pilates, and embodied practices, all guided by inspiring teachers and set to curated soundscapes. Enjoy seasonal lunch, daily matcha, and thoughtful extras like a goodie bag and recovery station. Come move, breathe, and reset with a like-minded community.

30–31 August 2025 at Studio 3000, doors open at 09:30 both days, tickets from € 75 get them here!

Summer rooftop NEMO – Live music, yoga & outdoor movie nights

The biggest rooftop with 360-degree views in Amsterdam is back! Renewed and it’s stunning. You can enjoy live music, open-air films and more on the rooftop of NEMO Science Museum during August.

• On Thursdays, enjoy live music from Brazilian beats and pop ballads to drag karaoke and summer salsa with special nights during Pride Amsterdam, the Grachtenfestival and SAIL.
• Sunrise yoga sessions take place on select mornings in August from 09:30 to 10:30 – see schedule
• End the summer with outdoor movie nights on 28, 29 and 30 August, separate ticket 

Cruise & Create: Canal cruise + Upside Down Museum summer deal

Flagship Amsterdam and The Upside Down team up for a great summer combo. First, cruise through the canals with a drink in hand. Then, dive into a world of colour and illusion at The Upside Down Amsterdam.

What’s included: a 1-hour canal cruise with Flagship Amsterdam (electric boat or classic saloon, guide on board). Entry to The Upside Down Amsterdam, where you can explore over 25 interactive rooms and installations made for fun and cool photo moments. You save 20%, get your tickets here. 

Get your DICAPRI Limoncello Spritz in Amsterdam

Want to feel a bit of dolce vita in the heart of Amsterdam? Try the DICAPRI Limoncello Spritz! Italy’s No. 1 limoncello, made with real Sorrento lemons and no artificial stuff. Traditionally served cold after dinner, but now also the perfect base for cocktails like the DICAPRI Spritz! You Can try this summer drink at Pilsvogel (De Pijp), Onze Zaak (City Center), Poolbar (City Center) and Café Pollux (near CS). Or get it at home, find the recipe here! #NIX18

Vintage Island Big Vintage Market – August 16 & 17

Vintage lovers, mark your calendar! On 16–17 August, Vintage Island is hosting a big market in Amsterdam with 1000m² of secondhand fashion, accessories and more. Entry is free,  just book a time slot via this link. Location: Open Door Space, Tt. Vasumweg 31 in Amsterdam

SAIL Amsterdam – August 20 – 24

Every five years, SAIL brings the world’s most impressive tall ships to Amsterdam and in 2025 it’s finally happening again! Admire historic ships up close, join boat tours, and enjoy music, food and fireworks along the IJ. Whether you’re on the water or watching from shore, it’s one of the biggest events of the summer.

The North Sea Canal is 18 km long and passes through several towns. Watch the fleet pass by at these times at August 20:

• IJmuiden: 10:00 AM – 13:00 PM

• Buitenhuizen: 11:30 AM – 14:30 PM

• Hempont: 12:30 PM – 16:30 PM

At August 24 we close SAIL 2025 with a festive parade! Wave goodbye to the ships and find your best spot along the IJ or North Sea Canal.

Fleet passing the North Sea Canal at:

• Hempont: 15:00 – 16:00 PM

• Buitenhuizen: 16:00 – 17:00 PM

• IJmuiden: 17:00 – 18:00 PM

Canal Festival – August 15 – 24

The Canal Festival (Grachtenfestival) brings music to the canals of Amsterdam. Enjoy over 150 classical and jazz concerts at special locations across the city. From canal houses to rooftops and even on the water. The festival highlights young talent and offers both free and ticketed shows. Check out the program here. 

Prinsengracht concert – August 23

The largest outdoor classical music event in the Netherlands. Held each year on a floating stage in the Prinsengracht canal. It’s a free concert where top musicians perform for an audience sitting on boats, bridges, and along the canal. The atmosphere is magical! The main act starts at 21:20. The concert is surrounded by people listening from boats, but you can also watch from the canalside along the Prinsengracht.

Pluk de Nacht Open‑Air Film Festival – August 20 – 30

Enjoy indie and arthouse films under the stars at the Stenen Hoofd city beach on the IJ waterfront. Each night begins with short films around 21:00, followed by feature film, many of which have never been shown in Dutch cinemas. The festival site opens around 19:00 with beach chairs, blankets, a bar, art installations, fire pits and after‑film parties with music and games. 

Location: Stenen Hoofd Amsterdam, tickets from €9,50

Music Festivals Amsterdam August 2025

• Dekmantel – August 1, 2 & 3
• Kwaku Festival – until August 3
• Loveland Festival – August 9
• Dance Valley – August 9
• Latin Village – August 17
• Mysteryland – August 22, 23 & 24
• Valtifest – August 23
• ZeeZout Festival – August 30
• Intercell Outdoor – August 30
• Happy Feelings – August 30

Vondelpark Open Air Theatre Amsterdam 

Enjoy weekend performances in the park all the way through September. Every weekend brings something new: dance on Friday evenings, family-friendly shows on Saturday afternoons, comedy on Saturday nights, classical music on Sunday mornings, and pop music on Sunday afternoons. Entry is based on donations.  Check their agenda for the specific shows every weekend. 

Markets

• Sunday Market @ Westergas, August 3
• IJhallen biggest flea market @ NDSM, August 9 & 10
• Pure Market @ Amsterdamse Bos, August 17 
• Flea Market @ Stadionplein, August 17
• Pure Market @ Park Frankendael,  August 31
• Antique Market @ Amstelveld, August 29

Films With a View – until the end of September

Films With a View is back every Tuesday at Pllek until the end of September. Enjoy a variety of movies screened outdoors on the beach. Movies start about half an hour after sunset, and you can pick up your headphones 1.5 hours before the film begins. Tickets cost €10 and are available online; note that screenings only take place when the weather is dry.Pllek, Amsterdam | Every Tuesday until end of September 2025 | Movie starts about 30 minutes after sunset | €10 per ticket

Newest Restaurants in Amsterdam

Of course, a great restaurant can’t be missing from the list of monthly activities. And what could be more fun than trying one of Amsterdam’s newest spots? As you know, we love keeping lists, and that includes a list of Restaurants that recently opened in Amsterdam—and there are quite a few! Check them out here.

Even more Amsterdam Tips

Art & Culture

Fun Activities 

• Dining in The Dark: Enjoy a three, four, or five-course dining experience that takes place entirely in the dark. Book your spot here →
• 2-Hour Private Karaoke Session: Book a private karaoke booth for up to 10 people for a super fun night out! Book your spot here →
• 80’s Roller Skating Rink: Go back to the ’80s with a stunning decor and the best ’80s music. Spend a fun and active day out skating with friends and family in the rink. Book your spot here →
• Visit House of Bols: Bols Cocktail Experience takes you through the history of Genever and liqueur, unveiling the secrets behind the craft of distillation that has been practiced for over 400 years by Lucas Bols, the world’s oldest distilled spirit brand. Book your experience here →
• Wine Tasting with Experienced Sommelier: The sommelier guides you through a curated selection of 5 wines, all sourced from local winemakers. Book your tasting here →

Weekend Day Trips – Explore the Rest of The Netherlands

You may also like to check out our list of newly opened restaurants! We update it every month. Follow us on Tiktok or Instagram. On our Social Media Channels we always post even more content of find out about the best tips, parties, events and more.