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 in May 2026?
So nice to have the sunshine back! It means festival season is in full swing again, and you can really see it this month. Expect fun food & dance festivals, plus markets, concerts, and so much more.
Check out the best things to do in May in Amsterdam here!
Tapt – May 8 & 9
The best borrel festival is back in Amsterdam! This is honestly such a fun event. Think games, great drinks, lots of music, dancing, and amazing food trucks. There’s also a silent disco, speed dating, and a photo booth. And if you’ve been before, there’s plenty of new things to discover this year like karaoke and much more.
Flevopark Amsterdam East, May 8 & 9
Rollende Keukens – May 13 until 17
This is another amazing annual food event in Westerpark. Entry is free, and the park turns into an open-air restaurant. There are endless food trucks, you can dance, there’s live music, and it has a super cozy picnic vibe. Just keep in mind it can get quite busy!
Open Wednesday and Friday from 13:00 to 23:00, and Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12:00 to 23:00.
Vondelpark Open Air Theater
There are lots of great performances and parties on the agenda again at the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre. It’s still free to visit, of course, but donations are very welcome.
- May 16, Kwaku Downtown Festival from 14:00
- May 17 Amsterdam Gospel Festival from 14:00
- May 23 Summer Breeze Latin Party from 15:00
Concert on the Amstel – May 5
The festive finale of May 5th: a free concert on the Amstel! You can watch from the riverside or from a boat. From 21:00 until 23:00 at the Skinny Bridge.
Liberation Day – May 5
The best parties on Liberation Day:
- Het Vrije Westen, free entry @ Westergas 12:00 – 23:00
- Liberté Liberté @ Lofi, 14:00 – 23:00
- Het Amsterdams Verbond @ Olympisch Stadion, 12:00 – 23:00
- Bevrijdingsdans, free entry @ Museum Quarter ,14:00 – 21:00
- Freedom Lunch & live shows, free entry @ Pllek, 15:30 – 21:30
Fête du Champagne – May 21 until 25
Do you love champagne? Then you’ll want to go here! Over 100 different champagnes and wines, delicious bites, great music, and a super cozy terrace.
Tickets €18.50, Thursday & Friday from 15:00 to 23:00 and Saturday until Monday from 12:00 to 23:00 @ Rembrandtpark
Other dance festivals this month
- Music On Fesetival, May 9 & 10 @ Houtrak terrein from 12:00 until 23:00
- Awakenings Upclose, May 16 & 17 @ Spaarnwoude from 12:00 until 23:00
- Festival de Zon, May 24 @ De Tuinen van West from 13:00 until 23:00
- Lente Kabinet, May 23 & 24 @ Het Twiske from 12:00 until 23:00
National Remembrance Day – May 4
At 20:00 we will observe a 2-minute silence to honor all those who died during World War II at Dam Square.
Markets
- Biggest Flea Market @ IJhallen, May 2 & 3
- Museum Market @ Museum Square, May 17
- Pure Market @ Amsterdamse Bos, May 17
- Pure Market @ Park Frankendael, May 31
- The Maker Market @ De Hallen, May 30 & 31
- Sunday Market @ Rokin, May 31
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.
