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 October 2026?
Summer may be over, but that definitely doesn’t mean there’s nothing fun to do in the city! Of course, we made an ADE party guide, but there’s also the amazing Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum (hello, mirror room 👀), vintage markets, The Art of Drinks, Halloween events, kids’ activities and so much more.
Check out the best things to do in October Amsterdam here.
Yayoi Kusama @ Stedelijk Museum
Yayoi Kusama has arrived at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam! See her iconic polka dots, colourful sculptures and huge installations, including an incredible new infinity room filled with lights, reflections and endless patterns. It’s one of those exhibitions that feels completely different from a regular museum visit. On until 17 January 2027.
ADE 2026 Party Guide
Looking for the best ADE parties in Amsterdam 2026? We’ve rounded up the hottest Amsterdam Dance Event parties, club nights and events you don’t want to miss.
- KI/KI 5 Hours, Oct 22 & 23 @ Ziggo Dome
- Audio Obscura x ADE, Oct 22-25
- DGTL, Oct 22-25 @ NDMS Warehouse & Kromhouthal
- Drumcode x Awakenings, Oct 22 & 23 @ Sugarfactory
- Into the Woods, Oct 23 & 24 @ NDSM
- ADE Bajes, Oct 23-25 @ Levenslang Amsterdam
- Elrow Amsterdam, Oct 23 @ Kromhouthal
- ADE × Wereldmuseum: DISCO I’m coming out, Oct 23
- 909 X Loveland, Oct 24 @ Mediahaven
- Mystic Garden Festival, Oct 24 @ Havenpark
- Dockyard Festival, Oct 24 @ N1
- AMF, Oct 24 @ Johan Cruijff ArenA
- Verknipt, Oct 24 & 25 @ AFAS
The Art of Drinks – October 17
The Art of Drinks takes over the Kromhouthal bringing together wines, beers, cocktails and craft spirits from around the world.
Discover new drinks, meet the makers and taste everything from favourites to special bottles, with most tastings included in your ticket.
There’s also food, seminars and live jazz music. From 19:3, there will be a dance floor with a DJ set by De Kopstootbar. You can also order full glasses or try exclusive drinks for a small extra fee.
Oktoberfest @ Gollem’s Proeflokaal @ October 3 & 4
Expect huge beer steins, schnapps, bratwurst, schnitzels, pretzels and plenty of German-style fun. Come dressed in your best lederhosen or dirndl and enjoy live Schlager music on Saturday.
Gollem’s Proeflokaal, Overtoom 160-162
Exhibition Master of the Moon by Yoshitoshi @ Van Gogh Museum
See 100 colourful prints from the Japanese artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi at the exhibition One Hundred Aspects of the Moon. Each telling a different story through warriors, lovers, mythical creatures and historical figures. It’s a beautiful look at Japanese printmaking and the influence it also had on Van Gogh.
Canal Race – October 10
Watch more than 100 rowing boats race through Amsterdam’s canals on a spectacular 22–25 km route through the city. It’s a unique Amsterdam tradition and definitely one to watch from the side of the canals. You can watch the race from the many bridges and quays in the city centre, or head to the start and finish at the Olympic Stadium. A fun way to experience Amsterdam from the water and one of the city’s most unique traditions!
Kid’s Picks in Amsterdam
- Children’s Book Week, Sept 30 – Oct 11OBA locations and bookshops will host fun activities for kids, from performances and workshops to special events inspired by books
- Draw at the Royal Palace on Dam Square. Get a free drawing guide and pencils on weekends and during the autumn holidays, with a drawing coach there to help you get started.
- Go apple and pear picking at Landgoed de Olmenhorst. Every weekend until 25 October
- Halloween Party at Speelboerderij Elsenhove. October 25
- Puppet show with Jan Klaassen & Katrijn, almost every Wednesday at 15:00 @ De Hallen. Free entry!
- Cinekid Festival, October 10 – 25 @ Pathé Amsterdam Noord
- Storytime @ De Kinderboekwinkel, every other Saturday
Markets
- Sunday Market @ Westergas, Oct 4
- Pure Market @ Amstelpark, Oct 11
- Museum Market @ Museum Square, Oct 11
- Sunday Market @ Rokin Oct 18
- Pure Market @ Park Frankendael, Oct 25
- Biggest Flea Market @ IJhallen, Oct 10 & 11 and 31& Nov 1
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.
