August in Amsterdam is a time of vibrant festivals, sunny days, and lively street scenes. Whether you’re exploring the city’s iconic canals or enjoying a live event, there’s something for everyone. Dive into our guide to discover the best summer activities that will make Amsterdam shine this August.
Amsterdam Pride 2024
Amsterdam Pride transforms the city into a dazzling celebration of diversity and inclusivity every august. The highlight of the festival is the iconic Canal Parade, where spectacularly decorated boats glide through the canals. Beyond the parade, the city hosts an array of parties, performances, and cultural events. It’s definitely a must-see for anyone looking to experience Amsterdam’s spirited embrace of LGBTQ+ pride. Dive into the festivities and join the thousands who flock to Amsterdam to celebrate love, freedom, and acceptance in one of the world’s most joyous pride celebrations.
Chill Out at Amsterdam Icebar
Beat the summer heat with a frosty adventure at Amsterdam Icebar, where everything from the walls to your glass is crafted from ice. This one-of-a-kind experience, housed in a constant -10°C environment, offers not just a cool atmosphere but also three free drinks with your entry—two in the ice bar and one in the warm lounge. Step into a recreated arctic setting inspired by Willem Barentsz’s 1596 expedition and enjoy a variety of specialty flavored vodkas. It’s a must-visit spot for an unforgettable, chill experience in the heart of Amsterdam.
📍Amsterdam Icebar: Amstel 194, 1017 AG Amsterdam
Summer Dance Forever: A Global Hip-Hop Extravaganza
From August 20-26, 2024, Amsterdam transforms into the epicenter of hip-hop. It’s true: dancers from across the globe converge for the annual Summer Dance Forever festival. Over seven dynamic days, immerse yourself in a whirlwind of electrifying performances, high-energy battles, and workshops. They are all designed to elevate your dance skills. Spread across various venues in the city, this festival is a celebration of both emerging talent and established stars, promising an unforgettable summer experience in one of Europe’s hottest dance hubs.
📍Various locations. You can read more here.
📆20-26 August 2024
The Grachtenfestival
Experience Amsterdam’s musical vibrancy at the Grachtenfestival, the Netherlands’ largest classical music festival dedicated to showcasing young talent in classical music and jazz. Running over ten days, this annual event, which began in 1998 as a four-day festival, features more than 200 concerts and performances across over 100 unique venues. Emphasizing discovery and innovation, the festival offers young musicians a prominent platform to shine and engage with a broad audience through free concerts, workshops, and lectures, while pioneering new concert forms and collaborations in the heart of Amsterdam. Unmissable for any music lover !
See the full program here.
📍Various locations
📆From Aug. 23 to Sept. 1, 2024
Go on the Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour
Immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s poignant history with the Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour. Led by an expert guide, this intimate tour takes you through the city’s historic Jewish Quarter, starting at the evocative Portuguese Synagogue. Then, discover the story of Anne Frank and her family, from their move to Amsterdam and life in hiding to the impact of her diary and the broader context of the Dutch Resistance. You will explore the Jewish Historical Museum, the Auschwitz Monument, and the Anne Frank House facade. It will make you gain deep insights into the struggles and resilience of a wartime Amsterdam through personal stories and historical anecdotes.
Discover Stop Motion at the Rijksmuseum
Dive into the fascinating world of early photography with the Rijksmuseum’s “Stop Motion” exhibition. This compelling showcase features around 25 original prints by British-American pioneer Eadweard Muybridge. He was renowned for his groundbreaking work capturing human and animal movement. Alongside Muybridge’s iconic images, explore the pioneering glass negatives of French scientist Étienne-Jules Marey. This exhibition reveals how these early photographers used their cameras to surpass the human eye… Forever changing our understanding of motion and laying the groundwork for modern visual documentation.
📍Rijksmuseum: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam
Beat the Heat: Amsterdam’s Top Swimming Pools
When Amsterdam heats up, dive into relief at one of the city’s premier swimming pools. With options ranging from family-friendly havens to chic, contemporary retreats, there’s a perfect spot for every swimmer. Whether you’re planning a fun day out with the kids or a stylish poolside hangout with friends, Amsterdam’s pools offer the ultimate cool-down you need. Check out our favorites here!