August in Amsterdam doesn’t slow down—it shows off. The city’s in celebration mode, with long golden evenings, wild festivals, and cultural gems around every corner. We’ve picked the 10 best things to do before summer slips away.
Amsterdam Pride 2025
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.
📍 Location: Various locations
📆 Dates: From 26 july to 3 august 2025
Enjoy August in Amsterdam with Banksy
August in Amsterdam will be bursting with colour – above all at NDSM Loods. Banksy has taken over the city’s most creative district with his acclaimed exhibition, transforming this iconic venue into the ultimate stage for his bold and thought-provoking works. The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” is showing in Amsterdam until August 24. Students on break and families can save 15% with the Family Bundle — the perfect way to experience one of the world’s top-rated Banksy exhibitions together.
📍Location : NDSM Loods, NDSM-Plein 85, 1033 WC Amsterdam
📆 Dates: Until August 24, 2025
🎟️ Ticket info here
Listen to Live Music as the Sun Sets Over the IJ
Muziekgebouw’s open-air Terrace Concerts return this summer with an eclectic lineup—from Cuban jazz and flamenco Bach to glittering Pride pop and global chamber music. Taking place across weekends in July and August, these intimate performances come with DJs, drinks, dinners, and sweeping waterfront views. It’s the perfect way to wind down—or turn up—your summer evening in Amsterdam.
Location : The terrace of the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ. Piet Heinkade 1, 1019 BR Amsterdam.
Dates: From July 18 to August 17, 2025.
Tickets: Concert with drinks arrangement, € 37 per person / Concert with 2-course lunch or dinner, € 59.50 per person.
Art up your August with Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience in Utrecht
Make the most of August in Amsterdam — and add a touch of art to your summer! How about a memorable day trip to Utrecht, just a stone’s throw from the capital? Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is open at Jaarbeurs, offering a breathtaking journey into the world of the Netherlands’ most iconic artist. Step into his masterpieces like Wheatfield with Cypresses, Sunflowers, and Starry Night — all brought to life through cutting-edge technology and vibrant 360° projections. Discover the moving story behind Van Gogh’s art and life in this powerful, fully immersive experience that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before.
📍 Location: Jaarbeurs, Jaarbeurs Boulevard (Hall Complex Hall 5) Outside entrance, 3521 Utrecht
📆 Dates: Until August 31 2025
🎟️ Ticket info here
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.
📍Location: Amstel 194, 1017 AG Amsterdam
The Formula 1® Exhibition
August in Amsterdam is heating up with motorsport action! The Formula 1® Exhibition Amsterdam is more than just a showcase—it’s an interactive adventure for fans of all ages. Explore iconic cars, legendary memorabilia, and rare photos that tell the story of F1’s evolution. Cutting-edge digital installations and race simulations put you in the driver’s seat, letting you experience the thrill of Formula 1® firsthand. Whether you’re a lifelong motorsport fan, a tech enthusiast, or simply looking for an exciting attraction in Amsterdam, this exhibition has something for everyone. After successful runs in Madrid, Vienna, Toronto, and London, this unforgettable experience is now in Amsterdam until September 7!
📍 Location: De Kromhouthal, Gedempt Hamerkanaal 231, 1021 KP Amsterdam
📆 Dates: Until September 7 2025
🎟️ Ticket info here
Summer Dance Forever: A Global Hip-Hop Extravaganza
From August 19 to 25, 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.
📆 Dates: From August 19-25 2025
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
📆Dates: From August 15-24 2025
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 Rembrandt’s Amsterdam
Step into seventeenth-century Amsterdam as seen by Rembrandt himself in this evocative exhibition at the Rembrandt House Museum. Featuring 60 of his prints and drawings, the show captures everything from iconic buildings and scenic river bends to eccentric characters and city life — including a possibly stinky windmill and a cheeky couple in the bushes. It’s a charming portrait of a city that hasn’t changed all that much in 400 years.
📍 Location: Rembrandt House Museum, Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam
📆 Dates: Until September 7, 2025
Beat the Heat with 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!