What to do on October 9, 10, and 11? Fall is in full swing and the weather forecast is dismal, so indoor activities take center stage this weekend. Still, in addition to all the indoor hotspots, there are also a few awesome outdoor tips for the true diehards.
From impressive art and captivating live music to fun pop quizzes and packed dance floors: Amsterdam is buzzing. Here’s how to make sure you have a great—and dry— October!
A hundred years after the master set sail for New York as a stowaway, he returns with a major retrospective at the Rijksmuseum. Through more than 120 works, you’ll discover how his iconic, ever-evolving style developed over the course of 65 years. As the icing on the cake, his famous “Woman” masterpieces are on temporary display in the Gallery of Honor, right next to *The Night Watch*.
Canal Race, 39th Edition
During the iconic Amsterdam Canal Race, more than 140 rowing boats compete against each other on the historic waters of the city center. Participation is completely sold out, but watching from the quays and bridges makes this one of the most enjoyable free spectacles of the fall. Find a nice spot along the canals and cheer on the teams!
Starting September 18, Fabrique des Lumières is launching its new immersive exhibition, “Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo: The Renaissance Masters.” Masterpieces and visionary inventions from ancient Florence and Rome come to life in spectacular fashion through light projections and music.
Book your time slot now to be among the first to visit during the opening weekend!
Club Nights & Festivals
From the wildest parties at Amsterdam’s best clubs to outdoor festivals: here’s what’s on the schedule this weekend:
- Doppelgang Birthday Session at Shelter (October 9): The famous Amsterdam twins are celebrating their birthday in the basement beneath the A’DAM Tower. Doppelgang will take over the main room with back-to-back sets alongside Sandrien and Budino, among others, while Justin Verkijk takes over the Restroom.
- GEGEN at RADION (October 10): The iconic fetish and techno concept returns to RADION for a raw, boundary-pushing night full of freedom.
- Persian Love at Mezrab (October 10): In the mood for a unique sound this Saturday? DJ Milli takes you on a groovy journey at the intimate Mezrab, filled with Persian disco, dreamy pop, and rousing Bandari rhythms mixed with percussive techno.
- Interactive Vinyl Session with DJ Klapsalon (October 11): At dubble, you’ll find the perfect shelter from the rain on Sunday afternoon. Dive into the record crates at Ephemeris Records, hand your favorite find to DJ Klapsalon, and hear your chosen vinyl blast live through the sound system right away.
New exhibition at Foam
Following a renovation, the Foam Photography Museum reopened its doors on September 18. This weekend, you can check out three new solo exhibitions right away: *Hometown* by Chinese photographer Hailun Ma, *The Edge of Things* by Nadav Kander, and *Not What You Saw* by Keerthana Kunnath.
At The Upside Down, you’ll step into the largest interactive experience of its kind, featuring more than 25 optical illusion rooms. From an upside-down subway car and a giant LED ball pit to an upside-down club with a silent disco: everything is turned upside down. It’s the perfect place to see everything from a completely different perspective.
Dive into Amsterdam’s best cocktail bars
Now that it’s getting a bit cooler outside, there’s no better time to seek out the warmth of the city. This weekend, head to one of Amsterdam’s best cocktail bars with your friends or your date. From hidden speakeasies to award-winning mixologists: the capital is full of cozy hotspots for a fun evening indoors.
Live Music & Concerts in Amsterdam
From intimate pop venues to large arenas: here are the concerts you won’t want to miss in the coming weeks:
- AFAS Live: Simple Plan (October 9)
- Melkweg: Chrissy Chlapecka (October 9) & DJ Krush (October 10)
- Paradiso: Kourosh ( October 10)
- Ziggo Dome: The Strokes (October 11)
In Westerpark, you’ll find the Banksy Museum: more than 160 works by the world’s most famous street artist, spread across 1,000 square meters. From life-size reconstructions of his iconic murals to impressive projections. His work is sharp, political, and often surprisingly funny. Whether you’re a fan or hearing his name for the first time, it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Book your tickets here
Literally step into the most famous paintings in Dutch art history during “From Vermeer to Van Gogh.” Thanks to breathtaking 360-degree projections and an impressive soundscape, you’ll experience the work of artists including Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh with all your senses. Afterward, you can also catch a short show about Piet Mondrian’s iconic lines and colors.
Listening bars in Amsterdam: The perfect warm-up for your night out at the club
In the mood for a good warm-up before you hit the town? Instead of a crowded bar, opt for crystal-clear analog sound, great cocktails, and natural wine this weekend. Head to Amsterdam’s best listening bars for an intimate dinner or a cozy drink, then roll right into the city’s hottest clubs in the perfect mood.
Take on the ultimate challenge with your team at Prison Island in Amsterdam Sloterdijk. In 28 thrilling themed cells, your teamwork, agility, and logical thinking will be put to the test for 90 minutes. This mix of an escape room and a game show is the perfect active indoor outing for friends, coworkers, or families (ages 11 and up).
The cultural highlight of the fall opens this weekend! In collaboration with the Centre Pompidou , H’ART Museum is bringing more than 80 masterpieces by Henri Matisse to Amsterdam, including the rare masterpiece *La Blouse roumaine* and works by Picasso and Rothko.
Test your knowledge of music and film during a colorful pop quiz hosted by DJs Mr. & Mrs. Koot in the basement of De Nieuwe Anita. The grand prize? You won’t have to pay the bar tab for the night! Please note: the quiz is now completely sold out, but you can still sign up for the waitlist.
