What's on in Amsterdam

Details of what's on in Amsterdam throughout the year

Festivals
Queen's Day in Amsterdam is one of the best times to visit the city. On April 30th the Dutch honour the queen's birthday by dressing up in the colours of the House of Orange. The streets and parks are packed with people enjoying the street stalls, music and dancing late into the night. This is a very spontaneous festival and as well as the inevitable Heineken, an orange alcoholic drink called Oranje Bitter is popular.

The Gay Pride festival is a spectacular show held on the first weekend of August. There are wild parties in venues all over town and the parade itself is water-bourne along the canals.

The popular Bloemencorso or flower parade sees a gorgeous line-up of botanically decorated floats travel from the Aalsmeer flower market to the Dam on the first Saturday of September.

In November the Cannabis Cup is held by High Times magazine. This marijuana festival features awards for the biggest spliff, a hemp expo and fashion show.