What’s On in Amsterdam (April 2024)

Here is our insider guide to what’s on in Amsterdam, Netherlands during April 2024.

There’s normally lots going on in the city and whilst the weather can vary there should be a few good, sunny days. The month ends with the King’s Day celebrations…

Springtime in the Netherlands

Keukenhof Gardens – The world famous tulip and flower park is a must-visit and is now open for the 2024 spring season – running 21 Mar to 12 May 2024. See Keukenhof info here or book Keukenhof entry+shuttle bus from Amsterdam here

Museums, Exhibitions & Attractions in Amsterdam (April 2024)

Fabrique des Lumières – Immersive exhibitions of classical, modern and contemporary artists using cutting-edge technology with light projections and music. New exhibition is Dutch Masters, From Vermeer to Van Gogh with works from renowned Dutch artists. Alongside there is a short program Mondriaan, An Abundance of Colour. Runs 22 Mar to 5 Jul 2024. Book Fabrique des Lumières tickets here

Our House – A museum of electronic music culture in the centre of Amsterdam. Take a 75 minute digital storytelling journey and explore the evolution of dance music via interactive installations. Book Our House tickets here

Da Vinci Genius – A new immersive art experience showcasing the works of Leonardo Da Vinci including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Uses interactive technology and floor-to-ceiling projections. Runs 30 Nov 2023 to 30 Aug 2024. Book Da Vinci Genius tickets here

STRAAT – A unique experience. The world’s biggest street art and graffiti museum in a 8,000 square metres warehouse at NDSM wharf and showcasing some 180 artworks, all made on-site. Book STRAAT tickets here

Amaze Amsterdam – An immersive audio-visual experience with 7 stages which varies from intense, interactive to relaxing. Located in an old industrial nightclub in Amsterdam’s West Port district. Book Amaze Amsterdam tickets here

Stedelijk – Amsterdam’s main modern and contemporary art museum. Marina Abramović, first major solo exhibition in the Netherlands of the internationally acclaimed, controversial artist. Runs 16 Mar to 14 Jul 2024. Book your Stedelijk tickets here

Nxt Museum – The first “new media art” museum in the Netherlands which has large-scale, multi-sensory immersive exhibitions. Located in the Amsterdam North district, open daily. Book Nxt Museum tickets here

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam – Get your celebrity fill by visiting the ever-popular wax work museum on Dam Square. Book Madame Tussauds Amsterdam tickets here

Amsterdam Dungeon – Interactive show featuring excellent actors and audience participation. Takes you through dark dungeon-themed rooms from Amsterdam’s murky past – scary but with a comic element. Book Amsterdam Dungeon tickets here

Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum’s rich collection (including Rembrandt’s Night Watch) is a must-see in Amsterdam. Frans Hals, major retrospective exhibition of the renowned 17th century painter featuring some 50 of his finest works. Runs 16 Feb to 9 Jun 2024. Book Rijksmuseum tickets here

Van Gogh Museum – Popular museum with the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings. Matthew Wong / Vincent van Gogh: Painting as a Last Resort, exhibition of the late Chinese-Canadian artist who had much in common with Van Gogh. Runs 1 Mar to 1 Sep 2024. Book Van Gogh Museum tickets here

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Anne Frank House – The canal house on Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht canal where Anne Frank wrote her famous teenage wartime diary whilst hiding from German occupation.

[For further insight, book an Anne Frank walking tour here which lasts 2 hours and explores Amsterdam’s Jewish quarter]

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De Nieuwe Kerk – World Press Photo Exhibition 2024, annual exhibition of the current affairs photography contest. Runs 19 Apr to 14 Jul 2024.

MOCO Museum – The popular modern and contemporary art museum on Museumplein with many works by Banksy. Robbie Williams: Pride and Self-Prejudice, exhibition from the UK singer-songwriter of artworks on mental health. Runs 8 Mar to 8 Jul 2024. Book MOCO Museum tickets here

Rembrandt House – Visit the house where Rembrandt lived and worked. Directed by Rembrandt, exhibition showcasing the close connection between Rembrandt’s art and Amsterdam’s theatre scene. Runs 2 Mar to 26 May 2024. Book Rembrandt House tickets here

Rembrandt’s Amsterdam Experience – A multimedia art experience about the life of the famous painter and reconstruction of Rembrandt’s studio on Rozengracht. Book Rembrandt’s Amsterdam Experience tickets here 

H’ART Museum – The renamed former Hermitage Museum presents its inaugural exhibition Julius Caesar, I came, I saw, I met my doom – about the life of the iconic Roman general. Runs 16 Sep 2023 to 20 May 2024. Book H’ART Museum tickets here

Museum of the Mind (Outsider Art) – Who Cares? A tribute to victims and care heroes during WWII – in the fields of psychiatry and mental health care. Exhibition on view within the H’ART Museum, runs until 1 Dec 2024.

The Upside Down Museum Amsterdam – Large interactive museum and Instagram experience which includes 25 mind-bending rooms. Located near RAI Amsterdam. Book Upside Down Museum tickets here

WONDR Experience – A fun and immersive pop-up experience in Amsterdam for both adults and children alike. Book WONDR tickets here

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam – Ethnographic museum (formerly Tropenmuseum) featuring fascinating exhibitions on non-Western cultures. Plastic Crush, exhibition about the world’s changing relationship with plastic, from useful product to plastic waste. Runs 5 Nov 2022 to 21 Apr 2024. Book Wereldmuseum Amsterdam tickets here

Fashion For Good Museum – What Goes Around Comes Around, final exhibition from the museum about fashion innovation and circularity. Runs until 26 May 2024, the museum will permanently close and become a co-working space. Book Fashion For Good tickets here

EYE Filmmuseum – Paravel & Castaing-Taylor – Cosmic Realism, retrospective exhibition featuring the anthropological works of Véréna Paravel and Lucien Castaing-Taylor. Runs 20 Jan to 20 May 2024. Book EYE Film Museum tickets here

Royal Palace – Visit the grand Royal Palace on Dam Square including the impressive Citizen’s Hall. Book Royal Palace tickets here

FOAM Photography Museum – Felipe Romero Beltrán Dialect, exhibition following the lives of a group of young Moroccan men in Spain. Runs 26 Jan to 1 May 2024. Book FOAM tickets here

Huis Marseille – Lisa Oppenheim Spolia, solo presentation from the American artist; Deborah Turbeville Photocollage, major retrospective of the late American artist. Both running 16 Mar to 16 Jun 2024.

Allard Pierson Museum – Face to Face: The People Behind Mummy Portraits, exhibition about ancient Egyptian mummy portraits. Runs 6 Oct 2023 to 20 May 2024. Book Allard Pierson tickets here

Body Worlds – Display of human body plastinate specimens at the permanent venue on Damrak. The exhibition focuses on happiness. Book Body Worlds tickets here

ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo – One of the city’s premier visitor attractions – a magnificent zoo set in a large park in the picturesque Plantage area of the city. Book Artis Zoo tickets here

ARTIS Groote Museum – The fascinating new Groote Museum allows you to explore your place in the living world with beautifully presented installations and exhibits. Book Groote Museum tickets here

ARTIS Micropia – The world’s only museum dedicated to microbes and micro-organisms. Book Micropia tickets here

House of Bols – The Cocktail & Genever Experience about the Lucas Bols brand, which has been making liqueurs in Amsterdam since 1575. Book House of Bols tickets here

Framer Framed – The One-Straw Revolution, exhibition on alternative ecology, exploring sustainable futures through artistic practices. Runs 11 Feb to 19 May 2024. Free entry

COBRA (Amstelveen) – Cobra 75: A Cry for Freedom! Exhibition celebrating 75 years of the Cobra art movement. Runs 20 Oct 2023 to 12 May 2024. Anton Corbijn – MOØDe, exhibition from the Dutch photographer, exploring the crossover between photography and the world of fashion – includes lots of celebrity photos. Runs 22 Dec 2023 to 20 May 2024.

Rijksmuseum Schiphol – Amsterdam airport hosts a small selection of works from the Rijksmuseum collection. The museum is located on Holland Boulevard (between Lounges 2 and 3 in non-Schengen departures) and is open 24 hours a day to passengers. Free entry

Amsterdam City Passes

These all inclusive passes may save you money on a well planned Amsterdam itinerary.

Sport in Amsterdam and Netherlands (April 2024)

Football:
Ajax home fixtures at Johan Cruijff ArenA Amsterdam:
Ajax vs Go Ahead Eagles 4 Apr 2024 (2100)
Ajax vs FC Twente 14 Apr 2024 (1645)
Ajax vs Excelsior 28 Apr 2024 (1430)

It is possible to take a classic stadium tour of the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. Book Johan Cruijff Arena Tour tickets here

Athletics/Running:
NN Rotterdam Marathon – This big marathon event in the Netherlands normally attracts over 20,000 competitors including a field of world-class athletes. The 43rd edition is scheduled for 14 Apr 2024.

Cruijff Legacy 14K – Charitable fun run event over 5km and 14km around Amsterdam Zuidoost to raise money for the Johan Cruijff Foundation. 7 Apr 2024 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.

Darts:
Premier League – The invitational Premier League of darts event is expected to return to the Netherlands on 18 Apr 2024 at Ahoy Rotterdam.

Korfball:
League Finals – Ball sport (kind of netball-basketball cross) invented in the Netherlands. League finals day will be on 13 Apr 2024 at Ahoy Rotterdam.

See the full annual sport calendar for Amsterdam

Festivals in Amsterdam (April 2024)

Tulp Festival – This festivals brings displays of tulips across the entire city during the month of April 2024.

Amsterdam Coffee Festival – A festival event for coffee lovers and industry professionals featuring artisan coffee, gourmet food stalls, barista demonstrations, live music and art exhibitions. Runs 4-6 Apr 2024 at Westergas, Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Wine Festival – Wine-themed event offering over 300 types of wines, workshops, tastings and live music. Runs 18-21 Apr 2024 at Westergas Amsterdam.

Kingsland Festival – One day dance events at RAI in Amsterdam and Zuiderpark in Rotterdam. These are the largest King’s Day festival events in the Netherlands. Runs on 27 Apr 2024. Book Kingsland Festival Amsterdam tickets (or Rotterdam tickets here)

Kaboom Animation Festival – Cutting-edge films from experimental art-house to colorful stories for families and kids. To be held in various cinemas in Amsterdam and Utrecht. Runs 5-14 Apr 2024.

Check out our complete festival calendar for Amsterdam

Fairs & Expos in Amsterdam (April 2024)

International Amsterdam Motor Show – The biggest motor show in the Netherlands to be held at RAI Amsterdam featuring 50,000m² of cars. Runs 28 Mar to 1 Apr 2024.

IAMExpat Fair 2024 – One-day event connecting the expat community with various stands, workshops and presentations. 13 Apr 2024 (1000-1700) at Westergas Amsterdam.

Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam (April 2024)

Boom Chicago – Comedy and improv shows in English playing regularly at Rozentheater on Rozengracht. Book a Boom Chicago show here

Amsterdam Magic Show – Monthly magic and comedy show with international performers. At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam. 4 Apr 2024 (1930). Book the Amsterdam Magic Show here

Morgan Jay – The American musician-comedian plays Boom Chicago Amsterdam on 10 Apr 2024 and Comedy Cafe Amsterdam on 14/15 Apr 2024.

Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam (April 2024)

Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA) – Amsterdam’s renowned theatre company performs shows in Dutch which have live English surtitles above the stage – for Thursday night shows at the Stadsschouwburg theatre.

Candlelight Concert – Atmospheric evening concert at the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam featuring the Yuri Honing Acoustic Quartet. Runs 18 Apr 2024 (1930-2030). Book Candlelight Concert tickets here

Other Events in Amsterdam and Netherlands

Amsterdam Dinner Cruise – 120 minute evening cruise around Amsterdam’s canals with a 3 course meal and drinks. Runs every Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat (1930) in April. Check Dinner Cruise availability here

Easter 2024 – Public holiday in the Netherlands on 1 Apr (Easter Monday).

De Balie – The multimedia venue near Leidseplein in Amsterdam hosts regular events about current affairs, politics and culture.

Market Events in Amsterdam

Pure Markt – Regular market event with high quality produce, music, food stalls and other activities. 7 Apr 2024 (1100-1800) at Amsterdamse Bos, 14 Apr 2024 (1100-1800) at Amstelpark and 28 Apr 2024 (1100-1800) at Park Frankendael. Free entry

Sunday Market – Market events with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff. 7 Apr 2024 (1200-1800) at Westergas and 14 Apr 2024 (1100-1700) at De Hallen. Free entry

Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music. 21 Apr 2024 (1000-1800). Free entry

IJ-Hallen – Large weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam with 750 outdoor stands. 6-7 Apr 2024 (0900-1630).

The Maker Market – Weekend market features creative handmade products including jewelry, art and live music. Runs in the covered passage of De Hallen Amsterdam on 20 Apr 2024 (1100-1700) and 21 Apr 2024 (1200-1700). Free entry

Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam

Dave Matthews Band – 2 Apr, AFAS Live
Loreena McKennitt – 2 Apr, Carré
UB40 – 2 Apr, Ziggo Dome
Dan Owen – 3 Apr, Q-Factory
Simple Minds – 6 Apr, Ziggo Dome
Slash – 9 Apr, Ziggo Dome
Joe Bonamassa – 12 Apr, AFAS Live
Boyz II Men – 16 Apr, AFAS Live
Ali Gatie – 17 Apr, Melkweg
The Blaze – 17 Apr, AFAS Live
Keane – 19 Apr, AFAS Live
Thirty Seconds to Mars – 25 Apr, Ziggo Dome
Tate McRae – 29 Apr, AFAS Live

King’s Day (Koningsdag) in Amsterdam 2024

King’s Day 2024 – Koningsdag 2024 is the Dutch national holiday to be held on Saturday 27 April 2024. Following the abdication of Queen Beatrix in 2013 and the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander, the former Queen’s Day celebration has become King’s Day. The date was moved from 30 April, the birthday of the former Queen Juliana to the 27 April, birthday of the current King.

King’s Day is one of the world’s greatest open-air parties – an event everyone should try and experience at least once in their life! Amsterdam goes completely orange crazy with revellers on the streets, in parks and afloat the water. Up to 800,000 visitors used to cram into the centre temporarily doubling the city’s population.

Celebrations actually start the evening before on Friday 26 April 2024 – King’s Night (Koningsnacht) – and then continue all of the next day. On King’s Day morning each year the Dutch Royal family (House of Orange-Nassau) do a walkabout visit around a chosen town in the Netherlands which is shown live on state television.

One of the main highlights of King’s Day in Amsterdam is the citywide free market (vrijmarkt). This is where people set up stalls and sell clothes, food, drinks and just about anything else – from plants, old electronics, vintage items, bric-a-brac and much old tat. Prices are negotiable which is all part of the fun.

Many Amsterdam residents set up shop directly outside their own houses – days before they mark their territory with tape (“bezet” meaning “occupied”). There are also professional traders and opportunists who take advantage of the tax-free trading.

The free market in Amsterdam officially starts from 0600 on King’s Day and goes on all day until 2000. Bargain hunters should get there early.

Note that the city of Utrecht (30 minutes south of Amsterdam by train) starts its free market on King’s Night (26 April) from 1800 – with an authentic and friendly atmosphere, it’s well worth a visit.

For fun and games, children’s clothes, toys and young performers head to the main children’s King’s Day market at Vondelpark (Amsterdam’s main park) which opens at 0900. Other children’s markets can be found (amongst others) at NDSM-wharf, Artisplein, Amstelveld, Bellamyplein, Frederiksplein, Leliegracht, Noorderpark, Rembrandtplein, Sarphatipark and Westerpark.

On King’s Day the festivities continue throughout Amsterdam with the free market, food/drink stalls, concert stages, impromptu street entertainers, party boats and all sorts of weird and wonderful fun.

There are large dance parties planned which are held outside of the centre. These are: Kingsland Festival (RAI Amsterdam), Cartel Kingsday (Westerunie), Loveland van Oranje (Meerpark) and Oranjebloesem (Olympic Stadium). Entry is only for ticket holders, no at-the-door sales.

The best way of getting around Amsterdam on King’s Day is on foot – temporary signposts can guide you to areas of interest.

GVB public transport – Ferries, metro and some buses will operate on King’s day with a standard Saturday timetable. You do require a ticket as normal! Trams run a Saturday timetable with some lines running alternative routes and avoiding the inner centre.

Train services run on a special King’s Day timetable so double check with NS Dutch Railways if planning travel or going to the airport.

If coming to Amsterdam from other parts of the Netherlands by train it is preferable to arrive at Amsterdam Zuid or Amsterdam Amstel station and walk in. Expect Amsterdam stations to be extremely busy with up to a quarter of a million people arriving by train.

Supermarkets do open on King’s Day though hours can be restricted in some branches. Most shops in the city centre will remain closed.

Museums which are open on King’s Day include the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, STRAAT, MOCO Muueum and Van Gogh Museum. Note that most other museums including FOAM, Maritime Museum, NEMO, Rembrandt House and Wereldmuseum Amsterdam are closed.

Be aware that the city centre can get extremely crowded in some places – expect large crowds to gather on Dam Square and Museumplein. Watch out for pickpockets and be vigilant to new perceived security threats.

King’s Day events are observed all over the Netherlands including Arnhem, Den Haag, Eindhoven, Groningen, Haarlem, Rotterdam and Utrecht.

Amsterdam Transport Passes

The following multi-day transport tickets can help you get to the various events in and around Amsterdam:

The AmsterdamTips.com What’s On in Amsterdam has been running monthly since 2008. Disclaimer: While we make every effort to keep this listing up-to-date, events can always be cancelled or re-scheduled at short notice. Please double-check with the event organisers.

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>>>What’s On in Amsterdam (May 2024)