What's On in Amsterdam This Weekend: Events, Food and Things to Do
Start Friday with open-air classical at Amstelveld, hunt vinyl on Sunday, and fill both days with markets, live music, and dining.
This weekend, Amsterdam opens its plein squares and cultural venues for a classically-inclined crowd and music lovers. Klassiek op het Amstelveld transforms the city's prettiest square into an open-air concert hall both Friday and Saturday evening, while Sunday brings the Record & CD Fair to RAI—a full day of digging through thousands of vinyl records with dealers from across Europe. Markets run throughout: IJ-Hallen on Friday and Saturday at the NDSM-wharf in the north, Museum Market at Museumplein on Sunday, and Pure Markt at Amsterdamse Bos. The weekend is ordered by day, so you can move through it hour by hour, starting with the quietest mornings and building toward evening energy.
IJ-Hallen
NDSM-wharf, Amsterdam-Noord · Flea market with 500 indoor stands · Friday & Saturday, 19-20 September, 09:00-16:30
A large weekend flea market at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam with 500 indoor stands, running 19-20 September 09:00-16:30. The scale alone is worth the trip across the IJ—browse vintage furniture, clothing, electronics, and the occasional unexpected treasure among half a thousand dealers. Morning is best if you want first pick; by afternoon, the crowd thickens and the good finds thin.
Pure Markt
Amsterdamse Bos · Farmers market with food stalls and live music · Saturday, 20 September, 11:00-18:00
A regular market event with high quality produce, music, food stalls and other activities at Amsterdamse Bos on 20 September 11:00-18:00. Bring a hunger for grilled meats, fresh bread, and wine by the glass. The Bos spreads wide enough that you won't feel crowded; pitch a blanket on the grass and camp there for lunch if the weather holds.
Klassiek op het Amstelveld
Amstelveld square, city centre · Classical music festival · Friday & Saturday, 18-19 September, from 19:00
The Amstelveld transforms on 18 and 19 September with musicians, young talent, orchestras and audiences listening under beautiful wing nut trees to the finest sounds classical music has to offer. Grab a drink and bite from vendors nearby and a seat at one of the long tables—the sound of the violins will do the rest. On Saturday, two operas arrive in collaboration with the Dutch National Opera Academy: Telemann's comic Pimpinone and Samuel Barber's A Hand of Bridge. Free entry both nights.
Museum Market
Museumplein, city centre · Arts, crafts, food and music · Sunday, 20 September, 10:00-18:00
Museumplein hosts a Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music on 20 September 10:00-18:00. Free entry. The Rijksmuseum looms in the background while you browse local jewellery makers and painters; slip between stalls for a coffee and a pastry. It's less frantic than the flea market and better for a civilised walk.
Record & CD Fair Amsterdam
RAI Amsterdam, southern edge · Vinyl and CD fair with 100+ dealers · Sunday, 20 September, 10:00-17:00
Record & CD Fair Amsterdam is the capital's leading one-day record fair at RAI Amsterdam. Record Planet brings together specialised dealers from the Netherlands and across Europe for a day entirely dedicated to music, vinyl, and discovery. The fair takes place in the stylish Diamond Lounge and Europa Foyer, centred around the cosy Dutch-style Café Amsterdam. The unique setting provides the perfect backdrop for a day of music discovery, crate digging, and meeting fellow collectors. Admission €8.50 online presale, €10 at the door; children under 15 free with an adult.
Dam tot Dam Run
Amsterdam to Zaandam · Running race · Saturday & Sunday, 19-20 September
The Dam tot Dam Run is a popular road race from Amsterdam to Zaandam where thousands of runners participate, and large crowds line the route. If you're not running, line the streets Saturday or Sunday morning and cheer the mass of participants as they set out. The energy before the starting gun fires is genuinely electric.
World Series of Darts Finals
Ziggo Dome, southern edge · Darts championship · Friday & Sunday, 19-20 September, afternoon and evening sessions
The World Series of Darts Finals takes place on 19 September with afternoon and evening sessions, and on 20 September with afternoon and evening sessions. If you want to catch the energy of top professional darts—the roar of a crowd when a player lands a 180—this is the weekend. Book ahead.
Japanese Ramen Workshop
Amsterdam · Cooking workshop · Sunday, 20 September
A Japanese Ramen Workshop happens on Sunday 20 September. Hands-on workshops are scattered through the weekend; this one teaches you to make ramen from scratch, broth included. Book in advance if available.
Amsterdam Dinner Cruise
Amsterdam canals · Four-course dinner on water · Wednesday through Saturday, 19:30
An atmospheric 120 minute evening cruise around Amsterdam's canals with a 4 course meal and drinks included, running every Wednesday to Saturday 19:30 in September. The canals glow in September light at that hour. Sit back and let the city slide past your window.
FOAM Photography Exhibition
Keizersgracht 609, city centre · Photography museum · Now showing
FOAM reopens in mid-September after a brief renovation, featuring a spectacular and stylish showcase. Dubbed Hometown, Ma explores China's social hierarchy through the lens of fashion. This is a quieter way to spend an hour or two on a crowded weekend—slip indoors and let photographs arrest your attention.
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