Special Events in Amsterdam

Remembrance Day, 4 Mar, some 20,000 locals remember the war dead with the Dutch Royal Family, Dam Square.

National Museum Weekend, Apr, free entry to many of Amsterdam's museums, throughout the city

Queen's Day, 30 Apr, parades, fireworks and celebrations, throughout the city

Liberation Day, 5 May, celebrations to mark the end of German occupation in 1945, throughout the city

KunstRAI, May, major arts event, Amsterdam RAI

National Biking Day, 14 May, locals take to the streets on their bikes, throughout the city

National Windmill Day, 11 May, Amsterdam's six working windmills open to the public, various windmills

Floating Amsterdam, last two weeks May, outdoor productions, River Amstel

Holland Festival, Jun, music, dance and drama, various venues

Canal Run, Jun, race around the canals, Prinsengracht and Vijzelgracht canals

Over Het IJ, Jul, festival of experimental theatre, NDSM Shipyard, Neveritaweg

Parade, first two weeks Aug, circus and fair, Martin Luther Kingpark

Grachtenfestival, Aug, over 70 classical concerts, various venues

Amsterdam Pride, Aug, gay festival with a canalside parade, various venues

Flower Parade, first Sat Sep, colourful and fragrant parade through the city streets to celebrate the Dutch love of flowers

Amsterdam Marathon, Oct, around the city

Museumnacht, Nov, special presentations and performances in over 30 museums, which open their doors 1900-0200 that night, throughout the city.

Christmas Day, 25 Dec, throughout the city

New Year's Eve, 31 Dec, street party, Dam Square