Amsterdam Mamas Weekend Roundup 20 August 2026

Hello Reader,

​

Let’s admit it: that was quite a summer to remember! From record-breaking heatwaves across the country and the rest of Europe to exciting World Cup fever and even a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse, we hope you and your family had the restful summer reset we all needed. Now, with school back in full swing, summer holidays are officially behind us, and the rain has made its grand return. But don’t let the cloudy skies dampen your spirits! We’ve rounded up a wonderful mix of activities, including plenty of rain-proof options, to kick off the new school year in style.

​

​

Events Happening This Weekend

​

Prinsengrachtconcert

An iconic annual highlight enjoyed by all ages, the Prinsengrachtconcert returns this Saturday 22 August (Junior Concert: 15:00; Main Concert: 21:20). As the country’s largest classical music event, world-class musicians perform live on a floating stage right on the canal, making it a truly memorable cultural experience to mark the end of summer. Entry is free; just be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot along the canal in front of the Pulitzer Amsterdam Hotel. Guidelines and more information can be found here.

​
​

Mundana Music and Movement for Little Ones

Taking place this Saturday 22 August, this cosy, interactive musical discovery session introduces babies and toddlers (ages 1–2) to gentle live instruments, soothing rhythms, and engaging songs. This indoor rain-proof event is a wonderful sensory bonding experience for parents and little ones to explore music together in a warm, relaxed setting. Tickets must be booked in advance via this link, as spaces are limited.

​
​

Fat Tyre Race

Bring your balance bike, scooter, city bike or mountain bike (no racing bikes!) to join the fat tyre race this Saturday 22 August at Buurtboerderij Centraal. All kids ages 2-12 are welcome to join the fun. It’s free to participate; just bring your own bike or scooter. Follow the programme and find more details about the event here.

​
​

Bosfest Closing Weekend (Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 August)

Within the forest, immerse yourselves in theatre shows that will pique your curiosity. The lineup boasts some thought-provoking productions that are not to be missed. Admission tickets for the festival can be purchased here, but they do not include access to the performances, which are sold separately here.

​
​

Jazz Fest with Bonus Kids’ Programme

Head over to Noorderlicht on the NDSM-Werf this Saturday 22 August, for the third edition of A Funky Wicked Jazz Fest! From 13:00 to 23:00, this mini festival brings an infectious mix of funk, soul, live jazz, and dance workshops right to the waterfront. What makes this year extra special for families is the brand-new kids’ programme running until 17:30, featuring live djembé jams, entertainment from Sesamstraat legend Hakim, craft tables, and plenty of space to dance in the sun. It’s an easy-going, rain-or-shine favourite where parents can grab a drink, soak up the groove, and let the little ones burn off some serious weekend energy; tickets are available here.

​

​

Pluk de Nacht Open Air Festival

Running from late August at Het Stenen Hoofd (Westerdoksdijk 1), Pluk de Nacht is the Netherlands’ premier open-air film festival, bringing independent feature films, animations, and art installations under the stars right along the IJ waterfront. While adults can enjoy evening screenings, drinks, and silent disco parties, on Sunday 23 August, families can drop by for Pluk MINI, a special free family afternoon featuring kids’ film screenings, pop-up games, and art activities in a vibrant, relaxed seaside atmosphere. The festival site opens in the afternoon, entry to the grounds is free, and reserved deckchairs for screenings start at €11 per person, making it an ideal late-summer outdoor treat for parents and children alike! Everything you need to know about this event can be found here.

​

​

Ongoing & Upcoming Events

​
​

Hockey World Cup

The Netherlands is co-hosting the FIH Hockey World Cup this year at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, right on the edge of the Amsterdamse Bos. Beyond watching the exciting matches and cheering on your favourite teams, families can head to the vibrant fan village outside the stadium, featuring interactive skills challenges, mini matches, and food trucks—an ideal outing for active, sports-loving kids! Match schedules, tickets, and entry details can be found here.

​
​

Concertgebouw Open

A new season is about to begin, presenting a new lineup of performances at the Concertgebouw. But before that, on 5 September the famed concert hall will open its doors to the public for a whole day of mini concerts happening in multiple rooms in the building all at once. From classical music to jazz, contemporary, and even music for children, this day, which only happens once a year, will delight the whole family. The event is free of charge, but you’ll need to reserve your tickets here.

​
​

Openmonumentendag

The 40th edition of the VriendenLoterij Open Monument Day is happening on 12 and 13 September. During Open Monument Day, thousands of monuments in the Netherlands are open to the general public, and countless different activities are organised: exhibitions, guided tours, cycling routes, walks, and activities for little ones. This is the perfect opportunity to explore and get to know more of the Netherlands through its monuments all around the country. Some monuments or buildings will only be open during this weekend. If you’re interested in seeing the complete list of landmarks on view, you will find it here.

Parents’ Corner

Perimenopause & Women’s Health

Yes, it’s real. Women have to go through menopause at some point in their lives, but now we are learning that changes in our bodies can actually happen sooner, and that’s called perimenopause. There are a lot of questions that are difficult to answer from simple internet searches; luckily there’s an expert talk and panel with a GP happening on 3 September at Zoku Amsterdam. The event programme is packed with information that might answer your questions. You can find it here, along with the details on how to get tickets.

​
​

Pottery Night

If you’re looking to unwind after a hectic first week back in the school routine, grab a friend and head to Studio Keramiek for an evening of mindful, tactile creativity. Designed specifically as a relaxing adult getaway, this cosy indoor workshop lets you learn wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques with a glass of wine in hand and soft music playing in the background. It’s an ideal, rain-proof way to wash away weekday stress, chat with fellow local parents, and bring home a handmade ceramic keepsake. Sessions run on weekend evenings, and pre-booking via their website is required as spots fill up quickly.

​
​
​

We endeavour to include everyone and are happy to mention events connected to all special holidays/festivities. Please email us with events/celebrations you want us to mention. AM will make the ultimate decision on what to publish.

A team of volunteers compiles this newsletter, and we would welcome some new colleagues on the team. Are you interested, and do you have a few hours to spare every few weeks? Please contact Amsterdam Mamas for more information at info@amsterdam-mamas.nl

​

This Weekend Roundup was compiled by Jackie C. Liban.

​

The above information is given to the best of our knowledge and ability, but please check the event links to confirm details. These are often events that the Amsterdam Mamas cannot personally recommend from experience but are provided as a starting point to help you find activities that are a good fit for your family. If you have seen any upcoming events that we should know about, please let the newsletter team know by replying to this email. Thanks, and have a good weekend!

​

Follow us on ​​​​​​Facebook​​​​​​ and ​​​​​Instagram​​​​​​.

​
​
​