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Hello Reader, Welcome back to this week’s Amsterdam Mamas Weekend Roundup of what’s happening and what to look forward to! In this issue we have curated events to include kids, teens and their amazing parents as well. With some sun and rain & after a refreshing Spring break, we’ll have longer days and more opportunities to enjoy the colourful outdoors. Find below some activities we think you will enjoy over this long weekend. Events happening this weekend Castle Day 2026 – Pentecost Weekend Edition During Castle Day, castles and country estates throughout the Netherlands open their gates. Visit, not only for a look inside, but especially to stroll outside through orchards, along winding paths, and past centuries-old moats… plus scavenger hunts in the park and storytelling in castle gardens! The theme this year is ‘ LOVE ‘ – so expect plenty of loving activities in the open air. Castles, estates, and country houses were and are places full of passion and emotion… Who loved whom? Which bonds proved stronger than time? And how has love – in all its forms – shaped the history of these special places? Want to plan a visit to castles based on your preferences? Find out more here. GOLD – Amsterdamse Bostheater The Amsterdamse Bostheater is a truly magical place to experience live music. You stand in the open air, surrounded by greenery, with a stage that feels like one from a mini festival. During GOLD on Sunday 24 May, the Bostheater becomes a musical Summer paradise, with hits for both parents and kids! Excited already? Click here to know more. Lepeltje Lepeltje Festival – NDSM Wharf From Friday 22 May to Monday 25 May, you can enjoy a delicious meal with the whole family during the long Whitsun weekend at the Lepeltje Lepeltje Festival at NDSM Wharf in Noord. Enjoy culinary delights, refreshing brews, and atmospheric music during the extra-long weekend. At Lepeltje Lepeltje, there is also plenty for the kids to do. Hop on the Carousel, take a look at the mysterious Flea Circus together, swap toys and clothes at the Swap Market, or join the recycle workshops. Perfect for the last long weekend of the year! Find out more. Harimau Stories – Performance at Plein Theater An energetic theatre performance on Monday 25 May, with music, puppetry, and body paint, about how to find and keep friendship – Harimau is now presented at Plein Theater. It is an enchanting tale right from the jungles of Indonesia presented to the audience in an interactive, fun way. Want to experience it? – Buy tickets. Ongoing & Upcoming Events Children’s Funfair at OCCI Kinderpret Children’s Funfair is a cheerful themed party for children aged 3 to 10, taking place on Wednesday 27 May. Together with an adult supervisor, children can enjoy all kinds of funfair attractions and activities. Hop on the Feet Off the Floor Carousel, get your face painted, discover the Magnet Fishermen’s Cabinet of Curiosities, try the shooting gallery or one of the other games, and make your own cotton candy. This is the last Kinderpret before the long holidays and a fun way to kick off the Summer. Click here to know more. Farmers’ Day at Boerderij Elsenhove At Speelboerderij Elsenhove, you will find all kinds of farm animals, a large adventurous and natural playground, and the opportunity to learn a lot about nature, the environment, and sustainability. Activities are organized (usually on Sundays) during the period from March to November. 31 May is Farmers’ Day. Several stalls with fun games are set up all over the farmyard. There is usually a scavenger hunt for children as well. Check the agenda for details of this day and other fun activities. Keti Koti Festival at the Wereldmuseum On 1 July, Keti Koti/Dia di Abolishon is celebrated, and we commemorate the abolition of slavery and celebrate freedom. Keti Koti begins every year with the Bigi Spikri parade. It is a colourful procession in which people often wear traditional clothing and accessories, such as bracelets with cowrie shells and angisa headscarves. Join the celebration by making your own bracelet with cowrie shells, every weekend during the month of June, at the Wereldmuseum and learn more about Keti Koti/Dia di Abolishon. Check the museum’s website for details. Buitenspeeldag (Outdoor Play Day) – 10 June Outdoor Play Day is the day when the whole of the Netherlands goes outside to play. Running, discovering, and having fun together. Every neighbourhood can participate by organising something: from a simple sidewalk chalk activity to a big afternoon of play in the street, playground, park, or schoolyard. Want to know more about the playgrounds near you and about Jantje Beton? Visit the Outdoor Play Day website. Parents Corner Harry Styles world tour at Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam Harry Styles makes a strong comeback in May and June 2026 with a new album and world tour, including ten shows in Amsterdam. His album “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.” features a danceable, disco-inspired sound, marking a new musical direction. The tour continues to cities worldwide and ends with a 30-night residency in New York. Book your tickets. During the last weekend in May (21/25 May), the Fête du Champagne festival takes place at Rembrandtpark. At Fête du Champagne, French flair, festival vibes and Spring magic come together in Amsterdam’s Rembrandtpark. Allow yourself to be enchanted on a journey of discovery with Champagne and wine, as you make your way along a ‘sparkling route’ at the festival. Know more about the festival. We endeavour to include everyone and are happy to mention events connected to all special holidays and festivities. Please email us with events or 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 Alefiya Saifee Tikiwala 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. |
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