Hello Reader,

As summer begins to wind down, Amsterdam is still buzzing with plenty of ways to make the most of the final weeks of the season. From outdoor festivals and cultural events to creative workshops, family-friendly activities and community gatherings, there’s still lots to discover across the city. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out, something to keep the little ones entertained, or a chance to enjoy one more summer adventure together, we’ve rounded up this week’s events and activities to help you make the most of it.

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Events Happening This Weekend

Wereldmuseum – Much to Do with Bamboo
Looking for a fun activity with the kids in Amsterdam this Thursday? At Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, dive into a world of bamboo! Visit the creative making space at the heart of the museum. Feel free to build, decorate, weave, wave, and bend; chill in the bamboo tower and boost your knowledge of facts and fables. Learn more here.

Circusbende Festival
Get ready for a wonderfully quirky weekend of contemporary circus, acrobatics, live music, theatre and plenty of humour and absurdity at Circusbende Festival in Erasmuspark. Featuring an international line-up of performers and emerging talent, the festival brings inventive and unexpected acts into the park, with much of the circus programme presented without words. Entry to the festival and music is free, while some performances are ticketed or donation-based. There will also be food and drinks on site, making it an easy choice for a relaxed afternoon or evening of entertainment. Learn more here.

Artis – Jazz in the Park

This Saturday, come spend your summer evening at ARTIS! Enjoy live acoustic jazz performed by talented students from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Soak up the music as you wander among the animals, gardens, and historic surroundings. Experience ARTIS in a truly unique way! Learn more here.

Poppenkast Op De Dam
On Sunday 30 August, step back in time with one of Amsterdam’s most beloved traditions! Poppenkast op de Dam brings the classic Dutch puppet characters Jan Klaassen and Katrijn to life every Sunday afternoon in front of the Royal Palace on Dam Square. With lively storytelling, plenty of audience interaction and traditional Amsterdam humour, the performances are a charming way to experience a piece of the city’s cultural heritage. Shows take place at 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00; admission is free! Learn more here.

Ongoing & Upcoming Events

Rijksmuseum – Fiep Westendorp Exhibition
From Friday 19 June to Sunday 13 September, visit the exhibition featuring beloved characters: Jip and Janneke, Otje, Pluk van de Petteflet, and Pim and Pom. Since the 1950s, Fiep Westendorp’s illustrations have been loved by all ages. Come and enjoy 150 works on display. Find out more here.

Museum Stoomtram Hoorn – Medemblik
Step back in time at Hoorn-Medemblik Steam Tram Museum, where historic steam trams, steam trains and boats bring the Dutch countryside to life. Visitors can enjoy nostalgic journeys between Hoorn, Medemblik and Enkhuizen, with themed rides, special events and scenic routes through West Friesland, making it a unique day out filled with history, heritage and hands-on experiences. Learn more here.

Parents’ Corner

Indische Buurt Festival
Head to Amsterdam Oost for the Indische Buurt Festival, a free neighbourhood celebration bringing together local music, food, art and community initiatives along the Javastraat. From live bands and DJs spanning soul, rock, Afrobeat, rap and pop to more than 30 food and drink stalls, a makers’ Kunststraat, dance and theatre workshops, and a lively local market, there’s plenty to explore throughout the day. With a programme running from 12:00 – 21:00 this Saturday, it’s a great opportunity to discover the creativity, culture and community that make the Indische Buurt such a vibrant part of Amsterdam. Find out more here.

st Art – Tile Painting
Join st-Art this Saturday for a vibrant and hands-on painting session inspired by the beauty of traditional Sicilian tiles. Guided by artist Paulina Siniatkina. Paulina is an instructor in the studio’s daily lessons and different workshops. Explore bold patterns, citrus motifs, and a sun-soaked palette of cobalt blue, lemon yellow, terracotta, and sea green, capturing the essence of Sicily’s rich decorative tradition. Design and paint your very own Sicilian tile in this hands-on 2-hour session. Find out more here.

Southeast Jazz Festival
Spend the weekend soaking up the sounds of jazz, soul, funk, latin and world music at South East Jazz Festival in Amsterdam Zuidoost. Spread across several venues around the Bijlmer ArenA area, the festival brings together established artists, emerging talent and local performers, with live music, dance and cultural performances celebrating the diversity of the neighbourhood. Entry is free, making it an easy option for a relaxed afternoon or evening of live music and good vibes. Find out more here.

Punto Cubano Salsa
Ready to shake off the summer and get back on the dance floor? Punto Cubano’s new 10-week Cuban Salsa courses start the week of 7 September, with six levels available – from complete beginners to advanced dancers. Whether you’re taking your very first steps or looking to sharpen your technique, there’s a class to suit your level. No partner is needed, and classes are designed to help you build confidence, connect with others and, most importantly, have fun while dancing. Find out more here.



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 Shelly Lopez.

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!

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