Amsterdam Events

Gay Pride, August 1 to 3, 2008

At the beginning of August Amsterdam explodes into a carnival of colour - as dozens of street parties, gay film screenings and a vibrant canal parade engulf the city, to celebrate the annual Gay Pride Festival. Even if you're not eager to check out the gay cinemas, you are certain to appreciate the canal parade! Hundreds of decorated boats crawl along the canals, all filled with devilishly toned men in leather pants, drag queen can-can dancers, melodic lesbians and clog wearing Dutchmen, who are all undeniably brimming with gay pride. Thousands of onlookers from every persuasion line the canal route - so whatever your sexual orientation, you are invited!

De Parade, August 1 to 17, 2008

On August 1, the Martin Luther King Park in Amsterdam plays host to the festival De Parade - a colourful travelling circus showcasing a diverse mix of theatre, magic, dance and music inside large tents and on outdoor stages. There is a charge for some of the shows but the festival itself is free, so you can simply wander around the park take in the vibe and sip Sangria in the sun.

There are plenty of food and beverage bars so you're never far from a cold beer or a warm plate of tapas. You might even fancy a ride on the chairoplane, especially if you want a second taste of all the tapas you just scoffed! The festival attracts a free spirited, artistic crowd - perhaps best described as young minded rather than youthful. The festival opens daily from 3pm and runs for a whopping 17 days!

The Uitmarkt, August 28 to 30, 2008

Every year on the last weekend of August the Uitmarkt Festival signals the opening of the cultural season in Amsterdam. The Uitmarkt provides a platform on which practically all known artistic institutions in Amsterdam can showcase their talents. The event now attracts well over half a million people to the large, open air stages constructed around the Leidsplein, Museumplein and Nieuwmarkt. The neighbouring theatres put on shows that vary in theme from classical music to Ballet, Hip-Hop, Cabaret, literary recitals and art house film. For the duration of the festival most of these open their doors for free! Smaller exhibitions, performance art, art student previews and numerous arty workshops can also be found, dotted around the city. Also be sure to check out the famous Uitmarkt book market. Writers and publishers mill around the market promoting their latest work, while antique collectors search for bargains - like owls hunting in the grasslands for vermin prey!

Other Attractions

On August 8 and 9 Top European Football club Ajax Amsterdam begin their pre-season build up with a two day, four team tournament at the Amsterdam Arena. The tournament involves four teams – Ajax Amsterdam, Arsenal, Inter Milan and Sevilla.

On August 30 renowned Pokerflat DJ, D'Julz will be spinning some minimal Techno at Studio80 on behalf of BLA BLA - one of the best Techno, House and Electro nights in the city. So go along and have an ear orgasm.

- Johnny Lee