1. Home Page
2. Special Deals
3. London Hostels
4. Barcelona Hostels
5. Prague Hostels
6. Edinburgh Hostels
7. Amsterdam Hostels
8. Berlin Hostels
9. Bruges Hostels
10. Brighton Hostels
11. BathHostel
12. Newquay Hostels
13. Paris Hostels
14. Group Bookings

You are here: Amsterdam Events > events > Events for August 2011

Events for August 2011

Gay Pride – July 30 to August 7, 2011

Do not think for a moment that the Gay Pride in Amsterdam is just a parade or a festival. It is a complete gala and then some more. This year the program features sports, cultural shenanigans and parties galore. The highlight of Amsterdam Gay Pride is the canal parade on August 7 - a carnival-esque, cultural and slightly racy boat parade through Amsterdam's canals. (w) www.amsterdamgaypride.nl

Gratchenfestival – August 12 to 21, 2011

This is a unique classical music event that is now one of the most popular festivals in Amsterdam. For five days, special locations in the heart of Amsterdam form the backdrop for more than 80 classical concerts. The concerts can be enjoyed in the houses and gardens of hospitable locals and of course in the usual concert halls, museums, and historical buildings including the Anne Frank House. The highlight is the floating barge, open-air concert on August 20 – the final Saturday of the festival. This is known as the Prinsengrachtconcert and is named after the Prinsengracht canal where the concert takes place. (w) www.grachtenfestival.nl

BlijBurg - Until August 30, 2011, Closed on Mondays

Bring a picnic basket, a bucket, a spade and your dancing shoes to Blijburg - a man made and temporary beach complete with a funky restaurant, bar, DJs and bands. There are great events set to held here too including Soul Club Night and Zumba on the Beach. Remember to check the weather in advance! (w) www.blijburg.nl

Uitmarkt - August 26 to 28, 2011

Amsterdam glows as a cornerstone of art and culture in Europe during Uitmarkt – something considered by many to be the largest cultural event in Amsterdam. This is when the city marks the opening of the fall season by hosting a weekend of free cultural programs. Uitmarkt caters to a wide variety of tastes and serves up classical music, Hip-Hop, film screenings and even children’s theatre. If you are still in doubt, the entrance is free! (w) www.amsterdamsuitburo.nl/uitmarkt/english

De Parade - August 5 to 21, 2011

A traveling festival with colorful, circus-like tents and a larger than life ambience, De parade serves up over 80 theater, magic, dance and music events. On August 21st the Summer Tour concludes with a huge Gala. All events take place in the Martin Luther King Park. (w) www.deparade.nl

Loveland Festival – August 13, 2011

The Loveland Festival is an outdoor festival in Amsterdam hosting the world’s best talent. Not only does it host up to 20,000 people, it has an outdoor swimming pool along with a beautiful forest area. The line up only gets better every year and in 2011 it includes Nobody Beats the Drums, Mason and The Glimmers. (w) http://loveland.nl

Alternative Events

While everyone is busy catching the major events take a breather and head to the Amsterdam Museum to catch an interesting exhibition called Buurtwinkels. This is all about Amsterdam's local shops – including the city’s first supermarket, Dirk van den Broek. It’s running until August 21, 2011. Alternatively if you fancy a break from the city head to Harbour Festival, a free event in the port town of Ijmuiden, about 30 minutes from Amsterdam. This features street theatre, music concerts, film and more on August 27 and 28, 2011. Also don’t forget the Comedytrain festival is still going strong with a great line up until August 13, 2011.

With so much culture, chaos and entertainment in store, it’s no wonder Amsterdam is the place to be this August. Happy travelling from a fellow explorer!

- Ankita Mahabir