Events for November 2011
Winter is officially here but those who are undaunted by the blustery weather and frequent showers will find themselves in for quite a treat. November happens to be one of my favorite Dutch months - because of the sheer diversity of the wonderful quirky events on offer. Also now that the off peak season is officially here, travelling to what is sometimes a fairly expensive city is extremely affordable. Yes the days are shorter but who cares with there are things like the cannabis cup taking place (yes you heard right) and Sinterklaas arriving? Not convinced to leave your couch by the fireplace yet? Read on.
Story Highlights
- Museumnacht
- Sinterklaas Arrives
- London Calling
- High Times Cannabis Cup
- PAN Amsterdam
- Alternative Events
Museumnacht - November 5, 2011
Museumnacht is one of the biggest highlights of the Dutch cultural calendar. Around 45 museums in Amsterdam open their doors between 19.00 and 02.00, and organise special events including workshops, concerts, special tours, and performances. Delicious food and drink that sometimes blends with the theme is also on hand to help keep your energy levels up. If you’re lucky enough to be in Amsterdam in November don’t miss Museum Night, or, as the locals simply know it - the n8. www.n8.nl
Sinterklaas Arrives - November 13, 2011
Sinterklaas is an adorable Dutch tradition where Sinterklaas (based on Saint Nicholas) arrives from Spain in his steamboat, accompanied by his helpers - the zwarte Pieten whose faces are covered in black chimney soot. In the weeks that follow Dutch children set their shoes next to the fireplace at bedtime, in the hope that Sinterklaas will leave treats in them. Popular favorites include chocolate letters and a variety of spiced cookies, such as the popular pepernoten and kruidnoten. The holiday season culminates in family celebrations on December 5 - Sinterklaas Eve. Visitors who witness the spirit of Sinterklaas will leave with wonderful memories of the country's most beloved traditions. www.sintinamsterdam.nl
London Calling - November 11 and 12, 2011
London Calling is a music festival that supports and showcases new alternative acts from the UK and USA in particular. The venue is Paradiso - which functions as a Concert Hall, Club and Cultural Center. The likes of Florence and the Machine, Franz Ferdinand and Hudson Mohawke all made their Dutch debut here. www.londoncalling.nl
High Times Cannabis Club - November 20 to 24, 2011
All Coffee Shop fans should time their trip to Amsterdam to take in the Cannabis Cup - the world's most popular marijuana, and hemp festival where participants sample and vote for the year's best cannabis strains. In its 24th year the Cannabis Cup claims to be a celebration of freedom that draws thousands of fans from around the world. There are tonnes of events planned along with workshops on growing Cannabis - taught by from experts from around the world. Whether it floats your boat or not, it’s a quirky and popular festival where you should at least pop in and say hi (excuse the pun)! www.cannabiscup.com
PAN Amsterdam - November 20 to 27, 2011
Art and antiques vultures get lucky because the Netherlands' top annual arts, and antiques fair, renowned for its quality, and diversity takes place this very month. PAN Amsterdam has for 25-years offered wares for all tastes - from rare books and manuscripts to authentic Old Masters. An inspiring place for the artist in you and a place where you can join 50,000 fellow enthusiasts wandering through the galleries, and exhibitions. www.pan.nl
Alternative Events
Film buffs, especially documentary film buffs are in for a treat with the International Documentary Film Festival, taking place this month. There aren’t many festivals in the world that bring together so many great films, devoted fans and talented film makers in one place - making IDFA one of the world's leading documentary film festivals. This is the event’s 24th year and in in 2011 the screenings will take place in some of the city’s most characteristic venues, including the Pathe Tuschinski Cinema and The Amsterdam Public Library. www.idfa.nl
For fans of Classical Music be sure to check out the International Van Wassenaer Competition between November 18 and 20. This is a great platform that supports fresh and upcoming talent in the classical music genre. Established in 1986, the event started out as a competition but has now developed into a festival with master classes and workshops. www.vanwassenaerconcours.nl
- Ankita Mahabir
