Events for October 2011
In October there's a slight chance that your visit will coincide with a bout of grey weather but if you're not deterred by the thought of spending some of your trip under an umbrella Amsterdam has tones to offer - as always. One the bright side hotels and ticket prices are much cheaper, the cultural season is still in full swing with dance, opera and concert performances, and there are festivals galore going on.
Story Highlights
- ING Amsterdam Marathon
- Amsterdam Dance Event
- Cinekid Festival
- Amsterdam Halloween Festival
- Leather Pride
- Pint Bokbier Festival
- Alternative Events in October
ING Amsterdam Marathon – October 16, 2011
This year is the 36th edition of the Amsterdam marathon making it the oldest marathon in the Netherlands. With over 80 countries participating this year, the Marathon has slowly and steadily earned itself a place in the league table of the world's best marathons. Those familiar with the city's outdoor events know it's a participation sport (crowd or otherwise) and not to be missed. www.amsterdammarathon.nl
Amsterdam Dance Event - October 19 to 22, 2011
If you're a big Electro music fan then A.D.E is the place to see and be seen this October. The world's biggest electronic music festival is an extravaganza that covers over 50 venues, 700 artists and DJs from all over the world. Beyond the club nights, the event is filled with daytime fun - including interactive workshops, demonstrations and round-table talks. This year's line up only gets better with the likes of Afrojack, David Guetta and Carl Cox - all ready to do their thing. www.amsterdam-dance-event.com
Cinekid Festival – October 18 to 21, 2011
Each year the Cinekid Festival welcomes over 50,000 young media buffs, their parents and renowned international guests to view over 500 media productions, made especially for kids. Among the festival activities is the ever-popular MediaLab, where kids learn all about media production and the latest media technology in a fun and interactive way. Cinekid also plays host to major premieres, special guests, fantastic parties and the fabulous Cinekid Awards.
Amsterdam Halloween Festival – October 29, 2011
In addition to the annual costume party with a Victorian era freak show theme in the Odeon Theatre, Halloween events in Amsterdam include a costume and make-up workshop, a Fright Night Skate, Mr. Horror's Halloween Horror Show with four horror film premieres, a haunted kids' program, and a free charity Zombie Walk. www.amsterdamhalloweenfestival.com
Leather Pride – October 28 to 30, 2011
It seems perfectly apt that one of the world's most gay friendly cities hosts Leather Pride - one of the most popular gay pride festivals in the world. The festival will have mega dance parties with laser shows and world class DJs catering to the dancing shoes of the thousands attending. The festival was created in collaboration with the many gay shops and dance clubs in Amsterdam with a view to combining four days and nights of fun. Think leather, uniforms, rubber, sportswear, breeches and other fetishes!
Pint Bokbier Festival
For all the beer lovers out there October brings the PINT Festival - the largest beer festival in the Netherlands with over 50 brews on tap. The favourite beer served here is Bokbier. It was originally brewed as a dark beer but nowadays it also comes in paler and amber tints. The literal translation would mean goat but it has nothing to do with goats, so don't worry. The festival is held in Beurs van Berlage, in the city centre and live bands ensure a festive atmosphere. (w) www.pint.nl/pint/bbf.htm
Alternative Events in October
Those interested in cinema with a cause can head to the annual Africa in the Picture Festival. With a huge range of films varying from shorts to feature-length and from drama to science fiction, the Africa in the Picture Festival boasts films from countries as widespread as the Bahamas, Mali, Great Britain, and the Netherlands. The festival represents not only the continent of Africa but also its communities and legacies throughout the world. (w) www.africainthepicture.nl/en
October is also the last month for art buffs to head to Amsterdam's Modern Art Market - Thorbeckeplein - where every Sunday local artists display their work. Several portrait painters are also present, so you can take the opportunity to let out the closet narcissist in you, should the need arise.
- Ankita Mahabir
