Friday July 24, 2026
Good morning, Amsterdam. Today: De Parade theater festival returns to Martin Luther Kingpark, Alice Phoebe Lou plays the Bostheater, and the A9 closes between Holendrecht and Badhoevedorp.
At a glance
☀️ Weather: Hi 24°C / 75°F · Lo 15°C / 59°F · 0% chance of rain · wind W 11 km/h (6 knots)
🚲 Cycling: Great cycling weather all day.
🌙 Sun & moon: Sunrise 05:48 · Sunset 21:44 · Waxing Gibbous · Moonrise 18:33 · Golden hour 21:14–21:44
🌊 Outdoors: Water 21°C / 70°F (swimmable) · Air quality: fair (AQI 20)
💶 Markets: AEX 1,087 (-0.5%) · S&P 500 7,408 (-1.7%) · €1 = $1.14 · $1 = €0.88
🏆 Dutch sport: In darts, Dirk van Duijvenbode reached the semifinals of the World Matchplay, while in soccer, Ajax secured a simple European victory over Vojvodina and FC Twente lost their first Europa League qualifying match against Ferencváros.
City increases fines for loud music on Amstel: Boat owners on the Amstel River face stricter enforcement this summer as municipal officers issue significantly more fines for noise pollution. Boaters are advised to keep sound systems at a reasonable volume.
A9 highway closes between Holendrecht and Badhoevedorp: Drivers should expect significant delays this weekend as Rijkswaterstaat closes the northbound lanes toward Badhoevedorp. The closure lasts from Friday night through Monday morning for ongoing highway widening work. Transport
Dutch fuel and natural gas prices rise sharply: Drivers and households across the Netherlands face higher energy expenses this month. Diesel prices have climbed past €2.50 per liter, while wholesale natural gas rates have increased significantly since early spring.
Unlicensed electric scooters remain common on Dutch roads: A year after registration became mandatory across the country, many electric scooters are still being ridden on public streets in Amsterdam without plates, partly because several popular models fail to meet official registration rules.
Dutch health officials warn of early surge in impetigo infections: Health authorities report an unusually early increase in impetigo cases among children across the Netherlands. Parents and school staff are advised to watch for signs of the contagious skin infection.
Amsterdam agency shortlisted to design future Euro banknotes: A design studio based in Amsterdam has been selected as one of the final contenders to redesign the next generation of Euro banknotes for the European Central Bank.
Sign-ups open for Mini Dam tot Dam kids' run: Children can register for the Mini Dam tot Dam, a youth running event connecting Amsterdam-Noord and Zaandam. The sign-up deadline for young runners is July 8. 📅 Sports / Active
EYE screens animated family film Rally: Families can catch an animated adventure film following a race from Paris to Egypt at the film museum on the IJ. July 24, EYE Film Museum, Amsterdam. 📅 Museum / Educational
Plein Theater stages family show Tim in a Pocket: Albert Meijer performs an intimate theater production designed for children and families. July 24, 18:30, Plein Theater. 📅 Family Show
Maritime Museum launches new toddler exhibition: The Scheepvaartmuseum has opened a hands-on, sensory exhibition called Duiker Doris, designed specifically for babies and toddlers. It offers an interactive indoor activity for families during the summer break. July 24, 2026, Het Scheepvaartmuseum. 📅 Museum / Educational
The Van Gogh Museum hosts family activities this summer: Summer at Van Gogh: The Van Gogh Museum is offering a special summer vacation program with hands-on activities designed for children and families. You can join in at the museum on Museumplein through July 24. Museum / Educational
Violet Chachki performs live at Melkweg: Drag artist and musician Violet Chachki brings a live musical performance to the city center. July 24, 19:00, Melkweg. 📅
Baile Trama brings Brazilian club sounds to Parallel: A night of Brazilian club culture, heavy bass, and international dance tracks comes to the Noord venue. July 24, Parallel. 📅
En Vogue performs at Kwaku Summer Festival: American R&B group En Vogue takes the stage for a Friday night concert during the Kwaku Summer Festival. July 24, 2026, Kwaku Summer Festival. 📅
Alice Phoebe Lou plays Amsterdamse Bostheater: South African singer-songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou performs an open-air concert in the forest. July 24, 18:00, Amsterdamse Bos Open-Air Theater. 📅
German pagan-folk band FAUN plays open-air woodland show: German pagan-folk band FAUN performs an outdoor concert in the woods. Expect atmospheric world-folk music in an open-air setting. July 24, 2026, 18:00 - 23:00, Amsterdamse Bos Open-Air Theater. 📅
De Parade festival returns to Martin Luther Kingpark: The traveling summer theater festival brings short stage plays, live music, food stalls, and its iconic swing ride back to the south of the city. July 24–August 9, 18:00 - 22:00, Theaterfestival de Parade. 📅 Festivals
Milkshake Festival takes over Westerpark this weekend: The multi-stage dance festival returns to the west of the city, focusing on diversity, self-expression, and inclusive club culture. July 24–July 26, 15:00 - 23:00, Westerpark. 📅 Festivals
Mini Milkshake offers accessible festival edition: Ahead of the main festival weekend, Westerpark hosts a daytime edition designed specifically for visitors with disabilities. July 24, afternoon, Klönneplein 6, Westergas. Festivals
Evening beer walk ends at Brouwerij 't IJ: This evening walking route stops for a few drinks along the way before finishing at the windmill brewery in East. July 24, 2026, 17:00 - 22:00, Brouwerij 't IJ. 📅 Food / Markets
Synergy Art Festival takes over Flevopark: Flevopark hosts an outdoor art event featuring installations, live performances, and community gatherings. July 24, 2026, From 17:00, Flevopark. Festivals
Meetup for internationals over 40 meets in Houthavens: Expats and locals in their 40s and beyond can drop by for a quiet evening of conversation in the lounge area. July 24, 19:00, Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens. 📅
Community bike kitchen offers DIY repair space in Noord: Fix your own bicycle using provided stands, tools, and advice at this community workshop in Amsterdam Noord. July 24, 12:00, De Ceuvel, Amsterdam Noord. 📅 Workshop
Vondelpark hosts outdoor Dutch language exchange: Native Dutch speakers and learners can meet up in the park for informal language practice and social conversation. July 24, 19:00, Vondelpark. 📅 Class
Het Salon Ateliers hosts evening clothing swap: Update your wardrobe sustainably by trading pre-loved items with others at this local clothing swap session. July 24, 2026, 18:00, Het Salon Ateliers. 📅 Workshop
Singles mixer set for Friday at Mooie Boules: A casual social gathering offers local singles a chance to meet in person over drinks and games instead of using apps. July 24, 2026, 21:00, Mooie Boules Amsterdam West, Danzigerkade. 📅
Promptwatch raises €6 million in seed funding: Amsterdam-based artificial intelligence startup Promptwatch has secured €6 million in seed funding. The company plans to use the money to expand its software platform. Business News
Dutch households spend less income on energy as wages rise: Strong wage growth has helped Dutch households absorb high energy costs. An ING study shows residents now spend a smaller percentage of their income on gas, electricity, and fuel than during the 2022 peak. Business News
Documents show Shell avoided Dutch corporate tax for years: Internal documents reveal Shell avoided Dutch corporate profit taxes by operating its global service operations out of its Netherlands offices strictly at cost, avoiding reporting taxable profits. Business News
Unilever chooses London over Amsterdam for food division listing: Unilever will list its food division on the London Stock Exchange. Dutch officials had lobbied to bring the public listing to Euronext in Amsterdam. Business News
Dutch business registry adds 56,000 new companies in second quarter: New registrations surged across the Netherlands last quarter, with business services, retail, and construction leading total numbers, while the IT sector experienced the fastest proportional growth. Business News
Bar How opens waterside spot in Noord: A new natural wine bar has set up inside an art studio, serving wine, cheese boards, and outdoor seating near the water. Friday & Saturday 14:00-21:00, Westergasterrain, Westerpark. Bar / Café
Bestseller bookstore reopens on Kinkerstraat: Neighborhood favorite Bestseller has opened its doors again on Kinkerstraat in Oud-West. The shop was forced to close for repairs following heavy damage from an ATM explosion. Shop / Store
Zero Zero opens new spot in Amsterdam: A new venue called Zero Zero has officially opened its doors in Amsterdam. Check the link for current details on the menu and exact address. Restaurant
Meneer van Galen opens in Amsterdam: Meneer van Galen is a new addition to the city's food scene. You can find full details on the space and opening hours via the main link. Restaurant
De Vrouw met de Baard at Pakhuis de Zwijger: New waterside restaurant of diaspora dishes with influences from Indonesia, the Moluccas, China, Europe, Africa and America, think miso buttered burger and silky tofu chocolate ganache with pandan. Restaurant
Good to know
New on Dutch streaming: 1917 (Netflix), Jujutsu Kaisen S3 (Prime Video), Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston S1 (Disney+), Sugar S2 (Apple TV+) 🎬
Overheard on Reddit: Someone posted about a suspiciously tame duck near a Chinese restaurant and a "lost duck" poster, and the thread quickly identified it as the Sea Palace's resident duck and the poster as guerrilla marketing.
Today’s supermarket deals: AH beef burger (2 for €3.49) from Albert Heijn, Mars, Snickers or Twix ice cream (2 for €4.39) from Jumbo.
Did you know? Amsterdam has a “night mayor,” a civic nightlife role that became influential enough to inspire other cities.
293 years ago today: On July 24th, 1733, the Zeedijk ghost legend began with the 'Helena', whose curse was later tied to one of Amsterdam’s best-known hauntings.
Adoptable pet of the day: Meet Bobo, a 5-year-old American Pitbull Terrier at Dierenopvang Amsterdam. Take a look →In tomorrow’s edition: De Parade theater festival returns to Martin Luther Kingpark, Milkshake Festival comes to Westerpark, and MidzomerMokum offers free summer activities for kids across the city.
Enjoy your Friday, and watch out for those weekend road closures.
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