Essentially Amsterdam
Monday July 27, 2026
Good morning, Amsterdam. Today: Daniela Mercury brings Brazilian rhythms to Melkweg, Mano Bakery opens in West, and a study highlights the impact of moped helmets.
At a glance
🌦️ Weather: Hi 20°C / 68°F · Lo 15°C / 59°F · 30% chance of rain · wind W 26 km/h (14 knots)
🚲 Cycling: Good cycling until 08:00; rain likely after that.
🌙 Sun & moon: Sunrise 05:53 · Sunset 21:40 · Waxing Gibbous · Moonrise 21:04 · Golden hour 21:10–21:40
🌊 Outdoors: Water 21°C / 70°F (swimmable) · Air quality: good (AQI 16)
💶 Markets: AEX 1,090 · S&P 500 7,412 (-0.6%) · €1 = $1.14 · $1 = €0.88
🏆 Dutch sport: In cycling, Mathieu van der Poel won the thrilling final stage of the Tour de France and Lorena Wiebes dominated to win the Tour of Poland, while in Formula 1, Max Verstappen secured an unexpected second-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
News
Temperatures may peak near 36°C on Wednesday: Forecasters expect a stretch of sunshine and warm weather across the Netherlands this week. Highs could reach around 36°C mid-week, so it is a good time to find shade or plan a spot near the water.
Moped helmet mandate reduces injuries, study shows: Research indicates that requiring helmets for moped riders has made Dutch streets safer. The results arrive as the cabinet considers introducing similar helmet rules for fatbike riders.
Kwaku Festival stays lively despite summer rain: Rainy weather has not dampened spirits at the annual Kwaku Summer Festival in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. Organizers and visitors continue to gather in Nelson Mandelapark for food, music, and community events.
Vengaboys step in for Katja Schuurman at Milkshake Festival: Pop group Vengaboys made a surprise appearance at Milkshake Festival in Westerpark. They filled the slot after scheduled performer Katja Schuurman was unable to return to the Netherlands in time for her set.
Over 40 pets reported missing across Amsterdam: A local roundup lists 41 missing cats, dogs, and other pets currently being searched for by their owners. Neighborhood groups and rescue organizations across Amsterdam are asking residents to keep an eye out.
Odido customers switch providers after massive data breach: A number of Odido subscribers have moved their service to rival provider VodafoneZiggo following a major data breach. The incident compromised personal details belonging to over 6 million user accounts.
Family / Children
Het Filiaal presents kids' show HEG at De Parade: Theatergroup Het Filiaal brings its imaginative children's performance HEG to the traveling theater festival. The show is designed for audiences aged six and up. July 27, various times, Theaterfestival de Parade, Martin Luther Kingpark. Family Show
ARTIS Zoo hosts a family water quest: Water Mission Quest: Children can solve puzzles while exploring marine life and learning about the importance of water. July 27 at ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo. Museum / Educational
Wereldmuseum hosts Japanese Star Festival craft activities: Tanabata Japanese Star Festival: Families can join hands-on craft activities inspired by the traditional Japanese celebration. July 27 at Wereldmuseum Amsterdam. Festival / Fair
Vue Cinema screens Disney's live-action Moana: Live-Action Vaiana: Kids can watch the Disney adventure film on the big screen. July 27 at Vue Amsterdam Houthavens. Family Show
Vue Cinema holds morning movie screenings for toddlers: Mini Mornings: These dedicated screenings offer a relaxed environment for young children seeing their very first movie in a theater. July 27 at Vue Amsterdam Houthavens. Family Show
Music
Daniela Mercury brings Brazilian rhythms to Melkweg: Latin Grammy-winner Daniela Mercury performs a live concert in Amsterdam, combining high-energy Brazilian music and dance. July 27, 19:00, Melkweg. 📅
De Nieuwe Kerk hosts evening organ concerts through November: Summer organ concerts: Musicians play the historic organs at De Nieuwe Kerk during a series of evening performances running through November 10. Shows take place from 19:30 to 20:30 at Dam Square in the city center. 📅
The Concertgebouw brings back its annual summer concert series: VriendenLoterij Summer Concerts: The Royal Concertgebouw hosts its annual series of pop, jazz, and classical performances through August 30. Concert times vary between 12:00 and 23:00 at the historic venue in Amsterdam Zuid. 📅
Evening organ music fills De Nieuwe Kerk through autumn: Organ concerts: Musicians perform on the historic instruments inside De Nieuwe Kerk for an hour each evening through November 10. Performances run from 19:30 to 20:30 in the city center. 📅
H'ART Museum features Friday afternoon jazz concerts: Friday @ H'ART: The H'ART Museum hosts live jazz performances in its courtyard every Friday through August 28. The music runs from 15:30 to 18:30 in the Plantage neighborhood. 📅
Events: Watch
Radio Radio and Oatly host outdoor kiosk at Westergas: Radio Radio has paired with Oatly for a summer pop-up on the Marktplein. You can drop by for music and drinks in the open air. July 27–August 8, Marktplein, Westergas. 📅 Food / Markets
Photo exhibition celebrates 25 years of love: A visual photography display exploring human connection, romance, and relationships over the past quarter-century opens at Westergas. July 27, Westergas. 📅 Art / Museums
Hotel Arena screens evening film in chapel venue: Enjoy an evening movie screening set inside the historic chapel room at Hotel Arena next to Oosterpark. July 27, 21:00, Hotel Arena. 📅 Film
Melkweg hosts cult double bill curated by local personalities: Amsterdam personality Joost van Bellen introduces John Waters' comedy Pink Flamingos, preceded by Marije van der Made introducing teen romance Fucking Åmål. July 27, 21:30 (Pink Flamingos); 19:00 (Fucking Åmål), Melkweg Cinema. Film
Nieuwe Anita combines film, performance, and food: Cinemanita & Fiber Factory brings together cinema, live music, comedy, and food for an eclectic evening program in West. July 27, 20:30, De Nieuwe Anita. 📅
Events: Do
KunstRUIM offers free papercutting workshop in East: Learn the traditional craft of papercutting during a free afternoon session in Amsterdam East. All materials are provided for participants to try out simple creative designs. July 27, 13:00–16:00, Galerie KunstRuim. 📅 Workshop
Mulligans hosts beginner session for Irish music: Musicians new to traditional Irish tunes can practice at a relaxed pace during this weekly slow session. Bring your own instrument and play along. July 27, 19:00, Mulligans Irish Music Bar. 📅 Workshop
Beginners' salsa course starts at De Ceuvel: Learn the fundamental steps of salsa dance in a four-week introductory course held at a creative venue in Amsterdam North. July 27, 19:30, De Ceuvel. 📅 Class
Community summer dinner comes to Het Groene Veld: Enjoy a freshly prepared seasonal summer meal as part of a casual, community-driven dining event in Amsterdam North. July 27, 16:30, Het Groene Veld. 📅 Tasting
Buurtsalon Jeltje holds creative craft and chat session: Unwind with painting and coloring while connecting with neighbors in a friendly, low-pressure environment designed to support mental well-being. July 27, 10:00 - 12:00, Buurtsalon Jeltje. 📅 Workshop
Work / Business
Real estate agents clash with Funda over listing fees: Tension is rising between property portal Funda and local Dutch real estate agents. Brokers in Amsterdam and beyond are unhappy with expensive new ad packages, creating friction in the local housing market. Business News
Trading card market expands across the Netherlands: Collectibles like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and One Piece cards have moved beyond playgrounds into serious business. Digital marketplaces and local buyers are driving significant revenue across the Dutch market. Business News
Rising costs delay major North Sea wind farm projects: Two planned Dutch offshore wind farm projects remain stalled two years after bidding opened. Surging construction expenses, changing market conditions, and a lack of state subsidies threaten clean energy targets in the region. Business News
Competition for talent drives up Dutch law firm salaries: Salaries for junior lawyers at top Dutch law firms have increased significantly over the past five years. High demand for experienced associates led to wage growth that outpaced inflation as firms competed for staff. Business News
Facebook hack at music shop highlights SME security risks: A Dutch music retailer lost control of its 6,000-follower social media page after a cyber incident, disrupting day-to-day operations. The case highlights how vulnerable small businesses are when relying heavily on single platforms. Business News
Network over a outdoor waterfront picnic in Houthavens: Connect with local professionals and business owners over a relaxed picnic on the water. July 27, 11:00, The July - Boat & Co, Revaleiland. 📅 Networking
Openings & Closings
Mano Bakery brings pastries and street theater to West: A new bakery in Amsterdam West pairs fresh Italian baked goods with local street performances. It offers classic sweet pastries alongside live entertainment in a casual neighborhood spot. Restaurant
Behind the Pines opens storefront on Rozengracht: Outdoor gear and lifestyle store Behind the Pines has leased a new retail space in the city center. The shop will sell apparel, equipment, and accessories at Rozengracht 34 HS. Shop / Store
EDTN opens its doors in Amsterdam: A new dining and drinking venue named EDTN has officially launched in Amsterdam, expanding the city's hospitality landscape. Restaurant
Aden's restaurant launches in Amsterdam Nieuw-West: A new dining spot named Aden's has opened its doors in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, offering a fresh addition to the neighborhood's local food scene. Restaurant
Cafe Pigalle: French flair with a Mediterranean touch on Bullewijkpad in Zuidoost, within walking distance of Oma Ietje: breakfast to dinner and drinks, family-friendly menu. Restaurant
Good to know
New on Dutch streaming: House of the Dragon S3 (HBO Max), Silo S3 (Apple TV+), Miss Congeniality (Netflix), A Shop for Killers S2 (Disney+) 🎬📺
Overheard on Reddit: A 1951 tram collision on Damrak drew the usual crowd curiosity, but commenters were more interested in debating how much messier Damrak has become in the decades since.
Today’s supermarket deals:  AH pork tenderloin (€1.09, was €6.00) from Albert Heijn, Page toilet paper (2 for €1.89) from Jumbo.
Did you know? Rembrandt’s The Night Watch has survived three attacks: knife attacks in 1911 and 1975, and an acid attack in 1990.
152 years ago today: On July 27th, 1874, the versatile Amsterdam artist and explorer W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp was born on the Geldersekade.
Adoptable pet of the dayAdoptable pet of the day: Meet Bagel, a 1-year-old rabbit at Dierenopvang Amsterdam. Take a look →
In tomorrow’s edition: Martin Parr's photo exhibition opens at FOAM, ARTIS starts its late-night summer evening program, and kids can catch free puppet shows at Dam Square.
Stay cool and have a good Monday.
Essentially Amsterdam
Want to make sure you never miss a day of Essentially Amsterdam? Subscribe here.

Reply

Avatar

or to participate

Recommended for you