A DAILY AMSTERDAM CITY BRIEFING

Good morning, Amsterdam. 🌤️ Today we've got Daley Blind possibly heading back to Ajax, Bruno Mars lighting up the ArenA tonight, and a Sunday packed with free family fun, puppet theater on Dam Square, plastic fishing at the Maritime Museum, and much more.

Major power outage hits Osdorp: Around 4,000 connections lost power in Amsterdam Nieuw-West's Osdorp neighborhood. Cause and restoration timeline were not immediately confirmed. Location: Amsterdam Osdorp, Nieuw-West.

Amsterdam's road tunnels are closing more than ever: Tunnel shutdowns due to technical failures have already surpassed the totals of previous full years, causing significant detours and delays for drivers across the city.

Mayor wants stricter King's Day rules for 2027: Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema is pushing for tighter regulations governing King's Day celebrations in the city, with changes targeted at the 2027 edition of the event.

Dutch government to refund €9 million in wrongful integration fines: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment will repay roughly 9 million euros to 3,300 people who were incorrectly penalized under integration rules, according to De Telegraaf.

Partly sunny and dry, highs around 20°C: Amsterdam can expect intervals of sunshine with no rain and a moderate westerly wind. Temperatures are expected to reach about 20°C.

What a rental apartment costs in Amsterdam right now: New figures show what renters are currently paying on average for an apartment in Amsterdam, reflecting continued pressure on the city's tight housing market.

New residential block planned for Hamerkwartier: A new housing development is in the works for the Hamerkwartier area in Amsterdam-Noord. Further details were not available at the time of reporting.

Amsterdam ranks among the 10 priciest places to get married in the Netherlands: Getting married in Amsterdam comes with a steep price tag, placing the city in the top ten most expensive municipalities in the country for wedding ceremonies.

Ted Brandsen receives Amsterdam Silver Medal after 23 years leading National Ballet: Mayor Femke Halsema presented Het Nationale Ballet director Ted Brandsen with the city's Silver Medal at his farewell gala, marking 23 years at the helm of the company.

Amsterdam's 80,000-strong Moroccan community rallies behind World Cup team: Many Amsterdam residents with Moroccan roots are backing Morocco in the World Cup alongside, or instead of, the Dutch national team, with community enthusiasm running high.

Daley Blind in talks for Ajax return: The 36-year-old defender is reportedly in discussions with Ajax about rejoining the club where he spent a significant part of his career.

Ajax midfielder Danique Noordman signs with Juventus: The 22-year-old from Dalfsen is set to play in Italy's Serie A next season, with Ajax receiving a transfer fee for the move.

New cycling route connects Amsterdam-Noord to the polder: A freshly launched flavor-themed bike route links Amsterdam-Noord with the surrounding polder landscape, offering riders a scenic way to explore the area beyond the city's edge.

The Amsterdam funeral planner who makes every send-off one of a kind: Iede Hoorn, 40, arranges funerals that break every convention, think canal boat hearses and Lamborghini processions, turning a final farewell into something entirely personal.

Toy Story drawing workshop for kids at Rijksmuseum: Children ages 4 and up can draw their own Toy Story adventure in the Rijksmuseum's main entrance hall. July 5, Rijksmuseum. · KIDS WORKSHOP

Family art workshop: The Land of Hagelslag at H'ART Museum: Kids ages 6 and up can join this hands-on afternoon workshop running daily through August 1. Through August 1, 14:00–16:30, H'ART Museum. · KIDS WORKSHOP

Pop Art Factory at Museum Cobra: Kids can press their own button or screen-print a tote bag in this drop-in creative session. July 5, Museum Cobra, Amstelveen. · KIDS WORKSHOP

Creative in the Castle workshop at Muiderslot: A daily drop-in makerspace inside the medieval castle runs through mid-August for visiting families. Through August 16, 10:00–16:00, Muiderslot, Muiden. · KIDS WORKSHOP

Bamboo makerspace for kids at Wereldmuseum: Children can explore and build with bamboo in the museum's hands-on creative workshop space. July 5, Wereldmuseum Amsterdam. · KIDS WORKSHOP

Free Sunday puppet theater on Dam Square: A classic puppet show runs weekly in front of the Royal Palace, no ticket needed. July 5, Dam Square. · FAMILY SHOW

Brazilian family concert at Munganga Theater: The Santos, Latif & González Trio brings live Brazilian music to a family-friendly Sunday morning show. July 5, 11:00, Munganga Theater. · FAMILY SHOW

Free plastic fishing all summer at the Maritime Museum: Join Plastic Whale to fish waste from the water in multiple time slots throughout summer. July 5–August 30, Het Scheepvaartmuseum, Plantage. · OUTDOOR / ACTIVE

Mini safari: wild bee expedition at De Ceuvel: A guided walk across De Ceuvel's terrain to spot everything that lives, crawls, flies, or grows in the cracks and along the docks. July 5, 11:00, Korte Papaverweg 4. · OUTDOOR / ACTIVE

Summer bouldering lessons for kids in Noord: Weekly youth sessions run mornings through mid-August, with instruction included. Through August 15, 9:30–12:30, Monk Bouldergym Amsterdam. · OUTDOOR / ACTIVE

Family bouldering at Monk with summer holiday discount: The gym offers reduced family rates throughout the summer vacation period, open from morning until midnight. Through August 16, Monk Bouldergym Amsterdam. · OUTDOOR / ACTIVE

Summer vacation program at Museum Rembrandthuis: Special family activities fill the historic house throughout the summer holiday season. Through August 23, 10:00–18:00, Museum Rembrandthuis, Nieuwmarkt. · MUSEUM / EDUCATIONAL

Tanabata Festival at Wereldmuseum: Families can dive into creative activities inspired by the Japanese star festival. July 5, Wereldmuseum Amsterdam. · FESTIVAL / FAIR

Pathe Kids Festival with a chance to win free toy shopping: Family films screen across Pathé locations this summer, with a prize draw offering one minute of free toy store shopping. July 5, Pathé cinemas. · FESTIVAL / FAIR

Bruno Mars at Johan Cruijff ArenA: One of pop's biggest live acts takes the stage for a full arena show. July 5, 20:45, Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Ludovico Einaudi live at Ziggo Dome: The Italian composer and pianist performs his meditative, minimalist work in one of Amsterdam's largest indoor venues. July 5, 20:00, Ziggo Dome.

Busta Rhymes at Guilty Pleasure Festival: The hip-hop veteran headlines at this day festival, which opens its doors from early afternoon. July 5, from 13:00, Guilty Pleasure Festival.

Kae Tempest at the Amsterdamse Bostheater: The British poet and musician performs in the open-air forest theater setting, a fittingly intimate stage for their intense live sets. July 5, 20:00, Amsterdamse Bostheater.

Adrian Quesada solo show at Tolhuistuin: The Grammy-winning Black Pumas guitarist and producer brings his solo set, spanning funk, soul, and psychedelia with Latin roots, to Amsterdam-Noord. July 5, 20:30, Tolhuistuin.

Lord of the Rings music at Keizersgrachtkerk: La Chapelle Sauvage performs a live tribute to Howard Shore's film scores inside a historic canal church. July 5, 19:00–20:15, Keizersgrachtkerk.

ÁMÀL Ensemble at Paradiso: The ensemble takes the Upstairs Room stage for an evening concert. July 5, doors 19:30, show 20:00, Paradiso.

Free mariachi concert in Amstelpark: Mariachi Tierra Caliente brings a full Mexican fiesta sound to the Stadshout Pavilion, no ticket needed. July 5, 14:30, Stadshout Pavilion, Amstelpark.

Free classical lunchtime concert at Vondelpark Open-Air Theater: Carol Ruiz performs as part of the Four on the Floor series at the beloved open-air stage, free entry. July 5, 12:00–13:30, Vondelpark Open-Air Theater.

Free folk music at Camping Zeeburg, Ismena: Ismena plays a free live folk set in the relaxed outdoor setting of Camping Zeeburg. July 5, 18:00–20:30, Camping Zeeburg Amsterdam.

Jazz at H'ART Museum: The H'ART Museum hosts live jazz as part of a summer series running across two dates this month. July 5, H'ART Museum.

Afro Anatolian Tales with Burak Savaş at Mezrab: Burak Savaş brings an evening of music and tarab dance to Mezrab, blending African and Anatolian influences. July 5, 20:30, Mezrab.

Some Voices outdoor choir concert at De Ceuvel: The choir performs in the open air at De Ceuvel, one of Amsterdam-Noord's most distinctive creative spaces. July 5, 13:00, De Ceuvel.

De Amsterdamse Zomer at Olympisch Stadion: A summer music event spotlighting Dutch artists, with Amsterdam as the through line, runs all day at the historic stadium. Through July 5, 12:00–23:00, Olympisch Stadion.

Benjamin Herman jazz night at De Kring: The celebrated Dutch saxophonist plays a late-evening jazz set at the members' club De Kring. July 5, 21:00, De Kring.

Young talent concert: Duo Pleyel at Luther Museum: Duo Pleyel performs alongside a young talent from the Sweelinck Academy in a concert tied to the Onder de Zwaan exhibition. July 5, 16:00–17:30, Luther Museum Amsterdam.

Shakespeare in a nutshell outdoors at Marineterrein: Catch a compact Shakespeare performance in the open air at one of Amsterdam's most atmospheric waterfront sites. Marineterrein, Kattenburgerstraat 5. July 5. · THEATER

Teen improvisers take the Boom Chicago stage: InterActing, a performance program for teens on the autism spectrum, joins the Boom Chicago Comedy Festival for the fourth consecutive year alongside the Boom Chicago cast. Rozengracht 117. July 5. · COMEDY

Dutch Film Academy graduation festival closes at EYE: The Keep an Eye Filmacademie Festival wraps up its fifteenth edition with the graduating class of 2025 presenting their work. EYE Film Museum, Amsterdam Noord. July 5. · FILM

English-subtitle screening of The Good Sister with networking drinks: Rialto VU hosts this international residents' cinema series, pairing a subtitled film with post-screening drinks. July 5, 16:45. · FILM

Martin Parr exhibition at Foam: The British photographer's sardonic eye for modern life is on show at Foam Photography Museum, Keizersgracht. Through August 12, 2026. · ART / MUSEUMS

The Art of Transformation at Allard Pierson: An ongoing exhibition at the Allard Pierson, the University of Amsterdam's museum and heritage collections. Open daily 10:00–17:00 through November 20. · ART / MUSEUMS

Building a House Without Bricks at De Appel: A public program and exhibition organized by damdam, a collective drawing on participants from De Appel, the Sandberg Instituut, and Gudskul Jakarta. De Appel, Tolstraat 160. Through August 14. · ART / MUSEUMS

Wasteland Summerfest final day at Kaap Amsterdam: The outdoor festival wraps up with theatrical shows, live entertainment, and music across multiple stages. Kaap Amsterdam, 13:00–23:00. July 5. · FESTIVALS

Ride the Resistance Tram: Board a historic tram for a guided tour of wartime Amsterdam, run by Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam. July 5–September 13, 10:30 AM–4:00 PM, Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam. · TOUR

Day trip to Forteiland IJmuiden: Ferry out to a UNESCO-listed 19th-century sea fortress at the mouth of the North Sea Canal, purchase your ticket before signing up. July 5, meet 12:15, ferry 12:45, Dankzij Terminal, Sluisplein 78, IJmuiden. · TOUR

Walking tour in Rembrandt's footsteps: A relaxed walk from Nieuwmarkt through old Amsterdam, past Rembrandt's House and historic canals, finishing near the Rijksmuseum. July 5, 10:15 AM, De Waag, Nieuwmarkt. · TOUR

English guided tour of Judy Chicago's 'Revelations': A guided English-language tour of Judy Chicago's exhibition at the Joods Cultureel Kwartier. July 5, 12:00 PM. · TOUR

IJ neighborhood ferry to Nieuwendam and Durgerdam: Hop the community ferry from Steiger 14 for a scenic ride out to two small waterside neighborhoods north of the city. July 5, 11:00 AM. · TOUR

Sunrise walk in the Amsterdamse Bos: A guided early-morning walk through the Amsterdamse Bos to catch the sunrise. July 5, 7:30 AM. · TOUR

English guided tour of the Scheepvaarthuis: Museum Het Schip leads an English-language tour of the landmark Amsterdam School Shipping House. July 5, 1:30 PM. · TOUR

Afternoon canal boat party: A relaxed summer cruise through the canals with swimming, cold drinks, new faces, and a sunset finish. Meeting point sent after RSVP. July 5, 3:00 PM. · SPORTS (ACTIVE)

Free social bike tour through 't Twiske and the Waterland polders: A community-run ride north of the city through open polder landscape, departing around 10:30 AM. July 5, gather 10:00 AM, Screaming Beans, Waterlooplein 129. · SPORTS (ACTIVE)

Terrible Football casual kickabout: A free, no-pressure football session in the Amsterdamse Bos for all ages (16+) and abilities, with beers sometimes after. July 5, 11:00 AM. · SPORTS (ACTIVE)

Mati x Olaf Brood run club social 5K: A €5 social morning run through Amsterdam followed by yerba mate and pastries back at Olaf Brood, spots are limited. July 5, 8:00 AM, Olaf Brood. · SPORTS (ACTIVE)

Chess and beer at Café de Balie: Casual chess meetup open to all levels, bring a set if you have one, swap seats, and play as many people as you like. July 5, 4:00–6:00 PM, Café de Balie, Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 10. · GAMES / HOBBIES

Pearl Sunday oysters for €1 at Westerweelde: Westerweelde's popular oyster afternoon returns with €1 oysters and outdoor seating, reserve a table in advance. July 5, Klonne plein 4. · FOOD / MARKETS

Free outdoor art market at the Spui: Art Amsterdam Spui brings an open-air art market to the Spui square every day through late July, free to browse. Through July 26, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM, Spui, city center. · ART / MUSEUMS

Modefabriek fashion trade fair: This recurring Amsterdam trade event brings together fashion buyers, brands, and designers under one roof. July 5, Taets, Amsterdam. · CONFERENCE

Crypto padel networking night: Web3 professionals mix business with padel in a casual after-hours format, venue details sent after registration approval. July 5, 7:00 PM. · SOCIAL / DRINKS

UPS opens smart logistics center near Schiphol: The new 12,000 m² facility is designed to support advanced, integrated supply chain operations, reinforcing the Amsterdam area's standing as a European logistics hub.

Horizon3.ai brings European HQ to the Netherlands: The US-based AI cybersecurity firm specializes in offensive security and resilience validation, adding another significant player to the Dutch tech and security ecosystem.

Toscanini is getting a sister restaurant: The beloved Amsterdam Italian institution Toscanini is expanding with a new sister restaurant. Details are limited, but it's a notable addition to the city's dining scene. · RESTAURANT

Bouillon d'Amsterdam opens in the city center: A new restaurant called Bouillon d'Amsterdam has arrived in Amsterdam Centrum. Further details on the concept and hours are still to be confirmed. · RESTAURANT

Café Publiek: French-style bar-bistro on Dapperplein: This relaxed bar-bistro in Oost brings a French neighborhood feel with a large terrace, stylish interior, and an extensive wine list, open from afternoon to late. Dapperplein 23, Oost. · BAR / CAFÉ

Strand van Oost opens in Amsterdam-East: A new venue called Strand van Oost has opened in Amsterdam-Oost. Details on what it offers are still to be confirmed. · BAR / CAFÉ

MOCA Amsterdam opens its doors: Amsterdam is gaining a Museum of Contemporary Art, a significant institutional opening for the city's arts landscape. Further details are expected as the opening develops. · VENUE / SPACE

Ceintuur Theater opens in De Pijp: A new theater called Ceintuur Theater has opened in the De Pijp neighborhood. Details on programming and hours are yet to be confirmed. · VENUE / SPACE

In tomorrow’s edition: Ludovico Einaudi fills the Ziggo Dome, Orchestra Baobab bring Senegalese soul to Paradiso, and the Netherlands take on Morocco at Het Sieraad.

Enjoy the dry spell while it lasts, see you Monday.