☀️ Essentially Amsterdam for Thursday, July 16: The Weeknd at the ArenA, 20% tourist tax, direct train to London

Thursday July 16, 2026

Good morning, Amsterdam. The Weeknd plays the ArenA, the city is weighing a 20% tourist tax, and a direct train may link Amsterdam to London.

City weighs 20% tourist tax: Amsterdam is considering new measures to slow overtourism, including raising the local tourist tax to 20%. The proposal would also help pay for municipal services tied to the number of visitors coming into Amsterdam.

Direct train may link Amsterdam to London: Plans are being drawn up for a direct passenger train from London to Germany via Amsterdam. If it goes ahead, Amsterdam Centraal would be one of the stops on a new cross-channel rail route.

Parking permit fraud in Amsterdam-Oost: A resident in Amsterdam-Oost found that a neighbor had been using a handicap parking space with a permit tied to a previous tenant. It’s a small but telling example of how parking disputes play out in the neighborhood.

Erwin’s colorful ice cream cart: Erwin’s bright ice cream cargo bike is a summer sight around Sarphatipark and the Weesperzijde, where he sells eight flavors of Italian gelato. The cart stands out mostly for the color and the way it moves through East and South.

Microsoft data center uses 1% of power: A Microsoft data center in Noord-Holland used about 1% of the Netherlands’ electricity supply last year, based on government figures. It’s a large energy load for a single site.

Consumers overestimate inflation: A CBS study says people in the Netherlands think prices are rising by about 8% a year, while actual consumer price inflation is closer to 2.7%. That gap says something about how people experience day-to-day costs.

Mama Circle walks through Vondelpark: This stroller walk brings local moms and babies together for a relaxed loop through Vondelpark. Meet in front of Cafe Vertigo, with optional coffee at De Roos afterward. July 16, 2026, 11:00, Vondelpark 📅 Outdoor / Active

Kids skate lessons at Skatecafe: Karin and Yvonne are leading kids’ skateboarding lessons at Skatecafe, with a focus on learning safely on the ramp. It’s a practical afternoon session for children who want some guided practice. July 16, 16:00, Skatecafe 📅 Kids Workshop

Tanabata festival at Wereldmuseum: The Tanabata, or Star Festival, is being marked with hands-on activities, paper crafts, and storytelling for families. It’s a chance to see a Japanese summer tradition in Amsterdam. July 16, Wereldmuseum Amsterdam 📅 Festival / Fair

Kids join a water puzzle at ARTIS: Children can follow clues around ARTIS in a water-themed puzzle mission, including stops near the fish and jellyfish tanks. It’s built around learning why water matters for life. July 16, ARTIS 📅 Museum / Educational

Kids’ natural swimming pool sessions: Sport4kidz runs natural swimming pool sessions at Jeugdland through the summer on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It’s outdoor water play for children, with age groups and times to check ahead. July 16, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Sport4kidz Outdoor / Active

The Weeknd plays the ArenA: The Weeknd brings his After Hours Til Dawn Tour to the Johan Cruijff ArenA. It’s a large stadium show with a 20:00 start, so expect a full night of pop and R&B at the city’s main football venue. July 16, 2026, 20:00, Johan Cruijff ArenA 📅

Film scores at the Concertgebouw: Conductor Marzena Diakun leads a program of well-known film music, including Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Mulan, Apollo 13, and Star Wars. It’s a classical concert built around movie themes rather than a full film screening. July 16, 2026, 20:00, Concertgebouw 📅

Jigitz plays Paradiso tonight: Jigitz is on stage at Paradiso with a pop and rock set. It’s a straightforward late show at one of Amsterdam’s main concert rooms. July 16, 21:45, Paradiso 📅

Christ Dillinger and Acid Souljah at Paradiso: American experimental rappers Christ Dillinger and Acid Souljah play Paradiso’s Upstairs Room, with doors opening before the main set. The program is in the evening, so it’s a straightforward late show. July 16, Doors: 19:00, Main programme: 19:30, Paradiso

Caravãna Sun at Bitterzoet: Australian band Caravãna Sun is playing a set that mixes surf-rock, ska, and indie-electronica. It’s a straightforward live-music night at Bitterzoet. July 16, 19:30, Bitterzoet 📅

Sepideh Kaav at ClinkNOORD: Sepideh Kaav’s English-language stand-up show mixes culture, identity, and personal quirks with a darker edge. It’s at ClinkNOORD, so it’s an easy one to note if you’re after comedy in English. July 16, 20:30, ClinkNOORD 📅 Comedy

Candlelight cruise in the Amsterdamse Bos: This evening boat tour goes through the waterways of the Amsterdamse Bos under candlelight. It’s a simple way to see the area after dark. July 16, 20:30, Amsterdamse Bos 📅

A Welcome Distraction turns three: A Welcome Distraction is marking its third birthday with an English-language improv show at Badhuistheater. Expect games, live music, audience participation, and the usual off-the-cuff format. July 16, 20:00, Badhuistheater, Boerhaaveplein 📅 Comedy

Radio Radio kiosk at Westergas: Radio Radio and Oatly have set up an outdoor kiosk at Westergas, with music and drinks at the Marktplein. The installation runs over several weeks rather than just one day. July 15–August 8, Westergas, Amsterdam 📅 Food / Markets

Paris, Texas screens at LAB111: Wim Wenders’ film screens as part of a summer program at LAB111. The screenings run at various times, so it’s one to check if you want to catch it on a flexible schedule. July 16 to August 6, Various times, LAB111 Film

Evening sketching walk by the Magere Brug: Illustrator Ellie leads a two-hour sketching walk through central Amsterdam, with quick exercises for streets, canals, and buildings. No drawing experience is needed, and each person gets an A5 sketchbook to keep. July 16, 2026, 19:00, Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), Amstel river 📅 Workshop

Adult swim lessons in Oost: These adult swimming lessons are aimed at expats and take place in a private, underground shallow pool with no other visitors allowed. That setup should suit people who want a calmer place to build confidence or work on technique. July 16, 20:00, Sportfondsenbad Amsterdam-Oost 📅 Sports (Active)

Latin night at WestWeelde: This weekly night at WestWeelde mixes salsa, bachata, kizomba, and merengue, with time on the outdoor terrace before dancing starts inside. The weather may decide how much happens indoors or outdoors. July 16, 18:00, WestWeelde 📅 Games / Hobbies

Slacklining evening in Rembrandtpark: This is a casual meetup for trying slacklining in the park, with snacks and an easy social setting. Bring a friend or just show up and join in. July 16, 18:00, Rembrandtpark 📅 Sports (Active)

Chess tournament at The Miners: This community chess night includes drinks, snacks, and prizes, and your first drink is covered by the ticket. You do need some playing experience, but you don’t have to be especially strong. July 16, 18:30, The Miners Coffee, Oud-West 📅 Games / Hobbies

Crisp raises €25 million: Amsterdam-based Crisp has secured another €25 million from existing shareholders. The app-only supermarket says the money will support its growth as it continues selling fresh, local food from Amsterdam. Business News

Founders Mesh meetup at Klaproos: This networking evening brings together Amsterdam startup founders and investors for drinks and introductions. It’s set up as a straightforward meet-and-greet for people working in the local business scene. July 16, 2026, 18:30 - 23:00, Klaproos 📅 Networking

AmsterdamPHP meets at TicketSwap HQ: The local PHP community is getting together at TicketSwap’s headquarters for drinks, networking, and a main talk about training its AI support assistant, Sarah. It’s a practical meetup for developers and people interested in the tools behind support work. July 16, 2026, 19:00, TicketSwap HQ 📅 Networking

Monumental raises $32 million: Amsterdam-based Monumental has raised $32 million for its bricklaying robot business. The company says it wants to deploy 1,000 automated robots over the next two years to help with construction labor shortages and speed up home building. Business News

ASML expands capacity again: ASML has raised long-term revenue targets and plans more capacity to deal with bottlenecks in chip production. The move matters in Amsterdam because the company is based in the Amsterdam Area.

Bakkerij Mama opens in West: Bakkerij Mama has opened a new shop in Amsterdam-West. The sourdough bakery now has a retail location closer to people in the neighborhood. Shop / Store

De Pimpelmees opens in Amsterdam: De Pimpelmees is a new wine bar in Amsterdam, with a Dutch name that refers to the Eurasian blue tit. It’s another small neighborhood spot to add to the list if you’re looking for a wine bar. Bar / Café

Flipper gets another restart: Flipper, the neighborhood pinball and gaming venue, is getting a fresh restart. The space has a new chance to reopen as a local place for games and casual play in Flipper. Venue / Space

Haku Coffee: Haku on Rozengracht is an oasis of calm on a street that never seems to calm down. They serve excellent matcha, delicious coffee, and a small selection of fresh (iced) tea and pastries. A wonderful break in the heart of the city. Bar / Café