Good morning, Amsterdam. 🌀 The city braces for a possible tropical summer while Eurostar suspends London trains after a track fire, and on a lighter note, De Kleine Komedie has launched an actual joke hotline. Tonight is also packed, with Julidans opening, Bruno Mars at the ArenA, and Colson Whitehead in conversation.
At a glance
🌧️ Weather: Hi 21°C / 70°F (5° cooler than yesterday) · Lo 18°C / 64°F · 100% chance of rain · wind W 28 km/h (15 knots)
🌙 Sun & moon: Sunrise 05:23 · Sunset 22:05 · Waning Gibbous · Moonrise 23:43 · Golden hour 21:35–22:05
🌊 Outdoors: Water 20°C / 68°F (swimmable) · Air quality: fair (AQI 28) · grass pollen moderate
💶 Markets: AEX 916 (+0.4%) · S&P 500 7,371 (+0.2%) · €1 = $1.14 · $1 = €0.87
🏆 Dutch sport: football: Netherlands were eliminated from the World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout against Morocco · tennis: Botic van de Zandschulp lost to Roman Safiullin in five sets at Wimbledon · tennis: Jesper de Jong lost to João Fonseca at Wimbledon
Drought warning as rainfall fails to help: Dutch authorities say recent rain has done little to ease the ongoing drought, with low water levels persisting in both the Netherlands and the Rhine and Meuse catchment areas.
Summer train pass sells 175,000 copies in two weeks: The Netherlands' discounted summer rail pass has found 175,000 buyers within two weeks of going on sale, signaling strong demand for affordable domestic travel this season.
Nationwide New Year's Eve fireworks ban confirmed: The Netherlands has officially announced a nationwide ban on consumer fireworks for New Year's Eve, ending a long-running tradition across the country.
Amsterdam could turn tropical this summer holiday: Weather forecaster Berend van Straaten of weeronline.nl says Amsterdam may see genuinely tropical conditions this summer holiday, no flight to Southeast Asia required.
De Kleine Komedie launches a joke hotline: Amsterdam comedy venue De Kleine Komedie has set up a phone hotline delivering jokes, letting you get your laughs without leaving the couch.
Eurostar cancels London–Amsterdam trains after track fire: A serious track fire near Rotterdam has forced Eurostar to cancel services between London and Amsterdam, with cross-border disruptions expected through Thursday.
Kids Workshop
Free teen evenings at De Boshalte: Teenagers can drop in for free workshops and activities on summer evenings at this Amstelveen venue. July 2–16, 18:00–22:30, De Boshalte, Amstelveen.
Skateboarding lessons for kids at Skate Cafe: Young skaters can pick up new skills with lessons at Skate Cafe in Amsterdam-Noord. July 2, Skate Cafe, Amsterdam-Noord.
Family Show
Dikkie Dik live at the Concertgebouw: The beloved children's book cat comes to life in a family concert for ages 2 and up. July 2, 09:30, Concertgebouw.
Outdoor / Active
Boat tour through the Amsterdamse Bos: Explore the park's winding waterways by boat aboard the Fluistervink for a quiet, scenic ride through the forest. July 2, Amsterdamse Bos.
Museum / Educational
KiMu Children's Art Museum: Kids get hands-on studio time to experiment and create their own artwork at this dedicated children's art museum. July 2, KiMu Kinderkunstmuseum.
Bruno Mars at Johan Cruijff ArenA: The Romantic Tour brings Bruno Mars to Amsterdam for what's shaping up to be one of the summer's biggest stadium nights. July 2, 17:00, Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Opera classics at the Concertgebouw: A program spanning Mozart to Verdi brings vocal music to one of the city's most celebrated concert halls. November 22, 20:00, Concertgebouw.
Kevin Morby live at Paradiso: The American singer-songwriter brings his quietly expansive indie rock to one of Amsterdam's best-loved venues. July 2, Paradiso.
Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band at the Concertgebouw: Thailand's leading molam ensemble blends traditional northeastern Thai folk music with psychedelic energy for a sharp 75-minute set. July 2, 20:00–21:15, Concertgebouw.
Stobá di Kòrsou at DeLaMar Theater: The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw joins Randal Corsen and others for an evening rooted in the music of Curaçao. July 2, 20:30, DeLaMar Theater.
Edu Ribeiro Trio + Seamus Blake ft. Lucas Santana at Bimhuis: Brazilian jazz drumming meets top-tier saxophone in a transatlantic lineup worth catching. July 2, 20:30–22:00, Bimhuis.
Yota Baron: Flamenco Mediterráneo: Flamenco rooted in Mediterranean tradition comes to a neighborhood cinema-turned-theater for a focused one-hour set. July 2, 20:30–21:30, Theater de Roode Bioscoop.
Madonna Confessions II release party at Concerto: The beloved Utrechtsestraat record shop hosts an in-store release party for the new Madonna album. July 2, 16:30, Concerto.
Free rooftop music at NEMO: Frank Arnold and Gonzo Bimbo: Two acts play a free outdoor set on the rooftop of NEMO Science Museum as the summer evening gets going. July 2, 17:30–21:00, NEMO rooftop.
Renato Ferreira Quartet: free jazz at De Roode Remise: The Brazilian guitarist leads a free-entry quartet show in a relaxed theater café setting in the Haarlemmerbuurt. July 2, 20:30–22:00, Theatercafé De Roode Remise.
: The Seattle Girls Choir performs a free midday concert in the historic Begijnhof church. July 2, 13:00, English Reformed Church Amsterdam.
Theater
The Little Big Things musical at Carré: The musical adaptation of Henry Fraser's memoir plays at Amsterdam's grand theater. July 2, 19:30, Carré.
Comedy
Boom Chicago Comedy Festival, sixth edition: A week of stand-up, improv, and sketch featuring rising voices alongside established names. July 2–8, Boom Chicago, Rozengracht 117.
Comedytrain live at Westergas: Amsterdam's beloved stand-up institution brings its rotating lineup to the Grote Zaal stage. July 2, 20:30–22:30, Westergas.
Comedy Night in English at Comedy Cafe: An English-language stand-up lineup makes this an easy pick for residents who prefer their punchlines unsubstitled. July 2, 20:30, Comedy Cafe.
Film
Blade Runner (1982) on the big screen: Ridley Scott's sci-fi classic, starring Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer, screens as a ticketed event. July 2, 20:45, FilmHallen, Hannie Dankbaarpassage 12.
Art / Museums
Tribute to Wim T. Schippers at Stedelijk Museum: The museum marks the passing of the Dutch artist and television provocateur (1942–2026). July 2, Stedelijk Museum, Museumplein 10.
YONK's interactive installation 'Tales of Two' at Nxt Museum: The immersive, participatory work by artist collective YONK opens at Amsterdam's digital art museum. July 2, Nxt Museum, Asterweg 22.
Talks / Ideas
Pulitzer winner Colson Whitehead in conversation: The two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist discusses his work and writing America at this literary evening. July 2, 19:30, Rode Hoed.
Festivals
Julidans international dance festival opens: Two weeks of contemporary dance across the city, featuring international companies and local talent. July 2–14, various locations, Amsterdam.
Sports (Spectator)
World Cup viewing at Boom Chicago: Watch matches on three big screens with table service at this English-language comedy venue. Through July 19, Boom Chicago, Rozengracht 117.
FIFA World Cup 2026 live at Waterhole: Catch tonight's match on screen at this central music bar known for its relaxed crowd. July 2, 21:00, Waterhole.
Dance / Performance
Het Nationale Ballet gala performance: A single-night gala showcasing the company's dancers at their home stage. July 2, 19:30, Nationale Opera & Ballet.
Spinoza' music theater at ITA: NITE, Club Guy & Roni, and HIIIT collaborate on this music theater production at Internationaal Theater Amsterdam. September 7, 20:15, ITA.
Workshop
Trial painting class for rusty beginners: An international group meets weekly to paint, unwind, and socialize, no experience needed, drinks and snacks included. July 2, 19:15; De Boomsspijker, Recht Boomssloot 52.
Painting workshop with wine, tea, and bites: A professional studio in the city center hosts locals and internationals for an evening of painting, drinks, and light snacks. July 2, 19:15; Art Studio Amsterdam.
Crealab – connect and create: Bring your own project, drawing, jewelry, clay, collage, or just show up and get inspired alongside other makers. July 2, 12:00–15:00; Dynamo Atelier 77, Vechtstraat 77A.
Tour
Waag's guided walk through Amsterdam's digital history: Waag leads a walking tour exploring the city's technological past and its layers of digital infrastructure. July 2, 19:30; meet at Waag, Nieuwmarkt.
Sports (Active)
happn Singles Run & Rave Club in Westerpark: A relaxed 5km group run for singles through Amsterdam, followed by a DJ afterparty with drinks and bakery treats. July 2; Westerpark.
Games / Hobbies
Silly GeoGuessr pub quiz at Bar Blij: Teams compete guessing the most absurd Google Maps locations in this laid-back geography quiz night. July 2, 19:00; Bar Blij, Bartholomeus Diazstraat.
: Practice languages over drinks in a gamified format, team challenges and a language quest structure keep things moving. Wednesdays July 2–August 6, 19:30; Pacific, Polonceaukade 23, Westerpark. Free.
Networking
Startup Valley tech networking event: A networking meetup for tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors looking to build connections in Amsterdam's startup scene. July 2, I Dock.
Workshop / Training
: A hands-on session for small business owners covering tax basics, with time for networking after. July 2, 16:00–20:00, Keizersgracht 62–64, Grachtengordel.
Pitch / Demo
Startup pitch and networking evening at I Dock: Founders can present their product to investors and connect with others building companies in Amsterdam. July 2 from 18:00, I Dock, IJdok.
Restaurant
Chez Chloé: Included in I amsterdam’s New in Town roundup; modern French restaurant near Vondelpark.
Good to know
New on Dutch streaming: The Bear S5 (Disney+), Dirty Dancing (Disney+), Fighting with My Family (Netflix), and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Prime Video) are among this week's new streaming arrivals 🎬🍿
Overheard on Reddit: A bridge being hosed down in Amsterdam's heat had cyclists debating wet feet, with many noting it happens every summer and asking why sprinklers aren't just installed permanently.
Today’s 2-for-1 deals: Ariel Color laundry liquid (2 for €20.99) from Albert Heijn.
Did you know? Ted Lasso gave Amsterdam one of the show’s most romantic episodes, but Rebecca’s dreamy houseboat scenes were partly recreated on a London set.
109 years ago today: On July 2nd, 1917, potato unrest flared around the Marnixstraat during the Aardappeloproer, one of the city’s sharpest wartime food protests.
In tomorrow’s edition: E.T. soars with a live orchestra at the Concertgebouw, Epic Rap Battles of History hit Boom Chicago, and Julidans brings the world's best dancers to Amsterdam.
Stay cool, stay curious, and maybe call that joke hotline if you need a lift.
