Wednesday August 12, 2026
Good morning, Amsterdam. Today: watch the partial solar eclipse from the NEMO roof terrace, hear Helena Casella perform live at the Zuidas Botanical Garden, and check out a free pop-up print fair at Pakhuis de Zwijger.
At a glance
⛅ Weather: Hi 29°C (4° warmer than yesterday) · Lo 16°C / 61°F · 0% chance of rain · wind NE 18 km/h (10 knots)
🚲 Cycling: Great cycling weather all day.
🌙 Sun & moon: Sunrise 06:16 · Sunset 21:13 · New Moon · Moonrise 03:57 · Golden hour 20:43–21:13
🌊 Outdoors: Water 22°C / 72°F (swimmable) · Air quality: fair (AQI 23) · Swimming discouraged at Amsterdamse Bos and Spaarnwoude; warnings at Het Twiske and Strand De Hoge Dijk. The other 6 Amsterdam spots are clear.
💶 Markets: AEX 1,117 (+0.5%) · S&P 500 7,728 (-0.1%) · €1 = $1.15 · $1 = €0.87
🏆 Dutch sport: Nadine Visser won gold in the 100-meter hurdles at the European Championships; NEC defeated Olympiakos to advance in Champions League qualifying; Marrit Steenbergen took gold with Sam van Wijk taking silver in the 100-meter freestyle.
Odd housing quirks remain legal for Dutch landlords: While tenant protections are strong across Amsterdam, several unexpected legal loopholes still allow landlords to include unusual clauses in rental agreements.
Eclipse hunters fly to Iceland from Schiphol: Local eclipse chasers gathered at Schiphol Airport to board flights for Iceland to catch tomorrow's total eclipse. Many travelers made last-minute plans or were still looking to buy solar glasses before departure.
Minister considers cuts to major transit projects: Infrastructure Minister Vincent Karremans is identifying high-budget traffic and transit projects to pause or cancel due to large deficits. Major decisions are expected this autumn, which could affect key metropolitan transport links around Amsterdam.
Near-total solar eclipse visible over Amsterdam on Wednesday: Keep your eyes on the skies this Wednesday as a near-total solar eclipse will be visible across the city. The astronomical event promises a spectacular view if conditions stay clear across Amsterdam.
Barbecues banned in Amsterdamse Bos due to drought: The municipality has announced a temporary ban on all barbecues in the Amsterdamse Bos. Prolonged dry weather has significantly increased the risk of forest fires, so the park's six public grilling stations are also closed until further notice.
Childcare costs vary by over €1,000 across Amsterdam: A new CBS analysis shows major price discrepancies between local daycare providers across Amsterdam. Depending on the operator chosen, the cost gap between the most expensive and cheapest childcare options can add up to over €1,000 per year for families.
Kids can do hands-on science experiments on Pampus: Combine a short boat ride to historic Fortland Pampus with interactive summer experiments where children can build, test, and explore outdoor science setup. August 12, Forteiland Pampus, Amsterdam area. 📅 Museum / Educational
Kids can join a percussion jam session in Bijlmer: Young children and their parents can pick up djembes, shakers, and samba instruments for an energetic open rhythm workshop led by experienced musicians. August 12, 13:00 - 13:45, De Gliphoeve. 📅 Kids Workshop
Dutch family film Minoes gets restored 4K screening: The 2001 classic starring Carice van Houten as a cat that turns into a young woman returns to the big screen in a freshly restored edition. August 12, 15:00, Eye Filmmuseum. 📅 Family Show
NDSM Warehouse hosts floating messages workshop for kids: Children can craft their own creative projects inside the historic industrial workshop in Noord. August 12, 2026, 14:00, NDSM Loods. 📅 Kids Workshop
K-pop group LUN8 performs at Q-Factory: South Korean boy band LUN8 comes to Oost as part of their European tour. August 12, 2026, 20:00, Q-Factory. 📅
Helena Casella performs live at Zuidas Botanical Garden: Vocalist Helena Casella plays a midday set blending modern jazz, neo-soul, R&B, and Brazilian rhythms outdoors in the garden. August 12, 12:30–13:30, Zuidas Botanical Garden. 📅
Garden Park De Bretten marks 50 years with free concert: To celebrate the park's 50th anniversary, a free community concert is taking place outdoors in collaboration with Grachtenfestival. August 12, 14:00–15:00, Garden Park De Bretten. 📅
Hannah Herrlitz performs lunchtime organ concert at Westerkerk: Emerging classical artist Hannah Herrlitz performs a free daytime concert inside the historic canal-side church. August 12, 13:00 - 13:45, Westerkerk. 📅
Trumpet duo performs classical works at Siegerpark: Gerardo Gianolio and Amir Rabinovitz perform baroque and romantic era music in a quiet park setting. It is a simple way to spend a summer afternoon outdoors. August 12, 15:00 - 16:00, Siegerpark. 📅
Solar Eclipse Observation and Perseid Meteor Shower: Gather at Bloemendaal aan Zee for a spectacular astronomical evening. Peer through specialized telescopes set up right on the beach boulevard to safely view a major partial solar eclipse (88% coverage), and stick around as night falls to catch the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. 📅
Boom Chicago: The Famous Improv Comedy Show, All Summer Long: Amsterdam's legendary English-language improv comedy institution Boom Chicago runs shows through the end of September. If you haven't been, or want to bring visitors, this is the city's most reliably fun English-language night out. Check the venue for specific dates and times. 📅 Comedy
Watch the Solar Eclipse from the NEMO Roof Terrace: Head up to the iconic sloping roof of the NEMO Science Museum to watch the partial solar eclipse as it sweeps across the Amsterdam sky. 📅 Festivals
Grachtenfestival brings live music to Amsterdam's waterways: The annual festival returns with hundreds of classical, jazz, and contemporary concerts hosted along the canals and at unique waterfront locations. August 7 through August 16, Amsterdam canals. 📅 Festivals
Free pop-up print fair comes to Pakhuis de Zwijger: Meisje in het Wit organizes a summer market where you can browse and buy affordable prints, graphics, and illustrations directly from local artists. August 12, 16:00 - 18:30, Pakhuis de Zwijger. 📅 Food / Markets
Vrije Universiteit hosts free workout sessions on De Boelelaan: Eight weeks of free outdoor fitness classes are running in Zuidas along the green strip next to the Kunstbrug. August 10–October 2, 2026, De Boelelaan green strip, next to the Kunstbrug. 📅 Sports (Active)
Dynamo Atelier 77 hosts casual creative meetup: Bring your current art project or use the provided supplies while meeting other local makers in a friendly setting. August 12, 2026, 13:00 - 17:00, Dynamo Atelier 77. 📅 Workshop
Astronomers host sidewalk eclipse viewing outside public library: Join astronomers from the Anton Pannekoek Institute outside the central library to learn about solar eclipses and observe the sky. August 12, 2026, 19:00, OBA. 📅 Workshop
Free English conversation session meets in Zuid: Practice English in a low-pressure group setting led by teachers at a local coffee shop. The free hour is open to all skill levels, capped at 12 people. August 12, 14:30 - 15:30, Buno Coffee, Hoofddorpplein 6H. 📅 Class
Free guided tour explores Marineterrein with local guide: Guide Chiquita Odjo-Seymonson leads a one-hour walk highlighting personal favorite spots and history around the historic site. August 12, 13:00–14:00, Commandantswoning, Building 001. 📅 Tour
AkzoNobel brand name to disappear after merger: Shareholders of historic Dutch paint maker AkzoNobel approved a merger with US competitor Axalta Coating Systems, ending the long-standing corporate brand name in the Netherlands. Business News
Retailers report possible data breach at Ceva Logistics: At least 12 major Dutch retail brands, including Bol and De Bijenkorf, face potential customer data exposure following a cyberattack at logistics partner Ceva Logistics. The Dutch Data Protection Authority has been notified. Business News
Dutch bike manufacturer Accell goes bankrupt: Accell Group, the parent company behind major brands Babboe, Batavus, and Sparta, has officially been declared bankrupt across the Netherlands. Business News
Tether co-founder becomes wealthiest Dutch citizen on record: Arnhem-born Ludovicus Jan van der Velde has taken the top spot as the country's wealthiest citizen. The co-founder of cryptocurrency firm Tether now holds an estimated net worth of over €26 billion. Business News
Reporting Hotline Opened for Aggressive Home Green Energy Sales: Dutch homeowner association Eigen Huis has launched a new reporting point for homeowners who feel pressured, misled, or poorly informed by sales reps pushing green home upgrades. The complaints target aggressive sales pitches for home batteries, heat pumps, solar panels, and insulation. Business News
Dutch Hospitality Sector Barely Growing as Prices Climb 5%: A new report from ING Research shows that the Dutch food, beverage, and hospitality sector is seeing virtually stagnant growth in 2026. Cautious consumers are cutting back on dining out, cafés, and holidays, even as restaurant prices increase by an average of 5 percent due to rising costs. Business News
WT Express opens dumpling takeaway in De Baarsjes: The team behind WonTon Dumpling Club has opened a small grab-and-go kiosk right next door on Jan Evertsenstraat 9 in Amsterdam, serving quick dim sum. Restaurant
IJburg children's store marks one year: Petit Circuit on Kiekstraat in IJburg is celebrating its first anniversary, offering curated pre-loved clothing, toys, and gear for children up to 12 years old. Shop / Store
Café de Linden: At Café de Linden Amsterdam, it's almost as if time has stood still. Yet, it's a favorite spot for young Jordaan residents and the place to be for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks. Bar / Café
Good to know
New on Dutch streaming: The Brutalist (Netflix), Special Ops: Lioness S3 (SkyShowtime), Trying S5 (Apple TV+), The Agency S2 (SkyShowtime) 🎬
New on the big screen: Rivals of Amziah King opens Thursday at 12 cinemas, Batwara 1947 opens Friday at Pathé Amsterdam Noord and Pathé Arena, and The Magic Faraway Tree at Filmhallen and Pathé Amsterdam Noord. Showtimes here.
Overheard on Reddit: Someone posted about 1666: Amsterdam, a historical game set in the city, and the thread quickly turned critical, with commenters flagging a dull demo, unconvincing AI-generated assets, and an anachronistic protagonist name.
Today’s supermarket deals: Brand IPA 0.0 (2 for €9.19) from Albert Heijn, melons (25% off) from Jumbo.
Did you know? SAIL Amsterdam 2025 brought hundreds of historic ships into the city for a five-day maritime festival tied to Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary.
126 years ago today: On August 12th, 1900, Izaak Juda Palache was installed as chief rabbi of Amsterdam’s Portuguese-Israelite community.
Adoptable pet of the day: Meet Kalash, a 5-year-old cross groot at Dierenopvang Amsterdam. Take a look →In tomorrow’s edition: Mavis Staples performs at the Concertgebouw, MidzomerMokum offers free summer activities for kids and youth across the city, and the musical The Little Big Things opens at Koninklijk Theater Carré.
Enjoy the eclipse today, and have a good Wednesday.
Want to make sure you never miss a day of Essentially Amsterdam? Subscribe here.