☀️ Essentially Amsterdam for Thursday, June 25: Orange heat alert: where to cool down

Orange heat alert triggers cooling centers across the city, WorldPride 2026 arrives in Amsterdam, and a rare wonder plant resurfaces at Hortus Botanicus after 14 years.

Extreme heat hits Amsterdam: orange alert issued: KNMI has issued an orange heat warning for the Amsterdam region, with AT5 running live updates on conditions and safety guidance as temperatures climb.

No night trains to Amsterdam Central this weekend: Track work is suspending all train service to and from Amsterdam Central on the nights of June 27–28 and June 28–29, with reduced daytime service as well. Amsterdam Central Station, June 27 nights.

Adjusted garbage and recycling hours through June 28: The City of Amsterdam has modified waste collection and recycling center hours through Sunday, June 28. Check the gemeente website for updated schedules at your location.

VUmc hospital to close as Amsterdam UMC consolidates: Amsterdam UMC's board has announced a plan to transfer all VUmc patient care to AMC, effectively ending VUmc's existence as a standalone hospital. No timeline has been confirmed.

Amsterdam opens first designated cooling centers amid 34°C heat: The city has opened official cooling centers for the first time as temperatures approach 34°C, giving residents somewhere to escape the heat.

Supermarkets designated as official cooling spots during heat emergencies: Amsterdam is formally incorporating supermarkets into its heat emergency plan, allowing residents to use them as cooling centers when temperatures become dangerous.

WorldPride 2026 comes to Amsterdam: Amsterdam will host WorldPride 2026, bringing a large-scale international LGBTQ+ celebration to the city. Details on programming and dates are forthcoming.

New beach spot opens at Gaasperplas: A new waterfront recreation area has opened at Gaasperplas in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, adding another outdoor swimming and leisure option for the city. Gaasperplas, Amsterdam-Zuidoost.

Ketikoti celebrations in Zuidoost: The city marks Ketikoti with a procession and commemoration ceremony welcoming all residents to join the festivities. Zuidoost, July 1.

DGTL returns to Amsterdam Dance Event 2026: DGTL has been announced as part of Amsterdam Dance Event, bringing its signature electronic music programming to multiple Amsterdam venues. October 22, Amsterdam.

Open Hotel Week Amsterdam: Hotels across Amsterdam are opening their doors for a week of special access, events, and offers for residents and visitors alike. Multiple Amsterdam locations, June 27–July 4.

Rembrandt exhibition explores all life stages: A major Rembrandt exhibition is coming to Amsterdam, tracing the artist's work across every period of his life. Venue and full dates not yet confirmed.

Wonder plant' returns to Hortus Botanicus after 14 years: A rare living-fossil plant is blooming again at Hortus Botanicus for the first time in 14 years, drawing visitors eager to see the unusual specimen. Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam.

How Artis Zoo animals are keeping cool in the heat: Staff at Artis Zoo are taking steps to help animals cope with the extreme temperatures, with extra shade, water, and cooling measures across the park. Artis Zoo, Amsterdam.

Major Dutch festivals press on despite 38°C heat: TT Assen, Defqon.1, Jera On Air, and Lago Lago are all continuing as temperatures threaten to hit 38°C, with organizers implementing heat safety measures.

Family Show

GRIMM (ages 8+) at National Opera & Ballet: Classic fairy tales get a wild hip-hop ballet makeover in this high-energy production from National Opera & Ballet. June 25, National Opera & Ballet.

Museum / Educational

Two newborn elephant calves at ARTIS: ARTIS welcomed two elephant calves recently, and both are on view for visitors. June 28, ARTIS.

Festival / Fair

Ruwe Diamant Festival 2026: A free, family-friendly street festival fills Tolstraat, Cullinanplein, and Dora Tamanaplein with music, activities, and community energy. June 27 from 13:00, De Pijp.

JTSZO Summer Festival at Bijlmer Park Theater: Jeugdtheaterschool Zuidoost presents three youth theater shows: Hivemind (ages 6+), Forest Celebration (ages 8+), and Sunlight at Night (ages 12+). June 27, Bijlmer Park Theater.

Amsterdam Roots Festival open-air edition: Oosterpark transforms into a showcase of world music, dance, and circus for all ages during Roots Open Air. June 29, Oosterpark.

Keti Koti Festival at Museumplein: Following the commemoration, multiple stages celebrate the 1863 abolition of slavery in Suriname and the Dutch Antilles with music and performance. July 1, 12:00–23:00, Museumplein.

Festivals

Keti Koti Festival at Noorderpark: Singing, live bands, dance, storytelling, and a Caribbean neighborhood market come together for this community celebration. July 1, Noorderpark.

Over een kleine mol at Vondelpark Openluchttheater (ages 2+): The beloved story of who did their business on the mole's head comes to life on the open-air stage. June 27, Vondelpark Openluchttheater.

Music on the roof of NEMO: Trackvogels & Min Taka: Two acts take the stage on NEMO's rooftop for a free evening of live music. June 25, 17:30–21:00, NEMO Science Museum rooftop.

Sunn O))) with Natasha Grujović & Steve Moore at Paradiso: The drone-metal outfit headlines Paradiso's main hall, with Natasha Grujović and Steve Moore in support. June 25, doors 19:00, support 19:30, main act 20:30, Paradiso.

Keep An Eye Summer Jazz Collective with Immanuel Wilkins: Alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins joins workshop participants conducted by Yaniv Nachum for a showcase concert. June 25, 19:30–21:00, Amsterdam Blue Dock, Conservatorium van Amsterdam.

Bloc Party and Interpol at AFAS Live: Two prominent indie rock acts share the bill in a dual-headliner show. AFAS Live.

Televizyon at Bimhuis: International musical adventurers reimagine the sound of 1980s Turkish TV commercials in a new live format. June 25, Bimhuis.

Concertgebouworkest performs Berio's Sinfonia: The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra brings Luciano Berio's landmark choral symphony to the Gashouder. June 25, 19:00–20:00, Gashouder, Amsterdam.

Jazz at the Pianola: Carla Beekman Trio: Carla Beekman, Thijs Cuppen, and Martien Oster perform jazz in the intimate setting of the Pianola Museum. June 25, Pianola Museum.

Simon Osuna 4tet album presentation dinner concert: Simon Osuna leads a quartet featuring Ian Cleaver, Timothy Banchet, and Willie Bowman in an album presentation dinner concert. June 25, Contra Amsterdam.

Keep An Eye Summer Jazz Collective ft. Immanuel Wilkins at AHK: Immanuel Wilkins and conductor Yaniv Nachum lead summer workshop participants in a jazz concert. June 25, Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten.

Theater

A Trial, After an Enemy of the People at ITA: Director Christiane Jatahy and actor Wagner Moura reimagine Ibsen's classic in this theater production. June 25, ITA.

LACRIMA at Meervaart: This theater piece runs as part of Holland Festival 2026. June 25, Meervaart.

Talks / Ideas

Rooftop open mic storytelling night at Zoku: TEDxAmsterdam joins Zoku for a storytelling-themed open mic night. Share a true first-person tale of mishaps and unexpected detours under the theme Wrong Turn, Right Story. June 25, Zoku Amsterdam.

Breakfast discussion on art and community value at MINA: Start the morning with coffee, croissants, and an open conversation about whether culture can itself become a kind of reserve, surrounded by works by Nicolas Bets. June 25, MINA Gallery & Cafe.

Talk on Russian forests with journalist Sophie Pinkham: Journalist and literary scholar Sophie Pinkham discusses her book on Russia's vast forests, stretching from the Baltic to the Pacific. June 25, SPUI25.

Festivals

Art (as) Care: The Festival of Unexpected Subjects: This interactive cross-disciplinary festival at 't Zonnehuis brings art, science, and philosophy together around questions of creativity, care, and connection. June 25, 't Zonnehuis.

Flock Festival opens at Flock Theatre: The multi-day Flock Festival kicks off with its opening event at Flock Theatre. June 25, Flock Theatre.

Troefcall Stories: Keti Koti special at Van Eesteren Museum: This special edition of Troefcall, a participatory card game rooted in Caribbean culture, marks Keti Koti with storytelling and shared memory. June 25, Van Eesteren Museum.

Sports (Spectator)

World Cup on the big screen at WestWeelde: Watch the Netherlands face Tunisia on a megascreen at Westergas. High attendance expected, arrive early. June 25, WestWeelde, Westergas.

TR!BE x World Cup watchparty at Bitterzoet: Catch the Netherlands vs. Tunisia match with a music-culture crowd at Bitterzoet, where sports and DJ culture share the same space. June 25, Bitterzoet.

World Cup Netherlands vs. Japan at Pllek: Watch the Netherlands take on Japan with a waterfront crowd at Pllek. June 25, Pllek.

Netherlands vs. Tunisia World Cup match at Paradiso: Paradiso opens its main hall for the Netherlands vs. Tunisia World Cup match. Check Paradiso's program for exact start time and ticket details. June 25, Paradiso Main Hall.

Dance / Performance

SARAB: Palestinian Circus School performs at Bijlmer Park Theater: The Palestinian Circus School brings its touring circus production to Amsterdam for a live performance. June 25, Bijlmer Park Theater.

Drop 'n Drink circular community evening at Droppie: Circular Amsterdam hosts an evening of drinks and conversation at Droppie, a recycling store where residents can drop off used items and talk sustainability. June 25, Droppie.

Festival / Fair

Art (as) Care festival at Zonnehuis: The Festival of Unexpected Subjects brings together dance, music, and exhibitions exploring how art and creativity connect to care. June 25, Zonnehuis.

Workshop

Ammodo conducting masterclass with Iván Fischer: Acclaimed conductor Iván Fischer leads a masterclass at the Concertgebouw, offering a rare look at the craft of conducting. Concertgebouw, Amsterdam.

Paint your fan in Vondelpark: A relaxed outdoor session where you paint a blank hand fan on picnic blankets with all materials provided. June 25, Vondelpark.

Painting workshop with wine and bites: A social studio session where locals and residents paint together with wine and snacks in a professional Amsterdam art space. Art Studio Amsterdam, Recht Boomssloot 52.

Miniatures workshop: make your own vanity tray: Join Lisa to build a tiny vanity tray complete with miniature perfume bottles in this hands-on creative session. June 25, 12:00–15:00, Atelier 77, Rivierenbuurt.

Crealab – connect and create: A recurring weekly creative gathering that blends making things with meeting people in a relaxed, accessible setting. June 25, 12:00–15:00, Dynamo Atelier 77, Rivierenbuurt.

Class

Free swing dance tasters: Two evenings of beginner-friendly swing dancing focused on connection, fun, and Afro-American dance history. June 25, 18:00–21:00 at SP Club, Papaverweg 29G, Amsterdam Noord.

Trial painting class in central Amsterdam: A welcoming Thursday-evening painting session for anyone looking to pick up the brush again, with drinks and snacks included. De Boomsspijker, Recht Boomssloot 52.

Sports (Active)

Boulder at Beta – beginners welcome, group drinks after: No climbing experience needed, the host walks beginners through the basics, and experienced climbers are equally welcome. Beta Boulders Amsterdam, Stadionplein 18.

Social Activity

Amsterdam board game design session: Bring your game ideas, prototypes, or playtesting needs to this collaborative design meetup on the sixth floor of the OBA library. OBA Oosterdok, Singezaal 6.3, Oosterdokskade 143.

Seminar / Talk

Open source AI agents in practice: This talk covers how to run your own AI agents using open source code and models, with concrete examples and honest failures included. June 25, Oudeschans 16.

Workshop / Training

Hands-on Python workshop for AI data prep: Work through four real-world Python scenarios covering sales context, support ticket summarization, churn analysis, and data extraction for agentic systems. June 25, Xomnia HQ.

Restaurant

Neni opens second Amsterdam location: The Israeli-inspired restaurant Neni is expanding with a second Amsterdam spot inside the Kimpton De Witt Hotel. September 1, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal.

Venue / Space

Studio Drift opens its own museum in Amsterdam: The Amsterdam-based art duo Studio Drift now has a dedicated museum space showcasing their light, drone, and kinetic works. Amsterdam.

Flight Golf opens in Amsterdam: A new indoor golf venue, Flight Golf, has opened its doors in Amsterdam, adding to the city's growing roster of entertainment concepts. Amsterdam.

ENTR: Netherlands' first VR museum opens in Amsterdam: ENTR has launched in Amsterdam as the country's first museum dedicated entirely to virtual reality experiences. Amsterdam.

Record Room: world's first staffless podcast and film studio opens in Amsterdam: Record Room opened on July 3 as the world's first fully autonomous podcast and film studio, no staff required to run a session. July 3, Amsterdam.