Amsterdam Weekend Guide 21, 22 & 23 September 2018

It’s time for a new Amsterdam Weekend Guide! We’ve gathered the most fun events, new hotspots to visit and things to do in Amsterdam.

Cocktail Night

Amsterdam has an amazing selection when it comes to Rooftop- and Cocktail bars. On Friday September 21 head over to Pigs&Punch in the Utrechtsestraat. The bartenders there understand the foundations of mixology and will make sure your classic cocktail will be mixed perfectly. On Fridays they serve weekly amazing classics for just €7,50!

A local’s favorite is Vesper Bar. The laid back atmosphere, fun crowd and luscious cocktails is what makes this Cocktail Bar situated in De Jordaan such a good spot for a relaxed night out.

Hiding in Plain Sight has been named best bar in Amsterdam and therefore need a mention as well. This small and charming cocktail bar serves carefully mixed cocktails by some of the best mixologists in town. Their glasses, garnishments and complimentary bar bites; everything is well thought out.

UNSEEN Amsterdam

From 21 to 23 September photography exhibition UNSEEN Amsterdam will return to the Westergasfabriek for the 7^th time. Unseen focusses on what is new in the world of photography and is one of the leading platforms for up-and-coming talent to show their work.

With their largest program ever, you’ll be in for a full day of browsing past eye-catching works. Over 300 established and upcoming artists will showcase their work, with 85 works that have never been shown before. Find out about the future of photography during one of the talks and mingle while enjoying drinks and music after.

Visit their website for the entire program.

Umami Park Food Festival

On Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September Umami Park: Taste of Japan food festival will take place in the Secret Garden of the Oosterpark, the courtyard of The Tropenmuseum. Most locals won’t even know about this unique place, since its only recently open for visitors.

Enjoy exotic flavors from the Asian cuisine and join in on the cultural activities. This edition they’re going back to the roots of Umami: the Japanese Kitchen. Over 30 food trucks will offer the tastiest street food and drinks. Get a traditional massage or let a body painter work his magic on you. Live music, workshops and children’s activities will make for a perfect day out. Entrance = free!

Dam tot Damloop

On Sunday 23 September 50.000 runners will participate in the 34rd edition of the Dam tot Damloop. This yearly event is one of the largest business runs in the world, starting from the city center of Amsterdam to Zaandam. Runners will have to cover a distance of 10 miles passing through the IJtunnel, from one city to the other. A big part of what makes this such a fun event are the thousands of spectators lined up along the way to watch and cheer on the runners. The streets are decorated, bites and drinks all around and there are over 30 locations with live music, giving the event a great atmosphere. The start will take place on Sunday between 10:19 a.m. and 2:55 p.m.at the Prins Hendrikkade near Amsterdam Central Station.

Damloop by night

The evening before the Dam tot Damloop, the Damloop by night will take place. On September 22, 15.000 participants will cover a distance of 5 miles. Some top athletes use this run as their warm-up for the main event.

The full program can be found on their website.

Food and Fashion Markets

The Maker Market

On Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September it’s time for another edition of The Maker Market. Located in De Hallen in the west area, this is one of the most unique markets in town.  Every month a selection of creative locals stall out their ware, offering natural cosmetics, handcrafted leather items, furniture and true delicacies. The stalls change every edition, ensuring a new and unique experience every time you visit the market.

It is a place where you can experience craftsmanship and meet the creator behind the product. Everything that is sold at the Maker Market has to be made by the sellers themselves. So if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or to enjoy a delicious bites, this is the place to be!

Najaarsmarkt (Fall Market) at Hortus Botanicus

Located in the gorgeous botanical garden Hortus Botanicus a Fall Market will take place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September. Enjoy this the many stalls where green entrepreneurs offer their products. Plants from different growers, artisanal food and a lot of plant knowledge: you’ll find it on the Autumn Fair!

To visit you’ll have to buy an entrance ticket for the Hortus Botanicus via their website.

We hope we’ve given you enough to see and do with our Amsterdam Weekend Guide. Looking for even more? Have a look at our ultimate city guide, with tips for an amazing time in Amsterdam.

Let us know what your favorite tip was in the comments below!