What’s on in 2011

Amsterdam is commonly known as the Venice of the North, because of its historic port, the Rijksmuseum, the controversial red-light district as well as the coffee shops and the popular canals. Add some exciting events to your trip and you’ll have a blast! Here are some key features this summer:

1. Amsterdam Roots Festival

The Amsterdam Roots Festival will be the host of the diverse global music scene and bring you artists from all over the world. The event will take place at the city’s Oosterpark, a huge outdoor show, where over 25 bands will perform across multiple stages.

Date: 23 – 26 Jun

Location: Amsterdam

Cost: free

Website: http://www.amsterdamroots.nl/?id=8

2. Amsterdam Canal Festival

The Amsterdam Canal Festival, also called the Grachtenfestival, is a great opportunity to get in touch with classical music along two of the city’s largest canals. The festival brings you a nine-day celebration with indoor and outdoor performances. The festival will come to an end with the Prinsengracht concert, held on a floating stage in front of Hotel Pulitzer. The event includes 70 live shows at more than 20 different locations.

Date: Aug 2011

Location: Amsterdam

Website: http://www.grachtenfestival.nl/gf/2010/index.vm?lang=en&subpage=

3. Uitmarkt

The event presents over 400 performances across more than 30 outdoor and indoor stages around the city. You have a lot to choose from, including theatre, dance, pop, classical music, opera and film.

Date: Aug 2011

Location: Amsterdam

Cost: free

Website: http://www.amsterdamsuitburo.nl/uitmarkt/

4. Holland Festival

A major Dutch event, the Holland Festival bringsto the public a wide array of artistic acts, including, opera, dance, music and theatre. The 80 performances will take place at the Muziektheater and other important venues in Amsterdam.

Date: Jun 2011 (annual)

Location: Amsterdam

Website: http://www.hollandfestival.nl/page.ocl?pageid=73

5. Torentijd Festival

The annual Torentijd Festival is held annually on the open square between the Golden Lion and Groenhoven Tower. This event reveals the exciting and diverse cultural landscape of the city and

features various artistic performances, such as dance, music and theatre.

Date: 24 – 26 Jun 2011

Location: Amsterdam

Cost: Free

Website: http://www.torentijdfestival.nl/

6. Amsterdam Canal Parade

The amazing Canal Parade in Amsterdam is one of the most popular events in the city. Expect to see about 100 boats filled with costumed people being watched by a happy crowd of around 350,000 people. The boats pass down the city’s main canals each year and showcase beautiful decorations.

Date: 6 Aug 2011 (annual)

Location: The City’s Canals (time: 2pm – 5pm)

Cost: free

Website: http://www.grachtenfestival.nl/gf/2010/index.vm?lang=en&subpage=

A trip to Amsterdam can only be exciting and adventurous, so make sure you include some of these events on your agenda!