Let’s check out what’s happening in and around the city of Amsterdam during March and April 2010. Springtime can be a great time to visit especially if you get lucky with some good weather. The end of April sees the massive Queen’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam – something not to be missed!
Museums / Exhibitions
Hermitage Amsterdam
The Hermitage is closed during February to prepare a new exhibition – “Matisse to Malevich: Pioneers of Modern Art from the Hermitage” which opens on March 6th 2010 and runs until September.
Huis Marseille
First Light: Photography & Astronomy exhibition.
March 7th to May 30th 2010.
Museum Van Loon
Amsterdam’s Tulip Days – Special exhibition in the garden – April 24th and 25th between 1000 and 1700.

Van Gogh Museum
Paul Gaugin: The Breakthrough into Modernity – exhibition.
Runs throughout March and April (ends June 6th 2010).
Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)
Oman: Cultural exhibition with 250 objects.
Running until April 18th 2010.
Amsterdam Historical Museum
“Kienholz – The Hoerengracht” – Exhibition examining the connection between art and the red-light district. Opens March 20th 2010.
Dutch Resistance Museum
“Season ‘40-’45” – Football during World War II. English translation cards available. Exhibition closes on April 11th 2010.
Amsterdam Stadarchief
“The First Photos of Amsterdam” – photos of the city from 1850-1875.
Opens April 2nd (runs to June 27th).
Artis Zoo
“Natural Selection” – Last chance to see this exhibition about the travels of Charles Darwin. Ends March 31st 2010.
Museum Weekend will be held on April 10th and 11th when many museums open their doors to the public and special events are held.
For more information about museums in the city go here: Amsterdam Museums
Sport in Amsterdam / Netherlands
Ajax home Eredivisie league matches – Amsterdam ArenA:
March 14th (1630) – Ajax vs PSV
March 28th (1430) – Ajax vs FC Groningen
April 11th (1430) – Ajax vs VVV Venlo
April 18th (1430) – Ajax vs Heracles Almelo
Netherlands vs USA – Friendly football international at the Amsterdam ArenA on March 3rd 2010. Kick off 2045.
Running Events in Netherlands
Fortis CPC Run – Big half marathon and kids fun run event with thousands of participants. Takes place in Den Haag on March 14th 2010.
Rotterdam Marathon – Starts 1100 on April 11th.
Other events in Amsterdam
Queen’s Day 2010 - On April 30th the city goes Orange crazy in celebration of the annual Queen’s Day. Join up to a million revellers in one of the world’s biggest street parties.
The 21st Century Tuba! – Recital of contemporary tuba music with jazz saxophone quartet, electronic delay systems and guest speaker. March 1st at Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Oosterdokskade. Free entry.
Fiesta Cubana – Join DJ Arno who hosts a monthly salsa dance party at the Badcuyp (Eerste Sweelinckstraat 10, just off Albert Cuyp straat). Next events on March 5th and April 2nd (2200 – 0245) – entry €5.
Museum Geelvinck Hinlopen Huis
Weekly chamber concerts running every Sunday at 1600.
Film Museum Biennale – presentation of special films including some from the MoMA collection in New York. April 7th to 11th.
Imagine Film Festival – Filmtheatre Kriterion holds the 26th Imagine festival which features genres like scifi, fantasy, horror, thrillers and animation. April 14th to 24th.
Amsterdam Boat Show
March 2nd to 7th. Amsterdam RAI.
Amandla! Mandela – Musical on the life of Nelson Mandela.
Meervaart March 4th/5th.
Disney on Ice – Princess Wishes
April 1st – 5th. Amsterdam RAI.
Irish Wings – theatre performance
March 14th at RAI; April 17th at Schouwburg Amstelveen.
Good Vibrations – Beach Boys tribute
Meervaart April 8th 2010.
Full program of classical concerts at Concertgebouw and Muziekgebouw.
Pop / Rock Concerts in Amsterdam
March 3rd – Dave Matthews Band – Heineken Music Hall
March 5th – Chris Rea – Heineken Music Hall
March 8th – Novastar - Melkweg
March 9th – Joan Armatrading – Melkweg
March 9th – Spandau Ballet – Heineken Music Hall
March 11th – Angie Stone – Heineken Music Hall
March 19th – Jools Holland & Orchestra – Paradiso
March 22nd – Fun Lovin’ Criminals – Paradiso
March 23rd – The Cranberries – Heineken Music Hall
April 2nd – Four Tops / Temptations – Heineken Music Hall
April 11th – Blof - Carre
April 19th – Don McLean – Carre
April 26th – Ultravox – Paradiso
Accommodation in Amsterdam
There is a wide variety of accommodation in Amsterdam to suit every budget and taste. Amsterdam is a popular year round city break destination and can get booked up at peak periods. If you plan to come over during the Queen’s Day celebration it is essential to have your accommodation booked in advance.
Here are some hotel recommendations:
Hotel V Frederiksplein – hip, good value hotel just off the centre with free wifi and breakfast. They have a sister property (Hotel V) at Victorieplein near the Amstel area.
citizen M – highly rated and affordable new hotel concept at Schiphol airport which is great for an early flight. They also have an Amsterdam city branch near Amsterdam Zuid station which is also convenient for visitors to Amsterdam RAI.
Hotel Fita – lovely mid-size hotel in the heart of the pleasant museum quarter with a personal touch. Great if you want the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum on your doorstep.
Ibis Hotel – popular budget chain right next to Amsterdam Central station. Or try the newly renovated Crowne Plaza across the road.
For a splurge consider the Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam which is near central station and has large, luxurious rooms housed in a stunning “Shipping House” Art Deco building.