Amsterdam has a strong live entertainment scene, with everything from English-language comedy and improv to theatre, cabaret and dinner shows.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or looking for things to do on a night out, there are options across the city on most evenings.
Comedy Shows in Amsterdam
There is a long-standing tradition of English-language comedy in Amsterdam.
Boom Chicago
Boom Chicago has been offering regular comedy stand-up, improvisation and sketch shows since 1993. It remains one of the best-known English-language comedy venues in Amsterdam.
Originally based in Leidseplein, Boom Chicago moved to its Rozentheater location on Rozengracht in 2013.
The main theatre (Big House) has tables and bar service with drinks and light snacks available. There is also a smaller Upstairs theatre.
The Boom Chicago audience is made up of expats, visitors and Dutch locals. It is a great place for a group night out.
Improv Spectacular | The Famous Boom Chicago Comedy Show takes place Wednesday to Sunday nights. This classic show runs in 2 parts with a short-form improv and live musicians first up and then longer-form improv with input from the audience. Book Boom Chicago Improv Show here
Boom Chicago The Comedy Embassy are stand-up shows on Friday and Saturday nights at the Upstairs theatre. The 2 hour shows generally feature 4 international English-speaking comedians. A bar service is available.
Book Boom Chicago Comedy Embassy tickets here or check the Boom Chicago availability calendar here:
Boom Chicago, Rozengracht 117, 1016 LV Amsterdam
Comedytrain
Comedytrain is a small theatre venue in Westergas with a core group of comedians. This company was previously based at Toomler in Amsterdam but moved to Westergas in 2026.
The venue has 2 halls – a main hall and small hall – plus a bar and foyer for drinks and bites.
Comedytrain hosts a regular roster of international stand-up comedians playing in English.
Comedytrain, Pazzanistraat 1, 1014 DB Amsterdam
Comedy Cafe in Amsterdam
Comedy Cafe and its sister Southend Comedy Club have a regular agenda of stand-up comedy shows, open mic events and jazz nights. Comedy is not only in English and Dutch but often in a variety of other languages (like Spanish and Turkish).
Comedy Cafe Amsterdam, IJdok 89, 1013 MM Amsterdam
Southend Comedy Club, Ijsbaanpad 45, 1076 CV Amsterdam
Clink Comedy Club
This is a comedy venue at ClinkNOORD (Amsterdam Noord) run by collective Youngbux Comedy. It hosts regular stand-up comedy shows in English.
ClinkNOORD, Badhuiskade 3, 1031 KV Amsterdam
Major Stand-Up Comedians Visiting Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a key stop on international comedy tours, with leading comedians regularly performing at venues such as Royal Theatre Carré, Ziggo Dome and DeLaMar Theater.
Recent and upcoming performers include:
- Matt Rife
- Jimmy Carr
- Kevin Bridges
For a comprehensive listing with show dates see our month-by-month guide to what’s on in Amsterdam
Popular Shows & Dinner Experiences
VEGAS @The Harbour Club
The Harbour Club Theater in the Eastern Docklands of Amsterdam hosts a spectacular Las Vegas-themed variety dinner show.
The VEGAS show features illusionists, top-tier dance acts and live musicians. It includes a 3-course shared dining menu with 12 dishes. Over the course of the evening the theater slowly turns from restaurant to club.
The theatre layout includes ground-floor tables, smaller booths and balcony seating, subject to availability. The VEGAS show runs from 19:15 until 00:30.
Shows run on selected dates only (Fridays/Saturdays) throughout the season – some ticket types can sell out.
Check for Amsterdam VEGAS dinner show tickets here
The Harbour Club, Cruquiusweg 67, 1019 AT Amsterdam
Supper Restaurant Dinner Show
Since 1993 the Supper Restaurant in Amsterdam has offered multi-course meals with live entertainment and DJs. Known for its white interior and lounge-style setting it attracts both a local and international clientele.
The current show (from April 2026) has a Studio 54 theme based on the iconic New York disco club.
Book a 4 or 5 course Supper dinner show here
Cabaret, Variety & Alternative Shows
Amsterdam Magic Show
The Amsterdam Magic Show has been running a monthly show in Amsterdam since July 2016 and has an ensemble of magicians and illusionists from across the world.
Each 2 hour stage show is in English and features 4 world-class magicians with a mix of magic and comedy.
Shows generally take place every first Tuesday of the month at Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater on Rozengracht in Amsterdam. There is a bar on site for drinks and snacks.
Tickets are limited due to the small theatre setting and can sell out in advance.
Amsterdam Magic Show, Rozengracht 117, 1016 LV Amsterdam
Check for Amsterdam Magic Show tickets here
Amsterdam Magical Experience Show
This is a spectacular 75 minute live show from Dutch illusionist Nigel Otermans which takes you on a journey through Amsterdam’s history – using breathtaking illusions, visual effects, and immersive storytelling.
It is running in the afternoon (15:30) on various Saturdays in April/May/June 2026 at The Harbour Club Theater in Amsterdam. It is possible to order food and drinks during the show but this is not included with ticket admission.
Reserve the Amsterdam Magical Experience here
English Theatre in Amsterdam
There are a number of small theatres in Amsterdam producing English language shows.
Badhuistheater
Mike’s Badhuistheater is an independent theatre which has been hosting English language productions, improv and comedy shows since 1985. The historic venue in Oost Amsterdam has a small, intimate feel with capacity of up to 150.
Badhuistheater, Boerhaaveplein 28, 1091 AT Amsterdam
Orange Theatre Company
Small theatre company at the KIT Live theatre which has been producing shows in English since 2018.
KIT Live, Linnaeusstraat 2A, 1092 CK Amsterdam
Venues for Comedy and Shows in Amsterdam
Boom Chicago (Rozentheater)
- The historic building on Rozengracht originally opened as a cinema in 1913
- It is located near the Jordaan area of Amsterdam
- The Main theatre (Big House) can hold 200 (dinner) to 550 (reception)
- The small Upstairs theatre has capacity for 90 guests
Royal Theatre Carré
- The Royal Theater Carré (Koninklijk Theater Carré) opened in 1887
- It is located on the east-side of the Amstel river
- It hosts pop concerts, musicals, cabaret and comedy shows
- It has a seat capacity of around 1,700
DeLaMar Theater
- Modern theatre building opened in 2010, combining the previous Bellevue and Nieuwe de la Mar theatres
- It is located in the Leidseplein area of Amsterdam
- A prominent theatre venue hosting plays, musicals, dance and comedy
- The main Wim Sonneveld Zaal hall seats 950, the smaller Mary Dresselhuys Zaal seats 600
Meervaart Theater
- Modern theatre venue in Osdorp (Nieuw-west Amsterdam)
- Hosts theatre, dance, concerts and the occasional comedy events
- Main Red Hall seats 800, smaller Blue Room seats 270
Ziggo Dome
- Largest indoor concert hall in the Netherlands, opened in 2012
- Capacity of up to 17,000 guests
- Occasionally hosts big stand-up comedy acts
- Located in the Bijlmer-ArenA district of Amsterdam
More Events & Things To Do in Amsterdam
- What’s On in Amsterdam (Monthly Events Guide)
- Concerts & Live Music in Amsterdam
- Festivals in Amsterdam
- Sport Events in Amsterdam
First published 2 April 2026.
Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.
