Here is our hand-picked, curated guide to what’s on in Amsterdam, Netherlands during April 2026.
There’s normally lots going on in the city and whilst the weather can vary there should be a few good, sunny days. The month ends with the King’s Day celebrations…
Springtime in the Netherlands
Keukenhof Gardens – The world famous Dutch tulip park is a must-visit with its beautiful landscaped gardens and amazing flower displays. The 2026 season runs 19 March to 10 May 2026. Book Keukenhof tickets/activities here
Museums, Exhibitions & Attractions in Amsterdam (April 2026)
STRAAT – A unique experience. The world’s biggest street art and graffiti museum in a 8,000m² warehouse at NDSM wharf and showcasing some 180 artworks, all made on-site. Book your STRAAT tickets here
Amaze Amsterdam – An immersive 1 hour audio-visual experience spanning 3,000m² with 8 separate stages. Guaranteed to stimulates the senses – from intense, interactive to relaxing and chilled. Located in an old industrial nightclub in Amsterdam’s West Port district. Book Amaze Amsterdam tickets here
MOCO Museum – The acclaimed modern and contemporary art museum on Museumplein. Banksy: Laugh Now has a diverse selection of works from the anonymous British street artist. Book MOCO Museum tickets here
Banksy Museum Amsterdam – New museum in Amsterdam dedicated to the anonymous British street artist. Featuring 160 artworks including paintings and mural recreations set-in-scene. Worth a trip out to the Westerpark area. Book Banksy Museum tickets here
Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum’s extensive collection (including Rembrandt’s iconic Night Watch) is a must-see in Amsterdam. Metamorphoses, exhibition shows how artists across the centuries have given themselves over to the famous stories of the Roman poet Ovid. Runs 6 Feb to 25 May 2026. Book Rijksmuseum tickets here
Van Gogh Museum – Iconic museum with the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings. Yellow. More than Van Gogh’s Favourite Colour, exhibition exploring what yellow meant to Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries and the role it plays in art today. Runs 13 Feb to 17 May 2026. Book Van Gogh Museum ticket here
Anne Frank House – The canal house on Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht canal where Anne Frank wrote her famous teenage wartime diary whilst hiding from German occupation.
Can’t find a ticket timeslot for the Anne Frank house? Why not instead book the Anne Frank & Jewish Quarter walking tour (2 hours) here
Stedelijk – Amsterdam’s main modern and contemporary art museum. Dahn Vo, solo exhibition from the critically acclaimed Vietnamese born artist. Runs 14 Feb to 2 Aug 2026. Book Stedelijk tickets here
Amsterdam in Motion – A new audio-visual mapping exhibition on Amsterdam marking the city’s 750th birthday. The 200m² model is the world’s largest multimedia ‘maquette’ of a city. Book Amsterdam in Motion tickets here
Art Zoo Museum – A new museum combining breathtaking taxidermy (animal) art from Dutch duo Darwin, Sinke & van Tongeren with a 17th century Amsterdam canal house. Book Art Zoo Museum tickets here
Rembrandt House – Visit the house where Rembrandt lived and worked. Book Rembrandt House tickets here
Rembrandt’s Amsterdam Experience – A video art experience about the life of the famous painter and reconstruction of Rembrandt’s studio on Rozengracht. Book Rembrandt’s Amsterdam Experience tickets here
Royal Palace – Visit the grand Royal Palace on Dam Square including the impressive Citizen’s Hall. Book Royal Palace tickets here
De Nieuwe Kerk – Mokum, the biography of Jewish Amsterdam, major winter exhibition at the New Church on Dam Square highlights the turbulent history of Jewish life in the city. Runs 25 Oct 2025 to 6 Apr 2026. Book Nieuwe Kerk tickets here
National Maritime Museum – Oceanista, a multifaceted fashion exhibition that connects the maritime past, contemporary fashion and the ‘sustainable’ future of clothing. Runs 10 Oct 2025 to 12 Apr 2026. Book National Maritime Museum tickets here
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam – Made in China, exhibition about China’s rich and diverse manufacturing culture, from thousands of years of craftsmanship to contemporary art and design. Runs from 17 Oct 2025 to 31 Aug 2026. Book Wereldmuseum tickets here
Tot Zover – Aat Veldhoen, A realist to the grave, exhibition at the Dutch funeral museum from the local artist and how he relates to death in his works. Runs 26 Sep 2025 to 28 Jun 2026.
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo – One of the city’s premier visitor attractions – a magnificent zoo set in a large park in the picturesque Plantage area of the city. Book Artis Zoo tickets here
Body Worlds – Fascinating display of 200 human body ‘plastinate’ specimens at the venue on Damrak in central Amsterdam. The permanent exhibition is The Happiness Project and also includes an InBody scan. Book Body Worlds tickets here
House of Bols – Stimulate your senses at the Cocktail & Genever Experience – featuring the Lucas Bols brand, which has been making liqueurs in Amsterdam since 1575. Book House of Bols tickets here
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam – Get your celebrity fill by visiting the ever-popular wax work museum on Dam Square. Book Madame Tussauds Amsterdam tickets here
Amsterdam Dungeon – Interactive show featuring excellent actors and audience participation. Takes you through dark dungeon-themed rooms from Amsterdam’s murky past – scary but with a comic element. Book Amsterdam Dungeon tickets here
The Upside Down Museum Amsterdam – Large interactive museum and Instagram/TikTok experience which includes optical illusions, upside-down rooms and super photogenic spaces. Book Upside Down Museum tickets here
WONDR Experience – An immersive experience in Amsterdam with 15 rooms including disco balls, a lifesize doll house and fluffy karaoke booths – lots of fun for both adults and children alike. Book WONDR tickets here
Rijksmuseum Schiphol – Amsterdam airport hosts a small selection of works from the Rijksmuseum collection. The museum is located on Holland Boulevard (between Lounges 2 and 3 in non-Schengen departures) and is open 24 hours a day to passengers. Free entry
Amsterdam City Passes
These all inclusive passes may save you money on a well planned Amsterdam itinerary.
| Most museums + city transport | Includes Keukenhof + other tours |
| I amsterdam City Card | GO City Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass |
 |  |
| 1/2/3/4/5 days | 1/2/3/5 days |
| 24 hours basis | calendar day basis |
| €65/€90/€108/€123/€135 | €79/€129/€159/€209 |
| 70 museums + transport + canal cruise + bike rental | Over 30 attractions/tours + canal cruise + bike rental |
| excludes Anne Frank House / Van Gogh Museum / tours | excludes Anne Frank House / Van Gogh Museum / transport |
| Book here | Book here |
| I amsterdam City Card info | GO City Amsterdam Pass info |
Sport in Amsterdam / Netherlands (April 2026)
Football:
Ajax home fixtures at Johan Cruyff Arena Amsterdam:
Ajax vs FC Twente 4 Apr 2026 (tba) – check for tickets
It is possible to take a classic stadium tour of the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. Book Johan Cruijff Arena Tour tickets here or book a VIP 2 hour tour here
Athletics/Running:
NN Rotterdam Marathon – This big marathon event in the Netherlands normally attracts over 20,000 competitors including a field of world-class athletes. The 45th edition is scheduled for 12 Apr 2026.
Cruijff Legacy 14K – Charitable fun run event over 5km and 14km around Amsterdam Zuidoost to raise money for the Johan Cruijff Foundation. Expected 12 Apr 2026, with start and finish at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.
Darts:
Premier League – The invitational Premier League of darts event returns to the Netherlands, expected on 16 Apr 2026 (20:00) at Ahoy Rotterdam.
Korfball:
League Finals – Ball sport (kind of netball-basketball cross) invented in the Netherlands. League finals day will be on 18 Apr 2026 at Ahoy Rotterdam.
Inline Skating:
Friday Night Skate – 20km organised skate around the streets of Amsterdam held every Friday night (20:30, weather permitting) from Vondelpark Pavilion.
See the full annual sport calendar for Amsterdam
Festivals in Amsterdam (April 2026)
Tulp Festival – This festivals brings displays of tulips across the entire city during the month of April 2026.
Amsterdam Coffee Festival – A festival event for coffee lovers and industry professionals featuring artisan coffee, gourmet food stalls, barista demonstrations, live music and art exhibitions. Runs 16-18 Apr 2026 at NDSM Loods, Amsterdam.
DGTL Festival – Global electronic music festival with mix of art installations and sustainability projects. Runs 3-5 Apr 2026 at NDSM wharf, Amsterdam.
Kingsland Festival – One day dance events at Olympic Stadium Amsterdam and in Stadspark Groningen. These are the largest King’s Day festival events in the Netherlands. Runs on 27 Apr 2026.
Check out our complete festival calendar for Amsterdam
Fairs & Expos in Amsterdam (April 2026)
The National Career Expo – De Nationale Carrièrebeurs is the largest career fair event in the Netherlands and takes place at RAI Amsterdam over 24-25 Apr 2026.
Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam (April 2026)
VEGAS – Treat yourself to a spectacular dinner show featuring illusionists, dance acts and live musicians. Includes a 3 course shared dining menu with 12 dishes. Runs on 4/10/11/24/25 Apr 2026 at the Harbour Club (eastern Docklands) in Amsterdam. Book Amsterdam VEGAS dinner show tickets here
Boom Chicago – Great night out at the popular comedy and improv theatre show in English – with bar and table service. At the Rozentheater in Amsterdam, shows playing Wed-Sun.
Amsterdam Magic Show – Monthly magic and comedy show with international performers. At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam. Runs 7 Apr 2026 (19:30). Book the Amsterdam Magic Show here
Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam (April 2026)
Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA) – Amsterdam’s renowned theatre company performs shows in Dutch which have live English surtitles above the stage – for Thursday night shows at the Stadsschouwburg theatre.
Other Events in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Dinner Cruise – An atmospheric 120 minute evening cruise around Amsterdam’s canals with a 4 course meal and drinks included. Runs every Wed to Sat (19:30) in April. Check Dinner Cruise availability here
De Balie – The multimedia venue near Leidseplein in Amsterdam hosts regular events about current affairs, politics and culture.
Market Events in Amsterdam
Pure Markt – Regular market event with high quality produce, music, food stalls and other activities at Park Frankendael. Dates TBA. Free entry
Sunday Market – Market events with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff at Westergas. Runs 5 Apr 2026 (12:00-18:00). Free entry
Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music. Runs 19 Apr 2026 (10:00-18:00). Free entry
IJ-Hallen – Large weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam with 500 indoor stands. Dates TBA.
The Maker Market – Weekend market features creative handmade products including jewelry, art and live music. Runs in the covered passage of De Hallen Amsterdam. Dates TBA. Free entry
Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam (April 2026)
Dirty Sound Magnet – 4 Apr, Melkweg
Alex Warren – 6/7 Apr, Ziggo Dome – Check for Alex Warren tickets here
Kiki Rockwell – 9 Apr, Paradiso
5 Seconds of Summer – 10 Apr, Ziggo Dome – Check for 5 Seconds of Summer tickets here
The Undertones – 18 Apr, Paradiso
Louis Tomlinson – 20 Apr, Ziggo Dome – Check for Louis Tomlinson tickets here
Eric Clapton – 24 Apr, Ziggo Dome – Check for Eric Clapton tickets here
Jools Holland – 24 Apr, Paradiso
King’s Day (Koningsdag) in Amsterdam 2026
King’s Day 2026 – Koningsdag 2026 is the Dutch national holiday to be held on Monday 27 April 2026. Following the abdication of Queen Beatrix in 2013 and the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander, the former Queen’s Day celebration has become King’s Day.
The date was moved from 30 April, the birthday of the former Queen Juliana to the 27 April, birthday of the current King. Because no King’s Day can fall on a Sunday, it means this year’s event will be a day early on Saturday 26th.
King’s Day is one of the world’s greatest open-air parties – an event everyone should try and experience at least once in their life! Amsterdam goes completely orange crazy with revellers on the streets, in parks and afloat the water. Up to 800,000 visitors used to cram into the centre temporarily doubling the city’s population.
Celebrations actually start the evening before on Sunday 26 April 2026 – King’s Night (Koningsnacht) – and then continue all of the next day. On King’s Day morning each year the Dutch Royal family (House of Orange-Nassau) do a walkabout visit around a chosen town in the Netherlands which is shown live on state television.
One of the main highlights of King’s Day in Amsterdam is the citywide free market (vrijmarkt). This is where people set up stalls and sell clothes, food, drinks and just about anything else – from plants, old electronics, vintage items, bric-a-brac and much old tat. Prices are negotiable which is all part of the fun.
Many Amsterdam residents set up shop directly outside their own houses – days before they mark their territory with tape (“bezet” meaning “occupied”). There are also professional traders and opportunists who take advantage of the tax-free trading.
The free market in Amsterdam officially starts from 06:00 on King’s Day and goes on all day until 20:00. Bargain hunters should get there early.
Note that the city of Utrecht (30 minutes south of Amsterdam by train) starts its free market on King’s Night (26 April) from 18:00 – with an authentic and friendly atmosphere, it’s well worth a visit.
For fun and games, children’s clothes, toys and young performers head to the main children’s King’s Day market at Vondelpark (Amsterdam’s main park) which opens at 0900.
Other children’s markets can be found (amongst others) at NDSM-wharf, Artisplein, Amstelveld, Bellamyplein, Frederiksplein, Leliegracht, Rembrandtplein, Sarphatipark and Westerpark.
On King’s Day the festivities continue throughout Amsterdam with the free market, food/drink stalls, concert stages, impromptu street entertainers, party boats and all sorts of weird and wonderful fun.
There are large dance parties planned which are held outside of the centre. These are: Kingsland Festival (RAI Amsterdam), Cartel Kingsday (Westerunie), Loveland van Oranje (Meerpark) and Oranjebloesem (Olympic Stadium). Entry is only for ticket holders, no at-the-door sales.
The best way of getting around Amsterdam on King’s Day is on foot – temporary signposts can guide you to areas of interest.
GVB public transport – Ferries, metro and some buses will operate on King’s day with a standard Saturday timetable. You do require a ticket as normal! Trams run a Saturday timetable with some lines running alternative routes and avoiding the inner centre. Metro station RAI will be closed.
Train services run on a special King’s Day timetable so double check with NS Dutch Railways if planning travel or going to the airport.
If coming to Amsterdam from other parts of the Netherlands by train it is preferable to arrive at Amsterdam Zuid or Amsterdam Amstel and walk in.
Expect Amsterdam stations to be extremely busy with up to a quarter of a million people arriving by train. Amsterdam RAI and Science Park will be closed.
Supermarkets do open on King’s Day though hours can be restricted in some branches. Most shops in the city centre will remain closed.
Museums which are open on King’s Day include the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, STRAAT, MOCO Museum and Van Gogh Museum.
Note that most other museums including FOAM, Maritime Museum, NEMO, Rembrandt House and Wereldmuseum Amsterdam are closed.
Be aware that the city centre can get extremely crowded in some places – expect large crowds to gather on Dam Square and Museumplein. Watch out for pickpockets and be vigilant to new perceived security threats.
King’s Day events are observed all over the Netherlands including Arnhem, Den Haag, Eindhoven, Groningen, Haarlem, Rotterdam and Utrecht.
The AmsterdamTips.com What’s On in Amsterdam has been running monthly since 2008. Disclaimer: While we make every effort to keep this listing up-to-date, events can always be cancelled or re-scheduled at short notice. Please double-check with the event organisers.
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