What’s On in Amsterdam July 2021

This is our listings guide to what’s on in and around Amsterdam, Holland during July 2021. The height of summer is normally peak tourist season in Amsterdam, the weather is warm, the days are long and there’s plenty to see and do.

The Dutch Government continues bringing in ‘precautionary’ measures to contain the ‘coronavirus’. Some events are cancelled [X] or may be cancelled/rescheduled at short notice with limits on capacity.

Museums & Exhibitions in Amsterdam

Museums in the Netherlands have been open since 5 June 2021. Visitors need to buy a ticket (and time-slot) online in advance.

STRAAT – A new and unique experience. The world’s biggest street art and graffiti museum in a 8,000 square metres warehouse at NDSM wharf and showcasing some 150 artworks, all made on-site. Book STRAAT tickets here

The Art of the Brick – Exhibition featuring 100 Lego works of art. Runs in the Kalverpassage in Amsterdam until 29 Aug 2021. Book Art of the Brick tickets here

Amsterdam Museum – The Golden Coach is an exhibition about the royal carriage originally built for Dutch Queen Wilhelmina in 1898. The coach has been fully restored and is on view in a specially built glass enclosure. Runs 18 Jun 2021 to 27 Feb 2022. You can book Golden Coach tickets here

Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum’s rich collection (including Rembrandt’s Night Watch) is a must-see in Amsterdam. Slavery, exhibition focuses on slavery in the Dutch colonial period from the 17th to the 19th century. Runs 5 Jun to 29 Aug 2021. Ellsworth Kelly sculptures in the Rijksmuseum Gardens, runs until 24 Oct 2021, free entrance. Book Rijksmuseum 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 of charge.

Van Gogh Museum – Popular museum with the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings. Here to Stay, exhibition about the artworks the museum has acquired in the last decade. Runs 5 Jun to 12 Sep 2021. Book Van Gogh Museum tickets here

Anne Frank House – Visit the canal house on Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht canal where Anne Frank wrote her famous teenage wartime diary whilst hiding from German occupation. Take advantage of the lower numbers of visitors currently.

Fashion For Good Museum – Learn where your clothes come from and discover the innovations shaping the future of fashion. You can find concrete ways to take positive action and shop for sustainable products.

Hermitage Amsterdam – Showcases an exhibition every 6 months from the vast collection of the grand State Hermitage in St Petersburg, Russia. Exhibition Tsars & Knights, a unique collection of suits of armour and antique weapons. Runs 5 Jun 2021 to 9 Jan 2022.

Also ongoing at the Hermitage: Panorama Amsterdam. City Time Lapse, a visual projection of Amsterdam through the ages as seen from the Amstel river; and Portrait Gallery of the 17th Century.

Museum of the Mind (Outsider Art) – This museum at the Hermitage showcases extraordinary art by unconventional artists who have not been formally trained. Chicago Calling: Art Against the Flow, exhibition exploring Chicago’s history of robust recognition and acceptance of self-taught art and artists. Runs 5 Jun to 5 Sep 2021.

NEMO De Studio – New off-site location of the NEMO Science Museum which presents exhibitions aimed at adults. Bits of You, inaugural exhibition featuring the digital world of data privacy and how algorithms make predictions on identity and behaviour. Runs 5 Jun 2021 to 9 Jan 2022. Book your tickets to NEMO here

Stedelijk – Amsterdam’s main modern and contemporary art museum. STEDELIJK BASE is the permanent installation featuring around 700 pieces. Bruce Nauman, large overview of works from the American artist spanning 50 years. Runs 5 Jun to 24 Oct 2021.

MOCO Museum – This modern and contemporary art museum on Museumplein. THE KID: The Future Is Old, an exhibition by the contemporary American artist on social issues runs 5 Jun to 31 Jul 2021. Banksy: Laugh Now (includes Beanfield) is now a permanent exhibition. Book MOCO Museum tickets here

Tropenmuseum – Ethnographic museum featuring fascinating exhibitions on non-Western cultures. Healing Power, exhibition about healing traditions around the world. Runs 5 Jun 2021 to 6 Jun 2022.

De Nieuwe Kerk – World Press Photo Exhibition 2021, the major annual international press photo competition runs 5 Jun to 29 Aug 2021.

Royal Palace – Trailblazers is a special exhibition celebrating 150 years of the Royal Award for Modern Painting. Runs 15 Jul to 3 Oct 2021.

Maritime Museum – The clipper Stad Amsterdam will be moored at the museum between 5 Jun and 15 Aug 2021, available for visits on afternoons at the weekend. Book Maritime Museum tickets here.

Rembrandt House – Hansken, Rembrandt’s Elephant, the story of Haksen, the most famous elephant of the 17th century who was drawn a number of times by Rembrandt. Runs 5 Jun to 25 Jul 2021.

Allard Pierson Museum – Goddesses of Art Nouveau, exhibition from the art nouveau movement (1890-1910) and its fascination with feminine beauty. Runs 5 Jun to 29 Aug 2021.

FOAM Photography Museum – FOAM talent 2020, exhibition featuring works from specially selected international photographers under the age of 35. Runs 5 Jun to 25 Aug 2021.

Huis Marseille – Infinite Identities. Photography in the Age of Sharing, exhibition of 8 photographers and artists who use Instagram to share their work. Runs 5 Jun to 29 Aug 2021.

Grachtenmuseum – Secret of the Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. The most famous works of art from Dutch history are revealed layer by layer. Extended run to 3 Oct 2021.

Stadsarchief – Amsterdam Rainbow City, 25 Years of Pride, exhibition about the history of the Pride Amsterdam and how it became a huge success. Runs in the Central hall from 9 Jul to 10 Oct 2021, free entrance.

Van Loon Museum – Herstory – Women, Stories, Change, exhibition of stories from a woman’s perspective by means of portraits, photographs, personal objects and books. Runs 5 Jun to 29 Aug 2021.

Jewish Historical Museum – Forget & Remember, exhibition from the Jewish artist duo Gil & Moti. Runs 5 Jun to 28 Nov 2021.

EYE Film – Vive le cinéma! Art & Film, exhibition with 5 film directors from 5 continents. Runs 5 Jun to 5 Sep 2021.

Body Worlds – Display of human body plastinate specimens at the permanent venue on Damrak. The exhibition focuses on happiness. Book Body Worlds tickets here

Framer Framed – A Funeral for Street Culture, a special project that digs deep into the world and sorrows of contemporary street culture, its influencers, shape-shifters and failures. Runs 10 Jun to 8 Aug 2021.

Luther Museum – Care! (Zorg!) – a small exhibition about the Lutheran Community of Amsterdam’s history of caring for the elderly, the underprivileged and orphans. Runs 5 Jun to 5 Sep 2021.

Van Eesteren Museum – We built this city on Rock and Roll, photo exhibition by Gijsbert Hanekroot about youth culture in the 50s, 60s and 70s and the central role played by rock and pop icons. Runs 5 Jun to 14 Nov 2021.

Beurs van Berlage – Renée Stotijn – Hidden art revealed, exhibition of recently discovered works of the late artist. Runs 25 Jun to 19 Sep 2021.

Passion: A tribute to Elizabeth Taylor – Double exhibition from 40 artists inspired by the 20th century actress. Location at Go Gallery Amsterdam and Kimpton De Witt hotel. Runs 10 Jul to 21 Aug 2021, free entrance.

De Hallen – Study for intimate archives, exhibition by visual artist Aimée Zito Lema running at Kleinste Galerietje at De Hallen Amsterdam 1 Jun to 31 Aug 2021.

COBRA (Amstelveen) – Cobra and Politics, exhibition of Cobra artists using their art to express political views and ideals. Runs 5 Jun to 26 Sep 2021. Karel Appel 100, exhibition marking the 100th ‘birthday’ of Karel Appel (1921-2006). Runs 5 Jun to 24 Oct 2021.

The Iamsterdam City Card (1-5 days) offers free entry and discounts to numerous Amsterdam attractions and also includes a free transport pass as well. It costs €65 to €130. You can order the Iamsterdam City Card online here

Sport in Amsterdam and Netherlands

Athletics/Running:
[?] Friday Night Run – A free monthly 1 hour run organised by running group Phanos. Meet at Olympic Stadium Amsterdam at 1930 on Friday 9 Jul 2021, unconfirmed.

Walking:
[X] Nijmegen Vierdaagse – International four days marches event around the city of Nijmegen with up to 50,000 participants – walking 30km to 50km per day over all 4 days. The 2020 and 2021 events have been cancelled.

Inline Skating:
[X] Friday Night Skate – 20km organised skate around the streets of Amsterdam held every Friday night (2030, weather permitting) from Vondelpark Pavilion. Cancelled until further notice.

See the full annual sport calendar for Amsterdam

Festivals in Amsterdam and Netherlands

Over het IJ Festival – A 10 day summer theatre festival held on the waterfront of the IJ river and around Amsterdam Noord. It also includes live bands, DJs and plenty of good food and drink. 29th edition due for 9-18 Jul 2021. Location is NDSM wharf, Amsterdam (accessible by free ferry from Amsterdam Central) and around Amsterdam Noord.

Milkshake Festival – Dance music festival over a weekend organised by Paradiso and AIR which includes a camping area. Event expected on 31 Jul – 1 Aug 2021 at Westerpark, Amsterdam.

[X] North Sea Jazz Festival – The world’s largest indoor music festival held over 3 days featuring international jazz plus blues, soul, funk, hip hop, world music and more. To be held 8-10 Jul 2022 at Ahoy Rotterdam, 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled.

See our complete festival calendar for Amsterdam

Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Magic Show – Monthly magic and comedy show with international performers. At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam, expected Tuesday 13 Jul 2021 at 2000. Book Amsterdam Magic Show tickets here

Boom Chicago – Comedy and improv shows in English playing at Rozentheater on Rozengracht. Book Boom Chicago here

Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam

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.

[X] Dutch National Opera & Ballet – Productions are suspended until September 2021.

Other Events in Amsterdam

Pride Amsterdam 2021 – World famous LGBT event held over a week, the highlight being the spectacular canal parade around the Prinsengracht and river Amstel. Expected to return 31 Jul to 8 Aug 2021 after the 2020 event was cancelled.

De Balie – The multimedia venue near Leidseplein in Amsterdam hosts regular events about current affairs, politics and culture.

Free Concerts in Amsterdam

Vondelpark open air theatre – Free concerts run during the weekend (Fri-Sun), from July to September, online reservation is necessary.

Market Events in Amsterdam

Pure Markt – Regular market event with high quality produce, music, food stalls and other activities. Scheduled for 11 Jul 2021 (1100-1800) at Amstel Park, 18 Jul 2021 (1100-1800) at Amsterdamse Bos and 25 Jul 2021 (1100-1800) at Park Frankendael.

Sunday Market – Sunday market at Westergas with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff. Scheduled for 4 Jul 2021 (1200-1800).

Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music. Scheduled for 18 Jul 2021 (1000-1800).

IJ-Hallen – Large weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam. 24-25 Jul 2021 with 400 outdoor stalls.

Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam & Netherlands

July concerts have been cancelled/postponed.

Hotels in Amsterdam

You should book your Amsterdam accommodation in advance if possible. During popular events rooms can be difficult to find and prices can rise significantly! Book your Amsterdam hotel here via Booking.com, which usefully offers free cancellation if your plans change.

Some specific Amsterdam hotel recommendations:

• At the very top-end with 5 star luxury consider Waldorf Astoria, Sofitel Grand, Hotel De L’Europe and Conservatorium.

• Stylish, quality mid-range choices near the city centre include The Toren, Banks Mansion, The Hoxton, Kimpton-De Witt and Sir Adam Hotel.

• For those on a budget check out Conscious Hotel Vondelpark, The Student Hotel, Volkshotel, Jaz Amsterdam (close to Ziggo Dome/ArenA) and Motel One.

>>>What’s On in Amsterdam August 2021

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.