May is a great time to visit Amsterdam, with pleasant late-spring temperatures and plenty to see and do.
Check out our hand-picked, curated guide to events and things going on in and around the city for May 2026.
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 Mar to 10 May 2026. Book Keukenhof tickets/activities here
Museums, Exhibitions & Attractions in Amsterdam (May 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.
FAKE! – photo exhibition about fake images from the early years of photography. 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.
Kho Liang Ie, first extensive museum retrospective from the functionalist furniture designer. Runs 14 May to 18 Oct 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
H’ART Museum – American Identities are exhibitions in collaboration with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. American Myth & Memory: David Levinthal Photographs explores the myths in American visual culture from Wild West to Barbie. Runs 13 Feb to 6 Sep 2026.
Radical Histories: Chicano Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, prints of artists with Mexican heritage about American identity. Runs April (TBA) to 6 Sep 2026. Book H’ART Museum tickets here
Rembrandt House – Visit the house where Rembrandt lived and worked. Rembrandt’s Masterclass, an interactive exhibition about Rembrandt’s craftsmanship, his technique and his tactics. Runs 30 Jan to 25 May 2026. 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
Allard Pierson – Not My Soul, exhibition on stories of slavery, law and freedom in antiquity and a focus on Suriname. Runs 21 Nov 2025 to 24 May 2026. Book Allard Pierson tickets here
De Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) – World Press Photo Exhibition 2026, annual exhibition of the current affairs photography contest. Dates to be announced.
Huis Marseille – Yumna Al-Arashi, Body as Resistance, first solo museum exhibition of work by the Yemeni-Egyptian-American artist. Designed World, Through the Eyes of Tata Ronkholz (1940–1997), exhibition of the German photographer featuring urban scenes such as snack kiosks and industrial gates. Both run 14 Feb to 21 Jun 2026.
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
Stadsarchief – Jazz Years: People, Migration and Music in Amsterdam, 1930-1939, multimedia exhibition about the early years of jazz in Amsterdam. Runs 3 Apr to 13 Sep 2026.
Jewish Museum – Judy Chicago: Revelations, first major retrospective exhibition of the American artist. Runs 6 Feb to 23 Aug 2026. Book Jewish Cultural Quarter Amsterdam 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
Heineken Experience – Take a guided tour around the historic Heineken brewery, one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions. Book Heineken Experience 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 attractions + 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/€110/€125/€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 I amsterdam here | Book Go City here |
| I amsterdam City Card info | GO City Amsterdam Pass info |
Sport in Amsterdam / Netherlands (May 2026)
Football:
Ajax home fixtures at Johan Cruyff Arena Amsterdam:
Ajax vs PSV 2 May 2026 (20:00) – check for tickets
Ajax vs FC Utrecht 10 May 2026 (16:45) – 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 guided tour here
Rugby:
Amsterdam Sevens – Annual international rugby sevens tournament with over 120 teams to be played at the National Rugby Centre (Sportpark de Eendracht) in Amsterdam. 53rd edition runs over 6-7 Jun 2026.
Golf:
Dutch Ladies Open – Ladies European Tour event over 3 rounds, held at Goyer Golf & Country Club in Eemnes (near Hilversum) over 19-21 Jun 2026.
Darts:
Dutch Darts Championships – European tour event featuring some of the world’s top players. Expected May 2026 at Autotron in Rosmalen.
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 (May 2026)
Rolling Kitchens – The Rollende Keukens food festival features dozens of mobile kitchens and food trucks offering appetising dishes plus live music. 18th edition is expected 13-17 May 2026 at Westerpark in Amsterdam. Free entry
Amsterdam Art Week – This event features various art exhibitions, performances, screenings, debates and gallery tours. 14th edition runs in May 2026 (to be confirmed) at various galleries and project spaces around Amsterdam.
Fête du Champagne Festival – Wine and champagne-themed event in Rembrandtpark Amsterdam with French food and live music, expected May 2026 (to be confirmed).
DiscoDip Festival – Festival featuring food trucks, workshops, wine tasting and live music. At Amsterdamse Bos over 22-24 May 2026.
See our complete festival calendar for Amsterdam
Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam
VEGAS – Spectacular 2 hour show featuring illusionists, dance acts, acrobats and live musicians. Runs on 6/7/13/21/24/25/28 May 2026 at the Harbour Club (eastern Docklands) in Amsterdam. Book Amsterdam VEGAS 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. Book Boom Chicago tickets here
Amsterdam Magic Show – Monthly magic and comedy show with international performers. At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam. Runs 5 May 2026 (19:30). Book the Amsterdam Magic Show 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.
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 May. Check Dinner Cruise availability here
National Remembrance Day – Ceremony commemorating the war dead, held in Dam Square on 4 May 2026. A 2 minute silence is held nationwide at 20:00.
De Balie – The multimedia venue near Leidseplein in Amsterdam hosts regular events about current affairs, politics and culture.
Netherlands Public Holidays – Thursday 14 May 2026 (Ascension Day) and Monday 25 May 2026 (Whit Monday/Pentecost).
Market Events in Amsterdam
Pure Markt – Regular market event with high quality produce, music, food stalls and other activities. Runs 10 May 2026 (11:00-18:00) at Amtelpark, 17 May 2026 (11:00-18:00) at Amterdamse Bos and 31 May 2026 (11:00-18:00) at Park Frankendael. Free entry
Sunday Market – Market events with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff at Westergas. Runs 3 May 2026 (12:00-18:00). Free entry
Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music. Runs 17 May 2026 (10:00-18:00). Free entry
IJ-Hallen – Large weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam with 750 outdoor stands. Run 2-3 May 2026 (09:00-16:30) and 30-31 May 2026 (09:00-16:30).
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 (May 2026)
Tame Impala – 4 May, Ziggo Dome – Check for Tame Impala tickets here
Rufus Du Sol – 6 May, Ziggo Dome – Check for Rufus Du Sol tickets here
The Neighbourhood – 8 May, Ziggo Dome – Check for The Neighbourhood tickets here
Olivia Dean – 9 May, Ziggo Dome – Check for Olivia Dean tickets here
Conan Gray – 14 May, Ziggo Dome – Check for Conan Gray tickets here
The Dire Straits Experience – 14 May, AFAS Live
Gipsy Kings – 23 May, AFAS Live
Zucchero – 29 May, Ziggo Dome – Check for Zucchero tickets here
Twice – 29 May, Ziggo Dome – Check for Twice tickets here
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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