What’s On in Amsterdam November 2021
A look at what’s on in Amsterdam, Netherlands in November 2021. Our listings include special events, festivals, sports, exhibitions, concerts and anything else of interest!
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.
For a comprehensive selection of museums, activities and tours in Amsterdam book here
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
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. Remember Me, exhibition featuring over 100 Renaissance portraits, runs 1 Oct 2021 to 16 Jan 2022 at the Philips wing. 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. The Potato Eaters, exhibition exploring the origins of the famous Van Gogh painting. Runs 8 Oct 2021 to 13 Feb 2022. Book Van Gogh Museum tickets 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. Take advantage of the lower numbers of visitors currently.
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.
Stedelijk – Amsterdam’s main modern and contemporary art museum. STEDELIJK BASE is the permanent installation featuring around 700 pieces. Prix De Rome: Open Call, exhibition of nominees for the Dutch award for visual artists below the age of 40. Runs 13 Nov 2021 to 20 Mar 2022.
MOCO Museum – This modern and contemporary art museum on Museumplein. Book MOCO Museum tickets here
Rembrandt House – Hat on for Rembrandt, exhibition of contemporary photographic portraits of children paired with etchings by Rembrandt. Runs 17 Sep 2021 to 2 Jan 2022.
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.
FOAM Photography Museum – Shigeru Onishi: The Possibility of Existence, the first European solo exhibition of the Japanese mathematician and artist. Runs 17 Sep 2021 to 9 Jan 2022.
Huis Marseille – Vincent Delbrouck Champú, exhibition from the Belgian photographer about teenage life in Cuba. Sohrab Hura Spill, overview of work from the Indian photographer. Both run 4 Sep to 5 Dec 2021.
Jewish Historical Museum – Forget & Remember, exhibition from the Jewish artist duo Gil & Moti. Runs 5 Jun to 28 Nov 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
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.
COBRA (Amstelveen) – Clandestine: The Photo Collection of Pedro Slim, photo exhibition with the human body as central theme. Runs 18 Oct 2021 to 27 Mar 2022.
 | 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
Football:
Netherlands home international (World Cup 2022 qualifier):
Netherlands vs Norway 16 Nov 2021 (2045) at Feyenoord Stadion, Rotterdam
Ajax home fixtures at Johan Cruyff Arena Amsterdam:
Ajax vs Go Ahead Eagles 6 Nov 2021 (2000)
Athletics/Running:
Olympic Stadium Run – The Olympischstadionloop is a 1km/5km/10km running event which starts and finishes at the Olympic Stadium in the south of Amsterdam. Scheduled for 14 Nov 2021.
[?] Friday Night Run – Free monthly 1 hour run organised by running group Phanos. Meet at Olympic Stadium Amsterdam at 1930 on Friday 13 Nov 2020.
[?] Movember Run Amsterdam – 5km charitable (and humorous) run around the Vondelpark in Amsterdam to raise funds for Movember. Also counts as the official Dutch Championship (NK) for running with a moustache. Awaiting details of the 2021 event.
Boxing:
[?] Ben Bril Boxing Gala – Ben Bril (1912-2003) was a Jewish Dutch boxer who fought at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam and later survived deportation to a German concentration camp. This annual boxing and dinner show at Theater Carré is held in his memory. The 2020 event was cancelled, 2021 show unconfirmed.
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
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. Rescheduled for 5-7 Nov 2021 at Westergas, Amsterdam.
IDFA 2021 – International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam. Annual event (33rd edition) showing a wide variety of thought-provoking documentaries. Main locations at Pathé Tuschinski, Het Ketelhuis, de Brakke Grond theatre. Runs 17-28 Nov 2021.
See our complete festival calendar for Amsterdam
Fairs & Expos in Amsterdam and Netherlands
Sieraad Art Fair – International jewellery art fair at Westergas in Amsterdam. 19th edition is due 11-14 Nov 2021 after the 2020 event was cancelled.
PAN Amsterdam – Large international fair for art, antiques and design with over 100 galleries and dealers. Scheduled for 14-21 Nov 2021 at RAI Amsterdam.
IAMExpat Fair The Hague 2021 – One-day event connecting the expat community with various stands, workshops and presentations. Due at Grote Kerk (church) in The Hague, 13 Nov 2021. Annual Amsterdam event takes place in April.
Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Magic Show – At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam, scheduled for Tuesday 2 Nov 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.
Dutch National Opera & Ballet – Productions in November include opera Don Giovani and family opera Gold! There is also the ballet Mata Hari.
Other Events in Amsterdam
Ice*Amsterdam – Get your skates on and hit the spectacular ice rink on Museumplein in the shadow of the Rijksmuseum. Expected to return for winter season 2021/22.
Sinterklaas Arrives – The Dutch version of Santa Claus (or St Nicholas) makes his annual arrival by boat in Amsterdam on Sunday 14 Nov 2021 (date to be confirmed). This marks the start of the festive season – Sinterklaas is usually celebrated around 5 December.
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 local and seasonal produce, music, food stalls and other activities. 28 Nov 2021 (1100-1700) at Park Frankendael.
Sunday Market – Sunday market at Westergas with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff. Scheduled for 7 Nov 2021 (1000-1800).
Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music. Scheduled for 21 Nov 2021 (1000-1800).
IJ-Hallen – Large weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam. 13-14 Nov 2021 with 400 indoor stalls.
Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam
Concerts are subject to cancellation or postponement.
Brit Floyd – 7 Nov, AFAS Live
Luka Bloom – 7 Nov, Paradiso
Level 42 – 11 Nov, Melkweg
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.
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.
