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 are closed until at least 25 May 2021. Once open again visitors need to buy a ticket (and time-slot) online in advance, masks are mandatory.
For a comprehensive selection of museums, activities and tours in Amsterdam book here
Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum’s rich collection (including Rembrandt’s Night Watch) is a must-see in Amsterdam. Book Rijksmuseum tickets here
Rijksmuseum Schiphol – Amsterdam airport hosts 10 paintings of the Dutch Golden Age from the Rijksmuseum collection. The Rijksmuseum Schiphol 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. 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.
Hermitage Amsterdam – Showcases an exhibition every 6 months from the vast collection of the grand State Hermitage in St Petersburg, Russia.
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.
MOCO Museum – This modern and contemporary art museum on Museumplein. Book MOCO Museum tickets here
Tropenmuseum – Ethnographic museum featuring fascinating exhibitions on non-Western cultures.
Body Worlds – Display of human body plastinate specimens at the permanent venue on Damrak. The exhibition focuses on happiness.
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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:
Ajax home fixtures at Johan Cruyff Arena Amsterdam:
Season 2021/22 to be announced
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
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 for 2021/22 season to be announced.
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
At this point, it is unclear whether the following events can go ahead.
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).
[X] IJ-Hallen – Huge weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam. Cancelled until further notice.
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
Simply Red – 14/15 Nov, Ziggo Dome
Art Garfunkel – 19 Nov, Carré
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.
