Whats On

What’s On in Amsterdam (October 2026)

Planning an autumn visit to Amsterdam, Netherlands? See what’s on in October 2026 with our exclusive curated listings guide below.

From museums and exhibitions, rock/pop and classical concerts, sporting events, festivals and conferences plus anything else of interest to the visitor or expat.

Museums, Exhibitions & Attractions in Amsterdam (October 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 STRAAT tickets here

straat museum exhibition
STRAAT Museum Amsterdam

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

amaze amsterdam
AMAZE Amsterdam

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

moco masters gallery
MOCO Museum Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum’s extensive collection (including Rembrandt’s iconic Night Watch) is a must-see in Amsterdam. Book Rijksmuseum tickets here

Van Gogh Museum – Iconic museum with the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings. 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.

anne frank house room
Anne Frank House Amsterdam

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. Book Stedelijk tickets here

Rembrandt House – Visit the house where Rembrandt lived and worked. Book Rembrandt House tickets here

rembrandt house small studio
Rembrandt House Amsterdam

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 (New Church)World Press Photo Exhibition 2026, annual exhibition of the current affairs photography contest. Dates to be announced.

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

house of bols amsterdam - interactive displays
Interactive displays at House of Bols

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

heineken experience
Heineken Experience

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

rijksmuseum schiphol aiport
Rijksmuseum Schiphol

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 CardGO City Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass
iamsterdam city card appgo city
1/2/3/4/5 days1/2/3/5 days
24 hours basis
calendar day basis
€65/€90/€108/€123/€135€79/€129/€159/€209
70 museums + transport + canal cruise + bike rentalOver 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 infoGO City Amsterdam Pass info

Sport in Amsterdam / Netherlands (October 2026)

Football:
fixtures for the 2026/27 season to be announced

johan cruijff arena stadium
Johan Cruijff ArenA stadium

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

Athletics/Running:
Amsterdam City Walk – 10, 14, 17, 20, 26 and 33 km walking events held the day before the Amsterdam marathon taking in the highlights of the city. On Saturday 24 Oct 2026 with the longer walks starting from the Olympic Stadium.

TCS Amsterdam Marathon – The 48th edition of Amsterdam’s marathon event will be held on Sunday 25 Oct 2026. The race starts and finishes at the Olympic Stadium. The route takes the runners through Vondelpark, under the Rijksmuseum and along the Amstel river outside the city.

Boxing:
Ben Bril Boxing Gala – Ben Bril (1912-2003) was a Jewish Dutch boxer who fought aged 16 at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam and later survived deportation to a German concentration camp. An annual boxing and dinner show at Theater Carré Amsterdam is held in his memory. Expected Oct 2026.

Gymnastics:
Gymnastics World Championships 2026 – The 54th edition of the FIG world artistic gymnastics championships will be held at Ahoy Rotterdam over 17-25 Oct 2026.

Padel:
Premier Padel Rotterdam – International padel sport tournament featuring 48 top male and female players. Next event expected Oct 2026 at Ahoy Rotterdam.

Rowing:
Grachtenrace – Up to 140 sloop boats race over a 25km course around Amsterdam’s canals. Start/finish at the Olympic Stadium. 39th edition is scheduled for 10 Oct 2026.

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

Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam / Netherlands (October 2026)

Valery Meladze – 4 Oct, AFAS Live
Brandi Carlile – 27 Oct, AFAS Live – Check for Brandi Carlile tickets here

afas live at amsterdam bijlmer arena
AFAS Live venue

Festivals in Amsterdam (October 2026)

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) – Major international conference/festival and world’s leading platform for electronic music. With 1,000 events at over 200 locations and up to 500,000 visitors expected. The ADE Lab Village will be at Westergas in Amsterdam. Runs 21-25 Oct 2026.

Camera Japan – Japanese cultural festival which features film, art, music plus Japanese food. Expected 1-4 Oct 2026 (21st edition) at LAB111 Amsterdam.

Cinekid – International film, television and new media festival for kids. Expected Oct 2026 at multiple venues with main location at Pathé Amsterdam Noord.

Amsterdam Lift-Off Film Festival – International film festival showcasing emerging artists and featuring shorts, documentaries, animations and features. Runs virtually, October 2026.

See our complete festival calendar for Amsterdam

Fairs & Expos in Amsterdam (October 2026)

To be announced

Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam (October 2026)

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

Boom Chicago

A comedy night out awaits at Boom Chicago in Amsterdam (credit: Boom Chicago)Amsterdam Magic Show – Monthly magic and comedy show with international performers. At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam. Dates TBA.

Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam (October 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 / Netherlands

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 October. Check Amsterdam Dinner Cruise availability here

amsterdam dinner cruise - lovers
Amsterdam Dinner Cruise (credit: Lovers)

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. Dates TBA. Free entry

Sunday Market – Market events with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff at Westergas. Runs 4 Oct 2026 (12:00-18:00). Free entry

Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music. 25 Oct 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


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.

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

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