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.
Key events in Amsterdam in October 2026
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Museums & Exhibitions in Amsterdam (October 2026)
H’ART Museum – Chez Matisse, large-scale exhibition on Henri Matisse (1869–1954) in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou. More than 30 original Matisse artworks on show plus works from contemporaries and followers. Runs 3 Oct 2026 to 14 Feb 2027.
Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum’s extensive collection (including Rembrandt’s iconic Night Watch) is a must-see in Amsterdam. Willem de Kooning at work, landmark exhibition featuring about 120 works including drawings, paintings and sculptures. Runs 9 Oct 2026 to 17 Jan 2027. Book Rijksmuseum tickets here
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
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. Reserve MOCO Museum ticket timeslots here or see our MOCO Museum guide here
Rijksmuseum Garden – Carel Visser, sculpture exhibition from the late Dutch artist who specialised in abstact geometric works. Runs 5 Jun to 25 Oct 2026. Free entry
Van Gogh Museum – Iconic museum with the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings. Whistler. Dandy and Disruptor, major retrospective exhibition of 19th century artist James McNeill Whistler (1834–1903) – in collaboration with Tate Britain and the Mesdag Collection in Den Haag. Runs 16 Oct 2026 to 10 Jan 2027. 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. Kho Liang Ie, first extensive museum retrospective from the functionalist furniture designer. Runs 14 May to 18 Oct 2026. Yayoi Kusama, landmark retrospective exhibition by the influential Japanese contemporary artist. Runs 12 Sep 2026 to 17 Jan 2027. Book Stedelijk tickets here
Amsterdam in Motion – An 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.
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. Relics, exhibition of gigantic fossils transformed into contemporary art. Runs 17 Apr to 30 Nov 2026. Book Art Zoo Museum tickets here
Rembrandt House – Visit the house where Rembrandt lived and worked. 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
Huis Marseille – Martine Gutierrez, Wunderkind, solo exhibition from the American artist featuring toys and the art of play. Runs 27 Jun to 18 Oct 2026.
Allard Pierson – Set Design in Three Acts, exhibition on historical stage design which features the museum, the living room and the studio. Runs 30 Oct 2026 to 6 Apr 2027.
De Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) – Queer Amsterdam, the Pink City major LGBT-themed exhibition. Runs 9 Jul 2026 to 4 Apr 2027.
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
Attractions in 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
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
Amsterdam City Passes
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in Amsterdam, consider one of these city passes:
| 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-€135 | €79-€209 |
| 70 museums | 30 attractions |
| includes GVB transport | |
| Book here | Book here |
| I amsterdam City Card info | GO City Amsterdam Pass info |
*both include canal cruise+bike rental; both exclude Anne Frank House & Van Gogh Museum
Sport in Amsterdam / Netherlands (October 2026)
See the full Amsterdam sports events calendar
Football
Netherlands vs Serbia (UEFA Nations League)
4 Oct 2026 (20:45) – TBA
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.
Darts
Dutch Darts Championships
European tour event featuring some of the world’s top players. Expected 16-18 Oct 2026 at MECC in Maastricht.
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.
Other Sports
Premier Padel Rotterdam
International padel sport tournament featuring 48 top male and female players. Next event expected 27 Sep to 4 Oct 2026 at Rotterdam Ahoy.
Grachtenrace
Rowing race with up to 140 sloop boats over a 25km course around Amsterdam’s canals. Start/finish at the Olympic Stadium. 39th edition is scheduled for 10 Oct 2026.
Friday Night Skate
20km organised skate around the streets of Amsterdam held every Friday night (20:30, weather permitting) from Vondelpark Pavilion.
Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam (October 2026)
Spiritbox – 3 Oct, AFAS Live – Check for Spiritbox tickets here
Valery Meladze – 4 Oct, AFAS Live
Loreen – 6 Oct, Paradiso – Check for Loreen tickets here
Simple Plan – 9 Oct, AFAS Live
Jill Scott – 10 Oct, AFAS Live
Jack Savoretti – 10 Oct, Paradiso – Check for Jack Savoretti tickets here
J Cole – 12/13 Oct, Ziggo Dome – Check for J Cole tickets here
Bryan Adams – 14 Oct, Ziggo Dome – Check for Bryan Adams tickets here
Niall Horan – 15/16 Oct, Ziggo Dome
Jean-Michel Jarre – 21 Oct, AFAS Live
Josh Baker – 24 Oct, AFAS Live
Brandi Carlile – 27 Oct, AFAS Live – Check for Brandi Carlile tickets here
Placebo – 27 Oct, Ziggo Dome – Check for Placebo tickets here
Treasure (Bruno Mars tribute) – 31 Oct, AFAS Live – Check for Treasure tickets here
See the full Amsterdam concert calendar
Festivals in Amsterdam (October 2026)
See the full Amsterdam festival calendar
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.
AMF 2026
Part of ADE, this is a huge dance event party at Johan Cruijff ArenA with some of the world’s finest DJs. Runs Oct 24 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 10-25 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, 1-31 Oct 2026.
Imagine Fantastic Film Festival
Well-established international film festival showing sci-fi, cult, fantasy and horror films. Runs 29 Oct – 8 Nov 2026 (42nd edition) at Film Hallen/LAB111, Amsterdam.
Fairs & Expos in Amsterdam (October 2026)
Marathon Expo Amsterdam – Expo event for runners that showcases footwear, sports apparel, performance products, health, nutrition and lifestyle. Runs 15-17 Oct 2026 at RAI Amsterdam.
Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam (October 2026)
Boom Chicago
Comedy and improv shows in English playing at Rozentheater on Rozengracht.
Amsterdam Magic Show
Monthly magic and comedy show with international performers. At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam. Dates TBA.
Mo Gilligan
The British stand-up comedian returns to the Netherlands with his latest show The Mo You Know at Theater Amsterdam on 16 Oct 2026 (20:00).
Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam (October 2026)
Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA) – Amsterdam’s renowned theatre company performs shows in Dutch at the Stadsschouwburg theatre. Live English surtitles appear above the stage – generally on Thursday and Saturday night shows.
National Opera Ballet – Shows at the renowned venue in October 2026 are Swan Lake (ballet) and Cherry Town (opera).
Concertgebouw – Highlights include Piano Nights on 7 Oct 2026 and Ólafur Arnalds – Falling Apart Together on 14/15 Oct 2026.
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
De Balie – The multimedia venue near Leidseplein in Amsterdam hosts regular events about current affairs, politics and culture.
Fran Lebowitz – Meervart theater in Amsterdam presents An evening with Fran Lebowitz, the renowned American writer, humorist, and social critic. Runs 29 Oct 2026 (20:15).
Market Events in Amsterdam
Pure Markt – Regular market event with high quality produce, music, food stalls and other activities. Runs 11 Oct 2026 (11:00-18:00) at Amstelpark, 18 Oct 2026 (11:00-18:00) at Amterdamse Bos and 25 Oct 2026 (11:00-17:00) at Park Frankendael. 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. Runs 10-11 Oct 2026 (09:00-16:30) and 31 Oct – 1 Nov 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
Amsterdam Info/Resources
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The AmsterdamTips.com What’s On in Amsterdam has been running monthly since 2008. Last updated 27 March 2026.
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.
Continue planning with Amsterdam in November 2026 or see what happened earlier in Amsterdam in September 2026
