Planning an autumn visit to Amsterdam, Netherlands? See what’s on in October 2023 with our exclusive 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 in Amsterdam (October 2023)
Our House – A museum of electronic music culture in the centre of Amsterdam. Take a 75 minute digital storytelling journey and explore the evolution of dance music via interactive installations. The Defining Moments Exhibit covers 4 decades of electronic music from Kraftwerk to superstar DJ’s. Book Our House tickets here
STRAAT – A totally unique experience. The world’s biggest street art and graffiti museum in a 8,000m² warehouse at NDSM wharf in Amsterdam which showcases some 150 artworks, all made on-site. Book your STRAAT tickets here
Amaze Amsterdam – An immersive audio-visual experience with 7 stages which varies from intense, interactive to relaxing. Excellent for a group activity. Located in an old industrial nightclub in Amsterdam’s West Port district. Book Amaze Amsterdam tickets here
Fabrique des Lumières – Immersive exhibitions of classical, modern and contemporary artists using cutting-edge technology with light projections and music. Main exhibition is Salvador Dalí, The Endless Enigma with works of the celebrated artist set to the music of the legendary Pink Floyd. Alongside there is the spectacular display Gaudí, Architect of the Imaginary. Runs 10 Mar 2023 to 7 Jan 2024. Book Fabrique des Lumières tickets here
Nxt Museum – The first “new media art” museum in the Netherlands which has large-scale, multi-sensory immersive exhibitions. Realtime, a rotating showcase presenting a selection of artists using boundary-pushing technologies. Runs 15 May to 15 Nov 2023. Located in the Amsterdam North district. Book Nxt Museum tickets here
MOCO Museum – The popular modern and contemporary art museum on Museumplein. Banksy: Laugh Now has a diverse selection of works from the anonymous British street artist. In addition MOCO Masters features the likes of Warhol, Basquiat and Koons. Book MOCO Museum tickets here
Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum’s rich collection (including Rembrandt’s Night Watch) is a must-see in Amsterdam. Six Vermeers, following the highly successful Vermeer exhibition, there are 6 Vermeer paintings still on display between 7 Jun and 10 Oct 2023. Book Rijksmuseum tickets here
Van Gogh Museum – Popular museum with the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings. Van Gogh along the Seine, exhibition of how Van Gogh and his contemporaries captured the river Seine. Runs 13 Oct 2023 to 14 Jan 2024. Book Van Gogh Museum tickets here
RTXP Amsterdam – New art experience museum in Amsterdam which shows replicas of 50 of the world’s most famous paintings. Book RTXP Amsterdam 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. [For further insight, book an Anne Frank walking tour here]
WONDR Experience – A fun and immersive pop-up experience in Amsterdam for both adults and children alike. Book WONDR tickets here
The Upside Down Museum Amsterdam – Large interactive museum and Instagram experience which includes 25 mind-bending rooms. Located near RAI Amsterdam. Book Upside Down Museum tickets here
Rembrandt House – Visit the house where Rembrandt lived and worked. Rembrandt’s Peacocks, an exhibition about Rembrandt’s still-life painting featuring dead peacocks. Runs 1 Jul to 15 Oct 2023. 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
Stedelijk – Amsterdam’s main modern and contemporary art museum. Keith Haring: Amsterdam Notes, huge 125 foot long artwork made by the American artist in 1986 for the museum. On show 26 May to 5 Nov 2023. Nan Goldin, This Will Not End Well, retrospective exhibition of the American artist. Runs 7 Oct 2023 to 28 Jan 2024. Book Stedelijk tickets here
Tropenmuseum – Ethnographic museum featuring fascinating exhibitions on non-Western cultures. Plastic Crush, exhibition about the world’s changing relationship with plastic, from useful product to plastic waste. Runs 5 Nov 2022 to 1 Sep 2024. Book Tropenmuseum tickets here
Het Scheepvaartmuseum – National Maritime Museum presents Robbert Das, Water Sports in Perspective, exhibition of ship drawings by the illustrator and futurist. Runs 27 May to 22 Oct 2023. Book Scheepvaartmuseum tickets here
Fashion For Good Museum – Learn where your clothes come from and discover the innovations shaping the future of fashion. Book Fashion For Good tickets here
Royal Palace – Visit the imposing palace on Dam Square including the magnificent Citizen’s Hall. Book Royal Palace tickets here
FOAM Photography Museum – Carlijn Jacobs Sleeping Beauty, exhibition from the Dutch photographer enriched with designs from Sabine Marcelis. Runs 6 Oct 2023 to 21 Jan 2024. Book FOAM tickets here
Huis Marseille – Widline Cadet: Take This With You / Pran Sa Avèk Ou, exhibition of works from the Haitian visual artist. Runs 24 Jun to 22 Oct 2023. Tarrah Krajnak, major exhibition of the work of Peruvian-American artist. Runs 28 Oct 2023 to 25 Feb 2024.
Stadsarchief – Famiri/Family Surinamese-Amsterdam stories from 1611 onwards, exhibition at the city archives runs 29 Jun 2023 to 14 Jan 2024. Free entry
Allard Pierson Museum – Face to Face: The People Behind Mummy Portraits, exhibition about ancient Egyptian mummy portraits. Runs 6 Oct 2023 to 25 Feb 2024. Book Allard Pierson tickets here
ARTIS Groote Museum – The fascinating new Groote Museum allows you to explore your place in the living world with beautifully presented installations and exhibits. Book your Groote Museum tickets here
Body Worlds – Display of human body plastinate specimens at the permanent venue on Damrak. The exhibition focuses on happiness. Book Body Worlds tickets here
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam – Visit the ever-popular wax work museum on Dam Square. Book Madame Tussauds Amsterdam tickets here
Museum of the Mind (Outsider Art) – This museum at the Hermitage showcases extraordinary art by unconventional artists who have not been formally trained. 31553580 (obsession) for Numbers & Schematics, exhibition about the world of logic, art and structure. Runs 22 Sep 2022 to 5 Nov 2023.
COBRA (Amstelveen) – The Other Picasso – Back to the Origin, exhibition of drawings, ceramics and etchings from Pablo Picasso. Runs 2 Jun to 8 Oct 2023.
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 attractions + city transport | Includes some tour excursions |
 |  |
| I Amsterdam City Card | GO City Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass |
| 1/2/3/4/5 days | 2/3/5 days |
| €60 – €125 | €84 – €124 |
| 70 attractions + transport + canal cruise + bike rental | Over 25 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 City card here | Book GO City Pass here |
Sport in Amsterdam and Netherlands (October 2023)
Football:
Netherlands home international (Euro 2024 qualifier):
Netherlands vs France 13 Oct 2023 (2045) – Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam
Ajax home fixtures at Johan Cruijff ArenA Amsterdam:
Ajax vs AZ 8 Oct 2023 (1430)
It is possible to take a classic stadium tour of the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. Book Johan Cruijff Arena Tour tickets here
Athletics/Running:
TCS Amsterdam Marathon – The 46th edition of Amsterdam’s marathon event is due be held on Sunday 15 Oct 2023. The race which starts and finishes at the Olympic Stadium.
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 14 Oct 2023 with the longer walks start from the Olympic Stadium.
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, scheduled 16 Oct 2023.
Rowing:
Grachtenrace – Up to 140 sloop boats race over a 25km course around Amsterdam’s canals. Start/finish at the Olympic Stadium. 36th edition is scheduled for 7 Oct 2023.
Padel:
WPT Amsterdam Open – World Padel Tour raquet sport event takes place at AFAS Live in Amsterdam over 11-15 Oct 2023.
Inline Skating:
Friday Night Skate – 20km organised skate around the streets of Amsterdam held every Friday night (2030, weather permitting) from Vondelpark Pavilion.
See the full annual sport calendar for Amsterdam
Festivals in Amsterdam (October 2023)
Amsterdam Wine Festival – Wine-themed event offering over 300 types of wines, workshops, tastings and live music. Runs 28 Sep – 1 Oct 2023 at Westergas Amsterdam.
Lift-Off Film Festival – International film festival showcasing emerging artists and featuring shorts, documentaries, animations and features. Expected in October 2023 at LAB111, Amsterdam.
Cinekid – International film, television and new media festival for kids. Expected 15-23 Oct 2023 at multiple venues with main location at Pathé Amsterdam Noord.
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) – Major international conference and festival for electronic music. Runs 18-22 Oct 2023 at various locations around Amsterdam.
Camera Japan – Japanese cultural festival which features film, art, music plus Japanese food. Expected 28 Sep to 1 Oct 2023 (18th edition) at LAB111 Amsterdam.
Imagine Fantastic Film Festival – Well-established international film festival showing sci-fi, cult, fantasy and horror films. 39th edition is expected 25 Oct to 4 Nov 2023 at FilmHallen en LAB111 in Amsterdam.
See our complete festival calendar for Amsterdam
Fairs & Expos in Amsterdam (October 2023)
VT Wonen & Design Beurs – Large house and home consumer exhibition fair at Expo Greater Amsterdam in Vijfhuizen. Scheduled for 3-8 Oct 2023.
I Am Not A Tourist – International expat fair organised by Expatica. Varied programme from job hunting, self-development and expat life. Scheduled for Beurs van Berlage Amsterdam for Sunday 1 Oct 2023.
Bitcoin Amsterdam 2023 – Large international conference event about blockchain and cryptocurrency with a range of keynote speakers. Venue is Westergas in Amsterdam, 12-13 Oct 2023.
Affordable Art Fair – International art fair with art objects under €7,500 for sale. At Kromhouthal on the north bank of the IJ, expected 25-29 Oct 2023.
Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam (October 2023)
Amsterdam Magic Show – Monthly magic and comedy show with international performers. At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam. 5 Oct 2023 (1930). Book the Amsterdam Magic Show here
Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance – The spectacular Irish dancing show comes to RAI Amsterdam on 12 Oct 2023.
Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra – An evening of jazz and improvised comedy at Theater Carré in Amsterdam on 15 Oct 2023.
Boom Chicago – Comedy and improv shows in English playing at Rozentheater on Rozengracht. Book a Boom Chicago show here
Josh Wolf – The American comedian on his Bring Your Kid To Work Tour plays Boom Chicago in Amsterdam on 31 Oct 2023.
Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam (October 2023)
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.
Matteo Bocelli – The Italian singer performs at Theater Carré in Amsterdam on 6 Oct 2023.
Other Events in Amsterdam and Netherlands
De Balie – The multimedia venue near Leidseplein in Amsterdam hosts regular events about current affairs, politics and culture.
An Evening with Eckhart Tolle – The best-selling spiritual author will be talking about spiritual awakening and transformation of consciousness on 12 Oct 2023 at Ahoy Rotterdam.
Jordan B. Peterson – The Canadian academic and author talks about his book Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life on 25 Oct 2023 at AFAS Live in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Dinner Cruise – 120 minute evening cruise around Amsterdam’s canals with a 4 course meal and drinks. Runs every Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat (1930) in October. Tickets are limited in numbers so please check Amsterdam Dinner Cruise availability here
Market Events in Amsterdam
Pure Markt – Regular market event with high quality produce, music, food stalls and other activities. Scheduled for 8 Oct 2023 (1100-1800) at Amstel Park, 15 Oct 2023 (1100-1800) at Amsterdamse Bos and 29 Oct 2023 (1100-1700) at Park Frankendael. Free entry
Sunday Market – Market events with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff. Scheduled for 1 Oct 2023 (1200-1800) at Westergas and 22 Oct 2023 (1200-1800) at Rokin. Free entry
Homeware Market – Monthly market (from the Sunday Market team) in the passage hall of De Hallen Amsterdam with home accessories, art, ceramics, jewellery and fashion. Runs 8 Oct 2023 (1100-1700). Free entry
Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music. Scheduled for 15 Oct 2023 (1000-1800). Free entry
IJ-Hallen – Large weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam with 400 indoor stands. 30 Sep to 1 Oct 2023 (0900-1630) and 28-29 Oct 2023 (0900-1630).
Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam (October 2023)
Public Image Ltd. – 4 Oct, Paradiso
PJ Harvey – 6/7 Oct, Paradiso
Luke Combs – 7 Oct, AFAS Live
Blink 182 – 8 Oct, Ziggo Dome
Diana Ross – 12 Oct, Ziggo Dome
Dexys – 13 Oct, Tolhuistuin
Louis Tomlinson – 15 Oct, Ziggo Dome
The Analogues (Hello Goodbye) – 22 Oct, Carré
Fall Out Boy – 24 Oct, AFAS Live
Amsterdam Transport Passes
The following multi-day transport tickets can help you get to the various events in and around Amsterdam:
| Best Value & Validity | Best for AMS airport | Best for Excursions |
 |  |  |
| Unlimited GVB Day/Multi-Day tickets | Amsterdam Travel Ticket | Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket |
| 1-7 days | 1/2/3 days | 1/2/3 days |
| €9-€41, child €4.50/day | €18/€24/€30 | €21/€31.50/€40.50 |
| Valid on all GVB transport (trams/metro/buses) in Amsterdam | Valid on all GVB transport in Amsterdam + airport train/bus | Valid on all GVB transport in Amsterdam + regional train/bus |
| 24 hour basis | Calendar day basis | Calendar day basis |
| Order here | Order here | Order here |
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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