Planning an autumn visit to Amsterdam, Netherlands? See what’s on in October 2024 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 2024)
Fabrique des Lumières – Immersive exhibitions of classical, modern and contemporary artists using cutting-edge technology with light projections and music. Current exhibition is Dutch Masters, From Vermeer to Van Gogh with works from renowned Dutch artists. Alongside there is a short program Mondriaan, An Abundance of Colour. Runs 22 Mar to 18 Oct 2024. Book Fabrique des Lumières tickets here
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 180 artworks, all made on-site. Book STRAAT 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
Amaze Amsterdam – An immersive audio-visual experience with 7 stages which varies from intense, interactive to relaxing. Located in an old industrial nightclub in Amsterdam’s West Port district. Book Amaze Amsterdam tickets here
Nxt Museum – The first “new media art” museum in the Netherlands which has large-scale, multi-sensory immersive exhibitions. 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. Book Rijksmuseum tickets here
Rijksmuseum Gardens – Lee Ufan, exhibition of minimalist sculptures from the Korean artist. Runs 28 May to 27 Oct 2024. Free entry
Van Gogh Museum – Popular museum with the world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh paintings. Vive l’impressionnisme! Masterpieces from Dutch Collections, exhibition featuring works from the likes of Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Auguste Rodin and Camille Pissarro. Runs 11 Oct 2024 to 26 Jan 2025. 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. [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 & the World, exhibition of Rembrandt etchings which reveal some of his influences from outside the Netherlands. Runs 15 Jun to 13 Oct 2024. 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. Miriam Cahn, Reading Dust, major exhibition of the Swiss artist rooted in feminist thinking and activism. Runs 5 Oct 2024 to 26 Jan 2025. Book Stedelijk tickets here
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam – Martial Arts, exhibition about the traditions and stories of various forms of martial art including kung fu, karate, capoeira, kickboxing, pencak silat and Nguni stick fighting. Runs 31 May 2024 to 31 Aug 2025. Book Wereldmuseum Amsterdam tickets here
Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum) – Food For Thought, exhibition taking a close look at world food production through the lens of photographer and film maker Kadir van Lohuizen. Extended run until 5 Jan 2025.
H’ART Museum – The renamed former Hermitage Museum presents Kadinsky, a retrospective exhibition of Wassily Kandinsk featuring 60 artworks from the Centre Pompidou collection. Runs 19 Jun to 10 Nov 2024. Book H’ART Museum tickets here
Huis Marseille –Jeff Cowen, Provence Works, exhibition from the American photographer inspired by the Provence region in France; Awoiska van der Molen, The Humanness of Our Lonely Selves, the Dutch photographer acclaimed for psychological landscapes. Both run 22 Jun to 13 Oct 2024.
NEMO Studio – Living Looonger, exhibition on the future of ageing and the human life span. Runs 19 Jan to 30 Nov 2024. Book NEMO tickets here
ARCAM – Form Follows Finance – The City as a Spreadsheet, exhibition about the costs of urban development and an insight into Amsterdam’s leasehold system. Runs 6 Jul to 10 Nov 2024.
Royal Palace – Visit the imposing palace on Dam Square including the magnificent Citizen’s Hall. Book Royal Palace tickets here
Allard Pierson – Johannes N. Helstone: Suriname in motion, exhibition shedding light on the life and work of the pioneer of Surinamese classical music. Runs 29 Jun to 13 Oct 2024. Book Allard Pierson tickets here
Grachtenmuseum (Museum of The Canals) – The Green Bend, exhibition about the history of the trees along Amsterdam’s canals and the present challenges. Runs 4 Jul to 1 Dec 2024. Book Museum of the Canals tickets here
Van Gogh and Rembrandt in Amsterdam – Immersive 360° light and sound show inside the Noorderkerk church which looks at the connection between the 2 great Dutch artists. Book Van Gogh & Rembrandt tickets here
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
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 Groote Museum tickets here
ARTIS Micropia – The world’s only museum dedicated to microbes and micro-organisms. Book Micropia 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
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
House of Bols – The co*cktail & Genever Experience about the Lucas Bols brand, which has been making liqueurs in Amsterdam since 1575. Book House of Bols 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
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 Card | GO City Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass |
 |  |
| 1/2/3/4/5 days | 1/2/3/5 days |
| 24 hours basis | calendar day basis |
| €60/€85/€100/€115/€125 | €99/€119/€144/€194 |
| 70 museums + 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 here | Book here |
| I amsterdam City Card info | GO City Amsterdam Pass info |
Sport in Amsterdam and Netherlands (October 2024)
Football:
Ajax home fixtures (Eredivisie) at Johan Cruyff Arena Amsterdam:
Ajax vs FC Groningen 6 Oct 2024 (1430)
Ajax vs Willem II 27 Oct 2024 (1645)
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 20 Oct 2024. 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 19 Oct 2024 with the longer walks starting 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. Runs 21 Oct 2024.
Rowing:
Grachtenrace – Up to 140 sloop boats race over a 25km course around Amsterdam’s canals. Start/finish at the Olympic Stadium. 37th edition is scheduled for 12 Oct 2024.
Padel:
WPT Amsterdam Open – World Padel Tour raquet sport event takes place at AFAS Live in Amsterdam, dates to be announced.
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 2024)
Lift-Off Film Festival – International film festival showcasing emerging artists and featuring shorts, documentaries, animations and features. Runs virtually, dates to be announced.
Cinekid – International film, television and new media festival for kids. Expected 19 Oct – 1 Nov 2024 at multiple venues with main location at Pathé Amsterdam Noord.
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) – Major international conference and festival for electronic music. Runs 16-20 Oct 2024 at various locations around Amsterdam.
Camera Japan – Japanese cultural festival which features film, art, music plus Japanese food. Expected 3-6 Oct 2024 (19th edition) at LAB111 Amsterdam.
Imagine Fantastic Film Festival – Well-established international film festival showing sci-fi, cult, fantasy and horror films. 40th edition is expected 24 Oct to 3 Nov 2024 at FilmHallen & LAB111 in Amsterdam.
See our complete festival calendar for Amsterdam
Fairs & Expos in Amsterdam (October 2024)
Sustainability Expo Europe – Where innovation meets sustainability, this two-day in-person event brings together industry professionals, connecting businesses, investors and innovators dedicated to achieving a sustainable future. Runs 1-2 Oct 2024 at RAI Amsterdam. Register here
VT Wonen & Design Beurs – Large house and home consumer exhibition fair at Expo Greater Amsterdam in Vijfhuizen. Scheduled for 1-6 Oct 2024.
Affordable Art Fair – International art fair with art objects under €7,500 for sale. At Kromhouthal on the north bank of the IJ, 9-13 Oct 2024.
I Am Not A Tourist – International expat fair organised by Expatica. Varied programme from job hunting, self-development and expat life. Date/venue to be announced.
Bitcoin Amsterdam 2024 – Large international conference event about blockchain and cryptocurrency with a range of keynote speakers. Runs 9-10 Oct 2024 at Westergas.
Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam (October 2024)
Boom Chicago – Comedy and improv shows in English playing at Rozentheater on Rozengracht. Book a Boom Chicago show
VEGAS – Spectacular dinner show featuring Dutch illusionist Hans Klok, dance acts and live musicians including a 4 course shared dining menu. Runs on 5/12/19/26 Oct 2024 at the Harbour Club (eastern Docklands) in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Magic Show – Monthly magic and comedy show with international performers. At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam. Runs 1 Oct 2024 (1930). Book Amsterdam Magic Show tickets here
Matt Rife – The American comedian plays his Problematic World Tour show at Theater Carré in Amsterdam on 5 Oct 2024.
Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam (October 2024)
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 and Netherlands
De Balie – The multimedia venue near Leidseplein in Amsterdam hosts regular events about current affairs, politics and culture.
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. 6 Oct 2024 (1100-1800) at Amsterdamse Bos, 13 Oct 2024 (1100-1800) at Amstel Park and 27 Oct 2024 (1100-1700) at Park Frankendael. Free entry
Sunday Market – Market events with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff. 6 Oct 2024 (1200-1800) at Westergas and 13 Oct 2024 (1100-1700) at De Hallen. Free entry
Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music. Scheduled for 27 Oct 2024 (1000-1800). Free entry
IJ-Hallen – Large weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam with 400 indoor stands. 26-27 Oct 2024 (0900-1630).
The Maker Market – Weekend market features creative handmade products including jewelry, art and live music. Runs in the covered passage of De Hallen Amsterdam on 26 Oct 2024 (1100-1700) and 27 Oct 2024 (1200-1700). Free entry
Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam & Netherlands (October 2024)
Gipsy Kings – 1 Oct, AFAS Live
Jonas Brothers – 3 Oct, Ziggo Dome
Bryan Adams – 4 Oct, Ahoy Rotterdam
Janet Jackson – 10 Oct, Ziggo Dome
Brit Floyd – 22 Oct, AFAS Live
The Stranglers – 25 Oct, Melkweg
Deep Purple – 29 Oct, Ziggo Dome
Marcus King – 29 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 |
 |  |  |
| GVB Day/Multi-Day tickets | Amsterdam Travel Ticket | |
| 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 days | 1/2/3 days | 1/2/3 days |
| €9-€41 | €18/€24/€30 | €21/€31.50/€40.50 |
| Valid on all GVB transport (trams/metro/buses) in Amsterdam | Valid on all GVB transport (trams/metro/buses) in Amsterdam | Valid on all GVB transport (trams/metro/buses) in Amsterdam |
| – | Valid on Schiphol airport train + 397 airport bus | Valid on Schiphol airport train + 397 airport bus |
| – | – | Valid on regional NS trains + EBS/Connexxion/Arriva buses in region |
| 24 hours basis | Calendar day basis | Calendar day basis |
| Digital + Card versions | Card only | Card only |
| Order here | Order here | Order here |
| more info | more info | more info |
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.
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