May in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Events Calendar

Monthly calendar for Amsterdam with festivals, special events, concerts, cultural happenings, fairs, film & media arts, sports and entertainment. Exhibitions in museums and galleries are listed in the Exhibitions Calendar

May 4

Remembrance Day   Dodenherdenking

Gathering at the National Monument on Dam Square to honor soldiers and civilians killed during World War II.

May 5

Liberation Day   Bevrijdingsdag

Celebrates the country's 1945 liberation from the Nazi German occupation. One of the main events is a large festival on Museumplein, with music, poetry and speeches.

May 8, 2026

Antonio Vivaldi: Four Seasons

Classical concert by La Chapelle Sauvage in the atmospheric neo-Gothic Keizersgrachtkerk in Amsterdam's historic canal district.

May 9-10, 2026

Amsterdam Piano Duo Festival

Classic music and jazz concerts on 2 and 4 grand pianos at De Duif church, opposite the idyllic Amstelveld.

March 19-May 10, 2026

Keukenhof Gardens

Most famous flower exhibition in the world, situated between Amsterdam and The Hague, in a wonderful park with millions of daffodils, hyacinths and tulips bulbs

 34th edition 

May 15-16, 2026

London Calling

Two-day showcase festival in the Main and Small Hall of Paradiso for talented, new bands from all over the world

May 19-20, 2026

The Artists Are Present. And Have No Shame.

Festival where established artists and a new generation of makers come together and share the stage.

May 23, 2026

Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons

Classical concert by Mystery Ensemble in the atmospheric and historical Zuiderkerk.

May 31, 2026

Kegelfest

A mini-festival featuring fantastic bands and a DJ, celebrating diversity.

April 24-September 27, 2026

World Press Photo Exhibition

World's largest and most prestigious annual press photography contest and exhibition of award-winning and often shocking photojournalism at De Nieuwe Kerk.

May 15-September 19, 2027

Amsterdam Sculpture Biennial Artzuid

Outdoor art exhibition with more than 60 figurative sculptures and spatial installation art

May-October

Electric Tram Museum Amsterdam

Go back in time with a ride on a historic tram from Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, Vienna or Prague.

May-September

Vondelpark Open Air Theater

Free dance, music and cabaret performances in the park's band shell.