Amsterdam Travel Guide

January

New Year, throughout the center, but mostly at the Dam and Nieuwmarkt. This celebration is wild and not always wonderful. Youthful spirits celebrate the New Year with firecrackers, which they cheerfully -- if not drunkenly -- throw at the feet of passersby. This keeps hospital emergency rooms busy. January 1.

Rotterdam International Film Festival. More than 300 indie films are screened at theaters around town. Contact (tel. 010/890-9090; www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com). January 24 to February 4, 2007; similar dates in 2008.

March

Windmill Days, Zaanse Schans. All eight of Amsterdam's windmills are decorated and open to the public at this re-created old village and open-air museum in the Zanstreek, just north of Amsterdam. Contact VVV Zaanstreek/Waterland (tel. 075/616-2221). March to October.

Stille Omgang. This "silent procession" along Kalverstraat is walked by Catholics every year to celebrate the "Miracle of the Host," which occurred in 1345. The procession begins at the Royal Palace on the Dam and goes from midnight to 2:30am. Contact the Gezelschap voor de Stille Omgang (www.stille-omgang.nl). Sunday closest to March 15.

Opening of Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse. The greatest flower show on earth blooms with spectacular displays of tulips and narcissi, daffodils and hyacinths, bluebells, crocuses, lilies, amaryllis, and many others at this 70-acre garden in the heart of the bulb country. There's said to be nearly eight million flowers, but who's counting? Contact Keukenhof (tel. 0252/465-555; www.keukenhof.nl). March 22 to May 20, 2007; similar dates in 2008.

April

National Museum Weekend. A weekend during which most museums in Amsterdam and many throughout the Netherlands offer free or reduced admission, and have special exhibits. April 14 to 15, 2007; similar dates in 2008.

Koninginnedag (Queen's Day). This nationwide holiday for the House of Orange is vigorously celebrated in Amsterdam with a gigantic dawn-to-dawn street carnival, which packs the city center so densely that it's virtually impossible to move. A citywide street market features masses of stalls, run by everyone from kids selling old toys to professional market folk in town to make a killing. Orange ribbons, orange hair, and orange-painted faces are everywhere, as are Dutch flags. Street music and theater combine with probably too much drinking, but Koninginnedag remains a good-natured, boisterous affair. Tip: Wear something orange, even if it's just suspenders or a ribbon in your hair. Contact VVV Amsterdam (tel. 0900/400-4040). Gay and lesbian celebrations convene around the city's main gay areas and the Homomonument. There are stage performances from belly-dancing to drag, stalls publicizing various gay and lesbian organizations, and food and drink. April 30.

May

Herdenkingsdag (Memorial Day). Countrywide observance honoring World War II victims. Queen Beatrix places a wreath at the national Monument on the Dam, and 2 minutes of silence begin at 8pm. Contact VVV Amsterdam (tel. 0900/400-4040). May 4.

Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day). This citywide event is a less frenetic version of Koninginnedag. It recalls the country's liberation from Nazi occupation at the end of World War II and is celebrated on the anniversary of the German forces' surrender in the Netherlands. Canadian troops made it into the city first (two days later), so Canadian flags are popular accessories. More street markets, music, and theater. Contact VVV Amsterdam (tel. 0900/400-4040). Gay and lesbian participation includes stage performances, from belly-dancing to drag, stalls publicizing various gay and lesbian organizations, and food and drink. May 5.

National Windmill Day. Around two-thirds of the country's almost 1,000 windmills -- including Amsterdam's eight -- spin their sails and are open to the public. Contact Vereniging de Hollandsche Molen (tel. 020/623-8703; www.molens.nl). Second Saturday in May: May 12, 2007; May 10, 2008.

National Cycling Day. On this day, Dutch people throughout Holland get on their bikes and pedal. So what else is new? Contact VVV Amsterdam (tel. 0900/400-4040) for special events and routes. Second Saturday in May: May 12, 2007; May 10, 2008.

June

Open Ateliers. Could be subtitled "Artists Working in Garrets," as some 50 Jordaan artists throw open their studio doors to an awestruck public. Contact Open Ateliers Jordaan (www.openateliersjordaan.nl). Early June.

Vlaggetjesdag (Flag Day), Scheveningen. The fishing fleet opens the herring season with a race to bring the first Hollandse Nieuwe herring back to port (the first barrel is auctioned for charity). Some 200,000 people pour into town for the celebrations, and Dutch flags fly everywhere. Contact Stichting Vlaggetjesdag Scheveningen (tel. 070/345-3267; www.vlaggetjesdag.com). June 9, 2007; similar date in 2008.

Drum Rhythm Festival, Westergasfabriek. Feel the rhythm in your soul at this annual festival that attracts some impressive acts. Contact Westergasfabriek (tel. 020/581-0425). Mid-June.

Holland Festival, Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Each year, these four cities join forces to present a cultural buffet of music, opera, theater, film, and dance. The schedule includes all the major Dutch companies, plus visiting companies and soloists from around the globe. Contact Holland Festival (tel. 020/788-2100; www.hollandfestival.nl). May 29 to June 24, 2007; similar dates in 2008.

Amsterdam Roots Festival. This festival features music and dance from around the world, along with workshops, films, and exhibits in various venues. One part is the open-air Oosterpark Festival, a multicultural feast of song and dance held at Oosterpark in Amsterdam-Oost (East). Contact Amsterdam Roots Festival (www.amsterdamroots.nl). June 16 to 24, 2007; similar dates in 2008.

Canalhouse Gardens in Bloom, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. If you wonder what the gardens behind all those fancy canalside houses look like, this is your chance to find out. Some of the best are open to the public for 3 days. Contact Stichting De Amsterdamse Grachtentuin (tel. 020/422-2379; www.amsterdamsegrachtentuin.nl). Late June.

July

Arts Adventure. An extension of the cultural program through the previously dormant summer months -- when most tourists visit. During Arts Adventure, Amsterdam presents more offbeat and informal events across the full range of the arts than even the main (Sept-June) cultural season of opera, ballet, and classical music. Contact VVV Amsterdam (tel. 0900/400-4040) or Amsterdam Uit Buro (tel. 0900/0191). July and August.

North Sea Jazz Festival, Ahoy, Rotterdam. One of the world's leading gatherings of top international jazz and blues musicians unfolds over 3 concert-packed days at the city's giant Ahoy venue. Last-minute tickets are scarce, so book as far ahead as possible. Contact North Sea Jazz Festival (tel. 015/214-8393; www.northseajazz.nl). July 13 to 15, 2007; similar dates in 2008.

Over Het IJ Festival. Performers stage avant-garde theater, music, and dance in Amsterdam-Noord, beside the IJ channel, at the old NDSM Wharf, TT Neveritaweg 15. Contact Over Het IJ Festival (tel. 020/492-2229; www.overhetij.nl). Middle two weeks of July.

August

Amsterdam Gay Pride. This is a big event in Europe's most gay-friendly city. 150,000 people turn out to watch the highlight: Boat Parade's display of 100 or so outrageously decorated boats cruising the canals. In addition, there are street discos and open-air theater performances, a sports program, and a film festival. Note: The festival's future is tentative, subject to the City Council not revoking its permission on "public order" grounds. Contact Amsterdam Gay Pride (www.amsterdamgaypride.nl). First weekend in August: August 3 to 5, 2007 (Canal Parade Aug 4); August 1 to 3, 2008 (Canal Parade Aug 2).

Grachten Festival. This 5-day classical music festival, with a different theme each year, plays at various intimate and elegant venues along the canals and at the Muiziekgebouw aan 't IJ. There's always a performance or two designed for children. Part of the festival is the exuberant Prinsengracht Concert , which plays on a pontoon in front of the Hotel Pulitzer. Contact Stichting Grachtenfestival (tel. 020/421-4542; www.grachtenfestival.nl). August 11 to 19, 2007; August 9 to 17, 2008.

Prinsengracht Concert. Chamber music floats up in the evening from an open pontoon moored in front of the Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam, at Prinsengracht 315-331. Crowds pile in by boat, by bike, and on foot to take it in, jamming up the canal and both banks of the canal. The free concert, the highlight and culmination of the Grachten Festival , usually begins at 9:30pm and lasts an hour. If it rains, there's an alternative indoor venue, which is announced at the time of the concert. Contact Stichting Grachtenfestival (tel. 020/421-4542; www.grachtenfestival.nl). August 18, 2007; August 16, 2008.

Uitmarkt. Amsterdam previews the soon-to-open cultural season with this superb 3-day open market of information on the Dam, Nieuwmarkt, Waterlooplein, and Nes, along with free performances at theaters, concert halls, and impromptu outdoor venues. Professional and amateur groups present shows, which run the gamut of music, opera, dance, theater, and cabaret. Contact Amsterdam Uitmarkt (tel. 020/626-2656; www.uitmarkt.nl). Usually the last weekend in August, but dates not confirmed until the preceding March.

September

Jordaan Festival, Westermarkt. This loosely organized festival in the trendy Jordaan neighborhood features various genres of Dutch music played in front of the Westerkerk. Contact Stichting Jordaan Festival (www.jordaanfestival.nl). Mid-September.

Bloemencorso. For nearly half a century, Amsterdam has been the final destination for the yearly Flower Parade that starts in Aalsmeer. The parade features many floats carrying a spectrum of in-season flowers (so don't expect to see tulips); it follows an established route that ends at the Dam. Contact Stichting Bloemencorso (tel. 0297/325-100; www.bloemencorsoaalsmeer.nl). First Saturday in September: September 1, 2007. Note: the 2007 Bloemencosro will be the last one.

Open Monumentendag. A chance to see countrywide historical buildings and monuments usually not open to the public -- and to get in free. Contact Vereniging Open Monumentendag (tel. 020/470-1170). Second Saturday in September: September 8, 2007; September 13, 2008.

Dam tot Damloop (Dam to Dam Run). The country's most popular running event starts at the Dam in the center of Amsterdam, heads out of town through the IJ Tunnel to the center of Zaandam, and back again, for a distance of 16km (10 miles). Contact Dam tot Damloop (tel. 072/533-8136; www.damloop.nl). Third Sunday in September; starts at noon.

October

Leidens Ontzet (Relief of Leiden), Leiden. These processions and festivities commemorate the defeat of the 1574 Spanish siege that came close to starving the town into submission. Citizens distribute haring en witte brood (herring and white bread), just as the pirate-like band of Sea Beggars did during the siege, helping to drive the Spaniards away. Contact VVV Leiden (tel. 0900/222-2333; www.leidenpromotie.nl). October 3 (Oct 4 when the 3rd is a Sun).

Leather Pride is a growing cluster of parties and other events for gays who are into a leather lifestyle. Contact Leather Pride Nederland (tel. 020/422-3737; www.leatherpride.nl). Last weekend of October.

November

Sinterklaas Arrives. Holland's equivalent of Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) launches the Christmas season; he arrives by boat at the Centraal Station pier and is accompanied by black-painted assistants, called Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes), who hand out sweets to kids. Saint Nick goes in stately procession through Amsterdam before getting to the Dam, where the mayor hands him the keys to the city. Contact VVV Amsterdam (tel. 0900/400-4040). Third Sunday in November: November 18, 2007 and November 16, 2008.

Crossing Border Festival, Den Haag (The Hague). This festival combines literature, poetry, film, and music. Contact Crossing Border (tel. 070/346-2355; www.crossingborder.nl). Mid-November.

December

Sinterklaas. Saint Nicholas's Eve is the traditional day in Holland for exchanging Christmas gifts. Join Dutch friends or a Dutch family if possible. December 5.

World Christmas Circus. The best acts from the world's circuses go into action under the big top at Koninklijk Theater Carré. Contact Carré (tel. 020/622-5225; www.theatercarre.nl). December 22, 2006 to January 7, 2007; similar dates in 2007 and 2008.

Gouda bij Kaarslicht (Gouda by Candlelight). After dusk, the city of Gouda turns off its electric lights. Then, the Markt, the main square, the 15th-century town hall, and a giant Christmas tree are lit by thousands of glowing candles. Contact VVV Gouda (tel. 0900/468-3288; www.vvvgouda.nl). Second Tuesday before Christmas.