Amsterdam Weekend Guide (3-5 May)
For the first weekend in May, the Netherlands commemorates its liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945 across Remembrance and Liberation Day. Be a part of the celebration and catch the events happening city-wide, related and beyond.
ART & EXHIBITIONS
Heelzz on Wheelzz
A new exhibit at Melkweg, "Heelzz on Wheelzz", spotlights discrimination faced by drag performers and taxi drivers. On Liberation Day, these two groups will join Mayor Halsema for a freedom meal to exchange stories of discrimination and create mutual understanding. Organised by The House of Hopelezz, a collective of local drag artists, and supported by Taxi Central Amsterdam, Uber, Bolt and Melkweg Expo, this collaborative initiative will tell personal stories of discrimination and highlight just how similar and interconnected we are.
Heelzz on Wheelzz | 6–20 May | Melkweg
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Oy Vey Jewish Film Festival
Kriterion hosts the Oy Vey Jewish Film Festival, a four-day cinematic celebration featuring films centred around the theme 'Borderless: Stories from the Diaspora.' Delve into diverse narratives of Jewish identity with an emphasis on radical inclusivity. Oy Vey, a local Dutch organisation bringing Jews together through celebration and education, intends to break barriers around Jewishness and highlight the range and breadth of what it means to be a Jewish person. A highlight of the program is "The Crossing," a tale of refugees escaping persecution told through a unique oil-on-glass animation style reminiscent of Marc Chagall's dreamscapes.
Oy Vey Jewish Film Festival | 2–5 May | Kriterion
CONCERTS & GIGS
Ensemble Uzory
Ensemble Uzory from Ukraine joins the Liberation Day festivities at the Luther Museum with a multifaceted musical performance. Hailing from Mykolayiv, a city heavily affected by the Russian invasion, Ensemble Uzory brings the spirit of Ukrainian freedom to the stage with its mix of Ukrainian folk, classical, and pop music.
Ensemble Uzory | 5 May | Luther Museum
THEATRE & STAGE
More War
Witness "More War" on the theatre terrace of Mike’s Badhuistheater. In this free, open-air performance, the audience is pulled into the imaginary onset of World War Three. Presented by the BadhuisInternational Ensemble, this satirical musical comedy unpacks the ideologies that drive war and reflects on the precariousness of our hard-won peace. The show will be followed by a guided discussion on themes of freedom and democracy.
More War | 5 May | Mike’s Badhuistheater
SHOPPING & MARKETS
De Loods
It’s that time of the month when market De Loods returns to Amsterdam’s southwestern corners. With the sun finally emerging, a day out at this plant, vinyl and vintage market is an excellent addition to your weekend. Whether you’re after some plants in need of a second home or a few vintage pieces for your summer wardrobe, De Loods has you covered. Better yet, with vinyl playing and regulars from the local community selling their wares, this is the place to enjoy a cheeky drink and maybe make a friend along the way.
De Loods | 4-5 May | Overschiestraat 188a
CLUBBING & NIGHTLIFE
Bar Bario x Kanaal40
BIPOC queer-run Bar Bario joins forces with kanaal40, a dynamic nightclub, restaurant and brand collective. Embracing shared values of equality, freedom, and diversity, both venues unite to host a memorable celebration at the club’s central location. With free entry and a curated lineup of DJs, this party is the perfect way to celebrate the nation’s liberation in style.
Bar Bario x kanaal40 | 4 May | kanaal40
RESTAURANTS, CAFÉS & BARS
Freedom Meals
Some of Amsterdam’s dearest cultural institutions open their doors this weekend for Freedom Meals, commemorating Liberation Day. During these lunches held across the city, local residents and visitors meet to remember and to reflect on the importance of peace and safety today. Participating venues include the Rijksmuseum, Museum van Loon, the H’ART Museum and Huis Willet Holthuysen, and many smaller local haunts.
Freedom Meals | 5 May | Multiple locations
SAINT-JEAN x Oatly Pop-up
One of Jordaan’s hottest spots and most beloved bakeries, SAINT-JEAN, teams up with Oatly for a scoop of summery soft-serve fun. From Friday, 3 May, until the end of the month, Oatly goods will fill up the shelves of SAINT-JEAN Deli (SAINT-JEAN Bakery’s sister outpost just across the street) while soft-serve ice cream made from Oatly will be served daily. Stop by for their signature salted pistachio flavour and a new dairy-free yoghurt. Better yet, if you have time before the weekend hits, head over on Thursday between 15:00-17:00 for a happy hour special and enjoy half-price on all soft-serves, affogatos and Oatly-based coffee drinks.
SAINT-JEAN Deli x Oatly | 3-31 May | Lindengracht 99
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