Festival Season Is Upon Us!

June 12, 2019

Friday 14 June 

Bacchus Wine Festival

Location: Amsterdam Bos 

What better way to worship the God of Wine & Intoxication than at the Bacchus Wine Festival, which continues this weekend in the heavenly setting of Amsterdam Bos park. With over 300 wines from all over the world handpicked by the best wine merchants in Amsterdam, this juicy line-up is fit for the Gods. A funky mix of live bands and DJs will provide the soundtrack, plus there will be tastings, culinary pairings, and lectures run by sommeliers — so that you can at least pretend to know what you’re talking about as you “sample” your sixth bouquet. To stop those legs from wobbling, there will also be food stalls from some of the cities top eateries, such as Wolf Atelier and Frank’s Smokehouse. So bow down to Bacchus with a glass of wine (or ten)… because it’s bad to keep things bottled up. 

 

 

World Press Photo Exhibition 

Location: Nieuwe Kerk, Dam Square 

Originally founded in 1955 right here in Amsterdam, the annual World Press Photo Contest has become the most acclaimed press photography exhibition in the world. Each year the most striking and defining photographs of visual journalism are chosen to be shown around the world, providing an important and often confronting snapshot of the year’s cultural climate. This month the exhibition returns to its hometown, and as always, it is sure to stir emotion and amazement in every viewer.

 

 

German Summer Cities Festival 

Location: Tolhuistuin, IJpromenade 2, Amsterdam-Noord

The Tolhuistuin is a cultural meeting place that just happens to be in one of the best locations in Amsterdam; on the bank of the River IJ, overlooking the impressive EYE museum… and this weekend, its iconic garden is open for summer! To celebrate, Tolhuistuin is hosting a Dutch “vrijmibo” - German style! A vrijmibo can be deliciously defined as “an informal meet-up, usually involving alcoholic drinks, held on Friday afternoon.” Sound like a bit of you? Then come and soak up the sun in Tolhuistuin’s lush garden, where the best German beer, wine, and snacks will be on offer all weekend long. Tickets for special events are also available, such as German wine & beer tastings, a traditional German brunch, and even a performance from a Dutch-German-British jazz band to top things off. Prost to that!

 

 

Laurent Garnier 

Location: De Marktkantine 

Dance through the night this Friday at the famous De Marktkantine, where techno God Laurent Garnier will be unleashing his infectious energy and 30+ years of experience on its lucky punters. Garnier is known as the Father of French dance music and was recently shortlisted as one of the 35 best DJs of all time. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a true pioneer of techno spin in one of Amsterdam’s most renowned venues — an otherworldly club night is upon us, earthlings! 

 

 

Saturday 15 June 

Mystic Garden Festival

Location: Sloterpark

Get lost in a secret world of enchanting music, creativity, and life at this year's famous Mystic Garden Festival, as Amsterdam’s Sloterpark is transformed into a fairytale land just waiting for you to explore. Pixies, mermaids, unicorns, and many other undefinable creatures unite to celebrate the mystical side of life at this special festival that is about much more than just dance music. There will be theatre, organic food, hippie markets, hot tubs and free massage stations for you to discover amongst the magic… who needs reality anyway? 

 

 

All the Rembrandts 

Location: Rijksmuseum 

For the first time in history, the Rijksmuseum is showing its entire collection of Rembrandt works in the same exhibition… and Saturday is the very last day to feast your eyes on the worlds largest collection of 22 paintings, 60 drawings, and 300 17th-century prints by the Dutch master himself. This groundbreaking exhibition marks the 350th anniversary of the great painters death, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to understand his life as a human, a storyteller, an innovator and ultimately, one of the most important artists in history.

 

 

DJ Bone presents: Freerotation @ Shelter

Location: Shelter Amsterdam

DJ Bone is an underground pioneer straight from the depths of the iconic Detroit techno scene, and this Saturday we are lucky enough to have him spinning at one of the coolest clubs in Amsterdam, along with a stellar supporting line-up. Let Bone and his crew immerse you in the world of Detroit Techno Soul with masterful, innovative sets guaranteed to get you moving. 

 

Sunday 16 June

International Day of Yoga

Location: Dam Square 

 

Feeling a little dusty after the weekend’s antics? The Embassy of India provides revelers with the perfect hangover cure at this years International Day of Yoga - because one sun salutation eliminates a whole weekend of bad decisions, didn’t you know? Come together with fellow yogis for a day of zen, with music, dance, vegetarian & vegan food all on offer within the picturesque Dam Square. Namaste!

 

 

Holland Festival 

Location: Various venues around Amsterdam (visit hollandfestival.nl for more info)  

 

Since 1947 the Holland Festival has garnered worldwide acclaim as the leading international theatre festival in the Netherlands. Its diverse programme has a strong focus on innovation; aiming to showcase the latest and greatest in all things performing arts, including opera, dance, visual arts, and multimedia. It features concerts and performances from experienced names as well as exciting new talent from all around the world, providing a unique overview of the current performing arts scene and how it is evolving. 

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