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 20-25, 2025

Amsterdam Art Week

Celebration of contemporary art and culture with exhibitions, art fairs, gallery openings, performances, artist talks, and special events throughout the city.

May 23, 2026

Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons

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

April 18-September 21, 2025

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.