The location alone is iconic. Between the brick walls of the tasting room and the graceful sails of the mill, the city comes together in all its colorful diversity. From local residents to beer lovers, old friends to new faces: everyone is welcome as long as the atmosphere is right. And that is guaranteed to be good.
"Making new friends has never been easier. With a glass in hand and the city at your feet, life under the mill is as Amsterdam should be: free, cheerful and full of stories." - Maureen Smeenk, organizer
The party is not just about beer - though of course it flows copiously from the tap. It's about connection. DJs spin their finest vinyl discs, with everything from sultry funk to rousing classics. The brass band Blaaskaak will get you moving with their energetic performance, while 't Zwanenkoor will guarantee a sing-along feast. And then there is Drukwerk, the bouncer of the day. With their timeless hit You lied to me, written by none other than Kaspar Peterson - founder of Brewery 't IJ - it will be a nostalgic climax to a day full of revelry.
This year is extra special: Brewery 't IJ exists exactly 40 years. What began as a small-scale initiative by an idealistic musician has now grown into an unmistakable Amsterdam icon. This makes the annual party under the mill not only a musical spectacle, but also a tribute to a city that continues to vibrate, bubble and connect.