A weekend of fun things to do is upon us again. From cozy pubs to creative festivals - this Ascension weekend, Amsterdam is bursting with energy. Whether you want to get lost in vintage design, taste new flavors, or dance among art and culture, the city treats you to a plethora of inspiration.
Put your phone on silent and be surprised by all that this spring weekend has to offer. Here are Amsterdam NOW's favorite tips - from Thursday to Monday!
Art of Taste: Asian cuisine and culture in Museum Square
During the Whitsun weekend from Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25, 2026, Museum Square will transform into a vibrant backdrop of flavors, scents and culture. Art of Taste Foodfestival - Asian Edition returns to the heart of Amsterdam with a free festival focusing on food, art and meeting. - Museum Square, Center. Sun May 23 to Mon May 25. Free
Lepeltje Lepeltje - NDSM wharf, North
For the third time, the food festival is taking Spoonful Spoonful the NDSM wharf over, and this year for the entire Pentecost weekend. Dozens of food trucks, live music, DJ sets and a quayside swap market. There's plenty to do for kids, too. The ferry to Noord leaves for free every 15 minutes from Central Station. - NDSM Wharf, North. Fri 22 to Mon 25 May, 16.00-22.00. Free
Fête du Champagne - Rembrandt Park
For five days, Rembrandt Park will transform into a piece of France with Fête du Champagne: more than a hundred champagnes and wines to taste, French bistro food, live music and master classes. Those who have always wanted to open a bottle with a saber can attend the sabrage workshop here. One of the most relaxed festivals of the year, with a terrace atmosphere befitting the beginning of summer. - Rembrandt Park, Old West. Thu 21 to Mon 25 May. Do-Fr 15:00-23:00, Sat-Sun 12:00-23:00, Mon 12:00-22:00.
Spring Cabinet Festival - The Twiske
The spring festival of Dekmantel, two days on the green fields of Het Twiske just north of the city. Techno, house and electronic music with Job Jobse, Honey Dijon and Berghain resident Sedef Adasi, among others. Two days of coming together in nature, with music as the common thread. Tickets required. - The Twiske, Oostzaan. Sun 23 & Sun 24 May
ENTR Museum - opening do May 21
Holland's first cultural VR Museum opens today on the Oosterdokskade, next to Central Station. Premiering is Amsterdam 1652: an immersive VR time travel through the daily lives of 17th-century Amsterdammers, where you don't look but actually walk around the city. The experience lasts about 45 minutes and is suitable for both children and adults. The museum was prepared with an award-winning pilot at the Nieuwe Kerk; some 80 percent of the visitors to that pilot were Amsterdammers. Book tickets in advance through the website. - Oosterdokskade, Center. Open from do 21 may
Komm Schon Alter - Gardens of West
Komm Schon Alter is the house festival for 24-plus in West Gardens: a communal atmosphere, positive energy and good music in an outdoor green location. If you like a daytime party without the intensity of a big festival, this is the place to be. Tickets required. - Gardens of West, West. Sat. May 23, 12:00-23:00 p.m.
The Sun Festival - Gardens of West
A day later, on Pentecost Day, takes The Sun Festival same Gardens of West over. Electronic music, sunshine, greenery and a lineup befitting a free Sunday in May. Tickets required. - Gardens of West, West. Sun May 24, 12:00-23:00 p.m.
Fiery Tongues - Ruigoord
Fiery Tongues is the annual poetry and music festival at Ruigoord: spoken word, theater, live music and creative expression in the unique artists' village on the Westelijk Havengebied. One of Amsterdam's most idiosyncratic festivals for decades. The village itself, with its painted church and feral gardens, is worth the trip in itself. - Ruigoord, Western Docklands. Sun 24 & Sun 25 May
Open Ateliers Jordaan
For three days, the Jordaan turns into one big open gallery. More than 63 artists and galleries open their doors: from hidden courtyards and courtyards to monumental warehouses that normally remain closed. Paintings, sculptures, photography, fashion and jewelry, directly from the creators themselves. No tickets, no reservations, just walk in. - Jordan, scattered throughout the neighborhood. Sun May 23 to Mon May 25, 12:00-6:00 p.m. Free
Portrait Biennial - opening Sat. May 23, Loods 6
This weekend the Portrait Biennial opens in Loods 6 on KNSM Island: portraits of established names and new talent in the industrial exhibition space on the IJ. Good to combine with a walk around the Eastern Docklands or a visit to the surrounding islands. - Shed 6, KNSM-laan 143, KNSM Island. Opening Sat. 23 May
Café Public - opening Fri May 22, Dapper Square
On the site of the former Local Dealer on Dapper Square, Café Publiek will open Friday, May 22. Dapperplein is one of the liveliest squares in Oost, surrounded by such addresses as Café Dapper, Café Wu and Kaffee. An opening to explore this weekend. - Dapper Square 23, East. Opening Fri May 22
If you're in town all weekend, you never have to look far. By day Open Ateliers in the Jordaan, Fête du Champagne in the Rembrandtpark or Lepeltje Lepeltje on the NDSM. In the evening Fiery Tongues on Ruigoord or one of the dance festivals in the Gardens of West. And those who want to experience a new opening: Café Publiek opens Friday on Dapperplein.