June in Amsterdam is packed with events, festivals and cultural experiences, and we know where to go this summer.
Whether you're looking for family fun, concerts, exhibitions or food festivals, our 2025 guide has your full Amsterdam summer calendar covered.
June brings long sunny days and a festive atmosphere, also is the perfect time to wander the canals by bike or boat. Our guide highlights the top events across categories like music, art, food and family, all in one inclusive, accessible resource. If you're a traveler or local, you'll find details on free and ticketed events alike. Read on to plan your ultimate Amsterdam summer experience!
Amsterdam Summer Music Festivals - June 2025 Highlights
The summer festival season officially begins in early June. Iconic multi day events and one night concerts populate the calendar, there's literally something for every music taste.
Lentekabinet (June 7-8)
Held in the nearby park Het Twiske, Lentekabinet is a boutique techno/house festival often called Dekmantel's “little sister". Expect world class DJs, disco vibes and art installations in the woods.
Luminosity Beach Festival (June 26-29)
Not in the city center but an easy train or bus ride away, this four day trance festival at Bloemendaal aan Zee is a summer institution. DJs and glow sticks on the North Sea sand, with daytime beach parties and epic nightsets. Official Link.
Mystic Garden Festival (June 14)
In Amsterdam's Sloterpark, Mystic Garden blends electronic music, art and nature. This one day outdoor fest (often a "sold out” event) features global DJs amid enchanted forest decor. Think of it as a mid-June rave in a secret garden.
Red Light Jazz Festival (June 6-8)
Over the same weekend, Amsterdam's famous Red Light District transforms into a free, city-wide jazz extravaganza. Intimate venues (cafés, shops, open squares) host traditional and modern jazz acts. Locals love that this historic neighborhood gets a playful musical makeover each year. Official link.
Tropikali Festival (June 28-29)
A queer owned tropical party at NDSM wharf (NDSM-werf), Tropikali returns for its 7th edition. Blending Berlin beats, Brazilian rhythms and even Middle Eastern sounds, this LGBTQ+ friendly fest has multiple stages and a colorful crowd. (Get your tickets here)
Big Concerts in Amsterdam Summer 2025
June in Amsterdam isn't just about festivals, it's also packed with massive arena shows by world famous artists. From epic performances at the Ziggo Dome to open-air spectacles at the Johan Cruijff Arena, the city turns into a live music hotspot. Want the full list of unmissable concerts happening this year? We've got an entire post dedicated to the biggest shows in town. You can also download the Outhere app to see the full list of big concerts in real time and never miss a beat!
Pitbull & Shaggy - Ziggo Dome Jun 15, 2025
Carlos Santana “Oneness Tour” - Ziggo Dome Jun 24, 2025
Alanis Morissette - Ziggo Dome Jun 25, 2025
Linkin Park - Gelredome (Arnhem) Jun 26, 2025
Dua Lipa - Ziggo Dome Jun 3 and 4, 2025
Art, Exhibitions & Culture
June is packed with museum highlights and cultural celebrations. Major exhibitions are on view, and the city's theaters and galleries come alive.
The Underground Camera (May 2 to Oct 5)
At FOAM Photography Museum, a poignant photo exhibit featuring Dutch images from the 1944-45 famine winter. Thought-provoking and haunting, it's a must see for photography buffs and history lovers alike. Official link.
Anselm Kiefer - Sag mir wo die Blumen sind - (till June 9)
This exhibition is shared between the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum. It's the first time these museums team up to showcase the German master Kiefer. Expect new large scale works alongside classics by Van Gogh and Dutch Golden Age art.
Holland Festival (June 11-29)
The Netherlands’ biggest performing arts festival features theatre, dance, opera, and music from all around the world. Look for avant-garde shows at locations like Carré, city theaters and pop up venues.
Running concurrently with Holland Festival, this celebration highlights Dutch language theater across theaters big and small. With cabaret, experimental drama, kid's theatre, it complements the international acts of Holland Festival.
Insider Tip: For a classic Amsterdam art experience, don't skip the Van Gogh Museum and the Moco Museum . Lines are long in the summer, reserve time-slots and tickets online. Many museums are handicap accessible, and audio guides are offered in multiple languages.
Food & Drink Festivals
Amsterdam's food scene celebrates summer in style!
Bite of Amsterdam (June 13-16, Amsterlpark)
In this free entry street food festival, dozens of vendors and top local chefs present tasting menus and snacks across the lush park. Highlights include live cooking demos, an international drinks lineup (wine, cocktails, craft beer) and even live DJs in the evening. It's family-friendly (picnic zones and shaded lounges available) with emphasis on sustainability and local ingredients. Food is pay as you go; tickets are only required for special cooking workshops or premium samples.
Tip: arrive around midday, bring a refillable bottle and a blanket.
Bacchus Wine Festival (June 6-8 & 13-15)
On two successive weekends in the Amsterdamse Bos, Bacchus offers “the world's biggest wine tasting”. Sample 300+ wines paired with gourmet food trucks and live music. It's a foodies’ highlight and a paid event.
Local Markets & Dinners
In non festival afternoons, explore Amsterdam's markets. The Albert Cuyp and Noordermark are year-round favorites (peak in summer). For a scenic meal, consider a dinner cruise through the canals. Lover's Canal Cruise (for example) offers dining tours. Check our curated tickets options. There are also seasonal pop up terraces along the Ij river and waterfront.
Family-Friendly & Outdoor Activities
With ideal weather, June is great for outdoors and kid focused fun.
- Open Garden Days (June 13-15): This charming annual event opens dozens of private canal gardens to the public. Wander from Jordaan to Centre and discover hidden oases behind grand canal houses. Some gardens host teas, music or children's activities. It's a quiet community affair: respectful attire and no flash photography are norms.
- Vondelpark Open Air Theatre (May-Sept): Every weekend from spring through early fall, the famous Vondelpark Openluchttheater presents free performances. Catch a kid's show Saturday afternoons, classical concerts Sunday mornings, dance on Fridays and comedy/cabaret at night. Pack a picnic and come early to claim a spot on the grass. (Program details on the Openluchttheater website).
- Bike Tours & Parks: Rent a bike and explore (one of the city's main attractions). Cycle the canal belt or venture to the Amsterdamse Bos's playgrounds. The Countryside/Waterland bike rides (windmills in Zaanse Schans or picturesque villages) make great day trips. Many guided tours run in June. We recommend booking with Tiqets which has many options at different prices.
- Animal & Science Attractions: For families, consider Artis Zoo (open daily with special summer events like feeding shows) or NEMO Science Center (indoor hands-on museum). Though not June only, these are ideal if the weather turns rainy.
Nightlife & Local Culture
Amsterdam's legendary nightlife heads up in June, with everything from chill summer bars to big club events.
- Open Air Cinema & Theater: Several venues start summer film series in June. Pllek (NDSM) hosts "Films with a View” on Tuesday nights (listed on Outhere). Cinemas like Pathé may run special outdoor screenings too.
- Club Events & DJs: Many Amsterdam clubs hold special parties or beach club nights. Check nightclub calendars (Paradiso, Melkweg, Shelter) for international DJs. The Outhere app and website often lists current club shows.
- Community & Pride: Although Amsterdam Pride's main canal parade is in August, June is globally recognized as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and the city prides itself on inclusivity. Look for queer cultural events, drag brunches or fundraisers in Amsterdam bars. Tropikali is a must for queer partygoers.
- Accessibility: Amsterdam aims to be accessible. Many museums, theaters and public parks have wheelchair access. The GVB public transport system offers accessible trams and buses for easy travel to festivals. For any event, check the website for specific access info.
For more Amsterdam event inspiration, see Outhere Event Guide. We regularly update it with the city's latest happenings.
Make the Most of It
Remember to dress for changeable weather (June can have quick showers). Book dining and museum slots ahead, especially if traveling with family. Most importantly, embrace the Dutch celebration spirit. Join in a singalong, taste local delights, and enjoy Amsterdam's famously friendly, diverse summer vibe!
See more Amsterdam guides on Outhere for insider tips on attractions, neighborhoods and events beyond June.
