10 Things To Do In Amsterdam This September
Although schools and Universities are getting back into the swing of things, summer doesn’t have to be over just yet. There’s plenty more things to see and places to travel – visiting Amsterdam in September is no exception.
The Dutch capital is racking up cool outdoor events like cool festivals, outdoor film screenings, food and drink events and much more. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best things to do in Amsterdam this September 2022.
Scroll through some of the top-rated summer events you can indulge in – we’ve no doubt they’ll persuade you to stop off and get involved.
Why visit Amsterdam in September?
September is a great time to visit Amsterdam; the weather is usually mild, the crowds are thinner and travel costs are usually lower. You’ll benefit from shorter queuing times to popular attractions, giving you more time to soak up every other quirky aspect this wonderful city has to offer. With that in mind, let’s dive into our list of recommendations…
1. Experience the Fringe Festival Amsterdam
When? 1st – 11th September
Where? Various locations across Amsterdam
For 11 days in September, the Amsterdam Fringe Festival brings theatre and dance by up and coming actors, dancers and makers, to more than 30 venues across Amsterdam. The festival opens up space for those with an independent spirit, on a quest for their own artistic freedom. You’ll find performances on tiny stages, unusual corners and even in garages – anything goes in Dam.
Don’t fear if you aren’t Dutch-speaking. There’s an extensive English and ‘Language No Problem’ program, so you’ll be able to enjoy what’s on offer, whatever language you speak.
2. Go wild at Valtifest
When? 3rd September
Where? Kaap Oost
Valtifest, also known as the ‘wild child’ of Amsterdam’s summer of festivals, is back at Kaap Oost this September 2022. The lineup is impressive with an eclectic mixture of DJs playing electro, dance, dubstep, house, punk and hip-hop. Stick on your dancing shoes and get ready to rave, Dam-style.
At Valtifest, there’s something to suit pretty much whatever you’re into. Make sure to take some time out from dancing to enjoy some of the sideshow acts, which are often bizarre and bonkers – but absolutely worth a watch.
For those looking to stand out from the crazy crowd, fancy dress is strongly encouraged. Let your imagination run wild and get into the swing of things with the best of them.
3. Step back in time at Amsterdam Heritage Days
When? 10th and 11th September
Where? Various locations across Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a rich history that’s well worth exploring. On Amsterdam Heritage Days, locals and visitors will have the chance to step back in time as the city casts open the doors to some of its most important buildings, private homes and monuments. The buildings involved have been chosen for their impressive architecture, interiors or because of works of art contained in the buildings that are connected to various crafts and trades.
4. Enjoy an open-air concert at Bostheater
When? September 2022
Where? Amsterdam Bostheater, De Duizendmeterweg 7
If you like your live music with a good dose of the great outdoors, then make sure to catch one of the fantastic open-air concerts at Bostheater before the summer is out. The setting is truly magical, unlike no other in Amsterdam. Exit the city and enter this beautiful, forest setting to picnic until your heart’s content, dine at the Bostheater sun-drenched terrace or listen to the live musical performances.
There’s some great September acts lined up to play. It’s important to grab your ticket quick, as the remainder of the concerts are likely to sell out very soon.
5. Take in a movie, alfresco style
When? 15h – 26th September
Where? Noordzijde 41 – West Beach Film Festival
Outdoor cinema has become a stalwart of any city summer. Being a modern, hipster-friendly city, Amsterdam is, of course, no stranger to the alfresco big screen. Dotted across the city you can find a series of outdoor screenings with a wide range of cinema classics. Grab a deck chair and a few Dutch nibbles and relish in the last of the long summer evenings.
Plenty of the film screenings are in English or Dutch with subtitles, so don’t be put off. Plus, you can choose your cinema setting too. To name a few, there are rooftop cinema viewings, film nights at the popular Pllek, cinema showings in Vondelpark. Of course, whether there are films being shown or not depends on the time of the month and what else is happening. Yet, with so many venues to choose from, you’ll be able to find at least one!
6. Skate around the streets of Amsterdam
When? Every Friday at 20.15
Where? Vondelpark, at the entrance Roemer Visscherstraat
If you enjoy skating, this is the event for you! Join Friday Night Skate in Vondelpark. Not only will you be able to discover some nice parts of the city but you’ll do so with friendly skaters. On the first Friday of the month, Friday Night Skate even organise an event for entry level skaters, so don’t be shy if you’re not a confident skater! We recommend you bring a helmet and wrist, elbow and knee protections and that you stop for a drink with the other skaters at the end of the tour. Enjoy!
7. Discover the virtuosos of tomorrow
When? 16th – 18th September 2022
Where? Amstelveld
KOHA is a classical music open air festival taking place on the Amstelveld square and celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It features young classical talents from all over the world, so come and discover the virtuosos of tomorrow! Check the festival program for specific events.
8. Make the most of 24 hours in Zuidoost
When? September 2022
Where? Various locations in Zuidoost
’24H Amsterdam’ is a series of events that encourages both locals and visitors to explore the very best of Amsterdam. It involves visiting each of Amsterdam’s distinct neighbourhoods, may they be in the north, east, south or west of the city. The idea is that there are so many big and small gems hidden in the Dam, bringing entertainment and education to everybody visiting the city.
Each of the events within the 24H Amsterdam takes place over the course of 24 hours. You can explore the many delicious restaurants, stunning art galleries, busy bars and quaint yet quirky cafes. It really is a great way to make the most of your time in Amsterdam, whenever you visit and September is no exception.
9. Discover indoor pieces from Banksy
When? September 2022
Where? The Moco Museum
If you’re into street art, or not, you’ll want to head to the Moco Museum this September. Here you can ponder over some of this generation’s most controversial street art.
This is your last chance to get up close and personal with his hugely influential installations. These include “Laugh Now”, “Barcode”, “Girl With The Balloon”, “Kids on Guns”, “Pulp Fiction” and many others.
Although lots of Banksy’s work is on display in closely-monitored city streets like London, his indoor pieces have been far less exposed and so, if you decide to visit here, you’ll be witnessing some hidden gems of this famous artist.
10. Marvel at contemporary photography
When? 15th – 18th September
Where? Klonne plein 1, 1014DD
Sticking to the creative theme, the next recommendation ditches the paintbrush and picks up the camera: Unseen event in Amsterdam. For any photography fanatic or even the average Instagrammer, this event is great to inspire you to up your visual game and support small artists.
Unseen Amsterdam focuses on everything that’s new in the world of photography and provides a platform for up-and-coming talent to show off their latest works. This year the exhibition returns to Amsterdam and is set to, yet again, push the boundaries of contemporary photography.
With over 25,000 visitors each year, this event is highly popular and worth a visit. Expand your mind and indulge in the 53 international galleries, witness 70 independent publishers and here some of the moving speakers.
So there you have it, our top 10 things to do in Amsterdam this September. For more great travel content make sure you follow us on Instagram.
Planning a last-minute trip to Amsterdam? Our hostel, ClinkNoord is situated nearby the centre of Amsterdam, close to lots of the events listed above. So, you won’t be far from lots of things to do in Amsterdam this September 2022.
Want to stay with us? Great, we’d love to have you! Visit our group accommodation in Amsterdam page to find out more about our rates and best deals.
