A city of beauty, diversity and tolerance, Amsterdam possesses all the attractions of a big city but is relatively small, quiet, and unspoilt by road traffic. During the months of May to September the city opens itself up to visitors in even greater numbers as the party feel cranks up a notch and festival season kicks in.
Queensday is the national holiday in the Netherlands, and Amsterdam is one of the busiest locations - offering open air music events and a carnival atmosphere to enjoy - the city comes alive with music and markets as thousands descend on the city to celebrate the national holiday.
Dancevalley is a three day long dance festival which takes place on the outskirts of Amsterdam in the Spaanwoude nature reserve during mid July. Featuring some of the best dance acts and DJ’s in the world this is a great festival, and with the Prodigy signed up for this year's event, it is guaranteed to be one of the biggest European music festivals.
The Lowlands festival in August focuses on alternative music, but also offers a full stand-up comedy programme, along with visual arts, literature, film and theatre events. Situated near to an artificial island in the middle of Holland called Flevoland, the easiest way to get to the festival is to take a flight to Amsterdam, with British Airways or try to get a flight from one of the budget airlines, and then a short train journey to either of the 't Harde or Lelystad stations, where free shuttle buses await to take party goers to the site.
Kwakoe festival is an extended multicultural event which takes place each weekend in July and August and is located in the Bijlmer region of Amsterdam. The festival itinerary includes music, sports, films, food, dancing and a variety of cultural events.
De Parade is yet another Amsterdam festival event this summer, and can be found in Martin Luther King Park. Similar in style to a small Edinburgh festival, De Parade mixes culture, art, theatre, comedy, food, music and a fair ground ambiance, and is a great way to spend a warm summer night with a cold beer or a glass of wine.
The summer months also see Amsterdam’s Vondelpark transformed, by daily live theatre and musical concerts, to become a hive of activity and entertainment both during the day and throughout the evening.
