September in Amsterdam Brings Festivals, Food and Culture

05.09.2025

Things to Do in Amsterdam in September 2025

Amsterdam in September is alive with music festivals, open-air cinema, cultural events and food experiences. From Surinamese street food to techno nights, Japanese and Korean flavours, and free outdoor yoga, this month has something for every student to enjoy.

Dance, eat and celebrate

September starts strong with the Kwaku Down Town Summerfestival on 6 September. Expect Caribbean vibes, live music and Surinamese dishes like roti and moksi. A great chance to experience another side of Amsterdam’s food culture.

On the same day, 24 Hours North turns Amsterdam-Noord into one giant festival. Over 50 activities — from live music and games to art, workshops and even a dog fashion show — take place across the neighbourhood.

If you’d rather explore Amsterdam’s nightlife, make sure not to miss TAPT Festival in Rembrandtpark on 12 and 13 September. With craft beer, cocktails, karaoke, silent discos and street food, it’s the perfect student weekend.

Foodies will also enjoy the Art of Taste Japan & Korean Food Festival from 12 to 14 September at Museumplein. Expect sizzling Korean fried chicken, Japanese street snacks, karaoke, K-pop and plenty of sake and soju.

Closing the month with a bang, the Strafwerk Festival on 20 September offers a full day of house and techno, while Gollem’s Oktoberfest on 13 and 14 September serves up beer, bratwurst and live music with plenty of party atmosphere.

Culture and creativity

For something more laid-back, Concertgebouw OPEN on 6 September lets you wander the city’s most famous concert hall for free. Enjoy the mini-concerts, workshops and family activities without spending a cent.

The West Beach Film Festival from 17 to 21 September transforms Sloterplas into an outdoor cinema. Alongside the screenings, there’s art, markets, pop-up restaurants and music. This year’s theme, Habitat, explores what it means to find your place in the world.

Meanwhile, the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre runs throughout September with weekend performances — from dance and music to comedy and family shows. Entry is donation-based, making it a perfect student-friendly cultural spot.

From 4 to 14 September, the Amsterdam Fringe Festival offers 70 experimental performances across 22 venues, from theatres and clubs to boats. At the same time, the Netherlands Theater Festival presents ten days of high-quality shows at top stages, including many suitable for non-Dutch speakers.

The NDSM Loods will also host the Ambacht in Beeld Festival on 27–28 September, a hands-on craft event with workshops, demonstrations and activities for all ages. This year focuses on restoration crafts, highlighting how traditional skills preserve cultural heritage.

Free and easy activities

Need a break from lectures and assignments? Every Sunday morning at 10:30, free outdoor yoga in Oosterpark is open to all. Just bring a mat or towel and enjoy a peaceful start to your day.

If you love browsing markets, Amsterdam has plenty of options: every Saturday, the H’ART Museum courtyard market offers local Dutch products, while the Haarlemmerplein Wednesday market is a great spot to chat with farmers and enjoy a free cheese tasting.

Pure Markt brings artisanal produce to various locations across the city throughout the year, and on the first weekend of each month, De Tuinen Van Yard Sale lets you pick up discounted plants (just book your time slot in advance).