Weekend tips: November 6-8 (and more)
Weekend Incoming? Yes, please! And when we do it, we do it right. The summer months are the most fun, which is why we have another list full of the very best and most enjoyable weekend tips ready for you. With cultural outings, culinary pop-ups, new openings, festivals and everything that adds zest to your weekend.
Not only in Amsterdam by the way (our home base), but also definitely outside. And handy: not only for this weekend, but also for the coming weekends. That way you are always prepared. With this list you ensure that your weekend becomes one that you would like to extend for a few more days. Let's go!
Eindhoven is known as the City of Light, and from November 7 to 14, they take that nickname very seriously indeed. That is when the city center transforms during the light art festival. GLOW namely in one large open-air exhibition. Buildings are transformed into gigantic works of art, squares get a luminous makeover, and the entire city sparkles. More than 35 artists from home and abroad show what you can do with light.
A walking route of about five kilometers takes you past the various artworks. There are plenty of opportunities to grab a drink along the way, and you don't need to buy a ticket: GLOW is completely free. That saves you some money, so you can spend it on drinks instead.
Vintage finds, unique design, and creative makers: on Saturday, November 7, it changes art'otel Amsterdam in a paradise for design lovers. Together with NOCKNOCK ART, the hotel is organizing The Design & Makers Market, a pop-up market where you can browse among vintage furniture, colorful ceramics, handmade lighting, and unique accessories. From the distinctive lamps by Egglamp to the design finds by CU-RA-TED.Design: for anyone whose home could use a little more character. And shopping isn't the only thing on the program. Expect vinyl, music, live poetry, and, of course, the necessary drinks & bitesThe perfect way to spend a Saturday, if you ask us. Admission is free and you are welcome from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Calling all cheese lovers! Because on Saturday, November 28, at Wils Bakery Café Everything revolves around cheese, cheese, and more cheese. And naturally, we won't say no to that. This evening, the chefs are serving a special three-course menu centered on Fonduta di Fontina, a deliciously creamy Italian cheese fondue starring Fontina cheese. Perfect for an elaborate dinner with your favorite company and enjoying a generous amount of cheese (with wine, please). Sounds like a good plan for Saturday night, right? Just be sure to make a reservation!
A movie night with popcorn? Nice, but it can be just a little bit tastier. At Cinema Culinary You don't just watch what happens on the big screen; you also get to enjoy a taste. And no, not just a bite here and a glass there. As soon as something appears on the table in the film, that same dish is placed right in front of you. Timed to the second, mind you. This way, you literally eat your way through the film without having to press pause even once. In November, you can join us in Amsterdam (November 7 to 29) and Groningen (November 19 to 29). And believe us, after this movie night, you won't be settling for a bucket of popcorn anytime soon.
You can find more information and tickets here.
A cappuccino? Sure, but in Rotterdam, they’re doing things *very* differently this weekend. During Rotterdam Coffee Fest on November 7 and 8 at De Doelen, everything revolves around coffee, but with a twist. Oatly is happily joining in, serving drinks you might not even have known you were in the mood for. How about a Blue Aloe Refresher or Panoat Cotta Thai Tea? You can also head to local cafés scattered throughout the city during Oatly Happy Hour for unique creations, from Hazelnut Espressoda to Choco-Chai Thai. And for those who prefer looking at their coffee rather than drinking it (do such people exist?): there are also Dutch championships in latte art and coffee tasting. Coffee date in Rotterdam, anyone?
Ooh la la, a little piece of France right in the middle of Vondelpark! From November 6 to 8, The Little French Café namely for three days the kitchen of 't Blauwe Theehuis over. And that means: French dishes, good wines, and above all, enjoying a long, leisurely meal. Especially for this pop-up, they are serving a three-course dinner for €39,50 per person. Now that’s something we can say for sure. immense against. So, do you fancy an evening (or an afternoon, if you come on Sunday) in Paris, but don't feel like taking the Thalys? Then you know where to go. French coziness, right in the middle of Vondelpark. Cheers!
Reservations are possible here.
A stroller for the baby and one for the dog? Absolutely, they know how to do that at Nuna & Tavo They know exactly what to do with it. On November 7, the two brands will open their first joint European flagship store on the Groenmarktkade in Amsterdam. We know Nuna for its stylish strollers, car seats, and other baby essentials, while Tavo focuses specifically on our four-legged friends. From travel crates to dog buggies: the furry family members are not forgotten here either.
And it’s not just about looking. In the store, you can try out strollers on a real test track (it’s nice to take a quick test drive before you open your wallet) and receive personal advice. On November 7 and 8, they are celebrating the opening with a festive opening weekend. So, if you have a little one on the way, have a four-legged friend at home, or are simply curious, you know where to drop by this weekend.
You can find more information about the opening weekend here.
Harmony makes its debut at the Gashouder in Amsterdam from November 17 to 22 with ten Music Ceremonies. Yes! For six days, everything here revolves around music, with Live performances van contemporary classical to ambient electronicThink of piano, cello, string quartets, synthesizers, and choirs. About 1.000 people listen to the performances simultaneously, in silence and without distraction.
You take a seat on one of the many mattresses scattered across the floor. Above you, nature images play in a projection art installation created especially for the Gashouder, turning the impressive space into part of the show as well. Upon entering, there is time to settle in and put away your phone in a lockerAfter that, it is mainly a matter of lying back and enjoying the music.
View the program and buy your tickets here.
Actually, we love all the museums in Amsterdam and the initiatives they have during the holidays for kids of all ages. But right now, our hearts are beating faster especially because of the amazing exhibition showcasing the entire career of the recently deceased Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama: “Dots, infinite mirror spaces, groundbreaking experiments, and massive installations: that is Yayoi Kusama in a nutshell.” And that is, of course, a huge treat for both the young ones and yourself.
That works out well: you can join us right away at Café Restaurant Sandberg. Great tip, too.
A terrace in November might sound like a case of overestimating oneself, but The Amsterdam Winter Terrace They've got it pretty well figured out. From November 13th to 29th, the NDSM-loods in Amsterdam-North will be transformed into one large, warm, and covered terrace. And not just any terrace. Various Amsterdam hospitality businesses are joining in, so there will be no shortage of good food and drink. Meanwhile, live music will be playing, you can try your hand at karaoke in the karaoke bar, and there is a dedicated Mini-Terrace for the kids. In short, all the fun of a terrace evening, but without numb fingers and frozen toes. And with a bit of luck, you'll end up singing in the karaoke bar. Whether that is luck, we'll leave that open for now.
You can find more information and tickets here.
The Maaltuin transforms the most unique places in the Netherlands into a pop-up restaurant. You are not only served a delicious five-course dinner, but also the stories, music, and atmosphere of the location. An evening out that is just a little bit different.
In Amsterdam, you can take a seat at two special places until the end of October. Dine at the Hollandsche Manege (August 27 to October 17), between the stables and the riding arena of the oldest city riding school in the Netherlands. Or take a seat in the First-class waiting room at Amsterdam Central (September 4 to October 25), where you normally just rush past to catch your train. Two unique locations, each an unforgettable evening.
You can find tickets and other editions here
Watching theatre and then just staying seated at the table to discuss it a bit further? We think that's a great concept. Starting October 14, The UT Three weeks over De Paardenkathedraal in Utrecht with If a father is fightingA performance about growing up with a father who is there, but actually isn't, and what that means when you yourself are faced with the question of what kind of parent you want to be later in life. Quite a theme, then. The audience sits around the stage, under a cloud of hundreds of light bulbs, and watches from very close up a story that spans thirty years. And the evening isn't over yet: everyone gathers at long tables for a dinner with large platters of crayfish to chat together. An evening at the theater that will probably leave you thinking a little longer than just on the way home.
If a father is fighting plays from October 14 to November 1 at De Paardenkathedraal in Utrecht. The evening begins at 5:30 PM and includes dinner. Afterwards, Het NUT packs up and the performance goes on tour: from November 7 to January 14, it will play fourteen more times at various locations.
Here find the tickets!
We of course know the A'DAM Tower for the view over Amsterdam, but on Saturday, November 14, there is at least as much to experience inside. For one day, the tower will be transformed into a real music festival for War Child. During the day To the Moon and Back Intimate concerts will be given by more than twenty artists at eight unique locations in the tower. And with names like Goldband, Typhoon, Douwe Bob, RONDÉ, and Chef'Special (acoustic) on the program, that promises quite a lot. You can put together your own program with individual tickets and, between performances, you can also join masterclasses and pub quizzes or hit the dance floor with the DJs. Best of all? The artists perform free of charge, and the proceeds go to War Child, which helps children growing up with war and conflict. Tickets start at €50, and sales begin on September 24. A whole tower full of music, and for a very worthy cause.
You can find more info and tickets here.
2026 excels in wonderfully fun brand collaborations: Burberry at Hôtel Belles Rives in Antibes, Louis Vuitton and Pharrell, Rhode and Justin Bieber, and Erewhon (a smoothie brand) and Barbie: a real treat. The trend has now reached Amsterdam as well: kick off the weekend with a moment for yourself, thanks to neighborhood restaurant Moos (Spaarndammerstraat) and the neighbors at feel-good studio NǓMA. The best ideas are simple: on the site of Moss Check when you would like to come for lunch or breakfast. There, you can immediately indicate which NǓMA class you would like to take (yoga, pilates, sauna, or an ice bath, for example), and Team Moos will take care of the rest. For €22, you can attend one of NǓMA's classes or enjoy a sauna session with an ice bath, and afterwards (or beforehand), join Moos for breakfast or lunch with a drink. The perfect start to your weekend.
A one-way ticket around the world in about forty minutes? No problem. Starting October 15, the photographer will take jimmy nelson At Fabrique des Lumières, you are taken on a journey through remarkable communities, traditions, and landscapes from all over the world. And not with just a few photos neatly on the wall, but his images are projected around you from floor to ceiling, accompanied by music and Nelson himself in your ears, telling you the stories behind his photos. Mirrors of Humanity By the way, it isn't just for those who missed the previous edition. There are never-before-seen images to see, and you get a behind-the-scenes look at Nelson's analog photography. Lights out, projectors on, and for forty minutes, somewhere completely different. We say: a world trip without jet lag, please.
Here find your tickets and more info!
For a fun autumn holiday activity with your child, nephew, niece, or little brother or sister, you really don't always have to go to the zoo or the cinema. At Move Lab There is plenty to experience in Amsterdam-Zuid as well. In this interactive museum, everything revolves around cars, bicycles, and technology. And not just for looking at, but especially for trying out yourself. From building your own race car and taking a first driving lesson to testing your reflexes: sitting still is not really the intention here. There is also plenty to do for the youngest visitors, with life-sized building blocks and a marble run no less than ten (!) meters long. During school holidays, there are also extra workshops, ranging from LEGO programming to drone flying. Afterwards, stop by Wils Bakery Café for lunch or a treat, and you’ve got yourself a great afternoon. Especially when it’s pouring rain outside again.
You can find more information, the holiday schedule, and tickets here.
Don't have a Picasso budget? No problem. From November 25 to 29, the Affordable Art Fair descends on the Kromhouthal for the twentieth time. And the name gives it away a bit: buying art here is meant to be pleasantly accessible. You will find work by more than 400 artists, spread across 67 galleries from 14 countries. From paintings and photography to ceramics and textiles, with prices starting at €100.
Not quite at home in the art world yet? No problem. During the public days, you can ask an art expert for advice on looking, buying, and discovering your own taste. And for those who want to start cautiously, there is the Under €1.000 Wall, full of works by new exhibitors that all cost, yes indeed, less than €1.000. Of course, you are also simply allowed to look.
Vegetables boring? I don't think so! Especially not when you put two star chefs behind the stoves together. On November 9, Flora Namely, a visit from Sebastian Frank, chef of Berlin's Horváth, which holds two Michelin stars and a Green Star. And he certainly knows what to do with a carrot or two. At Horváth, everything revolves around what Sebastian himself calls the 'emancipated vegetable kitchen.' In other words: vegetables are not an afterthought, but the stars of the show. Together with Flore chef Bas van Kranen, he is cooking a fully plant-based menu for one evening in which both cuisines come together. Two top chefs, a lot of vegetables, and zero meat. We are joining you!
The autumn holidays are just around the corner again, and we are completely readyIt's just a shame that that week always flies by before you're fully in holiday mode, which is why we love heading out in our own country! There is more than enough fun to be found in our little country that saves travel time and still feels like a mini-vacation. This autumn, Schiedam is high on our list. With atmospheric streets, great restaurants and bars, the famous windmills, exceptional gin, and lively harbors to sail through. Well worth a visit!
Curious about our tips and highlights of Schiedam? Then read on here.
Some things you should just leave the way they are. Take the mussels from Proeflokaal A. van Wees on the Herengracht. You see, they have been prepared here in exactly the same way for fifty (!) years. And we know this thanks to an old newspaper clipping from 1975 that recently resurfaced. On the menu? Zeeland mussels with tomato, garlic, chili pepper, and vegetables, served with bread and cocktail sauce. Sounds good? Well, they thought so fifty years ago too. And because the letter 'r' is back in the month, this is naturally the perfect time to pull up a chair. Even better: on Tuesday, November 10, Van Wees is organizing a special mussel evening where you can eat unlimited mussels for just €10 per person. Yes, really! Including sauce, but fries and drinks are ordered separately.
Planning a weekend in Amsterdam? Then head east. Whether you’ve lived there for years or are coming all the way from afar: Bar Basquiat on Javastraat is the place to be on Friday night for Eats & Beats. And yep, the name says it all. Beats, dancing, drinks, and delicious food. A little bit of everything, basically.we likeFrom 20 PM onwards, a DJ will be behind the turntables, and you can slowly roll onto the dance floor while eating and drinking. And as if that weren't reason enough to head to Javastraat: you can drink a Lellebel all evening for just five euros. The Lellebel, we hear you thinking? A delicious blonde beer from Brouwerij de Eeuwige Jeugd. So come on, put on your coat (or pack your bags), head East, and let the weekend get off to a good start.
You make a reservation here.
You know your neighbors by face, but haven't the faintest idea what their names are? That's where Beautiful Boules Time to do something about it. Starting Sunday, November 1st, they are opening their doors for free every Sunday afternoon in Utrecht and Delft for Buurt Boules. From pétanque to ping pong, karaoke, and board games: you don't have to be good at anything (thank goodness). In the meantime, you'll meet new faces, and coffee, tea, and lemonade are on the house. Everyone is welcome; no reservation is required. So just walk right in between 12:00 and 16:00. Who knows, you might go home with a new neighbor friend and an unexpected pétanque talent.
More information via Neighborhood Boules.
Are you a tourist in Amsterdam? Or do you have friends or family from abroad visiting the Netherlands and want to give them the Dutch food experience? Let's go Dutch ExperiencesFor anyone who claims that the Netherlands has “no cuisine of its own” will probably think differently after these twelve courses. Okay, there are countries that do it better, but we do have a story behind almost everything that ends up on your plate.
In an hour, you get a dive into Dutch history with twelve Dutch specialties to taste. Naturally, with a jenever (or beer, wine, or soft drink, that's fine too). You sit at a table, and the history is explained through the lens of dishes. That way, you suddenly understand why the Dutch eat what they eat. It turns out, for example, that this has to do with trade routes, interesting!
And even as a Dutch person, you learn a lot from it!
If we could, we’d hop on a plane to the Caribbean right now. Endless sunshine, good vibes, and delicious food. Unfortunately, that isn't always possible. Luckily, Mondi Nieuw-West has come up with a solution: Mondi Weekends. At Mondi, Friday or Saturday night doesn't end as soon as dinner is over. With Caribbean cuisine, unique cocktails, and the Mondi DJs, they simply keep the party going. With Caribbean beats, cocktails, and a dance floor that slowly fills up, you almost forget you're still in Amsterdam!
Book now here.
Handy, aren't those weekend tips from Bart? Are there never enough and do you want even more inspiration? things to do and good ideas for the weekend (and the rest of the week)? Of course we also have something for that, namely the Barts Boekje Newsletter. No endless spam, we hate that too. Just an email once a week with tips for your holiday (or just a... staycation), for your interior, countries you want to go to now that the weather is possible, the most beautiful tree houses, the tastiest coffee, tips for your offspring and so on. Lots of good ideas in a small email – we can't make it any easier, but we certainly can make it more fun.
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