Weekend tips: August 14-16 (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!
The Grachtenfestival is celebrating its 29th edition this year, yay! Move Amsterdam is throwing open its doors twice this weekend, at the foot of the Olympic Stadium.
On Friday, August 14, Woodcraft, one of the most promising string ensembles in the Netherlands, will be performing. They play a blend of jazz, groove, improvisation, and vocals. Fancy a chat afterwards? Then head straight to Restaurant Wils on the third floor, where they are serving a drinks package especially for this occasion, featuring a glass of crémant and three delicious snacks. Weather permitting, take a seat on the sunny terrace, with a view of the stadium and live music.
On Sunday, August 16, it is the kids' turn. At 11:00, Tappin-It Collective takes the stage with a family show full of dance and gestures, suitable for ages 6 and up.
Cards through grachtenfestival.nl, you reserve drinks at Wils here.
As far as we are concerned, the fastest riser when it comes to favorite spots on the beach? That has to be Petit Péché at Outpost. Rutger Boukamp and Wes ten Kleij, the men behind this place (and behind Café Beurre), are closing the restaurant in Amsterdam for five months again this summer and moving with all their belongings to Outpost in Zandvoort. Fine dining With the sun on your head and the sand between your toes? Phew, yes!
And every Sunday, a different restaurant sets up shop at Outpost, each in its own way. All summer long, one Amsterdam establishment after another joins in: from Bottleshop, Bon Burger Bar, Trees en Café Beurre x Wine Shop, tot Boonen de Koot, Balthazar's Kitchen, Café Cenc, Gertrude en Alba† And also Badcuyp: the beloved Amsterdam neighborhood spot is moving to the coast for two Sundays on August 9 and 16.
Looking at art is one thing, but standing in it is next level. That is exactly what happens at Gustav Klimt: Gold and Colorful, which returns to Fabrique des Lumières at the Westergasterrein following previous success. Fabrique des Lumières is a digital and immersive art center located in the delightful rooms of the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam and is also the largest immersive art center in the Netherlands. Klimt's most famous works, such as The Kiss and the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, are translated here into digital projections that extend from the floor to the ceiling. All of this surrounds you in 360 degrees, accompanied by music.
And there is another fantastic outing at Fabrique des Lumières: it is showing until August 22. Coldplay: A Film for the Future, the visual counterpart to the album Moon Music. More than 150 artists from 45 countries were each given a few music fragments and complete freedom, resulting in a 45-minute sequence of totally different visual worlds. This is projected around you, accompanied by spatial audio and light effects. The lyrics appear on the walls, so get singing along! You can witness this on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, between 18:30 and 20:30.
Fabrique des Lumières is the art outing where you'll want to hang out! Plus, it doesn't take up the whole day, so you can still take in all the fun things the Westergasterrein has to offer.
The Dutch summer dream…. Watching movies under the stars, in the middle of the forest. Oh yes. The Forest cinema Buitenplaats De Hoorneboeg in Hilversum is back. With headphones on, you watch from a comfortable chair July 8 to August 30 to films that move and inspire. This is how they screen perfect days en Hamnet to the Surinamese classic Wan Pipel. All linked to themes such as nature, mental health, love, loss, and leadership.
Each movie night begins with a personal introduction by a distinguished speaker, such as Professor of Psychiatry Jim van Os or photographer Jimmy Nelson, ties in with the evening's theme. An added bonus: during the day, there are regular workshops that delve deeper into the topics covered in the film. And feel free to turn it into a complete summer evening. In July, you can join us beforehand for a three-course dinner at Restaurant Bij de Tuinman, while in August, you can enjoy an informal Tuinmanshap in the vegetable garden, complete with music. The youngest visitors haven't been forgotten either, as the Bosbiosje returns with family films and fun kids' activities.
Whoever follows the undersigned on instagram You have almost certainly come across Blush jewelry at some point. That’s hardly surprising: for 20 years, Blush has been pretty much the best option when it comes to stunning 14-karat gold jewelry at an absolute top price. And to celebrate that 20th anniversary, the brand is opening a pop-up store in the heart of Amsterdam for two weeks (Prinsengracht 234, near the Nine Streets). During this time, you can of course shop (including exclusive anniversary launches), but there are also exclusive, free masterclasses: Nicole Huisman and Lonneke Nootenboom will host styling sessions, Anouk Yve will give a masterclass on her vision of timeless design, and Eloise van Oranje is also part of the program. During a private design session, you can design your own piece of jewelry together with a Blush designer, where your idea is translated into a unique design in 14-karat gold. In the Blush Café, there is coffee and NÔTA tea and pastries by Jules, ceramics by Sensitive Boi, and on Sunday, August 23, there is a special beauty evening in collaboration with Kess Berlin.
In the mood for a summer day without traveling far? At the Markthal, it starts the moment you enter: look upstairs, taste downstairs. While the gigantic ceiling artwork draws your gaze upwards, a world of flavors awaits below. Summer must triesGet a mango poke bowl, taste Vietnamese summer rolls, share a plate of Mediterranean mezze, have a tropical ice cream or cool off with a iced matcha. With 100+ food spots There really is something for everyone. Create your own route through various global flavors. Within 20 minutes, you can travel from Asia to the Mediterranean and back again. We like.
With screeching tires to Museum Arnhem for the crème de la crème of Dutch art. In the exhibition Naked that Touches Through September 20, you can see how artists use the naked body to discuss themes such as freedom, identity, and inequality. Real people, with all the so-called imperfections that come with it, take center stage: from paintings to contemporary photography and performances. Mega interesting and beautiful.
Museum Arnhem is in any case one of the most beautifully situated museum buildings in the Netherlands, and that alone is worth a detour. It is situated on the high moraine with a picture perfect view over the Rhine. There is a free-to-access sculpture garden, and we haven't even mentioned Café Pierre yet.
Let's go Arnhem.
Nudity that moves | Museum Arnhem | Art & culture in Gelderland
What started over 10 years ago as a craft beer festival in a single city has grown into *the* Drinks Festival of the Netherlands (yes, really, with 18 editions in 17 cities this summer). And TAPT is now much more than just beer. In addition to a still fantastic selection of beers, you can also enjoy wines, cocktails, 0.0% alcohol drinks, and food (from Mexican to full charcuterie boards) that is finger-licking good. Add to that space to chill, raunchy singalongs (at the karaoke, which is new by the way!), disco bingo, board games in collaboration with 999 Games, and speed dating, and your weekend is guaranteed to be a success. Speed dating? Yes, singles take note! TAPT is partnering with love partner Festiflirt, who will help you find a new romance through speed dating during the party, among other things.
So, TAPT is coming to 17 cities this summer, and Deventer is on the schedule this weekend (August 14 and 15). You can still get them starting from 20,90 euros. last minute your tickets. Please note: this festival is 18+!
Summer = wonderful. Until the moment you melt on a terrace or wonder what to do with all those days off. Our suggestion? Head to the cinema. This July and August, simply take your Cineville pass with you on vacation. With it, you can go to the movies unlimitedly in all Cineville countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, and Austria. That's no fewer than 248 cinemas spread across 92 cities.
Planning a city trip to Stockholm, Antwerp, Berlin, Vienna, or another Cineville city? Then a movie is the perfect stopover. From charming neighborhood cinemas and old art-house cinemas to open-air screenings and industrial buildings, a local beer at the bar, and perhaps even a cinema cat to welcome you. Staying in the Netherlands instead? Then this is the perfect time to discover a new movie theater (or just drop back into your favorite).
Don't have a Cineville pass yet? You can easily get one online starting from 19 euros per month.
Heard it a lot, a whole lot this summer (holiday): we’re staying close to home! And we understand that all too well. There is still so much to discover in our own beautiful country (where it is at its most beautiful in the summer, too). To celebrate that – our beautiful country in the summer – book your city trip with WestCord Hotels this summer with extra benefits: The longer you stay, the higher the discount! And that’s not all. You also get amazing extras such as free late check-out, a welcome drink, or a cocktail at the bar of the hotel of your choice. For example, you could go to Hotel New York in Rotterdam, the Arsenaal in Delft, or Hotel Jakarta in Amsterdam, to name just a few absolute top picks. Where to book? You can do so below.
What are we getting up to with the kids this summer? Definitely this! On August 15 and 16, Circus Snor strikes his colorful tents at Camping de Kleine Wereld in Onnen, close to Groningen. Not for a traditional circus, but a cheerful, quirky show full of humor, acrobatics, and surprises.
And that’s not all: the fun Children’s Caravan is ready around the show. Children can try out circus tricks themselves, play games, and, of course, have a cool (or hilarious) moustache painted on their faces.
Combining it with an overnight stay at the campsite is, of course, the most fun!
If we could, we would hop on a plane to the Caribbean right now. Endless sunshine, good vibes, and delicious food. Unfortunately, that isn't always possible. Luckily, Mondi has come up with a solution. At both Mondi Nieuw-West and Mondi Skybar, you can attend Mondi Weekends every Friday and Saturday. Sultry evenings with flavorful Caribbean à la carte dishes, Mondi DJs behind the turntables, and a special Mondi Moment as the cherry on top. So, food, drinks, and dancing! Always a good choice. It is also highly recommended for a birthday or other special occasion. There is even a balloon decoration service for that (yes, really!).
Book now here.
If there is a reservation you make for the warm days, it should be a reservation at Erloom.
After all, you might just know Hilvarenbeek from Safaripark Beekse Bergen… But there is more to the Brabant village just outside Tilburg! And how… Hilvarenbeek is charming, welcoming, and it is the home of restaurant ErloomThe owners run the business under that name all summer long – from early May to late September. restaurant Erloom so, one of the Netherlands' most fun pop-up restaurants. Every weekend is a party during those months, and it's a success.
We already knew Madurodam in The Hague: the miniature version of the Netherlands. But did you know that Amsterdam now has its own miniature version too? It's not an interactive open-air museum like Madurodam, but it is a beautiful museum with plenty of stories and miniatures to help you out. From the Anne Frank House to Dam Square and the Red Light District – in about 50 minutes, you'll visit all the highlights and learn about the history of our beautiful capital. It's also fun with kids, who can endlessly search for figures, boats, and recognizable places. This way, you won't need a city tour and can spend the rest of the day shopping or relaxing at one of the many restaurants en terracesChildren under 18 can participate for €12,95, and an adult ticket costs €17,50.
It might still feel a bit far away, but the summer holidays are really just around the corner. Time to slowly start filling that calendar again. To celebrate Cinekid's 40th anniversary, a number of unforgettable Dutch film classics are being shown on the big screen again throughout the Netherlands this summer. From Abeltje en Pietje Bell to Tasjesdief, Afblijven, and Kapsalon Romy: films you (probably) grew up with yourself and can now show to your kids. A perfect holiday outing for rainy afternoons, sweltering summer days, or simply because going to the cinema together is secretly always fun. The classics can be seen in cinemas and film theaters throughout the Netherlands from July 9 to August 12. Extra fun: for some screenings, Cinekid is also organizing workshops, quizzes, and other activities for children.
Attention all seasoned oyster fans and 'I'm-finally-starting-to-appreciate-it' slurpers: on September 12 (from 12 to 17 pm), Koester je Oester is organizing the very first Oyster Walk XXL. And for this, you don't need to put on Wellington boots and trudge along the Zeeland coast. You'll simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the heart of Amsterdam. No fewer than 15 top restaurants are participating in this slurping route, where you can sample one fresh oyster at each participating restaurant using a stamp card. Yum. Tired of oysters, but haven't collected all 15 stamps yet? Don't panic. You determine your own route and pace, so stopping early is no problem either. During the walk, you will discover the very best oysters in Amsterdam, from classic brasseries to modern seafood restaurants.
Here you score your tickets for 58 euros per person.
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.
More tips
-
M Pies is your new favorite deli on Javastraat in Amsterdam East
-
Hug The Tea has been The Hague's matcha bar for 10 years.
-
These are the nicest picking gardens in Nijmegen
-
The nicest and nicest hotels and cottages in the Netherlands with wellness
-
New restaurants in Amsterdam: This is the Barts Boekje list
-
Duinhotel Tien Torens: sleeping in the dunes of Zoutelande
-
Two hits at De Stok: MazzelTov and Het Hooihuis in Roosendaal
-
Dine all day at restaurant Morrow in Utrecht
-
Bar Rosie Utrecht: sexy dining at Lucasbolwerk
-
Free State: Eindhoven's new backyard