Who doesn't love Amsterdam in spring? May is that magical sweet spot when the city shakes off its winter mood but isn't yet packed with summer tourists. The Amsterdam events calendar in May 2025 is bursting with activities that'll make you want to ditch the couch and experience the city's vibrant energy!

From food trucks to jazz nights, art installations to rugby matches, the events this month offer something for everyone. We've put together this guide to help you navigate the most exciting events Amsterdam has lined up, so you can plan your perfect spring adventure in the Dutch capital!

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Prepare your wands and don your robes! On May 3rd, Pathé cinemas across the Netherlands, including several in Amsterdam, are hosting an epic 24 hour Harry Potter Marathon. Starting at 10:00 AM, fans can relive the entire saga, from The Philosopher's Stone to The Deathly Hallows Part 2, back to back on the big screen. It’s a magical journey through all eight films in one day. For those brave enough to complete the entire marathon, Pathé offers a special treat: a mini breakfast in the morning. This is a cinematic experience you won't want to miss. Click to explore this event.

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Experience cinema under the stars and in front of the river at Pllek's Films With a View. Every Tuesday evening from May through September, this urban beach in Amsterdam Noord transforms into an open-air cinema, offering a diverse selection of films with the city's skyline as a backdrop. This season's lineup includes titles like Princess Mononoke, Past Lives, Asteroid City, and The Favourite. Grab a seat, a blanket and a drink, and immerse yourself in a unique movie experience. Tickets are €10 and can be purchased online or at the venue if available. Note: Screenings are weather dependent, updates are provided on the day of the event.

Theater Na de Dam (May 4)

May in Amsterdam isn't just about fun and games, it's also a time for reflection. Theater Na de Dam takes place on May 4th, right after the National Remembrance Day ceremony at Dam Square. This powerful theater event features performances across the city that reflect on the impact of World War II.

The performances start at 9:00 PM, right after the national two-minute silence at 8:00 PM. It's a moving experience that connects Amsterdam's past with its present. If you're interested in Dutch history and culture, this is an event you shouldn't miss.

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Liberation Day Celebrations (May 5)

The day after Remembrance Day, Amsterdam erupts in celebration for Liberation Day on May 5th. The city commemorates its freedom from Nazi occupation with festivals, concerts and community events throughout Amsterdam.

In 2025, expect free concerts in parks, special exhibitions, and a festive atmosphere across the city.The celebrations bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, a beautiful reminder of what freedom means to this city.

One place to be is the Westerpark with the traditional Het Vrije Westen festival with free entrance and live music spread across 8 stages, offering something for everyone.

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Foodies, mark your calendars! Rolling Kitchens (Rollende Keukens) is returning to Westergas from May 28th to June 1st, 2025. This beloved food truck festival brings together over 100 mobile kitchens serving everything from Dutch classics to international cuisine.

The festival grounds transform into a foodie paradise with live music, bars, and plenty of seating areas where you can enjoy your culinary finds. The best part? Entry is free, you just pay for what you eat and drink! It's one of the most delicious events Amsterdam May has to offer, and the perfect place to sample a variety of dishes in one location.

Graffitecture: Typographic Blueprints (All Month)

Typography meets architecture in this fascinating exhibition running throughout May at Straat Museum. Graffitecture showcases how letters and buildings interact in urban spaces, featuring works by both Dutch and International artists.

The exhibition includes large scale installations, photographs and interactive elements that let you explore the relationship between text and architecture. It's perfect for design lovers, urban explorers and anyone interested in how cities communicate through their visual elements.

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Facial Recognition and AI Exhibition (All Month)

For those interested in the intersection of technology and art, this thought provoking exhibition at Galerie What Is Happening Here WIHH, explores the implications of facial recognition and AI in our daily lives. Through interactive installations and multimedia presentations, visitors can experience firsthand and for free, how these technologies work and consider their ethical implications.

The exhibition asks important questions about privacy, surveillance and the future of human-machine interaction. It's one of those events that will leave you thinking long after you've left the gallery

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Jazz lovers, rejoice! Bimhuis, Amsterdam's premier jazz venue, hosts special performances throughout May featuring both established artists and emerging talents. The venue's exceptional acoustics and intimate setting make it the perfect place to experience live jazz.

The Amsterdam nightlife scene for jazz enthusiasts centered around this iconic venue, which has been at the heart of the city's jazz scene since 1974. Check their website for the specific May 2025 program, or download the Outhere app. Performances typically range from traditional jazz to experimental sounds that push the boundaries of the genre.

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For electronic music fans, Awakenings UpClose offers an intimate version of the famous techno festival. Taking place on May 17-18, 2025, at Houtrak (Spaarnwoude-parkof), this event brings world class DJs to a more personal setting, allowing you to experience the music up close and personal.

The lineup typically features a mix of international headlines and local talents, creating an electric atmosphere that showcases why Amsterdam's electronic music scene is world renowned. It's one of those events in Amsterdam that attracts music lovers from around the globe.

Amsterdam Sevens Rugby Tournament (May 31 - June 1)

Rugby fans shouldn't miss the Amsterdam Sevens, an international rugby sevens tournament taking place on May 31st and June 1st at the National Rugby Centre. The 52nd edition will feature over 120 teams from around the world competing in this fast paced version of rugby

Even if you're not familiar with the sport, the festival atmosphere makes it an enjoyable day out. With food stalls, music, and plenty of action on the field, it's one of the May events Amsterdam sports enthusiasts look forward to every year.

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Dutch Darts Championship (May 23-25)

For something completely different, check out the Dutch Darts Championships from May 23-25. This Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) European Tour event brings together the world's best players for three days of intense competition at Autotron Rosmalen.

The atmosphere at darts tournaments is unlike any other sporting event, past precision sport, part party, making it one of the most entertaining events Amsterdam has to offer in May 2025.

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Ladies European Tour - Golf (May 16-18)

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Ladies European Tour event taking place just outside Amsterdam from May 16-18. This prestigious tournament features top female golfers from around the world competing at a beautiful Dutch course.

It's a chance to see world class golf in a relaxed setting, and perhaps pick up some tips for your own game! The tournament is family-friendly and offers a pleasant day out in the Dutch countryside

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Urban Sports Week Amsterdam (May 16-18)

Get ready for a weekend where urban sports, lifestyle, and culture collide at NDSM Werf in Amsterdam Noord. From May 16 to 18, the Urban Sports Week Amsterdam (USWA) brings together top athletes and enthusiasts for a series of thrilling events.

Experience the excitement of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters, the FIG Parkour World Cup, and the Amsterdam Breaking Championship. Whether you're into BMX, inline skating, or skateboarding, there's something for everyone.

Beyond the competitions, enjoy live music, art installations, and food trucks, making it more than just a sports event, it's a cultural experience.

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Wondering what to do in Amsterdam to make the most of your time out? Here are some quick tips:

• Use public transport - Amsterdam's excellent tram, bus, and metro system makes getting to events easy
• Pack layers and a light rain jacket for the variable Amsterdam May weather
• Plan around Remembrance Day (May 4th) - many places close early, and there's a country-wide two minute silence at 8PM in which event public transport stands still
• Rent a bike to get around like a local - just remember to follow the cycling rules.
• Pay with credit or debit card (Visa or Master) - make sure to add it to your phone wallet so it's always available.

The Amsterdam May weather typically brings temperatures between 15-20°C (59-68°F), not too hot, not too cold, just perfect for exploring! Mornings can be a bit chilly, so pack some layers that you can peel off as the day warms up.

May in Amsterdam means longer daylight hours and the city bursting with color as flowers bloom everywhere. The weather can be a bit unpredictable though, one minute of sunshine, the next a quick shower, so toss a light rain jacket in your bag just in case.

For those wondering what to do in Amsterdam today if it rains, don't worry, many of the events have indoor options, and there's always a cozy place around the corner where you can wait out the shower with a stroopwafel and coffee. Some rain can also offer a great excuse to spend some time wandering around the city's famous museums.

The May events Amsterdam hosts in 2025 offer a perfect blend of culture, food, music, art, sports and more. May provides the ideal conditions to experience Amsterdam at its best, lively but not overcrowded, warm but not hot, with longer days perfect for exploring. So download the Outhere app or navigate in our website and start planning your Amsterdam adventure now!