Featured Events in Amsterdam in October 2025 (July Updated)

The Dutch museum Nxt Museum opened five years ago in the industrial area of ​​Amsterdam's northern port area. It has attracted many new media art enthusiasts by rotating large-scale cutting-edge exhibitions. The current exhibition is "Still Processing", curated by Belgrade-born curator and artist Bogomir Doringer, which aims to explore the dynamic relationship between humans and machines and study how data shapes meaning and changes sensory experience in the digital age. The exhibition lasts until October 5.

The Suit Yourself display reveals how fashionable men in the 18th and 19th centuries would flaunt themselves dressed in flamboyant striped velvet, floral embroidery and rich silk fabrics. This use of vibrant colours and contrasting textiles flourished during the ‘macaroni’ period from 1750 to 1770. The style evolved in the 19th century with industrialisation, which increased the availability of fabrics and ready-to-wear garments. A highlight of the display is the evening coat decorated with 4,000 rhinestones that would have sparkled in the candlelight with every movement.

On 1 July 1863, the Netherlands abolished slavery in Suriname on paper. In reality, the ‘freed’ in Suriname are obliged to continue working on the plantations for another ten years. In order to compensate for the shortage of labor after this period, the Netherlands starts recruiting so-called ‘contract workers’. These people are often recruited with false promises in China, India and Indonesia, among others. Sometimes they leave their country of their own accord, sometimes they are forced or abducted. They hardly get any wages and work under horrible conditions on the plantations. Very few people had the opportunity to return. Many stayed in Suriname and never saw their homeland again. Artist and researcher Sarojini Lewis came across the person of Soerdie in the archives of the Royal Library in The Hague: the first female ‘contract worker’ who was shipped from India via Barbados to Suriname. Based on books, letters and travel reports from that time, Lewis imagines what the life of Surdie might have looked like. Sarojini Lewis hides in the skin of Surdie. Her self-portraits at historical locations respond to the energy present on the abandoned plantations in Suriname and archival material she has previously discovered. She uses Critical Fabulation: a creative reconstruction of Surdie’s life, based on the few transmitted data from archives. She connects the story of this woman with the history of her own Hindustani ancestors who worked in the same area in Commewijne. In the exhibition, Sarojini Lewis speaks. In a series of Atlantic Windows, contemporary artists reflect on the exhibition Shadows on the Atlantic Ocean and the impact of the colonial past in this area. The windows were performed by Kevin Osepa and Sites of Memory: Decoding the Atlantic World. Atlantic Window III: Sarojini Lewis - Silence of the Sea: A trail of Surdie can be seen from 31 March to 1 October.

Widely regarded as one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century, American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) has left an indelible mark on the art world with his innovative approach to sculpture. He made his modernist work using a variety of materials, including stone, marble, bronze, steel and ceramic. Isamu Noguchi also designed lamps, gardens, playground equipment and radios. The exhibition in the gardens comprises stone and bronze sculptures. Additionally, a ‘cloud’ of his washi paper Akari lamps will be hanging in the Atrium, and a chess table and selection of the artist’s sculptural ceramics will also be on display inside the museum.

Dutch designer Karel Martens has been a major influence in the landscape of graphic design for the past five decades. His playful and visual approach to design and typography has had a tangible impact on contemporary graphic design, book design, and typography. His body of work spans books, autonomous printing, textiles, kinetic sculptures, and 3D objects. At the age of 85, he is still active as a graphic designer, and still gives lectures and teaches worldwide. In 2025, the Stedelijk will showcase an extensive overview of his body of work in a comprehensive exhibition.

Sandra Mujinga will present a monumental exhibition in the museum’s lower-level gallery. Mujinga’s practice draws on speculative fiction and worldbuilding to investigate alternatives to our current society. She addresses topics like visibility and dis/appearance combined with socio-political realities, sustenance, posthumanism, perception, and blackness. This ties into the ways in which we live in a world we barely understand, since both technology and nature are beyond our comprehension and control. Mujinga addresses this condition through metaphors and physical perceptions to convey experiences through sound, light, ambiences, and imposing sculptures that often create unsettling effects and affect. Her solo at the Stedelijk will focus on the relationship between the viewer and space to emphasize the reciprocal nature of our environment.

For Eye, the iconic British actor Tilda Swinton is making an exclusive, immersive exhibition featuring new works. This exhibition will explore her autobiography, using as a starting point the artistic collaborations that have been integral to her career. Swinton pushes the boundaries of the sometimes limited role of the actor, inviting visitors on a sensory journey that celebrates co-creation, the synergy between director and actor, and the influence of various art forms. This project pays tribute to the spirit of ‘renewal through connectivity’ that has defined Swinton’s remarkable career. The Eye cinemas will screen a selection of short and feature-length films in which Swinton plays a leading role. Additionally, the programme will reexamine the work of Derek Jarman, who was pivotal to Swinton’s artistic development, and Joanna Hogg, a childhood friend with whom she has recently collaborated. The selection will also include masterclasses and ‘Eye on Art’ performances exploring her collaborations with Derek Jarman, Pedro Almodóvar and Apichatpong Weerasethakul, focusing on the dynamic between actor and director in collective artistic processes.

CAMERA JAPAN has grown to become the largest Japanese film festival in the Benelux region, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The festival is characterised by its rich and diverse programme: in addition to feature films, documentaries and anime, the focus is on many aspects of Japanese culture, including visual arts, music, dance and gastronomy. The festival will return to LAB111 in October 2025. Every year, CAMERA JAPAN in Amsterdam offers a diverse programme of 19 films, including the best and latest Japanese arthouse films, animation, LGBTQ+ and classic films. In addition to feature films, documentaries and anime, the focus is on many aspects of Japanese culture, including visual arts, music, dance and gastronomy.

This exhibition presents a remarkable series of portraits by Vincent van Gogh of Joseph Roulin and his family. Van Gogh painted all the members of the Roulin family on numerous occasions. These portraits were later sold and dispersed around the world. Thanks to loans from major museums in the Netherlands and internationally, most of the portraits are now being reunited for the first time. This is the first exhibition dedicated to this important group of paintings created by Van Gogh during his turbulent years in Arles, southern France (1888-1889). Learn about the extraordinary friendship between Vincent van Gogh and the postman Joseph Roulin and his family. Thanks to his close connection with the Roulin family, Van Gogh was able to pursue his ambition to become a portrait painter. He painted numerous portraits of the family. This autumn, many of these works are being exhibited together for the first time at the Van Gogh Museum.

The Stedelijk is organising an exhibition of the work of Erwin Olaf, which opens in autumn 2025. The museum’s announcement coincides with the release of the publication Erwin Olaf Springveld. Hard werken, hard feesten, which will be presented at the Stedelijk on October 11. Organised in collaboration with Studio Erwin Olaf, it will be the first exhibition in the Netherlands of Erwin Olaf’s work since his sudden death last year.

Disturbed and Megadeth are set to electrify Amsterdam with a powerful performance at the renowned ZiggoDome on October 14, 2025. This highly anticipated event promises an unforgettable night of hard-hitting rock and metal, featuring two of the genre's most iconic bands. Disturbed, known for their intense energy and chart-topping hits, will share the stage with Megadeth, legendary pioneers of thrash metal. The ZiggoDome, located in the heart of Amsterdam, offers an ideal setting for this monumental concert, ensuring an immersive experience for all attendees. With ticket prices ranging from 50 EUR to 155 USD, fans will have the opportunity to witness a historic collaboration in a world-class venue. Mark the calendar for Disturbed, Megadeth Amsterdam, and prepare for an evening of unparalleled musical prowess.

At Home in the 17th Century offers an intimate glimpse into the domestic lives of Dutch people three centuries ago. What do their furniture and other household items tell us about how they lived – about marriage and upbringing, about eating and personal care habits, and about their leisure time and forms of entertainment? Each household, ranging from singles to large families, was a reflection of individual lifestyles and attitudes that were influenced by culture, class and religious faith.

Now on display at Moco Amsterdam, Frankey’s art takes center stage in the exhibition "Planet Positive Disruption," a vibrant showcase of humor, lightheartedness, and the transformative power of creative disruption. This collaboration reflects Moco’s dedication to elevating street art as a dynamic form of artistic expression, while championing the creativity rooted in the museum’s very own city.

Korean artist Kimsooja gained international fame with poetic installations about migration, uprooting, longing for a home and identity. Especially for the Oude Kerk she made her most extensive series of bottari: iconic textile bundles inspired by Korean wraps, filled with clothing from Amsterdam communities. She also covered the 44,000 panes of the meter-high windows with transparent foil that breaks sunlight into rainbow colors. To Breathe – Mokum offers a meditative experience about coming home and what we take with us or leave behind. Invite someone to join you

The exhibition presents a dialogue between 19th-century British colonial photography and contemporary work by the French-Sri Lankan artist Vasantha Yogananthan. The Rijksmuseum photography collection holds some 1200 images from 19th-century India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. Many of these images were commissioned for European and American audiences who knew very little about the countries and regions they depict. The photographs supposedly presented an objective view of the world, but now we can see how they clearly reflected the interests of the people who commissioned them. Crossings presents the selection of colonial images alongside photographs by Yogananthan, who, more than a century later, visited the same areas to explore his own background.

For Rembrandt, his house was very important. It was not only where he lived, but also where he worked. It all came together here. The house and its inhabitants appear regularly in his work. But what about contemporary artists? What role does this house, and the feeling of home, play in their art? A selection of contemporary artists reflects on this theme and share their unique “feeling of home.” 

Dopo aver conquistato pubblico e critica nella scorsa stagione, Giorgia Fumo, una delle voci più brillanti e innovative del panorama comico italiano, è pronta a sbarcare in Europa con il suo applauditissimo spettacolo Vita Bassa QUANDO: 2 ottobre 2025 START: ore 20.00 DOVE: Boom chicago - Rozengracht 117, 1016 LV Amsterdam, Netherlands 🎤 Lo spettacolo segna una tappa importante nel percorso artistico di Giorgia Fumo, che, dopo aver lasciato le vesti di ingegnere, continua a crescere e a innovare nel suo approccio alla stand-up comedy. La scorsa stagione ha visto il sold out in diverse città e recensioni entusiastiche da parte di stampa e spettatori, confermando il talento unico di Giorgia nel trattare temi attuali con un tocco personale e coinvolgente. Giorgia Fumo porta sul palcoscenico uno spassoso affresco contemporaneo offrendo al pubblico un mix di osservazioni acute e aneddoti esilaranti sulla generazione dei trentenni, ma non solo. Vita Bassa guida lo spettatore alla scoperta della vita dei millenials, i nuovi adulti che si barcamenano con le briciole lasciate dai loro predecessori. Dai viaggi che devono essere a tutti i costi “esperienze” ai programmi in cui si scelgono abiti da sposa, dalla vita in ufficio ai “lasciamenti” nell’era dei social, Giorgia Fumo con il suo stile unico porta sul palco una comicità intelligente e mai banale. Vita Bassa non è solo uno spettacolo comico, ma un vero e proprio viaggio nelle contraddizioni e nelle assurdità della vita quotidiana, raccontato con l'esilarante ironia e la straordinaria capacità narrativa che hanno reso Giorgia Fumo un nome di spicco nel mondo della comicità italiana. Information Source: Marco - BeComedy UK | eventbrite

Khanyisa JamJam is bringing his award-winning comedy special Sorry For The Weight to Clink Comedy Club, Amsterdam for one night only! Venue: Clink Comedy Club, AmsterdamDate: 3 OctoberTickets: Eventbrite This Comics’ Choice Award-nominated show has already SOLD OUT:3 times in LondonOnce in ManchesterTwo nights at Artscape, Cape Town Now, Amsterdam gets to experience the hilarious, must-see show that’s taking the world by storm! Don’t miss out! #KhanyisaJamJam #SorryForTheWeight #AmsterdamComedy #LiveComedy Get your tickets now to be part of a journey of jokes in the Galaxy Room of Clink Comedy Club. We got special comedy cocktails to add to the fun so it will be the perfect gig for you & your favorite people! This show will sells out - so be quick! Clink Comedy Club is managed by Youngbux Comedy - Amsterdam's top comedy collective producing epic comedy showcases from heart of Amsterdam to all across Europe! Follow Khanyisa JamJam on IG https://www.instagram.com/jamjam_the_comedian/?hl=en Clink Comedy Club's Galaxy room transports you into the most unique comedy experience! Alongside the stellar talent, get ready to be dazzled by the starry vibes too! Information Source: Clink Comedy Club | eventbrite

The temporary fashion exhibition Oceanista, on display from 10 October, compellingly connects the maritime past, today's fashion scene and the sustainable future of clothing. What do the yellow raincoat, Breton stripes and fisherman's sweater have in common? They all originated from maritime culture and have been a lasting source of inspiration for designers worldwide for decades. The influences of the sea and life on the water can therefore be found in many wardrobes.

Join Malinda Perera for a night filled with laughter as he returns to Bratislava with his brand-new show: Failed Researcher! Show Details: Doors Open: 19:00hShow Starts: 19:30hTicket Information:€17 Online€22 at the DoorAge Restrictions:Suitable for ages 16+. Disclaimer: Show contains explicit content, and all performances are conducted in English. About Malinda Perera: Follow Malinda on Instagram: @malinda.perera Originally from Sri Lanka, Malinda moved to Europe to study IT, hoping to fulfill his mother’s dreams. However, his passion for comedy took center stage after his debut in 2016. Since then, he has been making waves in the European comedy scene, with his first solo special, Not A Drug Dealer , enjoying a sold-out run across 50 cities in 24 countries. You can watch the full stand up comedy special Not A Drug Dealer recorded live in Vienna, here! Information Source: Malinda Perera | eventbrite

Stand-Up Comedy in English🎟 Get your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment at the door! About the ShowFor the first time in history Rogier is back with a second (brand new) show: Rogier Bak To The Rescue! In an age of tension and turmoil, Rogier daringly and openly jokes about self-growth, how alpha men aren't real, and saving his dad from a scam so obvious it's honestly embarrassing. “Absolutely brilliant!” (Russell Howard) A night of riotously fun and energetic stand-up comedy with one of the Europe's rising comedians! Rogier Bak 🇳🇱 Follow @rogierbak / visit rogierbak.comRogier Bak is a comedian from Amsterdam. He is Dutch, but has worked incredibly hard to make sure you could never tell. Having spent his formative years in the US, he feels like a foreigner in his home country. With over 220K followers across social media, his daily videos on cultural contradictions and astute observations on human behavior have accrued millions of views. Rogier recently completed his debut solo tour across Europe and the UK, and recorded his first one hour comedy special, Made in USA, that will be released in the summer of 2025. He has been featured on Dutch radio and television, performs on a daily basis at comedy clubs around Europe, and has even written a humorous segment for the bastion of primetime television comedy that is the Eurovision Song Contest. Tour support for Russell Howard, David Cross, Craig Conant, Tony Woods, Nimesh Patel, Max Amini, Mike Rice, and Vittorio Angelone. Information Source: Rogier Bak | eventbrite

Paul de Haas will be sharing insights and stories at the event "Paul de Haas vertelt: 'JIJ'" in Amsterdam. The event will take place at De Nieuwe Anita on 19th October 2025. Tickets are available for € 6,25 - € 12,50. Join the audience for an enlightening evening filled with engaging discussions and thought-provoking narratives. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique experience at this captivating event.

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of South Arcade at Amsterdam Bar & Hall in Saint Paul. Join us on October 22, 2025, at 6 W 6th St, MN, 55102 for an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the lively entertainment and unique offerings at this exciting event. Mark your calendars and don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind gathering in the heart of the city.