Events in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's music scene is anchored by two legendary mid-sized venues: Paradiso, a converted church in Leidseplein, and Melkweg (Milky Way) right next door. Both have hosted virtually every major rock, pop, electronic and world music act of the last 50 years.

The underground electronic music scene extends far beyond those landmarks. Shelter Amsterdam beneath the A'DAM Tower, BRET in Noord, and smaller warehouse venues across the Amstel riverbanks host techno and house nights that continue well into Sunday morning. Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), held each October, draws 400,000+ visitors across 200+ venues.

Jazz has deep roots here, with the Bimhuis waterfront venue as the international benchmark. The Red Light District's bars and the Jordaan neighbourhood's brown cafés sustain a more casual live music culture year-round. Hip hop and RnB events are growing rapidly, particularly in Noord and the Bijlmer.