Amsterdam's annual gay fest is a wicked cocktail of cultural and social events and has grown into one of the major events in the city: the parade alone, which takes place on the canals, attracts around a quarter of a million spectators. Highlights include street parties, festivities centered on the Homomonument and the parade itself.
GRACHTENFESTIVAL | www.grachtenfestival.nl
A terrific festival featuring a plethora of classical music concerts which take place on the spectacular IJ waterfront, in historic canalside locations or within the intimate confines of hidden gardens and roof terraces. Highlights include the concerts on the main floating stage on the Prinsengracht. Festival centres are Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ and the Felix Meritis (see Cultural Centres). To ferry the public between the locations, ticket holders can use public transport for free up to three hours before concerts and four hours afterwards.
HARTJESDAGEN | www.hartjesdagen.nl
An age-old tradition of cross-dressing, dating from the Middle Ages, is revived over the third weekend in August during the 'Festival of Hearts'. This cheekily irreverent event features street theatre and live music along the Zeedijk and on the Nieuwmarkt. Sunday sees the infamous cross-dressing parade when the 'Heart of the Zeedijk' is elected.
LANDJUWEEL FESTIVAL | www.ruigoord.nl
Now officially recognised as a so-called 'Broedplaats' (Incubator), the originally squatted village of Ruigoord just outside of Amsterdam is host to this peaceful gathering centred around August's full moon. The festival with an almost mediaeval atmosphere is organised by the infamous Amsterdam Balloon Company and features music, theatre, art, poetry, workshops, and children's events, annually drawing 'free, creative spirits' from all over the world from the cultural, arts or environmental sectors. It's like stepping back in time or tripping into the future.
More events in August 2012