This sublime cross-pollinating festival stages a staggering number of national and international productions which blur the boundaries between dance, drama, opera, visual arts, film and music. Festival centre is the architecturally-stunning Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, but few venues in the city are left untouched.
AMSTERDAM ROOTS FESTIVAL | www.amsterdamroots.nl
Due to erroneous funding cuts this annual world roots and culture event has been whittled down to one day – its free open-air festival in the Oosterpark. Still. It will be terrific!
BEELD VOOR BEELD | www.beeldvoorbeeld.nl
'Image by Image' is as an international documentary film festival for visual anthropology. Featuring many Dutch and world premières, it could include anything from a look at Papua New Guinea's trade in Betelnut, one of the most widely used narcotics in the world; zone in on the fate of asylum seekers; or focus on women's rights in Morocco.
ITs FESTIVAL | www.itsfestival.nl
For many young performers, the innovative ITs (International Theater School) festival serves as a bridge from their vocational training to the start of their professional careers. It also gives the public a great opportunity to preview the next generation of mime artists, dancers, choreographers and theatremakers from both the Netherlands and abroad. With originality and innovation encouraged, the performances are more often than not cutting-edge and controversial. It takes place predominantly within the charming venues along 'theatre street' Nes.
OPEN GARDEN DAYS | www.grachtenmusea.nl
Around 30 private gardens hidden behind 17th, 18th and 19th-century canal houses between the Brouwersgracht and Amstel – which are normally closed to the public – open on the third weekend in June each year. Stroll in and out of them at your leisure or pick up the free canal boat connecting them. Additional activities include wine-tasting and spontaneous classical music recitals.