Autumn is a beautiful season in Amsterdam. Time to go out and to enjoy the last warm rays of the sun, admire the colours and the messy streets. In 2020, because of Corona, it is even more recommended to spend time outside. Here are things to do in Amsterdam in autumn. For kids and adults. Indoor and outdoor.
Warming Up Festival 20 – 24 October 2021
A festival that is fun for kids and adults is Warming Up Festival. The festival takes place at Amsterdam’s Tolhuistuin, just a quick ferry across the IJ water. There is art, music, theatre, live podcasts and spoken word. (Mostly in Dutch). For kids there are workshops.
Stoll around the Amsterdam forest at night, 30 October 2021
Forests are most beautiful in autumn. The many colours of reds and yellow turn this part of the year into something special. But how about strolling around a forest at night? Crazy, but now you can try it during the Night of Night.
Every year, Dutch environmental organisations draw attention to light pollution by naming one night a year the Night of the Night. This year it is on October 30. Hundreds of buildings in the Netherlands join the event by turning off their lights.
The Amsterdamse Bos (forest) organises a special walk in the forest this night. For kids its is at 19.00 hours, adults hit the woods at 21.00 hours. More info on Amsterdamsebos.nl.
Country & Christmas Fair at Castle De Haar, 23 – 28 November 2021
Kasteel De Haar is a huge castle located between Amsteram and Utrecht. If you like to get into the Christmas spirit early, take a trip to this amazing castle between 22 and 29 November. The fair is located outside, so you don’t need a vaccine or testing proof. More details on Countrychristmasfair.nl.
Lunch and exhibition at Art et Amicitiae
Would like to experience something completely different? Arti et Amicitiae is a century-old Amsterdam artists society. The grand old building, partly in early 20th-century style Berlage, is located at the corner of Spui and Rokin, in the heart of the city.
Few people might know that Arti is actually open to the public every day from 12 to 17.00 hours. You may enjoy lunch here or visit an exhibition.
Doing the stuff with the thing, 8 – 24 October
There are regular exhibitions at Arti. From 8 to 24 October 2021 there is an exhibition at Arti showcasing four installations. The installations are made by artists Mayra Sérgio and Romy Yedidia. Entrance to Doing the stuff with thing is 3 euros.
IDFA Documentary Film Festival 17 – 28 November 2021
The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam IDFA is loaded with films, talks, and media projects. Many cinemas and film houses in Amsterdam take part. Fewer seats are available, so make sure you book your tickets for IDFA online ahead.
Eat an oliebol
The Spanish have churros, the Belgians have their waffles, the Dutch have oliebol. The oliebol, also known as Dutch Doughnut is basically a big ball of dough with raisins, deep-fried in hot oil.
Oliebollen are sold in the streets of Amsterdam at mobile stalls known as oliebollenkraam at stations and squares. The Dutch oliebol is traditionally eaten at New Year’s Eve, but they are available from autumn in Amsterdam.
I agree one of the 10 things to do in autumn is to swim in Zuederbad just to get away with the autumn fever.