Amsterdam in April 2027: Best Exhibitions, Festivals, Markets & Cultural Events
Updated: Oct 30
Spring is in full swing in Amsterdam. Days are longer, the air becomes warmer, and flowers are in bloom across the Netherlands. April also marks Kings Day, the world-famous birthday party and one of the most vibrant cultural seasons in the city.
If you're planning a trip to Amsterdam in April 2027, you'll find a city buzzing with art exhibitions, markets, music performances, festivals, and cultural experiences.
Whether you love fine art, coffee, food, photography, street parties or spring flowers, Amsterdam offers something memorable this month.
Keukenhof Gardens – The Most Beautiful Spring Garden in the World
One of the most spectacular seasonal attractions in the Netherlands, the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens opens its gates for just a short time every year.
Located about 40 minutes from Amsterdam, the gardens feature millions of blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring flowers, along with lakes, tree-lined paths, pavilions, and stunning floral displays.
While tulip season peaks in April, visiting in late March can actually be ideal, as the gardens are less crowded and many early spring flowers are already blooming.
2026 Opening Dates:
📅 March 18 – May 09, 2027
Best Times to Visit
From years of experience guiding visitors, the best times are:
Early morning (right after opening)
Late afternoon before closing
These times help avoid the largest tour crowds.
I strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.
👉🏼 If you're planning to explore using trains and buses, read: How to Use Public Transportation in the Netherlands
The Dutch Spring Celebration: The Flower Parade (Bloemencorso)
There are rare moments when nature and art merge into something extraordinary, and the annual Dutch Flower Parade is undoubtedly the pinnacle of that union. This cherished tradition, crafted by hundreds of devoted volunteers, transforms thousands of tulips, daffodils, and fragrant hyacinths into monumental floral floats. For the traveler seeking elegance, beauty, and authenticity, witnessing these breathtaking creations is a memory that lasts a lifetime.
To ensure your spring getaway is seamless and easy, I’ve curated the most comfortable ways to experience this iconic event — from reserved grandstand seating to thoughtfully designed tours that combine an authentic flower farm with the magic of the illuminated parade.
The Complete Spring Experience
Includes entrance to the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens, round-trip transportation from Amsterdam, and a reserved grandstand seat for prime parade viewing.
📅 Saturday, April 17, 2027
Make It a Full Day Trip
Many travelers combine Keukenhof with other classic Dutch experiences such as:
• Visiting tulip farms
• A boat cruise past traditional windmills
• Exploring the historic city of Delft
👉🏼If you'd like help planning a private Keukenhof and countryside tour, feel free to contact me.
King’s Day 2027 (Koningsdag)
King’s Day, celebrating the birthday of the Dutch monarch, is the largest national holiday in the Netherlands. Amsterdam transforms into a sea of orange, with street markets, canal parties, and music throughout the city.
📅 April 27, 2027
Please note that many shops and attractions close on this day. Because King’s Day falls during peak tulip season — combined with Easter holidays and Keukenhof’s opening — this is one of the busiest tourism periods of the year.
To avoid disappointment, book hotels, museum tickets, private tours, and restaurant reservations well in advance.
👉🏼 Read more: King’s Day in Amsterdam – What to Expect and How to Plan
👉🏼 Planning your stay? Read: How to Choose the Perfect Hotel in Amsterdam
Best Museums and Art Exhibitions in Amsterdam (April 2027)
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s great museum cities. Here are some of the most interesting exhibitions and cultural experiences happening in April 2026.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands, is dedicated to Dutch art and history.
Located on Museum Square, it displays more than 8,000 artworks and historical objects, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals.
Temporary Exhibition
The Art of Drawing – This exhibition explores the revolutionary transformation of drawing techniques in the Northern Netherlands around 1600, highlighting the expanding range of materials, techniques, and subjects used by artists of the period. Featuring more than 100 works from leading European and American collections, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to trace the evolution of drawing as an artistic medium. Later this year, the exhibition will travel to the Morgan Library & Museum in New York.
📅 Exhibition dates: February 12, 2027 - May 23, 2027
Van Gogh Museum
Dedicated to Vincent van Gogh, this museum holds the largest collection of his paintings and drawings in the world. It also showcases works by artists who influenced him or were influenced by him.
Temporary Exhibition
Eva Gonzalès Retrospective
The first-ever major museum retrospective dedicated to French artist Eva Gonzalès, showcasing her delicate paintings and pastels. Organized in collaboration with the Petit Palais in Paris, this exhibition spotlights her short but ambitious career and her unique position as Édouard Manet’s only formal student.
📅 February 12 – June 20, 2027
Stedelijk Museum
Amsterdam’s museum of modern and contemporary art and design, covering works from the late 19th century to the present. Artists featured in the permanent collection include Piet Mondrian, Kazimir Malevich and Karel Appel.
Temporary Exhibition
Luc Tuymans: Silent Music
This highly anticipated survey brings together nearly 60 paintings inside the museum's historic core. Using a signature muted color palette, Tuymans’ distinct style explores colonial memories, the uncanny, and modern political anxieties.
📅 March 6 – July 11, 2027
H’ART Museum (Former Hermitage Amsterdam)
This museum hosts rotating international exhibitions.
Current Exhibition
Feminine Power
Organized in collaboration with the British Museum, this spectacular exhibition explores the profound and diverse power of goddesses, witches, female saints, and spirits across global belief systems. Spanning diverse cultures and eras, it provides a fascinating look at how female authority and divinity have shaped human history.
📅 Spring – Summer 2027
Rembrandt House Museum
Step inside the house where Rembrandt lived and worked during the height of his fame in the Dutch Golden Age.
Visitors can explore:
Rembrandt’s reconstructed studio
Etchings and drawings
Works by his students
Temporary Exhibition
Rembrandt’s Craftsmanship
This specialized exhibition provides an intimate look into the physical techniques, materials, and secrets behind the master's studio work. Staged directly inside his historic home, it showcases the rigorous methods and artistic genius that defined the Dutch Golden Age.
📅 January 22 – June 6, 2027
Foam Photography Museum
One of Europe’s leading photography museums, Foam presents four rotating exhibitions at a time, featuring both emerging and internationally known photographers.
👉🏼 Photography enthusiast and planning your visit? Read: my photography category posts here.
National Maritime Museum
A fascinating museum dedicated to Dutch maritime history.
Highlights include:
historic maps
ship models
maritime artifacts
a full replica of a Dutch East India Company ship
Royal Palace Amsterdam (Dam Square)
Still used by the Dutch Royal Family for official state events, this magnificent 17th-century palace is open to visitors when not in official use.
Nieuwe Kerk (The New Church)
Temporary Exhibition
Queer Amsterdam: The Pink City
Staged inside the historic church on Dam Square, this major cultural exhibition chronicles four centuries of LGBTQIA+ history, resilience, and activism in Amsterdam. Designed in collaboration with community archives, the showcase features over 90 historic objects and powerful personal stories tracking the city's journey toward love and liberation.
📅 July 9, 2026 – April 4, 2027
Museum of the Canals
An interactive museum located inside a 17th-century canal house, telling the story of how Amsterdam’s iconic canal ring was built.
Eye Filmmuseum
Amsterdam’s stunning museum of film and cinema.
Temporary Exhibition
Chantal Akerman: Her Brilliant Dark
Co-produced with the Chantal Akerman Foundation, this profound exhibition brings together the iconic feminist filmmaker's groundbreaking spatial installations and films to explore the raw visual memory of historical trauma and everyday domesticity.
📅 January 24 – April 18, 2027
The Jewish Cultural Quarter of Amsterdam
In the heart of historic Amsterdam, the Jewish Cultural Quarter brings centuries of resilience, faith, and cultural brilliance to life. This moving collection of sites offers an intimate look at Jewish history in the Netherlands — from the grandeur of the Portuguese Synagogue to powerful stories of survival and heritage.
For a truly meaningful visit, I strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance and arranging a private guided tour to fully understand the depth, historical context, and personal stories behind these remarkable landmarks.
Jewish Museum
Located in a former synagogue complex, the Jewish Museum explores Jewish history and culture in the Netherlands through multimedia presentations, art, and photography.
Unique Attractions to Visit in Amsterdam
If you’re looking for something beyond traditional museums:
Body Worlds Amsterdam
A fascinating exhibition exploring the human body using preserved anatomical specimens.
STRAAT Museum – Street Art
The largest street art museum in the world, located in a former shipyard warehouse.
Moco Museum
A popular museum showcasing works by artists such as:
Banksy
Andy Warhol
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Yayoi Kusama
Banksy Museum Amsterdam
A newer museum dedicated to the mysterious British street artist Banksy, featuring over 160 artworks and recreated murals.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Amsterdam
(Great for Visiting with kids or Grandkids especially on a rainy day)
Fabrique des Lumières – Immersive Digital Art
Fabrique des Lumières presents stunning immersive exhibitions blending classical, modern, and contemporary art with advanced projection technology, light, and music.
🎟️ Main Exhibition: Buy tickets for the “Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo - The Renaissance Masters” video art experience
🎟️ Dutch Masters: Buy tickets for the “From Vermeer to Van Gogh” video art experience
A visually spectacular experience for art lovers of all ages.
📅 Ongoing exhibition
Rembrandt Immersive Experience
Located not far from Leidseplein, this multimedia exhibition explores the life and artistic world of Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age.
The experience includes an immersive video installation and a reconstruction of Rembrandt’s studio on the Rozengracht, offering visitors a glimpse into his creative process.
📅 Ongoing exhibition
Nxt Museum – Digital & Media Art
The Nxt Museum is the Netherlands’ first museum dedicated entirely to new media art.
This innovative museum blends art, technology, light installations, and digital storytelling, creating a fascinating experience that appeals to both art lovers and younger visitors.
Expect immersive video installations, light projections, and interactive exhibits that explore the intersection between creativity and technology.
Amaze Amsterdam
Located in a former industrial nightclub in Amsterdam’s western harbor district, Amaze Amsterdam is a fully immersive audio-visual experience.
The attraction spans 3,000 square meters and eight different stages, combining music, light, visual art, and interactive environments designed to stimulate the senses.
The experience lasts about an hour and moves visitors through a series of unique sensory environments — from energetic and playful to calming and atmospheric.
WONDR Experience
A colorful and playful immersive attraction featuring 15 themed rooms designed for fun and creativity.
Visitors can explore rooms filled with disco balls, oversized installations, a life-size dollhouse, and playful karaoke booths.
It’s an especially enjoyable stop for families traveling with children or teenagers, and it’s one of Amsterdam’s most entertaining interactive experiences.
The Upside Down Museum Amsterdam
One of Amsterdam’s largest interactive museums, designed around optical illusions and surreal environments.
The museum features upside-down rooms, playful installations, and visually striking spaces that invite visitors to explore and take memorable photos.
It’s a lighthearted and entertaining experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.
👉🏼 You may also enjoy reading: Amsterdam with Kids and Teens – Family Travel Guide
Festivals, Performances & Art Fairs – April 2027
Amsterdam Tulip Festival
Throughout the month of April, the city of Amsterdam plants and displays tulips across public spaces — along canals, bridges, parks, shopping areas, and neighborhood gardens.
📅 All of April
A beautiful complement to your visit to Keukenhof and the Flower Parade.
Supperclub Night Experience
Supperclub offers immersive dining and live performances in an energetic, theatrical setting for guests 21+. A unique evening experience blending music, art, and fine dining.
📅 Thursdays–Saturdays
Kunst RAI 2027
An international modern and contemporary art fair featuring approximately 100 galleries from the Netherlands and around the world. Held at the RAI Convention Center, it showcases contemporary painting, photography, vintage design, post-war art, and rare art books.
📅 April 21–25, 2027
Amsterdam Coffee Festival
A celebration of coffee culture featuring gourmet food stands, tastings with some of Europe’s top baristas, live music, art, and industry showcases. Held at NDSM Wharf.
📅 April 8–10, 2027 🎟️ Paid entry
Kingsland Festival
The largest King’s Day music festival in the Netherlands, held at the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam. Expect house, techno, urban music, and an electrifying atmosphere.
📅 April 27, 2027 🎟️ Paid entry
The MezJam
This lively bimonthly cultural gathering transforms the city's premier storytelling hub into a massive, interactive global arts and music festival. It brings together an eclectic mix of international visual storytellers, spoken word artists, and world musicians for improvisational cross-cultural performances.
📅 April 11, 2027
📍 Location: Mezrab
Best Weekend Markets in Amsterdam – April 2027
Pure Markt
A high-quality food market featuring some of the best artisanal food producers in the Netherlands.
📍Amstelpark 📅 April 11, 2027
📍Frankendael Park 📅 April 25, 2027
🕚 11:00–18:00
IJ-Hallen Flea Market
One of the largest flea markets in Europe, with hundreds of stalls selling vintage items, antiques, clothing, and collectibles.
📍 Amsterdam Noord
📅 April 10-11, 2027
🕚 09:00–16:30
Sunday Market
A lively market selling fashion, jewelry, design, art, and food.
📍Westergas 📅 April 4, 2027
📍Rokin 📅 April 26, 2026
🕚 12:00–18:00
Museumplein Market
A charming Sunday market offering art, handmade goods, food, and live music.
📅 April 18, 2027
🕚 10:00–18:00
Planning a Trip to Amsterdam?
If you're visiting Amsterdam in April and want to experience the Netherlands beyond the typical tourist itinerary, I offer:
✔️ Private guided tours in Amsterdam
✔️ Museum tours led by a licensed guide
✔️ Custom travel itinerary planning
✔️ Private countryside day trips
These experiences are especially popular during tulip season.
While writing the post, I am checking the information, but dates may change and events may be canceled at short notice.
A quick note: bookings made through the link may earn me a small commission. Thank you for the support 🫶🏼
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