If you’re after Amsterdam’s best concerts, gigs and parties, look no further than this; our curated and comprehensive overview of the month’s most worthwhile musical and nightlife events.*
Alexandra Csaky
Editorial Contributor. Avid media consumer, proud owner of too many Star Wars trinkets, and always craving something sweet and salty.
CONCERTS & GIGS
Inhaler
For fans of: Arctic Monkeys, Sam Fender
The Dublin-born quartet, known for their signature indie rock sound are heading to the Ziggo Dome to celebrate their third album. This time, they’ve stepped out of their comfort zone to explore a shinier, poppier sound, but don’t worry, the catchy hooks and groovy guitars remain. With support from 2010s indie darlings Blossoms, you’re in for a great night out.
Saturday 10 May | doors open 19:00 | Ziggo Dome | tickets here
Stereolab
For fans of: Broadcast, Massive Attack
The Channel-hopping and genre-blending Stereolab are set to deliver a textured, lush performance at Paradiso at the end of May, just a week after releasing their first new album in 15 years. From breezy bossa nova and pulsing Krautrock rhythms to hints of grunge, their retro-futuristic sound has made them one of the most influential bands of their era.
Saturday 31 May | doors open 19:00 | Paradiso – Main Hall | tickets here
Mannequin Pussy
For fans of: Hole, The Breeders
Mannequin Pussy have always had a softer edge to their punk sound, but with their fourth album, I Got Heaven, they lean into it more than ever, walking the thin line between rage and desire to create something cathartic. With a Pixies-esque knack for the soft-loud dynamic, a set of truly addictive songs and a raw stage presence, it’s hard to imagine catching them in a venue as intimate as Tolhuistuin again.
Saturday 31 May | doors open 19:30 | Tolhuistuin | tickets here
Elias Rønnenfelt
For fans of: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Leonard Cohen
Best known as the magnetic frontman of Danish punk outfit Iceage, Elias Rønnenfelt reveals his sweetest and twangiest self on his solo debut. Performing at OT301, the once self-proclaimed “Lord’s favourite” returns to earth with tender, visceral lyricism on the world around him and, of course, on love, as any true crooner would.
Wednesday 21 May | doors open 20:00 | OT301 | tickets here
The Brian Jonestown Massacre
For fans: The Dandy Warhols, The Doors
Image from Bradley
The Brian Jonestown Massacre may sound sinister, but it’s all cheeky irreverence with a cult following to match. Fronted by the enigmatic Anton Newcombe and backed by a history wild enough to warrant its own documentary (“Dig!” for anyone curious), they’re bringing their shoegazey, psychedelic sound, and perhaps a bit of chaos to our very own Milky Way at Melkweg.
Wednesday 21 May | doors open 19:00 | Melkweg | tickets here
Inna
For fans of: Shakira, David Guetta
Romanian sensation INNA transforms AFAS Live into a full-blown bash with her fusion of Europop sparkle, sultry Latin flavour and techno drops. It’s not just a concert, it’s a hip-swinging, hand-raising 2010s party straight off a European beach.
Monday 5 May | doors open 20:15 | AFAS Live | tickets here
Steve Coleman and the Five Elements
For fans of: experimental jazz
Saxophonist and composer Steve Coleman touches down at Bimhuis with his ensemble, Five Elements, for a night of jazz that bends space and time. A pioneer of the M-Base movement, Coleman mixes complex rhythms, improvisation and influences from funk, soul and hip-hop to push the boundaries of jazz as we know it.
Monday 5 May | doors open 20:30 | Bimhuis | tickets here
CLUBBING & FESTIVALS
Peel
If you like: getting lost in techno beats
The quirky der Hintergarten, decked out in repurposed shipping containers, is playing host to the launch party of Peel. With a no camera policy, you’re welcomed to shed the mundane and lose yourself in techno haven from 3PM to 1AM.
Sunday 4 May | 15:00 – 01:00 | Der Hintergarten |tickets here
BOPS
If you like: scream-singing to pop anthems
A cornerstone of Amsterdam’s queer scene, BOPS is back, lighting up The Other Side. With an infectious mix of pop, disco, and house, expect a night of unapologetic sing-alongs, hair-flipping and lingering glitter.
Friday 10 May | 23:00 – 05:00 | The Other Side |tickets here
Liberation Day FESTIVAL: by Boogie House and Mossel&Gin
If you like: Public holidays, live music and gin & tonics
After a run of standout events, Amsterdam’s own Boogie House is teaming up with Mossel & Gin to take over their iconic Liberation Day festival. Get ready for a blend of electronic beats, hip-hop energy, live saxophones, and, of course, plenty of gin & tonics to keep you dancing all day.