01/10/2026
Amsterdam in October
As the leaves start to turn and autumn settles over the city, October is a beautiful time to experience Amsterdam. Take a stroll through its streets and neighbourhoods, explore its historic canals and visit the many museums the city has to offer.
1-4 October Camera Japan Festival
Discover the many facets of Japan at CAMERA JAPAN Festival, the largest Japanese film festival in the Benelux. Alongside Japanese arthouse, animation, and classic films, the festival celebrates Japanese culture through art, music, dance and food.
10 October Grachtenrace
The Amsterdam Grachtenrace is a sporting event for rowing teams from Amsterdam and beyond. More than 135 teams take on a challenging 25-kilometre rowing race through the heart of the city, passing under bridges and through Amsterdam’s historic canals.
17-18 October TCS Amsterdam Marathon
On Saturday, 17 October, the programme includes the Amsterdam City Walk, Kids Run, Heroes Run and 7.5K, as well as the Marathon Expo at RAI Amsterdam.
On Sunday, 18 October, runners take on the TCS Amsterdam Marathon and Mizuno Half Marathon. The marathon route passes several of Amsterdam’s landmarks, including the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark, before finishing at the Olympic Stadium.
21-25 October ADE
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) bringing electronic music to venues across the city. With more than 1,200 events taking place at over 300 venues, the programme includes club nights, live performances, daytime events and cultural programmes. Alongside the festival, ADE also hosts a conference for music professionals from around the world.
31 October Halloween
Halloween in Amsterdam has something for all ages. Families can enjoy pumpkin carving, costumes and trick-or-treating at events such as the Kids Halloween Costume Ball or the Halloween Weekend at the Pluktuin in Amstelveen. For adults, the city comes alive after dark with themed parties and events, including Amsterdam Halloween: The Ring at WesterUnie and Halloween nights at venues across the city.