Coalition of business associations, residents, cultural creators and community organisations are organising a neighbourhood festival that the diversity of the offers of the old town.

On Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June 2026, the fourth edition of the Wallen Festival will take place: a festive and versatile neighbourhood festival where residents, entrepreneurs, cultural institutions and social organisations will jointly showcase the richness of the old city centre. The festival offers a varied programme of performances, guided tours, workshops, tastings and encounters – at almost 100 locations spread across the Wallen and Nieuwmarktbuurt.

Oldest and most versatile neighbourhood in the city

The old city centre is the oldest and one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in Amsterdam. The Wallen Festival invites Amsterdam residents to (re)discover the neighbourhood. The festival is a joint initiative of the six business associations (BIZ-zen), residents, cultural creators (united in Culturele Wallen) and social partners, with the aim of letting Amsterdam residents experience this diversity.

Colourful programme

The programme for the Wallen Festival has been put together by residents, entrepreneurs, and cultural creators. As a result, the offering is as varied and quirky as the neighbourhood itself. For example, you can create your own Wallen Festival cocktail on the Zeedijk, enjoy live music and poetry readings in the medieval inner courtyard on Bethaniënstraat, take a peek inside a brothel on Oudezijds Achterburgwal, and row through the canals with rowing club ’t Juiste Tuig. Additionally, on Saturday, there's a special Wallen tour led by Tom Jongbloed from the popular vlog series 'Ommetje met Tom', and residents will welcome visitors into their own homes, sharing their personal perspectives on the district.

Personal route and free entry

Using the programme booklet (including map and schedule), festival-goers can plot their own route. On both festival days, Rembrandthuis Museum, the Old Church and the exhibition at Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder are freely accessible upon presentation of the festival’s programme booklet.

Practical Information

• Date: Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June 2025

• Time Most locations are open from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Programme items take place at specific times, as can be found in the timetable in the programme booklet.

• Locations Spread across the Red Light District and through the Nieuwmarkt neighbourhood, in the old city centre of Amsterdam

• Access Almost all activities are free to access. For some programme items, advance registration is required. This can be done via this link.

• Programme booklet (including map and timetable): Here digitally available. Additionally, pick up at the Wallen Festival market stall on Nieuwmarkt on 5 and 6 July and at all participating locations.

• Instagram @wallenfestival