What's On Amsterdam - April 2015

The Oasis of Matisse

Stedelijk Museum, 27 March - 16 August
The first Matisse retrospective shown in the Netherlands for 60 years, the Oasis of Matisse is also the largest ever exhibition of the artist's works in the country. Works by Henri Matisse are presented alongside those of his contemporaries as the exhibition is mixed with the permanent collection on the ground floor of the museum. The much-loved work The Parakeet and the Mermaid forms the centrepiece of the exhibition. Tickets start at EUR 15 and are available through the museum's website.
http://www.stedelijk.nl/en/

DGTL Festival

NDSM Wharf, 4 - 5 April
For fans of electronic music, the DGTL weekend festival that takes place on Amsterdam's NDSM Wharf is a huge draw for Amsterdam. The festival is spread over six stages, including one inside a giant former shipyard warehouse that makes for one of the largest indoor music venues in the city. Two campsites are available for the festival, in the nearby forest at Camping Vliegenbos or in the much sought after holiday chalets at Camp DGTL itself. Tickets start at EUR 49.50 and are available through the festival's website.
http://dgtl.nl

Paul Simon and Sting

Ziggo Dome, 18 April
Musical powerhouses Paul Simon and Sting return to Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome music venue for another date of their On Stage Together tour, since the first date in March sold out so quickly. The idea for the show came in 2013 when the two old friends played a benefit for the Robin Hood Foundation together. Following a successful tour of America, the legendary singer songwriters have brought their show with over 30 classic tunes to Europe. Doors open at 6pm and tickets starting from EUR 69 are available through the venue's website.
http://www.ziggodome.nl/

World Press Photo

Nieuwe Kerk, 18 April - 5 July
The World Press Photo event returns to Amsterdam's Nieuwe Kerk this month as the opening location of its world tour. The beautiful, historic setting of the Nieuwe Kerk makes the perfect backdrop for the powerful photographs presented. The images are presented as if floating in space thanks to an innovative display system developed for last year's exhibition. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 6pm and tickets cost EUR 10.
http://www.worldpressphoto.org/

Meibock Festival

Posthoornkerk, 19 April
A typically Dutch way to welcome the arrival of spring, the Meibock beer festival takes place in the Posthoornkerk on Amsterdam's Haarlemmerstraat. A must-see event for beer lovers, the festival presents an extensive range of draught and bottled bock beers. With their unique dark colour and intense flavours, these beers are sure to suit the palates of experienced beer lovers and enthusiastic newcomers alike. Tickets cost EUR 7 and include a souvenir glass.
http://www.pint.nl/

For details of more regular festivals and events in Amsterdam, including the world-famous King's Day celebrations, check out our Amsterdam Events page.