Performers go under bridges, on vehicles and other spots for the festival. Photo: Netherlands Tourism
Bizzare? Yes.
A bit strange? Of course.
Entertaining? Absolutely.
If you are in Amsterdam first of September, you may be seeing things that will turn your head in amazement and cause you to get a puzzled look on your face. Yes, even in Amsterdam, where seeing odd thigs is, well, normal.
But don’t worry, it’s just the Amsterdam Fringe Festival (Sept. 4-14 in 2025). It is, according to its website, an “ode to theatrical madness, the independent spirit and a plea for artistic freedom. A thick, intimate embrace of experimentation in the truest sense of the word: one whose outcome may yet truly surprise you.” It features artists performing mini plays or acts all over town. It takes place in the back the streets, theaters, basements and other locations in Amsterdam with innovative, experimental, bold and unique productions. It goes from 1800 until 2300, on weekdays and 1500 to 2300 on weekends.
Performance locations include theaters, under bridges, from balconies & on vehicles – motorized or otherwise. Discover the outskirts of Amsterdam in and around Paradiso, Melkweg, Theater Bellevue, Rozentheater, Fijnhouttheater, Perdu, Ostadetheater, The Balie, Veemvloer, Nieuwe Anita, Parooltheater, Sugar Factory, Zaal 100, Coffee Company, StayOkay and many more locations.
The Fringe is the best theatrical celebration of Amsterdam. Through an open application, 60 groups compete for the attention of the audience and of course for the Fringe Award.
The event takes place in the fringes of the Dutch Theatre Festival and was created 20 years ago in response to the official (selected by a jury) theater festival.
The Amsterdam Fringe Festival is based on the famous and successful and popular Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Adelaide, New York and Dublin. The subject matter for artists is definitely on the “fringe” (thus the name) and the public is invited to join artists on their “adventures.” Performances are raw, political or are on the cutting edge.
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#amsterdam