Ten late-summer days. Dozens of waterside stages. Amsterdam transforms its UNESCO-listed canal belt into a city-wide concert hall each August, and 2025 is an extra special year.
Quick facts (save this)
- When: August 15–24, 2025 (10 days)
- Where: Across Amsterdam (90–95+ venues citywide)
- What: The Netherlands’ largest classical-music festival, with jazz and genre-crossovers too, focused on young talent (≤35).
- 2025 theme: Water — programmed into venues and repertoire (think Handel’s Water Music).
- Big year: Part of Amsterdam 750; the festival pledges 750 stages for young talent during this edition.
Why the Grachtenfestival is different
Born in 1998, the Grachtenfestival puts the next generation of stars on extraordinary stages — from hidden gardens and historic churches to quays, rooftops, and floating pontoons — at accessible prices (many shows are free). It’s a discovery engine as much as a festival.
2025 highlights at a glance
Opening Night (Fri, Aug 15)
A celebratory opener at KIT – Royal Tropical Institute brings Artist in Residence Takehiro Konoe, the Grachtenfestival Ensemble, and the Chris Muller Bigband together — a signal of the year’s Water theme and classical-meets-jazz energy.
Artist in Residence: Takehiro Konoe
Violist Takehiro Konoe — winner of the 2024 Grachtenfestival Prize — curates programs throughout the week and anchors the festival’s closing night. Follow his trail to hear standout chamber collaborations.
The Prinsengrachtconcert (Sat, Aug 23)
The free, open-air show on the Prinsengracht is the festival’s crown jewel. Amsterdam Sinfonietta headlines with guests John Holiday (countertenor) and Lucie Horsch (recorder). Timings: Kids’ concert 15:00, support 20:00, main 21:20 — live-broadcast nationally each year and closing, tradition-style, with “Aan de Amsterdamse grachten.”
Junior Grachtenfestival (family picks)
Interactive concerts, workshops, and baby shows run across multiple days (look for Vondelparkpaviljoen, Felix Meritis, and neighborhood green spaces). Great entry point for kids and new listeners.
How big is “big” this year?
Expect ~150 concerts across ~90 venues citywide — from Weesp and Noord to Centrum and Zuid — with many neighborhood events free to attend.
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Plan your visit
Tickets, pricing & passes
- Where to book: All shows are listed on the official program; the program rolls out and sales open in early July. Some entries initially display €0.00 as a placeholder — the final price shows at checkout; many concerts truly are free (some require a free reservation).
- Discounts: Watch for Podiumpas and VIP-KAART (VriendenLoterij) options — e.g., the VIP-KAART offers 50% off select events including the opener (limited inventory).
Getting around
- Walk or bike within the canal ring for back-to-back shows.
- GVB trams/metro/buses connect farther venues; free ferries from behind Central Station zip you to Amsterdam-Noord (EYE/Tolhuistuin area). (I amsterdam)
Attending by boat (read before you book)
For the Prinsengrachtconcert, regular viewing is free from bridges and quays. Boats require advance registration (lottery for limited boat spots; registration windows open in spring). If you’re boating, arrive hours early to secure a position and keep the sound down once the music starts.
See Related: Insider Secrets for Exploring Amsterdam on a Shoestring: Your Ultimate Budget-Friendly Guide
Where the music happens (and why it matters)
- On the water: Floating stages and harbor quays embody the Water theme.
- Historic & monumental: Westerkerk, canal houses, and major museums (Royal Palace, ARTIS Planetarium, Fabrique des Lumières) become intimate halls.
- Modern & unexpected: Rooftops (NEMO), design gems, even working spaces, and ferries.
This city-as-stage approach is the Grachtenfestival’s magic trick — music + architecture + place.
Curated mini-itineraries
1. The Classicist
Anchor days around Westerkerk/Posthoornkerk chamber sets and museum halls (Maritime Museum, Van Gogh). Slot in an evening with the Grachtenfestival Ensemble performing Handel’s Water Music to stay on-theme.
2. The Jazz Explorer
Hunt the Jazz Gems series, cozy hotel-bar duos, and late sets at unique venues. Keep an eye out for big-band energy linked to the opener and jazz-hip-hop crossovers later in the week.
3. The Adventurous Listener
Pick the surprising spaces — pumping stations, rooftops, neighborhood parks — and global-meets-classical programs (world-influenced chamber groups, contemporary commissions).
Practical tips
- Book anchors early; leave space to wander. High-demand sets sell out. Spontaneous neighborhood shows are half the fun.
- Layer up after sunset. Amsterdam evenings cool quickly on the water.
- Filter by district & accessibility. Use program filters to target neighborhoods and wheelchair-friendly venues.
- For the Prinsengrachtconcert: Land spots near the Pulitzer Amsterdam frontage go first; plan your route and pack patience.
See Related: Iconic Amsterdam Canals
Frequently asked questions
Is the Grachtenfestival free?
Many concerts are free; others are low-priced. Some free events still require a reservation — always check the event page.
Where is the Prinsengrachtconcert?
On a floating stage on the Prinsengracht (by the Pulitzer). It’s free from the bank/bridges; boat access is limited by lottery/registration.
Who’s the 2025 Artist in Residence?
Takehiro Konoe (viola), curating multiple programs and appearing at the opener and finale.
How many concerts/venues in 2025?
Roughly 150 concerts across ~90–95 locations citywide.
What’s special about 2025?
The Water theme and Amsterdam 750. The festival aims to present 750 performances by young talent this edition.