Description
Picture this: you’re in Amsterdam, but not in the tourist-packed centre you might expect. You’re out on the edge of the city, somewhere that feels like a secret garden escape. Welcome to Bedrijfsfestival Amsterdam, part of UP Events. It isn’t your usual corporate event venue.
When I first heard “corporate festival,” I was skeptical. Those words don’t exactly scream “fun,” do they? But I was wrong. This place is the cool cousin of corporate events: it has the professionalism you need, with a proper dose of “let’s actually enjoy ourselves” thrown in.
The Gardens of West feels like another world. There are palm trees (in Amsterdam, can you believe it?), a beach (yes, in Amsterdam!), and room for up to 50,000 visitors a year. It’s a bit bonkers, in the best way.
And here’s the kicker: it isn’t just for big corporations with deep pockets. Whether you’re a small startup hoping to boost team morale or a multinational planning a huge party, they can help. You can customise the whole event to suit you, too.
Key Features
So, what makes Bedrijfsfestival Amsterdam special? Here are a few things:
1. Location, location, location: It’s in Amsterdam-West, away from the crowds but still easy to reach. And yes, there’s free parking. I had to double-check that one too.
2. Versatility: They can host anything from team-building exercises to full-scale festivals. Food trucks, tents, creative workshops: you name it, they’ve probably got it.
3. Activities galore: Ever played bubble football? You can give it a go here, alongside laser tag, beach volleyball, and something called “Expedition Robinson.” I’m not entirely sure what that involves, but it sounds pretty epic.
4. The beach: It bears repeating: a beach in Amsterdam, with palm trees. It feels like a little slice of the tropics in the Netherlands.
5. Packages for everyone: They offer three main festival packages, but you’re not limited to those. Want more music? More food? To record the whole event? They can tailor things to suit.
6. Year-round fun: In summer, it’s a beach escape. In winter, they turn the venue into a Winter Wonderland. Not a bad change of scene.
7. The “twist of the unexpected”: This is their signature touch. They like to surprise guests with unusual experiences, so no two events feel quite the same.
Best Time to Visit
Here’s the thing about timing a visit to Bedrijfsfestival Amsterdam: it works in every season. Still, the best time depends on what you’re planning.
Summer is the obvious favourite. The weather’s lovely, by Dutch standards, and you can make the most of the beach setup. Picture you and your colleagues sipping cocktails under the palm trees, playing beach volleyball, and pretending you’re in the Bahamas rather than just outside Amsterdam. Not bad, really.
But don’t rule out winter. Their Winter Wonderland theme sounds rather magical: a warm tent, hot cocoa, fairy lights, and team-building activities. It’s a bit like stepping into a Christmas card.
Spring and autumn can work nicely, too. The weather’s often mild, and you may miss the summer rush. Those in-between seasons also make a good moment to look back on the past and plan what’s next with your team.
A local tip: if you’re organising a big event, book early. The venue’s popular, and you don’t want to miss out because you left the reservation too late.
They also host more than company events, from New Year’s receptions and Christmas parties to summer festivals. So the best time to visit is whenever you’ve got something to celebrate. And these days, we could probably use any excuse.
How to Get There
Getting to this little escape is easier than you might think. When I first heard it was on the outskirts of Amsterdam, I assumed it’d be a hassle to reach. Not so.
If you’re driving, there’s free parking right in front of the venue. Free parking in Amsterdam is rare enough that I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. Just pop the address into your GPS and head over.
Prefer public transport? You’re still in good shape. Amsterdam’s transport network is handy, and you can take a train or bus from the city centre. Check the schedules before you set off, though. Nobody wants to arrive late to the party.
Or, if you’re up for a cycle, Amsterdam’s bike paths make it easy to ride out towards the western part of the city. You’ll arrive rosy-cheeked and feeling pretty pleased with yourself.
Coming from further afield? Schiphol Airport has connections to destinations across Europe and beyond. From there, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or continue by public transport.
One insider tip: if you’re unsure about the best route, give UP Events a call. The team’s friendly and can help you plan the trip, including the easiest ways to get there.
And don’t rush the journey. The outskirts of Amsterdam have their own charm, with neighbourhoods and glimpses of everyday Dutch life you might miss in the centre. Keep an eye out on the way to the festival; you never know what you’ll spot.
