If you’re visiting the Netherlands in August 2025 — or lucky enough to live there — you’re in for a cultural treat. From wind-powered beach creatures to floating concerts and monumental textile sculptures, this month is packed with unique and inspiring events across the country.
Here’s a list of must-see cultural experiences happening this August curated by A Dutch Experience (ADE) — perfect for art lovers, music enthusiasts, theater fans, and curious explorers.
🌊 Strandbeest Beach Session – Theo Jansen
📍 The Hague
🗓️ After August 11, 2025
💸 Free admission
Dutch artist and inventor Theo Jansen is known worldwide for his lifelike “Strandbeests” — wind-powered kinetic sculptures that walk along the beach. His third public Beach Session of 2025 will take place sometime after August 11, depending on favorable wind conditions (WSW or NNE, force 3–4 Beaufort).
These live sessions showcase the latest developments of his mechanical creatures. You’ll have the chance to see them in motion and ask questions — all for free.
📢 Note: The exact date, time, and location will be announced just one day in advance, so check strandbeest.com for updates.
🎶 Grachtenfestival
📍 Amsterdam
🗓️ August 15 – 24, 2025
Amsterdam’s Grachtenfestival is one of the city’s most beloved music festivals, transforming canals, parks, museums, and courtyards into magical venues for classical music and jazz. This 10-day event features young talents and established musicians, with performances in both traditional and unexpected locations.
Whether you’re new to classical music or a devoted fan, this festival offers something memorable for everyone.
🎻 Prinsengrachtconcert
📍 Prinsengracht, Amsterdam
🗓️ August 23, 2025
💸 Free admission
One of the highlights of the Grachtenfestival — and arguably of the entire Dutch summer — is the Prinsengrachtconcert. This iconic open-air classical concert is held on a floating stage on the Prinsengracht canal, with hundreds of people watching from boats or canal-side seating.
It’s a truly enchanting experience — a summer night filled with music in the heart of Amsterdam.
🎭 Theaterfestival Boulevard
📍 ’s-Hertogenbosch
🗓️ August 7 – 17, 2025
The historic city of ’s-Hertogenbosch hosts Theaterfestival Boulevard, a dynamic international performing arts festival known for its bold, experimental, and intimate productions.
Expect theater, dance, and music at unusual venues — from rooftops and old buildings to outdoor plazas and classic theaters. The festival square in the city center is the lively beating heart of the event, where you’ll find food, drinks, and free performances.
🧻 CODA Paper Art 2025
📍 CODA Museum, Apeldoorn
🗓️ May 25 – November 2, 2025
If you’re a fan of design, sustainability, or innovative art, CODA Paper Art 2025 is a must-see. This major exhibition features 33 artists from the Netherlands and abroad, showcasing the potential of paper and cardboard through contemporary works that explore themes like identity, migration, and the intersection of tradition and technology (think origami meets AI).
To complement the exhibition, Tour de Papier, a walking and cycling route, takes visitors through the paper-making history of the Veluwe region.
🧵 Magdalena Abakanowicz – Everything is Made of Fiber
📍 Noordbrabants Museum, TextielMuseum & Provinciehuis Noord-Brabant
🗓️ April 18 – August 24, 2025
Step into the woven world of Magdalena Abakanowicz (1930–2017) — one of the most influential installation artists of the 20th century. Known for her monumental textile sculptures, Abakanowicz redefined the role of fiber in contemporary art.
This large-scale retrospective, spread across three locations in North Brabant, explores themes like nature, humanity, and materiality through her haunting, powerful works.
It’s a rare opportunity to see her complete body of work in one major exhibition.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re passionate about art, curious about kinetic sculptures, inspired by music, or simply want to explore the Dutch cultural landscape in all its summer glory, August 2025 offers unforgettable experiences across the Netherlands.
Pack your walking shoes, bring your curiosity, and get ready to dive into everything from floating concerts to fiber giants! Have a great summer break! Sending sunny greetings from the A Dutch Experience team.
#ADutchExperience #NetherlandsEvents #August2025 #Strandbeest #TheoJansen #Grachtenfestival #Prinsengrachtconcert #TheaterfestivalBoulevard #CODAPaperArt #MagdalenaAbakanowicz #DutchMuseums #VisitNetherlands #CulturalTravel
To access additional content, please create an account or log in. Once logged in, you can enjoy a richer experience on our platform.