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Amsterdam Light Festival Presents

In case you’ve been browsing around Amsterdam and wondering what those beautiful colorful art installations around the city are, we’re happy to share the news with you. Our cozy city is proud to host the fifth annual Light Festival that celebrates art, light and festive holidays. As a matter of fact this year edition celebrates Amsterdam itself with a new theme “A view on Amsterdam” with city being the canvas for artists. These talented creators bring on new ideas on its look and interpret various visions on Amsterdam through their stunning art pieces.imgp2727-4huge-1448445450

Water Colors

What are the water colors of the canals of our charming town? Well, this season (all the way until 22 January 2017!) the water becomes alive with all the rainbow colors (including the rainbow installation itself). Some of the artworks can be seen from the shore, like Wolfert’s dog that marked the foundation of Amsterdam according to the legend or the nest that inspires organic architecture and reevaluation of the idea of home. Other pieces can be admired better from the water, for example illusive three-dimensional houses, which turn out to be just unbelievable flat lines of lights or the dangerous love zone that underlines the contemporary status of love. The most magnificent pieces are the brightest colorful tulips that you can ever imagine (and right in the middle of the canal!), the flower strip full of lilacs on the water and of course the brightly lit bicycles that are falling into the water as a symbol of 15 000 bikes that gets fished out of Amsterdam canals annually.

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We chose KINboat tour

We were lucky to be on the Amsterdam Light Festival tour with KINboat that impressed us with their laid-back guides and a nice vibe on board. It is a friendly company that operates smaller boats allowing for a more personal experience and communication with like-minded people.  So not only you get to enjoy an amazing view of the canals and light art, but also meet local guides who are passionate about their city, ready to crack a funny joke and tell a personal story. If you’re a bit more introverted and find communication with strangers difficult, KINboat will melt the ice with a cup of hot gluhwein or chocolate. Yes, alcohol is included! And it makes the perception of night Amsterdam even better.kinboat31

How great it was to discover that the boat had a 360 degrees overview of the water and leaning Dutch houses dancing in the lights of the art pieces. We could choose between inside seating and being covered against wind and rain or being outside on the deck with a spot for taking perfect pictures.  In addition, it happened to be a silent 100% electric and green boat, which made our experience more environmentally friendly and sustainable. We couldn’t believe that the tour was over, as 75 minutes flew by making us want to come back and explore more with KINboat guys.fountain

Fancy a walk?

If you’re not into looking at Amsterdam from below the ground level (although it’s stunning!), then Illuminade is the right part of the Light Festival for you. Enjoy a long evening walk around the magical city admiring the outdoor exhibition presented to you by local and international artists. 23 light art pieces are waiting for you to see Amsterdam in a different dimension (sometimes you can even walk through them!). This year walking route’s theme is biomimicry that brings nature to solve problems of humans. The best news is that you can enjoy this charming walk for FREE till 8 January 2017, just grab your map and good company.memories

Watch the green flying pigs in a tree (no, you don’t need to smoke to see them!) being a symbol of positivism and recycling, or find an illuminated glass house activated through your voice that would make you feel surreal, or dance with the light trees connecting with nature and art. Your opportunities are endless and will surprise you with each artwork you pass: just think about the flowering phantasm opening its petals with you movement or light waves that operate with the help of the wind and make you think about sustainable energy.net

Top 7 Music Festivals in Amsterdam July 2016

The summer has finally come to Amsterdam, and it means that the season of awesome music festivals is open! You would never be able to attend them all, but choose the best ones for yourself and let your feet dance till the sunrise or sunset! Experience the joy of music and dance, meet the most interesting crowd, feel the positive vibe and party till you drop!

4O UP ZOMER FESTIVAL

Who said that festivals are only for the youngest? If you prefer the tunes from the past, then this festival is just for you with its soul and disco kings The Trammps and George McCrae, disco queens Sister Sledge, pop star Bananarama and legendary Robin S. Share your love for retro music, enjoy some theater and indulge yourself to good festival food.

Date: 9 July

Place: Arena Park

Tickets: €37,50

THE SOCIAL GARDEN

This festival is more cozy, intimate and has a special family atmosphere, maybe due to its nice location. The music mix is so diverse here and represented by house, reggae, pop, R&B and hip-hop, which will carry you away easily. The lineup is impressive with artists such as Aeroplane, DJ Kon, The Flexican, Super Social, Darius, Donnie, Wantigga, Boehmer and more.

Date: 16 July

Place: Nieuwe Meer

Final tickets: €32,50

A DAY AT THE PARK

Have a great day at the park with lots of entertainment provided by this electronic music festival. Whether you like deep house, techno, progressive house or disco, you can find them all here with such DJs and artists as The Magician, Rudimental, Tachnasia, DJ Real El Canario, The Him, Faze Action and others.

Date: 16 July

Place: Amsterdamse Bos

Tickets: €49

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ELECTRONIC FAMILY

The name of this festival talks for itself, so expect lots and lots of trippy trance music. Actually it’s one of largest outdoor trance festivals in Europe with its four stages in the forest of Amsterdam this year. It’s a must attend event this summer for the fans of Cosmic Gate, Ferry Corsten, Andrew Rayel, Markus Schulz, Gouryella and Khomha.

Date: 23 July

Place: Amsterdamse Bos

Tickets: €49

WONDERLAND FESTIVAL OUTDOOR

Prepare yourself for the stunning sound of techno and house and something secret at this festival with 3 music areas. The third one will remain a surprise till the very end with a special lineup. The known exciting names are Ansome Live, UVB, ROD & Tripeo, Dekmantel Soundsystem, Cinnaman, Ferro and Philou Louzolo. Join Alice for her summer adventure in wonderland!

Date: 30 July

Place: Thuishaven Festivalterrein

Tickets: €29,50

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CRAFT

This festival is crazy and guarantees you that you won’t remember anything from the day before! Doesn’t sound too bad, right? Add to that the coolest line-up with stars like Activator, Audiotricz, Bass Modulators, Code Black, Demi Kanon, Distractor, Zatox, The Machine, Ran-D, Wars Industry, Sub Zero Project, Digital Punk and tons more.

Date: 30 July

Place: NDSM Werf

Tickets: €29,50

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MILKSHAKE FESTIVAL

A fun dance festival that celebrates diversity in all its shapes and colors. It unites all the society representatives by an amazing line-up and curious entertainment. You will have a good time enjoying Cirkus Klauterwerck, Hausbound, F*cking Pop Queers, Now & Wow, Is Burning, Disco Total, Supertoys, Glitterazzi Freakshow and other extravagant names. Get ready for extraordinary designs, amusing crowd, unexpected shows and lots of pink.

Date: 30-31 July

Place: Westerpark

Tickets: 1day- €36, weekend-€64,50

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Some festivals might seem somewhat pricey, but you won’t regret spending your money on the tickets- that’s for sure! But as we know, Amsterdam is the city of opportunities and choices, so our next article will tell you all about free festivals and concerts around the city this summer.

Last but not least

Our sister hotel in The Hague will be the proud host of one of the stages during the Submarine festival on the 23rd of July. This alternative music festival is 100% free and has a big line up of alternative music. Grab the opportunity to combine discovering the beautiful city of The Hague and attending this great event.

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