The 5th of May is a special day in the Netherlands. There is always a reason to party, but freedom is probably the best. It is a concept highly valued by the Dutch, and a right we especially love to celebrate with the entire country on this special day. And since you’re here, we would love for you to join us!
And of course, celebrating is something you don’t do inside or on your own. Your Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket brings you one step closer to the party. Which party? That’s entirely up to you to decide!
During the day you can head over to one of the festivals held in different locations around town. There’s a concert at night and afterward, one of the many clubs or bars are the perfect spot to make this Liberation Day unforgettable.
Open Air City Celebrations
A few liberation festivals will be held in the city during the day and they are definitely worth a visit. Freedom is something you honor with good music, great food, and chill vibes and the Dutch know exactly how. All of the festivals mentioned below don’t require buying a ticket or paying an entrance fee. This day is all about freedom and free access to the coolest festival in town is part of it.
Het Vrije Westen
Westerpark is one of the hottest spots to spend your Liberation Day. Seven stages are spread across the huge area and different bands and artists perform all day. Food trucks roll in to provide visitors with a wide variety of yummy food so going hungry isn’t an option.
Although Amsterdam celebrates big, the city of liberation is Wageningen. The end of World War II in the Netherlands started there. Since 1948, a liberation fire is lit here at midnight and relay runners from all over the country carry a torch to their own town. You won’t be able to miss the huge flame in Westerpark that symbolizes unity, living in peace and freedom.
Liberation dance, Museum Square
What better way to express your happiness than through dance? Museum square revolves around dancing and you can watch performances as well as move your own feet together with a happy crowd. You’ll see all kinds of dances passing by. From tango and salsa to classical ballet and hip hop, jazz and urban. Move those feet to Museum square at 1 pm and dance the day away!
Liberation Day at the Homomonument
Freedom and people trying to take it away from us can be found in many different forms. Although World War II is something of the past, many battles are still to be fought. The stage at this monument reminds us of the freedom to be who you are. Party along with DJ’s, performers and people having fun.
Bevrijdingspop, Haarlem
Want to get a taste of something a little different? Neighboring city Haarlem does a pretty good job at throwing a big party, one with over 130.000 visitors. In fact, it’s the biggest free open-air festival in the Netherlands and only a 15-minute train ride away from Amsterdam. This year on the menu? Sam Feldt, Miss Montreal and other Dutch artists (don’t worry, many of them speak and sing in English).