BredaPhoto – Breda
When: 11 September–25 October 2026
Where: Breda
If photography and visual storytelling are more your thing, head to Breda this fall for BredaPhoto.
The festival transforms different locations around the city into spaces for photography and visual art. It’s an easy excuse to explore Breda while discovering work from photographers and artists along the way.
The 2026 festival runs from 11 September until 25 October.
Into the Woods – Amersfoort
When: 18–19 September 2026
Where: Amersfoort
Want to squeeze in one last outdoor festival before the colder weather really arrives?
Into the Woods takes place at the Openluchttheater in Amersfoort and combines electronic music with a forest festival setting. The 2026 edition takes place on 18 and 19 September.
Just remember: September weather in the Netherlands can be unpredictable, so prepare for both sunshine and rain.
Dutch Design Week – Eindhoven
When: 17–25 October 2026
Where: Eindhoven
For nine days, Eindhoven becomes the design capital of the Netherlands during Dutch Design Week.
More than 2,500 designers take part, with exhibitions and projects spread across the city. Rather than only showing finished products, the event focuses heavily on experiments, new ideas and possible solutions for the future.
The theme for 2026 is “Come shape what comes next.”
Even if you’re not studying design, it can be a fun way to see a completely different side of Eindhoven.
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) – Amsterdam
When: 21–25 October 2026
Where: Amsterdam
If you like electronic music, you probably already know about this one.
Amsterdam Dance Event takes over the capital for five days every October. In 2026, more than 2,500 artists are expected to perform across 200+ stages, alongside talks, workshops, exhibitions and other events.
And ADE isn't only about going clubbing until 5:00 in the morning. There are daytime events, cultural programmes and even some free activities happening around the city.
GLOW Eindhoven – Eindhoven
When: 7–14 November 2026
Where: Eindhoven
Dark at 17:00? At least Eindhoven makes something good out of it.
Every November, GLOW transforms Eindhoven with large-scale light installations and artworks. Buildings and public spaces around the city become part of the experience, making this one of the most visually impressive events of the Dutch autumn.
The 2026 edition takes place from 7 to 14 November.
This is also a great event to visit with a group of friends for an evening out in the city.
IDFA – Amsterdam
When: 12–22 November 2026
Where: Amsterdam
Film lovers, this one's for you.
The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, better known as IDFA, returns in November with documentary screenings and events at different locations across Amsterdam.
The 2026 festival runs from 12 to 22 November.
Check the programme beforehand and pick a documentary that interests you — it can be a much more affordable and relaxed fall activity than a big music festival.
FASHIONCLASH Festival – Maastricht
When: 13–15 November 2026
Where: Maastricht
Heading south?
FASHIONCLASH Festival returns to Maastricht from 13 to 15 November. The event brings together fashion, art and design and is a good option if you're looking for something creative outside the usual Amsterdam–Rotterdam event circuit.
Combine it with a day exploring Maastricht and you've got yourself a solid fall weekend trip.
Amsterdam Art Week – Amsterdam
When: 18–22 November 2026
Where: Amsterdam
For five days in November, Amsterdam puts contemporary art in the spotlight.
Amsterdam Art Week takes place from 18 to 22 November, with activities and exhibitions happening at different locations around the city.
It's worth checking the programme closer to the date to find exhibitions and activities that fit your budget.
Amsterdam Light Festival – Amsterdam
When: 26 November 2026–17 January 2027
Where: Amsterdam
Technically, this one takes us right into winter — but it's too good to leave off the list.
Starting on 26 November, Amsterdam Light Festival brings light artworks to the city during the darkest months of the year. The 2026–2027 edition continues until 17 January.
You can make an evening of it and explore the installations while walking through Amsterdam.
