TOP 5 CANAL EVENTS
TOP 5 CANAL EVENTS
1. Kingsday (27 April)
1. Kingsday (27 April)
The undisputed number one celebration in Amsterdam is Kingsday. This is the annual birthday party of our king, William-Alexander of Orange. Hence, we all dress up in orange. The festivities already start the night before, with lots of parties outdoor and in cafes, clubs and other venues. On Kingsday the streets are full of people selling their personal stuff, food and drinks, live music, DJ’s, activities for kids, and so on.
The canals are full of celebrating people too. All sorts of boats -from small private boats to large dedicated party boats with loud music- gather on the canals and move slowly from one nice spot to the other. You can rent a boat for Kingsday at Boats4rent. The rate for a full day is € 349 excluding 2,70 € p.p. tourist tax (pick up between 10 AM and 12 PM and return between 4 PM and 6 PM). Book your Kingsday boat rental now (27th of April).
2. Gay Pride / Canal Parade (first Saturday in August)
2. Gay Pride / Canal Parade (first Saturday in August)
Over the years the annual Gay Pride has evolved from an extravagant medium size and very gay oriented event to the second large mainstream celebration in Amsterdam. The highlight of the festivities – that last for a full week – is without a doubt the intense and impressive Canal Parade. It consists of some 80 party boats celebrating diversity and respect. All boats that want to participate in the actual parade have to register way in advance and have to go through a tough selection process.
However, getting front row seats to see the parade pass by is actually quite easy. Just rent a boat for the day of the parade, leave on time and obtain a good spot along the route of the parade. The rate for a full day is € 349 excluding 2,70 € p.p. tourist tax (pick up between 7:30 AM and 10 AM and return between 4:30 PM and 7 PM). Book your Gay Pride / Canal Parade boat rental now (first Saturday in August, full day option).
3. Prinsengrachtconcert (third Saturday in August)
3. Prinsengrachtconcert (third Saturday in August)
If you’re into classical music, don’t miss out on the Prinsengrachtconcert. This is an open air concert in front of the Pulitzer hotel on Prinsengracht, the most famous canal in town. It’s always on TV, though it’s best enjoyed live. The concert is free of charge and you may bring your own food and drinks.
Unfortunately, you cannot go to the concert with our rental boats. You can try to get a spot on another boat, on the VIP terrace or on or the street. Or try to become friends with one of the locals living opposite the Pulitzer hotel… For more info check out the website of the Prinsengrachtconcert.
4. Amsterdam Light Festival (during winter)
4. Amsterdam Light Festival (during winter)
During the winter months (end of November-end of January) parts of the Amsterdam canals transform into a large open air gallery. On display are dozens of light art installations by artists from all over the world.
At Boats4rent we offer the opportunity to rent your own boat and fully enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival. With our open boats you can effortlessly explore the canals and sail past the enchanting light artworks. Our boats are suitable for groups of up to 6 people, and you do not need a boating license.
Renting a boat during the Amsterdam Light Festival offers numerous advantages. More information about this can be found on our page about the Amsterdam Light Festival at Boats4rent.
5. Amsterdam City Swim (September)
5. Amsterdam City Swim (September)
The Amsterdam canals are not only used by boats. Some areas are even good for swimming. Once a year a city center route of 2 kilometers is blocked for the Amsterdam City Swim. Therefore you cannot enter the swimming route by boat. This challenge is actually a fundraising event to fight the terrible ALS disease, which I’m sure you know from the Ice Bucket Challenge.
You can actually participate in the City Swim yourself if you’ve raised a certain amount of funding. Alternatively, you can support the swimmers from the side of the canals. And also good: you can fund yourself! For more info check out the website of the Amsterdam City Swim.
Bonus: SAIL (every five years, next time August 2025)
Bonus: SAIL (every five years, next time August 2025)
SAIL Amsterdam is one of the most impressive maritime events in the world. It takes place every five years. Millions of visitors come to admire the so-called tall ships and other classical sailing ships from all over the world and to experience our maritime heritage.
Our small rental boats are not allowed in the event area, but you can enter for free by foot. Or you can book a tour on one of the larger Amsterdam tour boats. For more info check out the website of SAIL Amsterdam.
We hope this article has encouraged you to join one or more great events on the Amsterdam canals. If you wish to rent a boat for Kingsday, Gay Pride or Amsterdam Light Festival please make your reservation online. Or drop us an e-mail in case you have any questions.
And in case your stay in Amsterdam doesn’t coincide with one of these events: rent a boat and make it your own event on the Amsterdam canals!
Frequently Asked Questions
Amsterdam hosts several major canal events annually, including Kingsday on April 27th, the Gay Pride Canal Parade on the first Saturday in August, the Prinsengrachtconcert on the third Saturday in August, the Amsterdam Light Festival during winter months, and the Amsterdam City Swim in September. Each event offers unique experiences on the city's iconic canals.
To rent a boat for Kingsday on April 27th, you can book with Boats4rent. The full-day rental rate is €349, excluding a €2.70 per person tourist tax. Pick-up is between 10 AM and 12 PM, with return between 4 PM and 6 PM. It's advisable to reserve your boat in advance due to high demand during this popular event.
The Gay Pride Canal Parade, held on the first Saturday in August, is a highlight of Amsterdam's Pride festivities. It features approximately 80 decorated boats celebrating diversity and inclusion, attracting large crowds along the canals. Renting a boat for the day allows you to secure a prime viewing spot along the parade route.
The Prinsengrachtconcert, an open-air classical music concert held on the third Saturday in August, takes place in front of the Pulitzer Hotel on Prinsengracht. Unfortunately, rental boats are not permitted in the concert area. Alternative viewing options include securing a spot on another boat, the VIP terrace, or along the street.
The Amsterdam Light Festival transforms parts of the city's canals into an open-air gallery from late November to late January. It showcases light art installations by artists worldwide. Renting an open boat during the festival allows you to navigate the canals and view the artworks up close. Boats4rent offers rentals suitable for groups up to six people, with no boating license required.
The Amsterdam City Swim, held annually in September, is a 2-kilometer swim through the city's canals to raise funds for ALS research. Participants must raise a certain amount of funding to join. Alternatively, spectators can support swimmers from the canal sides. Note that boat access is restricted along the swimming route during the event.
SAIL Amsterdam is a major maritime event held every five years, attracting millions of visitors to view tall ships and classical sailing vessels from around the world. The next SAIL Amsterdam is scheduled for August 2025. While small rental boats are not permitted in the event area, visitors can access the event on foot or book tours on larger boats.
During major canal events like Kingsday and the Gay Pride Canal Parade, specific regulations apply to boat rentals, including designated pick-up and return times, full-day rental requirements, and additional fees such as entrance fees for certain events. It's essential to check with rental companies like Boats4rent for detailed information and to make reservations well in advance.
Renting a boat during Amsterdam's canal events offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to be part of the festivities from the water. It provides front-row views of parades and performances, the flexibility to navigate different parts of the city, and a private space to enjoy with friends or family. However, due to high demand, it's crucial to book early and be aware of any event-specific regulations.
More information about Benefits of Boat Rentals During Canal Events
To secure a prime viewing spot for the Gay Pride Canal Parade, consider renting a boat for the day. Departing early allows you to position your boat along the parade route on the Prinsengracht. Boats4rent offers full-day rentals for this event, including an entrance fee that guarantees a spot along the route. Early booking is recommended due to limited availability.