January/February
Rotterdam International Film Festival
Amsterdam Pre-Lenten Carnival and parade
Antiques Fair - Nieuwe Kerk, Dam Square
March
Amsterdam Art Week - held in the city's theatres and concert halls
Late March: The beautiful gardens at Lisse open for the season as tulips and other spring flowers bloom.
April
National Museum Weekend (mid-month). Museums offer free or reduced-price admission.
World Press Photo Awards (mid-month) Amsterdam based annual photojournalism prizes and exhibitions.
Haarlem Blomencorso (last Saturday in April): Tulip season procession from Noordwijk to Haarlem
Koninginnedag (April 30) The Queen Beatrix's Birthday celebration with massive street parties an free markets.
May
Herdenkingsdag (World War II Remembrance Day) May 4. Two minute silence at 8PM.
Bevrijdingsdag (May 5) Liberation Day celebrations.
National Cycling and Windmill Day (2^nd Saturday). Windmills open to the public.
Vlaggetjesdag (last Saturday) Flag Day fishing boat race at Scheveningen. The objective is to bring the season's first new herring to the Queen.
June
The Netherlands Festival of Dance, Music and Drama, Amsterdam
Amsterdam Canal Race
June to August
Vondelpark Open-Air Theatre
Zomerfestijn Summer Festival
August
Amsterdam Football Tournament
Prinsengracht Canal Concert
Uitmarkt - music and theatrical performances - Vondelpark
September
Bloemencorso 1st Saturday - Amsterdam Flower Pageant and parade.
Jordan Festival
October
Indoor equestrian event
November
Sinterklaas St. Nicholas' Entrance Parade - launches the Christmas season on the third Saturday of the month.
December
December 5 - Pakjesavond: Saint Nicholas' Eve. Traditional day for exchanging Christmas gifts
Oudejaarsavond: Partying in the streets and fireworks on December 31 to bring in the New Year.