The Hartjesdagen on the Zeedijk are one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most colourful traditions. In the third weekend of August 2026, the historic street between Central Station and Nieuwmarkt fills with music, opera on the street, and the famous drag parade. Exact dates to be confirmed.

A centuries-old Amsterdam tradition

Hartjesdagen goes back to a medieval folk festival, when Amsterdammers celebrated wildly in August. A defining part of the tradition: men dressed as women and women as men – making Hartjesdagen a celebration of cross-dressing centuries before the word existed. The festival died out after the war and was revived by the Zeedijk community in 1997.

What to expect

• The drag parade on Sunday afternoon: extravagant, funny and warm-hearted
• Street opera and live music throughout the weekend on stages along the Zeedijk
• Hartjes markt and festivities around Nieuwmarkt square
• The perfect combination with a wander through Chinatown and the historic harbour district

Practical information

• When: third weekend of August 2026 (Sat-Mon)
• Where: Zeedijk & Nieuwmarkt, on the edge of the Red Light District
• Costs: free
• Getting there: 5 minutes’ walk from Central Station