Jill Vink

Summer in Amsterdam is not only a time for relaxation and fun but also an opportunity to participate in innovative and inspiring events. Whether you are interested in sustainability, culture, technology, or just looking for something unique to do, this summer, Amsterdam offers a range of activities you won't want to miss. Here are some tips to make your summer in Amsterdam smart and engaging.

1. Stargazing evening

Location: Anton Pannekoek Institute, Amsterdam

What’s the ideal way to end a perfect summer evening? Exactly — by spending it stargazing. Come stargaze at the Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy on August 16. If it’s clear that evening, you can observe the moon and Saturn, among other things. Not clear? No problem: on the tour, led by a passionate student or staff member, you'll get to see images they've captured in the star domes and have the chance to ask all your burning questions about astronomy, telescopes, and science.

More information: Stargazing event

2. Theatre Performance SILO 8

Location: Vis à Vis Theatre, Almere

For a unique cultural experience, visit the theatre performance SILO 8 by theatre company Vis à Vis. A play about the dismantling of the welfare state, which in 2024 might be more relevant than ever. What will the nursing home of the future look like? This show combines theatre, music, and spectacular sets in a post-apocalyptic setting. An experience that will make you think about our pursuit of efficiency and how this affects our healthcare system.

More information: Theatre Performance SILO 8

3. Exhibition: Food for Thought

Location: Scheepsvaartmuseum, Amsterdam

Explore the food industry through the lens of photographer Kadir van Lohuizen in the exhibition ‘Food for Thought’. In a multimedia experience featuring photography and film, you’re taken on a journey to discover the origins of our food and the role of the Netherlands and maritime shipping in the food system. An exhibition that will make you think twice about what you put on your plate that evening.

More information: Exhibition: Food for Thought

4. Open-Air Cinema at NEMO

Location: NEMO Science Museum, Amsterdam

Enjoy films under the stars at NEMO Science Museum's open-air cinema. In August, films are shown on the roof of NEMO, combined with a beautiful view of the city. It's the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy a cinematic experience in a unique setting. The program details are still to come, but be sure to save the dates: August 29, 30, and 31.

More information: Open-Air Cinema at NEMO

5. Mezrab Friday Night Storytelling (Summer Edition)

Location: Mezrab, Amsterdam

Get carried away by stories during Mezrab Friday Night Storytelling (Summer Edition). Mezrab is known for its lively and diverse storytelling events, where storytellers from all over the world share their tales. This summer edition promises special stories and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed evening out. Plus, enjoy their delicious ice cream.

More information: Mezrab Friday Night Storytelling (Summer Edition)

6. Amsterdam is Hot: 3-day Summer School by MIT Senseable City Lab

Location: AMS Institute, Amsterdam

Cities are heating up. Figuring out how to beat the heat and tackle climate change will be more important than ever. Participate in the three-day summer school ‘Amsterdam is Hot’, organised by MIT Senseable City Lab. This summer school offers an in-depth exploration of urban technology and innovation. You will investigate the role of urban green in thermal comfort, what sensing tools can be leveraged to understand the problem, identify design principles that could be applied, and much more. Note: Accessible to students only.

More information: Amsterdam is Hot: 3-day Summer School by MIT Senseable City Lab

Don’t forget to explore our platform for more events and experiences. Got any other must-see smart city activities for the summer? Drop your recommendations in the comments and join the conversation!

Creating social value for all is one of Amsterdam Smart City's core values. That's why we invited Dave van Loon and Marieke Doorninck from our partner Kennisland to lead a knowledge session on social innovation. In their words, social innovation can help us approach processes differently, encouraging people to think in new ways.

What is Social Innovation?

“Those who are closest to the issue know the most about it,” said Marieke. Therefore, Kennisland designs solutions for complex societal issues together with those involved. According to Kennisland, social innovation is about creating better outcomes for people, contributing to an inclusive and sustainable society. It involves the development and implementation of new strategies, concepts, ideas, and organizations that provide solutions for major societal challenges. Collaboration is essential in this process; it is not about individual actions but about collective efforts within a specific context. “Social innovation is not so much about finding the best solution,” emphasized Dave, “but about the process where the right people come together and collectively decide what the best solution is.” This also implies a shift in power: giving the lead role to others instead of those who have always had it.

Key Principles of Social Innovation Include:

• Creating social value (not just economic)
• Considering different perspectives and values
• Making policies and solutions through action
• Mobilizing involved citizens to build a socially sustainable future

Social innovation provides answers to complex social problems that cannot be solved by the government and business sector alone. The concept refers to new strategies, concepts, ideas, and organizations that provide solutions for major societal challenges. Additionally, it’s about creating a positive cycle of learning and improvement, involving all relevant actors in the issue.

Social Innovation In Practice

How does social innovation work in practice? Dave provided a successful example from Kennisland: ‘Amsterdam zoekt Schoolmakers' (Amsterdam is looking for Schoolmakers). This was a crowdsourcing campaign and incubator for new school initiatives. In this project, every Amsterdammer had the opportunity to submit a plan for a new school to accommodate the expected growth in student numbers. The challenge eventually resulted in over 124 initiatives for new schools and served as the starting point for a broader dialogue about education in the city. “This is a good example of social innovation because radical innovators and system representatives could learn from each other,” said Dave. A very interesting project that stimulates bottom-up innovation and shows what is possible.

During the session, other successful examples of social innovation were shared by the audience. One of these examples was the wellbeing dashboard, developed by students from the Hogeschool van Amsterdam in collaboration with residents of the ‘G-buurt’ in Amsterdam Zuidoost. This dashboard monitors the residents' wellbeing and actively involves them in co-creation sessions.

Social Innovation and Amsterdam Smart City

Collaboration is essential in addressing complex issues within the Amsterdam Smart City network. A good example of this is grid congestion. The problem is so complex that collaboration between grid operators, governments, energy suppliers, businesses, and citizens is necessary.

According to Marieke, it’s essential for people to truly feel the urgency of the problems. This sense of necessity motivates them to embrace social innovation and come to solutions together. She concluded the session by emphasizing that the great challenges of our time can only be addressed through collective efforts.

Do you want to learn more about social innovation or get in contact with Kennisland? Leave a comment below and we’ll connect you with Dave and Marieke!