42 upcoming literature events
Mythos: Ancient Tales from Around the World
Tue, 7 Apr 2026 at 20:00
Mezrab
Join Mezrab in Amsterdam for Mythos, a night of ancient tales from around the world told in an intimate, candlelit setting. Storytellers weave world folklore and myth with spoken-word performance, inviting audiences to travel across continents in a single evening. A culturally rich showcase of global storytelling.
Afternoon with Malka Older, Karen Lord & Annalee Newitz: We Will Rise Again
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 at 17:00
American Book Center
Afternoon with Malka Older, Karen Lord & Annalee Newitz at ABC Amsterdam invites three sci‑fi luminaries to discuss We Will Rise Again: speculative protest, resistance and hope, with Q&A and book signings.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Sun, 12 Apr 2026 at 13:00
Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM
Book club at Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM reads The Creative Act: A Way of Being, Rick Rubin’s non-fiction manifesto on attention and making work without permission.
Vers van het Mes 2026
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 at 20:00
Perdu
In Amsterdam’s intimate Perdu, four rising poets—Anne Ballon, Madelief Lammers, Myrthe Prins, and Luna Schuddinck—unveil bold new work after an intense 115-candidate selection, sharing fearless poetics and craft.
Evan Osnos: Shadows of the American Dream
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 at 20:00
Pakhuis de Zwijger
Evan Osnos discusses Shadows of the American Dream, examining inequality, ambition, and opportunity in modern America at Pakhuis de Zwijger.
"Things We Do Not Tell the People We Love" by Huma Qureshi
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 at 18:30
Tea & Tears
Join a book club discussion of Huma Qureshi’s Things We Do Not Tell the People We Love at Tea & Tears in Amsterdam. The session explores secrets, silences, and emotional fractures shaping intimate relationships through a collection of literary-fiction stories.
Dr. John Cooper Clarke
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 at 20:15
Paradiso
Dr. John Cooper Clarke headlines Paradiso, delivering razor‑sharp verse and blistering wit as Mike Garry opens, turning Amsterdam's famed venue into a punk poet thunderstorm.
POËZIE IN CARRÉ III
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 at 20:00
Koninklijk Theater Carré
POËZIE IN CARRÉ III invites Amsterdam to a lyrical night on the gilded Koninklijk Theater Carré stage, where poets fuse verse, performance, and intimate storytelling under warm, historic lights.
John Cooper Clarke in Zonnehuis Amsterdam
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 at 19:30
Zonnehuis Amsterdam
Renowned punk poet John Cooper Clarke performs at Zonnehuis Amsterdam, delivering sharp, political verse with rapid-fire delivery.
Oogsprong
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 at 20:00
Perdu
Book launch of Oogsprong, Bernke Klein Zandvoort's first literary non-fiction work. At Perdu in Amsterdam, the evening presents a reading and discussion around themes of seeing and not seeing, inviting reflection in an intimate venue.
The Dallergut Dream Department Store – book club
Sun, 19 Apr 2026 at 14:00
Brews and Books
Join a book-club gathering at Brews and Books to discuss The Dallergut Dream Department Store, a fantasy tale of a magical shop where dreams are sold. Explore world-building and human desires in a cozy Amsterdam venue.
The Funniest Novel Ever
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 at 17:00
ABC Amsterdam, Spui 12 1012XA
Join a playful Amsterdam book club-style session at ABC Amsterdam (Spui 12) on 24 April 2026 at 17:00, where participants vote on the funniest novel ever. A shortlist of classics and humorous picks will be pitched and debated in a lively, social literary evening.
"The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 at 19:30
Amsterdam Girls Book Club
Amsterdam Book Club discusses The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, a historical-fiction tale of duty, desire, and society in gilded New York.
"Martyr!" by Kaveh Akbar
Thu, 7 May 2026 at 18:30
Amsterdam Girls Book Club
Join Amsterdam Book Club for a discussion of Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar, a literary-fiction work tracing a newly sober poet as he confronts martyrdom, art, and grief while delving into family history. A thoughtful, engaging evening for readers to share insights in a cozy, book-club setting.
The John Adams presents Kaveh Akbar: A Language for Home
Thu, 7 May 2026 at 19:30
On Location: OBA, Oosterdokskade 143, Amsterdam (Theater)
Poet Kaveh Akbar headlines a poetry reading 'A Language for Home' as part of Amsterdam's month-long literature program at the OBA Theater.
Kaveh Akbar: A Language for Home
Thu, 7 May 2026 at 19:30
TOBACCO Theater
Kaveh Akbar performs a poetry reading at OBA Theater as part of Amsterdam's Month of Literature, exploring identity, belonging, and the American psyche.
Crawl Con: Launching Dungeon Crawler Carl 8: A Parade of Horribles
Mon, 11 May 2026 at 19:00
ABC Amsterdam, Spui 12 1012XA
Book-launch party for Dungeon Crawler Carl 8: A Parade of Horribles at ABC Amsterdam (Spui). Fans gather for themed activities, a chance to win swag bags, and to purchase the eighth installment of the popular sci-fi series during an energetic, fan-focused evening.
Month of Literature: Writing Workshop
Wed, 13 May 2026 at 19:00
OBA
Join the Month of Literature Writing Workshop at Amsterdam’s OBA, where the International Writers' Collective guides aspiring wordsmiths through craft prompts, live feedback, and collaborative exercises in a welcoming, book-filled urban venue.
The John Adams presents Rachel Khong: An Atlas of Us
Thu, 21 May 2026 at 19:30
On Location: OBA, Oosterdokskade 143, Amsterdam (Theater)
Author Rachel Khong presents An Atlas of Us at OBA Theater in Amsterdam as part of a month-long literature program on identity and belonging.
Rachel Khong: An Atlas of Us
Thu, 21 May 2026 at 19:30
TOBACCO Theater
Author Rachel Khong presents a reading of An Atlas of Us at the OBA Theater in Amsterdam, exploring identity, belonging, and the American psyche as part of the city's Month of Literature.
Concerning the Spiritual in Art
Sun, 10 May 2026 at 13:00
Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM
Book club at Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM discussing Kandinsky's Concerning the Spiritual in Art, exploring how color and form awaken the soul in early abstract art.
Explore Kinship Library stories
Sat, 16 May 2026
NDSM Online Archive
Explore Kinship Library stories at NDSM Online Archive in Amsterdam, a literary voyage through storytelling, community voices, and digital archive magic.
Bryan Stevenson: The Unfinished Promise of American Justice
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 at 19:30
De Duif
Bryan Stevenson speaks in Amsterdam on the unfinished promise of American justice, exploring legacies that shape the legal system.
"The Courage to Create" by Rollo May
Sun, 7 Jun 2026 at 13:00
Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM
The Courage to Create by Rollo May sparks a book-club night at Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM, pairing non-fiction psychology with thoughtful discussion on why creativity demands brave visibility.
An evening with Hazel McBride: A Queen Crowned in Flames
Fri, 26 Jun 2026 at 19:30
ABC Amsterdam, Spui 12 1012XA
Romantasy author Hazel McBride discusses her new novel A Queen Crowned in Flames, the sequel to A Fate Forged in Fire, followed by a Q&A and book signing. Attend at ABC Amsterdam on Spui 12 for an intimate evening of literature and signing.
Joost Oomen leest voor
Fri, 24 Jul 2026
De Parade - M.L. Kingpark
Join Dutch author Joost Oomen for a live reading at De Parade in M.L. Kingpark, Amsterdam. An intimate, family-friendly literary moment in a festive outdoor setting, where stories come alive under park vibes and summer festival air.
Labyrinth Poetry Night
Sun, 28 Jun 2026 at 19:30
Labyrinth Amsterdam
Monthly poetry night at Labyrinth Amsterdam featuring contemporary poets, spoken word artists, and live music, every last Sunday at 19:30.
"Art & Fear" by David Bayles & Ted Orland
Sun, 5 Jul 2026 at 13:00
Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM
Join a book club at Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM for a discussion of Art & Fear by Bayles & Orland, a candid look at doubt, procrastination, and why making more work beats waiting for genius.
De Parade: Mher Brutyan
Fri, 24 Jul 2026
De Parade - M.L. Kingpark
Experience a poetry whispering performance by Mher Brutyan at De Parade in M.L. Kingpark, Amsterdam. An intimate literary moment amid a lively park festival, pairing spoken verse with festival atmosphere.
"Strangeland" by Tracey Emin
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 at 13:00
Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM
Book club at Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM discussing Strangeland by Tracey Emin, a non-fiction coming‑of‑age exploration of class, trauma, and the birth of an artist's voice.
"Poor Artists" by Gabrielle de la Puente & Zarina Muhammad
Sun, 4 Oct 2026 at 13:00
Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM
A book-club discussion at Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM with Gabrielle de la Puente and Zarina Muhammad, offering a sharp, funny tour through the art world’s money myths—who gets paid, who doesn’t, and why.
"Monsters" by Claire Dederer
Sun, 6 Sept 2026 at 13:00
Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM
Book club discussion at Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM on Claire Dederer's Monsters, exploring how brilliant art can come from controversial people.
Boekenruil Tussen de Regels
Mon, 15 Feb 2027 at 14:00
De Nieuwe Anita
Book swap event at De Nieuwe Anita in Amsterdam, inviting attendees to exchange books, discover new reads, and connect with the community.
"The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg
Sun, 21 Mar 2027 at 10:00
The Book Club
Join The Book Club in Amsterdam for a lively discussion of The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. Explore how cues, routines and rewards shape behavior and how to rewire habits for everyday success.
An afternoon with Andrea Beck: Below the Surface
Mon, 15 Mar 2027 at 13:00
American Book Center
Join Andrea Beck for an afternoon at the American Book Center in Amsterdam as she discusses her debut YA novel Below the Surface, exploring small-town whispers, a vanished student, and the pull of truth through engaging storytelling.
"The Creative Habit" by Twyla Tharp
Sun, 1 Nov 2026 at 13:00
Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM
Book club at Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM discusses The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp, a non-fiction guide to building creative routines.
"The Stranger" by Albert Camus
Sun, 21 Mar 2027 at 13:00
Literary Classics Book Club
Join the Literary Classics Book Club in Amsterdam for a thoughtful discussion of The Stranger by Albert Camus. Explore themes of meaning, morality, and belonging as readers dissect Camus's emotionally detached narrator in a lively, accessible setting.
"Audition" by Katie Kitamura
Mon, 22 Mar 2027 at 16:00
Long Story Short Book Club
Join the Long Story Short Book Club in Amsterdam for a discussion of Audition by Katie Kitamura. An actress and a younger man explore shifting roles and blurred truths in literary fiction, with tensions unfolding over lunch and conversation.
Boekpresentatie Archipel in inkt
Thu, 4 Mar 2027 at 20:00
De Nieuwe Anita
At De Nieuwe Anita in Amsterdam, Boekpresentatie Archipel inkt launches a book presentation and week of programming with independent presses, intimate readings, and a cozy, artful atmosphere.
"Critique of Pure Reason" by Immanuel Kant
Sun, 21 Mar 2027 at 13:00
Unthinkable
Join a book-club discussion of Kant's Critique of Pure Reason at Unthinkable in Amsterdam. Explore how human reason shapes knowledge and its limits in a welcoming, philosophy-minded gathering—perfect for readers who love rigorous, accessible debate.
An afternoon with Sue Deagle: Do Loss
Sat, 20 Mar 2027 at 16:00
ABC Amsterdam, Spui 12 1012XA
An afternoon discussion with author Sue Deagle about Do Loss: A New Way to Move Through Change at ABC Amsterdam. She will discuss the book, take questions, and sign copies at the event on March 20, 2027 at 4:00 PM. A thoughtful, literary gathering for readers interested in coping with change.
"Disappoint Me" by Nicola Dinan
Thu, 18 Mar 2027 at 18:30
Tea & Tears
Join Tea & Tears in Amsterdam for a book-club discussion of Nicola Dinan's Disappoint Me, a sharp literary fiction novel about love, identity, and timing. This intimate, intellectual gathering invites readers to explore character and heartbreak through lively conversation in a cozy venue.