Literary Events & Readings in Amsterdam

Afternoon with Malka Older, Karen Lord & Annalee Newitz: We Will Rise Again

2026-04-10T17:00:00

American Book Center

Literature

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.

Vers van het Mes 2026

2026-04-10T20:00:00

Perdu

Literature

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.

The Creative Act: A Way of Being

2026-04-12T13:00:00

Art Studio Amsterdam-NDSM

Literature

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.

"Almond" by Sohn Won-pyung

2026-04-12T13:00:00

Amsterdam Girls Book Club

Literature

Join Amsterdam Book Club for Almond by Sohn Won-pyung, a literary fiction exploring grief, friendship, and the struggle to feel. Expect a thoughtful discussion in a cozy setting as participants reflect on emotion and connection through the novel.

"City of Thieves" by David Benioff

2026-04-12T14:00:00

Evangeline Book Club

Literature

Join Evangeline Book Club for a discussion of City of Thieves by David Benioff, a WWII historical fiction set during the Siege of Leningrad. Two young men undertake a dangerous mission behind enemy lines to obtain eggs for a colonel’s daughter’s wedding cake — a gripping tale of courage and friendship.

Persian language storytelling night

2026-04-13T07:30:00

Mezrab

Literature

An intimate evening of Persian-language storytelling at Mezrab in Amsterdam. Talented storytellers share personal and cultural tales, inviting audiences into a warm, intimate performance space that celebrates language and tradition.

Evan Osnos: Shadows of the American Dream

2026-04-13T20:00:00

Pakhuis de Zwijger

Literature

Evan Osnos discusses Shadows of the American Dream, examining inequality, ambition, and opportunity in modern America at Pakhuis de Zwijger.

POËZIE IN CARRÉ III

2026-04-13T20:00:00

Koninklijk Theater Carré

Literature

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.

Off the Page

2026-04-14T20:00:00

Mezrab

Literature

Join Mezrab in Amsterdam for Off the Page, a live literary evening where storytellers bring prose and poetry to life beyond the page. Expect intimate readings, spoken-word, and a warm, café-style atmosphere in the renowned storytelling venue.

"Things We Do Not Tell the People We Love" by Huma Qureshi

2026-04-15T18:30:00

Tea & Tears

Literature

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.

Oogsprong

2026-04-15T20:00:00

Perdu

Literature

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.

"Bonjour Tristesse" by Françoise Sagan

2026-04-16T19:00:00

Long Story Short Book Club

Literature

Join the Long Story Short book club in Amsterdam for a lively discussion of Bonjour Tristesse, Françoise Sagan's iconic tale of a summer on the French Riviera, youth, and intrigue. A friendly, intellectual evening of literary debate.

A Multi-Sensory Evening: The Erotic Album presentation

2026-04-17T19:30:00

ABC Amsterdam, Spui 12 1012XA

Literature

Join a multi-sensory book launch for The Erotic Album at ABC Amsterdam. This multimedia evening pairs a photo-poetry book with a musical album and scents by an olfactory artist, created by Berlin Boudoir and Berlin Nocturnes. An intimate, artful fusion of visuals, poetry, sound, and aroma in Amsterdam.

John Cooper Clarke in Zonnehuis Amsterdam

2026-04-17T19:30:00

Zonnehuis Amsterdam

Literature

Renowned punk poet John Cooper Clarke performs at Zonnehuis Amsterdam, delivering sharp, political verse with rapid-fire delivery.

Dr. John Cooper Clarke

2026-04-17T20:15:00

Paradiso

Literature

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.

The Dallergut Dream Department Store – book club

2026-04-19T14:00:00

Brews and Books

Literature

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 Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton

2026-04-23T19:30:00

Amsterdam Girls Book Club

Literature

Amsterdam Book Club discusses The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, a historical-fiction tale of duty, desire, and society in gilded New York.

The Funniest Novel Ever

2026-04-24T17:00:00

ABC Amsterdam, Spui 12 1012XA

Literature

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 Book Club for Troublesome Women" by Marie Bostwick

2026-04-26T10:00:00

Amsterdam Women Book Club Meetup Group

Literature

Join the Amsterdam Women Book Club for a discussion of Marie Bostwick's historical fiction. Four women bond over literature, confronting personal struggles and societal expectations while celebrating female friendship in a small-town setting; a warm, thought-provoking meetup.

"Educated" by Tara Westover

2026-04-26T18:30:00

Amsterdam Girls Book Club

Literature

Join Amsterdam Book Club for a thoughtful discussion of Educated, Tara Westover's memoir about growing up in rural Idaho and choosing education over family. The session invites readers to share reflections on resilience, learning, and identity in a friendly, inclusive setting.

"A Room Above a Shop" by Anthony Shapland

2026-04-29T20:00:00

English Book Club Amsterdam

Literature

Join Queer Book Club Amsterdam for a discussion of A Room Above a Shop by Anthony Shapland. This English-language literary-fiction novel explores a hidden romance in South Wales, brought to life in a welcoming, LGBTQ-friendly book club setting.

Evert Wilbrink: Boekpresentatie – Hoe ik mijn naam kwijt raakte

2026-05-06T00:00:00

Q-Factory

Literature

Dutch author Evert Wilbrink presents his life story in a new book, tracing six decades in the music industry—from marketing to managing and promoting artists. The event at Q-Factory in Amsterdam offers behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insider glimpses, including ties to Joan Jett and Herman Brood, in a lively literary evening.

"Martyr!" by Kaveh Akbar

2026-05-07T18:30:00

Amsterdam Girls Book Club

Literature

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

2026-05-07T19:30:00

On Location: OBA, Oosterdokskade 143, Amsterdam (Theater)

Literature

Poet Kaveh Akbar headlines a poetry reading 'A Language for Home' as part of Amsterdam's month-long literature program at the OBA Theater.

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