Picnic, street art, boats, canals and the blues – all in one lazy Friday
Ease into the weekend, reconnect with your blues family and let Amsterdam show off a little. It’s a day with mostly free activities; only the boat tour and dinner need tickets.
Friday is our traditional Exchange Day! A day to reconnect with old friends, meet new people, and enjoy the city together at a relaxed pace. We’ll spend the afternoon chatting, exploring, and soaking up a little of Amsterdam’s atmosphere along the way. All locations for the Exchange Day can be found on the festival map, the pinpointers are purple.
What you can expect…
Schedule
12:00 noon – Picnic in Westerpark, location can be found on the Trippin’ Blues festival map
1:00 pm – Walk to Pontsteiger & ferry to NDSM
Afternoon – NDSM walking tour, then back to Central Station
Choose:
- 2:45–5:30 pm – Optional canal boat tour (ticketed)
- 2:45 – 5:30 pm– Optional visit to Jazz Years exhibition at Stadsarchief (ticketed)
– End of the Exchange Day program –
Optional, not part of the Exchange day: Have dinner at Kompaszaal, Swing Philosophy will serve a delicious vegan paella (reservation is needed) this will be served between 7 – 8 pm. Doors to the party open at 8 pm.
Picknick in Westerpark
We gather at 12:00 noon in the Westerpark for a picnic. Bring a small snack, something to drink, and maybe a frisbee or a ball if that’s your thing! Take some time to catch up with people you haven’t seen in a while, meet new faces, and simply enjoy the laid-back park vibe Amsterdam is known for.
Picture by Fred Romero, CC BY 2.0
Walking tour around NDSM
Around 1:00 pm we head towards the Pontsteiger, where we will take the ferry to the NDSM Wharf – a former shipyard area that played an important role in Amsterdam’s maritime history and has since transformed into one of the city’s most creative and cultural hotspots. Another venue that reflects Amsterdam’s nautical past is the Kompaszaal, where we will dance the rest of the weekend.
We’ll take a walking tour around the NDSM area, where you can get an up-close look at its impressive street art, massive industrial cranes and warehouses, creative studios, waterfront views, and the unique mix of old shipbuilding heritage and modern urban culture that makes this part of Amsterdam so special.
Afterwards, we return to Amsterdam Central Station. Those who have purchased a boat ticket are welcome to join the boat tour through the canals.
Jazz years exhibition
For those not joining the boat tour, there is an opportunity to visit the Stadsarchief Amsterdam, where the special exhibition Jazz Years: People, Migration and Music in Amsterdam, 1930–1939 is currently on display. The exhibition explores how jazz culture, international influences, and migration shaped Amsterdam during the 1930s. Entrance to the museum is €10 per person. The Stadsarchief is easily reached from Amsterdam Central Station by metro or a 20-minute walk.
You can finish the exchange day with a vegan paella at the Kompaszaal, where the party later will be. Dinner tickets are sold here.
Afternoon boat tour
Join our Friday Boat Tour on de Tijd zal het leeren!
Hop aboard this classic Groninger bolpraam—now fully electric and whisper-quiet—for a cheeky cruise through Amsterdam’s canals from 2:45 pm to 5:30 pm, docking back at Central Station’s city side.
Sway to acoustic blues with plenty of deck space to strut your stuff, plus Dutch deep-fried delights like a bittergarnituur and some drinks.
Spots for 50 are nearly gone—sign up quick via our registration before it sails without you!
Departing point: Stationsplein 26, Amsterdam
Live music by Slaphead Stephens
During the boat tour you’ll experience Amsterdam’s beautiful canals while acoustic Blues music fills the air.
Join us for a soothing boat ride and dance to the live music by the talented musician Slaphead Stephens.
End the day with a vegan paella
This is not part of the Exchange day program but part of the festival food package. You can have dinner at Kompaszaal, Swing Philosophy will serve a delicious vegan paella (reservation is needed). The food will be served between 7 – 8 pm. Doors to the party open at 8 pm.
The exchange day is just one of the gems…
Experience the vibrant energy and connection of Blues dance at our biennial festival. Join us for workshops, dance parties, and cultural activities. Discover the joy of Blues dance with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for the exchange day?
As a festival participant, you can hop on the exchange day whenever you want. Most activities are free of charge. For the boat tour we ask an extra fee to rent the boat and hire the musician. The museum in the end of the day is also at your own cost but we have a nice discount for participants which you can find in the festival booklet. You do need to have signed up for the boat tour, because of limited space.
What should I bring with me on the exchange day?
Be sure to bring your ticket confirmation, comfortable shoes for dancing, and anything you normally bring for dancing. Since we are on a boat it might be nice to bring some layers or sun protection suited for the weather.
Can I get a refund if I can’t make it?
Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for the event. However, you can transfer your ticket to someone else if needed.
What is included in the boat tour?
You’ll get a 2h boat tour, including live acoustic music, 2 drink tokens, and some snacks. If you want more drink tokens you can pay this with a QR-code. There is a separate toilet on the boat for men and women.