Introduction
From 11 July to 2 August 2026, the Kwaku Summer Festival fills the Nelson Mandelapark in Amsterdam Zuidoost with Surinamese and Caribbean food, music, sport and culture — a free, family-friendly celebration of the city's multicultural heart.
Kwaku is one of Amsterdam's biggest free summer festivals, rooted in the city's Surinamese, Antillean and wider multicultural communities. Spread over several July and August weekends in Zuidoost, it combines food stalls, live music — reggae, kaseko, kawina and more — a football tournament and a warm community atmosphere.
Why visit
It's free, welcoming and a genuine taste of Amsterdam beyond the centre. Come hungry for the food, and check the programme for the music line-up across the weekends.
Practical information
Getting there
The Nelson Mandelapark is in Zuidoost, easily reached by metro (Bijlmer ArenA / Bullewijk area). It's a short ride from the centre.
Good to know
Entry is free. Bring cash for food stalls. The festival runs across weekends, so check the programme for which days have music and activities.
Tickets
This event is free to visit. No ticket is required unless stated by the organiser.
Details indicative — confirm dates and tickets with the organiser.