On Sunday, 1 June 2025 (10:00–16:00), Wester-Amstel will once again play a pivotal role in the 17th edition of Amstelland Day. This event, organised by Stichting Beschermers Amstelland, allows the public to visit and experience more than 40 sites in the Amstelland region. From nature and cultural history to art and food — everything that makes Amstelland so diverse, special, and varied will be showcased. This year’s theme is “500 Years of Water Management in Amstelland.”
Festive Opening
U bent van harte welkom vanaf 10.00 uur voor koffie en thee. De officiële opening begint om 10.30 uur en wordt verzorgd door voormalig Deltacommissaris Peter Glas. Er is muziek van de ACCU band, de winnaar van de Amstellandprijs 2025 wordt bekendgemaakt, en er is een speciale presentatie van de Boeren van Amstel. Zij introduceren een unieke kaas en vertellen hoe zij bijdragen aan kruidenrijke oevers. Het volledige openingsprogramma vindt u here (PDF)..
The Programme at Wester-Amstel
As is tradition, there will be sheep shearing at 13:00. Informational stands will be hosted by the Historical Society Amstelveen, Friends of Wester-Amstel, Farmers of Amstel, and Protectors of Amstelland. You’ll also find Jacqueline, the resident beekeeper, offering plenty of honey and insights into the world of beekeeping.
Tours of the Park and Gardens
At 12:30 and 14:30, our volunteers will give guided tours of the park and gardens. They will tell you all about the typical idiosyncrasies of Dutch ‘pleasure gardens’, including their histories, garden culture, people connected to them from both the distant and not-so-distant past, and the special animals that used to call them home. The tours are free — meet at the stable door to the side of the house.
Take a trip on a trekschuit (tugboat)
Wester-Amstel will also serve as the boarding point for a unique experience: a short trip on a historic trekschuit (tugboat), once used for transporting cargo and passengers. A timetable will be available at Wester-Amstel — don’t forget to check it if you’re interested in climbing aboard!
Outdoor jazz concert by Damien Mehldau (15:00 - 16:15)
Damien Mehldau (17) grew up in a musical family — though none played the drums, until he did.
A finalist in the prestigious Princess Christina Jazz Competition, he was praised for his dynamic swing, echoing the styles of master drummers Billy Higgins and Art Taylor.
As with last year, we conclude Amstelland Day by giving the stage to emerging talent. We are delighted to welcome Damien back this year. From 15:00–16:15, he will perform at Wester-Amstel alongside virtuoso guitarist Durk Hijma, young Spanish bassist Ton Felices, and fellow finalist Joep Grotendorst, tenor saxophonist.
You are welcome from 10:00 onwards. The day will conclude at 16:00.
More information about Amstelland Day 2025 can be found at the the event’s website..