Pluk de Nacht

I’m giving this 5 stars because it is a great low cost way to spend an evening in Amsterdam. The grounds could be a little bit cleaner and well-​maintained for 5 stars, but I am going to be generous just because the whole experience was so pleasant. You have the option of renting a chair (hint: if you are required to donate, it is not a donation) for 3 euros, or to sit on the bleachers, at a picnic table, spread out a blanket, or get there early and claim a couch. There are bathrooms with running water, and I think a couple food trucks, though we brought our own wine and snacks. There was a starter movie and then the feature film, which ran until after mid-​night. The website had posted the wrong movie, so halfway through the actual feature film we realized that it wasn’t just a warm up movie, and that we hadn’t been paying very close attention. It was sort of interesting and artsy, but I think in general this experience is fun regardless of the movie. Dress warm, as it can get a bit chilly. Also — I was impressed by how mellow this was in terms of people setting up — no one was fighting over spots, everyone seemed mellow and relaxed. Fun crowd and great night for a little culture in Ams.

I think this is a great initiative. Art house films, films we should see but often skip over, shown for free, outdoors at a time of year that should be warm.
Food and drink are available and a bit as overpriced, as you’d expect. And even if you think it’s a bit overpriced (many people bring their own food and drink), it is cheaper than going to a normal cinema. The free ticket more than compensates for the slight premium added to the other prices. And it feels so special! Sitting outside, watching the stars overhead, or the NDSM ferry passing by, it all adds up to a wonderful experience. In a regular cinema you don’t talk to other parties, but here that happens and that is so nice. It feels a bit like a mass picnic.
If you go, please support them. It’s okay to bring some of your own stuff with you, but let’s not kill the goose for the golden egg. Buy a beer. Buy a Cuban pulled port sandwich (they’re good!), buy something.

Remember back in the day when we had drive-​in cinemas? You would roll up in your car, tune your radio to the movie channel, get cosy in your car or spread a picnic, and enjoy the movies while eating, drinking, relaxing, or even cuddling? Sadly, drive-​ins are no longer a thing and those that remain are rapidly shutting down.
But, this is Amsterdam. We don’t do cars, we do bikes, and why not have an open-​air movie festival where you bike-​in, park your omafiets, and get cosy watching a movie, a short, and then dancing to some live tunes? That’s Pluk de Nacht for you.
Organized every August, this is why God gave the Dutch their summers. It’s such great joy to come to the Westerdok directly from work with a little picnic. If you don’t want to carry stuff, there is always a lot of food and drinks on sale, all vegetarian friendly! The movies tend to be awesome indies from all over the world and in every language conceivable. Most of all, it’s just fun to catch up with friends and make it a nice outing.
I look forward to Pluk de Nacht every year and it never disappoints. Here’s to more Amsterdam awesomesauce.