As autumn settles in, the colour of the leaves and cooler weather aren’t the only changes hitting the Netherlands this month. From the end of Daylight Saving Time to the much-anticipated return of the Amsterdam Dance Event, here’s what expats living and working in the Netherlands can expect in October 2024. 

1. Higher child benefit for Dutch families

The increases to the Dutch minimum wage in July mean that families who are eligible for the child benefit (kinderbijslag) will receive a higher allowance. While the higher rates technically came into effect in July, recipients are only getting the new amount for the first time from October 1. 

2. Second wave of strikes across the Netherlands

The week of strike action that took place in September is just the beginning, as the Netherlands Trade Union Confederation (FNV) has already announced that a second wave of days-long strikes will take place from October 14. The union has not yet given specifics on which sectors will be affected but mentioned that it would be a coordinated effort across sectors such as the industrial, transport and metalworking sectors. 

3. Dutch schools close for Autumn vacation

It may seem like the summer holidays just ended, but children in the Netherlands will be glad to hear that it’s already time for schools to close for the autumn holidays. Schools in the northern and central regions of the country will shut their doors from October 26 to November 3, while those in the south will be off from October 19 to 27.

4. Disney+ advertising subscription available in the Netherlands

The cheaper Disney+ subscription, which has advertisements shown when streaming movies and TV programmes, will be available in the Netherlands from October 17. Standard subscriptions will also become more expensive for existing customers with prices increasing by around 3 euros to 13,99 euros per month, unless they choose the cheaper advertising subscription costing only 5,99 euros per month. 

5. Grand opening concert for Amsterdam 750

In 2025, the Dutch capital will officially be 750 years old and to celebrate Amsterdam is hosting a huge year-long party. The celebrations will kick off with a grand opening concert on Amsterdam’s birthday, October 27, 2024. It will be a night of musical and dance performances that pay tribute to Amsterdam. 

6. Amsterdam Dance Event returns to Dutch capital

ADE is back for the party people in the Dutch capital! The Amsterdam Dance Event in 2024 is taking place from October 16 to 20. The festival will feature performances by a variety of music legends, from Timbaland to Martin Garrix and everything in between. 

7. Daylight savings in the Netherlands comes to an end

You may have noticed the days getting shorter and the evenings creeping in earlier and we all know what that means: it’s time for the clocks to go back! Daylight Saving Time is coming to an end on October 27, so don’t forget to turn your clock back an hour when the time comes. 

8. Meteor showers to appear over the Netherlands

During October, two meteor showers grace the skies in the Netherlands: the Draconids and the Orionids. If the weather stays clear, the best chance of seeing the stars shooting past will be during the peak period of October 8 to 9 for the Draconids and October 20 to 21 for the Orionids.