No, Summer Darkness doesn't refer to the overcast weather we've had recently here in Utrecht. It's the annual dark underground lifestyle weekend held in Utrecht every year. This alternative festival is a mix of fashion shows, shopping, music, dance and more. Not surprisingly many of the events take place in the shadow of the Gothic Domtoren.

One of the major features of the event is the music, which includes gothrock, retro-wave, gothic-metal, avant-garde, darkambient, medieval, neo-folk, darkwave, industrialrock, and neo-classical. The musical acts booked for this year come from a variety of countries and include: And One, DAF, Brendan Perry, Leatherstrip, Project Pitchfork, Clan of Xymox, Grendel, Faith & The Muse, Aesthetic Perfection, and many many more.

Along with the music, DJs and dance parties, there are markets set up on the Domplein, for all your shopping needs, from clothing and wigs, to CDs and home decorations, all with a dark spin, of course. There are also fashion shows and musical performances going on in the Domplein throughout the weekend. The events here are free and open to the public and are great for the more casual weekend attendee. They're also great for photographers, as many of the people attending are dressed to impress and are often more than happy to serve as an impromptu model.

The event takes place August 13-15 at various locations around Utrecht. Tickets can be bought for the whole event at €65, or can be purchased for individual days for €37, and single tickets for individual events are sometimes available, starting at €15. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketservice or at the cash desk of Tivoli Oudegracht during office hours, and at Plato record store. Full ticket info is available on the official website (in English), as is the full program with all the locations, times and individual events.

Down in Martin Luther King Park, along the Amstel river, the Parade is currently going on in Amsterdam. The only way I can think to describe Parade is a 2+ week long theater festival although there is always more going on than theater.

My favorite theater group in Amsterdam is back this year performing at Parade. They are called Pips:lab and they are arguably the most innovative crew in the country.

Here is my favorite of their street performances:

More on the Parade coming this week. Follow the links for more details.

Out of all the Amsterdam Pride 2010 video clips I found on Youtube, the one was my favorite. Over 3 minutes of some of the best scenes along the canals. Enjoy.

This weekend the In Vervoering Festival is on the move in Utrecht. Taking place at different locations around the city, the festival is a collection of art, music, poetry and theater presented and performed on mobile stages, including horse-drawn wagons, boats and tricycles.

On Saturday, 7 August, five bus stops along Bus Line 2 in the Museum Quarter will be transformed into performance stages. While still serving their primary function as a bus stop, they will also be the home to a variety of performances, running from 14:00 to 18:00. At 20:00 until 23:00, the entertainment moves to the Leidig Erf. Sunday, 8 August, the day's events will be taking place at Lepelenburg Park from 14:00 to 20:00. All festival events are free.

Some of the performances at the festival include: Paper Tiger, Kim Janssen, The Medics, El Pino & The Volunteers, This Leo Sunrise, Breaking Ground, and Filmmachine. For a full list of events, visit the festival website (in Dutch).

Truth be told, many of the Gay Pride 2010 events started on Sunday, but there is plenty of time to join the fun before the big parade this weekend.

Your ultimate guide to Gay Pride Weekend, which stretches from the 5th to the 8th of August, is available here.

As you may know, The Netherlands, especially Amsterdam, is considered one the gay capitals of Europe. Meaning this is the place where the gay community, friends, and neighbors, set up a lawn chair along the canal, share some drinks, and enjoy the fun.

Unfortunately this year, my favorite event - The Drag Queen Olympics- was canceled last minute and moved to Madrid. As a consolation, there will be a Drag King Betty Contestat King Betty's, with judging by Vera Bergkamp, EllenElla and Miss Windymills.

Here are some summer concerts that may be just what the doctor ordered for the last weekend of July 2010:

Saturday

George Clinton and Paliament Funkadelic - I've seen George perform in Amsterdam before and let me tell you, there is no better place on the planet to experience his show. - Paradiso; 7pm; €30 plus membership.

If you like amazing guitar players then the Concertgebouw is the place to check out "Jazz Guitar Summer Night" feature the best of the best in Holland. 8:15pm, prices range from €22 to €30.

Sunday

The Pogues are back and the word is, better than ever. Find out for yourself. - Melkweg; 7pm; €47.50 plus membership.

Sugar Factory at the Beach. Yes why not, the legendary Amsterdam night club has taken its party to the beach, featuring Tentempiés and The Tunes. 3pm, free entry.

The coming of August means the 7th edition of the Pluk de Nacht Open Air Film Festival in Amsterdam. Don't be thrown off by the name Film Festival, this is not some elite schmooz fest where only the rich and famous come to be seen. NO. This is a very open and very relaxed series of outdoor film events that you can easily get addicted to.

Films from all over the world - check.
Short films, documentaries and full length feature films - check.
Fun, Food, and Drink in the festival area - check.
The right to bring your own everything - check check.

Among my three that most interest me this year:

This American Life - Yes, Ira Glass's popular radio program actually has a TV show version, and it will be playing on the 12 of August.
The Crying Game - Famous punchline of plenty of jokes. Also a groundbreaking film I haven't seen in years. August 8th.
Winnebago man, 13th of August. I have long wanted to see this film about the man who sells the beloved vehicles.

FInd your film choices and join the fun in just over a week!

Fans of Nijntje, AKA Miffy, the little bunny created by artist Dick Bruna, may be interested to know that this week only, entrance to the Dick Bruna Huis in Utrecht is free. According to the Centraal Museum's Facebook page, there is one catch, though. You have to be sporting a mustache. However, if you're folliclely challenged in the upper lip area, it seems that mustaches, like art, are open to interpretation. Draw one on, print one out, or find some other way to get creative. Just put on your best mustache.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 11:00-17:00, and is located at Nicolaaskerkhof 10, Utrecht.

I attended the Red Bull Fierste Ljeppen competition here in Utrecht on Saturday and got to enjoy watching this historic Dutch sport. Although it dates back to the 1200s at least, the competitions nowadays are modern and exciting. The crowd was huge, as well, with more than 13,000 spectators there that day to enjoy the sport and the beautiful weather. We saw some high fliers and a few big splashes, and even saw a new world record being set by Thewis Hobma, who jumped 20.72 meters. I thought I'd share a few of my photos, in case you didn't get to go but are curious about the sport.

The weather may not be wonderful today - we actually saw some rain in Leiden earlier - but generally summer allows for outdoor activities on a more regular basis. Beach trips, cycling, and picnics are all possibilities that should be taken advantage of in the summer months - but have you thought about watching a film or enjoying some music in the open air?

If you're near Amsterdam, be sure to check out the Vondelpark's Open Lucht Theater, which aims to entertain visitors all summer long. They have a full summer schedule available online. For example, next week (30 July - 1 August) offers 11 different options for interested attendees. You can see everything from a dance company to films to classical music concerts just during this three-day period. You can even reserve your tickets online.

The Open Lucht Theater runs until the end of August, so be sure to stop by one of their events before or after exploring the lovely Vondelpark in Amsterdam. Now get out there and enjoy the summer!