Amsterdam's semi-annual fashion week is the top event on the capital's fashion calendar, and its "off-schedule" events ensure plenty to see and do even beyond the catwalk. Held each year in January and July (coincidentally, also the two best months to find sales at city shops), Amsterdam Fashion Week offers the usual insiders-only events as well as public events for amateur fashionistas, in stark contrast to the exclusivity of many other "fashion weeks" worldwide.

These "off-schedule" events comprise Fashion Week Downtown, in which the Fashion Week team collaborates with cultural centers, local businesses and other enterprises for nine days of exhibitions, shows, launches, parties and more. The full and varied schedule includes a special launch party that marries fashion and music at club Panama. Ticket prices vary by specific event; while many of the Downtown events offer free admission with no advance reservations, some do carry a fee and/or visitors must RSVP in advance.

For complete information, visit the Amsterdam Fashion Week web site; there, iPhone and Android mobile device users can download the free Fashion week app, which contains all the necessary details plus inside info on the event (both the "Uptown" and "Downtown" sides) and its participants.