haarlemsdagbladJun 20, 2026, 14:54

Rowdy Baltus (34) created the Festival Gift Card, but had to sacrifice a lot: 'If you work 70 hours a week, you're not relationship material'

Rowdy Baltus, a 34-year-old entrepreneur, reflects on the personal sacrifices made while launching the now-successful Festival Gift Card. For five years, Baltus balanced a job with the municipality of Amsterdam while working seventy hours a week on his business, leading to significant personal and relationship costs.

Business Lifestyle Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

30 years of ADE: how a small networking conference grew into the world's largest dance marathon

The Amsterdam Dance Event is celebrating its 30th anniversary, having grown from a small industry gathering into the world's largest dance festival. Over the past three decades, the event has helped transform electronic music into a recognized art form while solidifying the Netherlands' reputation as a global leader in the dance industry.

End to intake freeze at Levvel, youths with severe issues can once again be admitted in Amsterdam

Care organization Levvel has ended its intake freeze for Amsterdam youth following successful negotiations to secure more beds for those in need of severe residential care. While access has been restored, the municipality is demanding better coordination among providers and has initiated an independent financial audit of Levvel to ensure future stability.

Six bedrooms and a view of Vondelpark: most expensive house in Amsterdam for sale

The most expensive home in Amsterdam, a villa on the Oranje Nassaulaan near Vondelpark, has been listed for sale at 20 million euros. The property features extensive living space, six bedrooms, and a private garden, with the estate agent expecting a sale within a few months.

No plans for ADE yet? You can still get tickets for these 10 parties

The annual Amsterdam Dance Event takes place from October 21 to 25, offering a wide array of musical performances across various iconic city venues. Tickets are still available for ten selected events, including performances by artists like DJ Snake, KI/KI, and the duo Adriatique.

Water board warns: North Holland not well prepared for rising sea levels

Water board official Bea de Buisonjé warns that North Holland is ill-prepared for rising sea levels, noting that traditional technical solutions are no longer sufficient. Authorities are calling for increased water storage capacity and improved flood-resilient urban planning to protect vulnerable areas.