Well I have found myself back in Europe indefinitely for work!! That said, I want to travel as much as I can this summer-- when is the best time to head to Amsterdam in the summer (June, July, Aug)?

And/ or are there festivals, events, parties, ETC that would be worth seeing?

Recommendations appreciated!!

I recall there are several festivals in August, although I haven't timed things exactly right in the past. It's going to depend what sorts of things interest you.

Maybe look for the Amsterdam VVV (official tourism site) and see what they list.

The Dance valley festival at Sparnwoude is on Saturday 12 July.

Pinkpop is 30, 31 may and 1 June, not sure if there are still tickets for that.

Lowlands is 15, 16,17 August, again not sure if there are still tickets.

Dance valley: http://www.dancevalley.com/
Pinkpop: www.pinkpop.nl
Lowlands: http://tinyurl.com/2e66f2

This is very helpful-- thank you!

There's a list of the main events and festivals here:

http://www.insquish.com/events.htm

Not specific to Amsterdam, but www.whatsonwhen.com is a great website for finding events in all kinds of places.

The best time for Amsterdam is April 30, Queen's Day. I will be there in a mere 10 days to help them drain the breweries. The tulips should also be fine by then.