Amsterdam’s 750th birthday falls on 27 October 2025, but the city starts celebrating a full year in advance. Throughout the year, there will be all sorts of events to enjoy for both locals and tourists. With several events happening on the water of the city, we of course are joining in the fun. Here are some not to miss festivities for Amsterdam 750 years.
Amsterdam 750 – Opening concert
To start the celebrations with a bang there will be a concert on 27 October 2024 at the Ziggo Dome, near the Johan Cruijff ArenA. This one-of-a-kind event features a diverse lineup of Dutch musicians and the Metropole Orchestra, taking audiences on a musical journey through the city's rich history. With classic and contemporary hits, innovative performances, and unique archive footage, this concert is a must-see for anyone who loves Amsterdam.
From André Hazes Jr. to S10, who performed at Eurovision in 2021, and Trijntje Oosterhuis, the concert showcases the city's vibrant music scene. The ISH Dance Collective and ZO! Gospel Choir add a dynamic element, while the Metropole Orchestra's blend of classical and modern music will create a truly unforgettable experience. Tickets for the concert are still available (per 4 October).
Amsterdam Light Festival – Rituals
The 13th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from 28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025. To celebrate the 750th anniversary of the city, the festival is exploring the role of light in all sorts of rituals, especially rituals around moments of commemoration and celebration. With 27 pieces of light art along the route through the city, the festival is sure to brighten up the dark winter months of the year.
Some rituals that we still use today, were already part of life when Amsterdam was nothing more than a dam in the river Amstel. We light bonfires to welcome the summer solstice, fireworks to celebrate new beginnings, and candles to commemorate lost ones. One of the best ways to experience the festival is with an Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise a long the set route, while listening to an audio guide.
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise options
Party on the A10 Amsterdam Orbital Motorway
On Saturday 21 June 2025, the longest day of the year, it will be time for a party unlike any other ever before. Three quarters of the orbital motorway around Amsterdam, the A10, will be closed down to traffic and opened up for celebrations in all sorts of ways. Along the 15-kilometre stretch of the motorway there will be music, sports, theatre, dance and much more.
When rush hour ends on the 20th, the Ring East, South and West between the exits to the A1 and A5 will close in one direction, the other remains open for emergency services. Throughout the next day everyone can come to celebrate in this unique location. While on Sunday, the roads are to be cleaned so that on Monday morning rush hour traffic will be none the wiser about the celebrations.
Naval celebration - SAIL Amsterdam
At the end of August 2025, the 10th edition and 50th anniversary of SAIL Amsterdam will welcome an armada of over 800 ships to the city. As the event coincides with the city’s own anniversary, this year’s SAIL is even bigger and better than the previous editions. During the SAIL-in on 20 August, tall ship, heritage ships, navy ships and many others make their way from the North Sea, through the North Sea Canal to the city centre.
In the days that follow, many of these ships offer guided tours, giving you access to sights often kept from view. We will offer a special canal cruise that will take you up close to the boats that will dock in the city. Other not to miss fun events include the Pieremachocheltocht, a fun parade of alternative boats, and the Crew Parade, and every night of the ends with a spectacular show with music and fire works.
Runners unite – TCS Amsterdam Marathon
Not only SAIL will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025, so will the Amsterdam Marathon. This year the route will start and finish inside the Olympic Stadium, and runners will make their way along and through iconic sights in the city such as the Rijksmuseum, the Vondelpark, the Amstel river and the Heineken Experience. Registration for the marathon starts on the same day as the celebrations for Amsterdam’s anniversary year on 27 October 2024.
Happy birthday to Amsterdam!
On 27 October 2025, the year of celebration will culminate in an event unlike any other. How exactly? We don’t know yet, as it has not yet been announced. But we are sure that it will be a memorable occasion, during which you will want to be in Amsterdam.
All the celebrations throughout the year will pay tribute to the city, its history and its people. The city will come to life, local talents will be given a stage, and new friendships will be formed. We are ready to celebrate the city we love, will you join us?
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