They say 75 years is a diamond anniversary, so what do you call 750? A whole crown jewel, perhaps. As Amsterdam gears up to celebrate its 750th birthday, the city – home to historic diamond trade giants like De Beers – is polishing itself up for a year-long celebration worthy of its glittering past. Long considered one of Europe’s finest gems, the Dutch capital is about to shine brighter than ever.
From now until the big official birthday on October 27, 2025, the Dutch capital will come alive with special events, festivals, and cultural happenings. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here’s everything you need to know about this historic celebration – and how to get involved.
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What is Amsterdam 750?
Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary marks 750 years since the city received its official city rights in 1275. While Amsterdam has grown from a small fishing village into a global hub of culture and commerce, this milestone is an opportunity to reflect on its rich history and vibrant present. The festivities, known as Amsterdam 750, will span an entire year and feature a diverse array of events that showcase the city’s creativity, inclusivity, sustainability credentials and community spirit.
What events are happening for Amsterdam 750?
The anniversary year is packed with events, ranging from neighbourhood gatherings to large-scale festivals. Some highlights include:
Opening Concert at Ziggo Dome (October 27, 2024): The celebrations kicked off with a spectacular, one-off concert tribute that told ‘the story of the city’ through renowned Dutch musicians and artists from the past and present alongside an orchestra, dance troupes, acrobats, and more.
Festival Op de Ring (June 21, 2025): One of the biggest and most anticipated events, this festival will transform the city’s A10 ring road into a 15-kilometer car-free zone filled with music, art, and activities. More on this below.
SAIL Amsterdam (August 20-24, 2025): SAIL only happens once every five years anyway, so this edition is sure to be extra spectacular. The maritime event brings a massive fleet of tall ships and special vessels from all over the world to the IJ and docks in the city centre, creating a wonderous view that celebrates Amsterdam’s seafaring heritage.
24H Amsterdam: Various districts of the city will host 24-hour events, allowing visitors to explore each neighbourhood and discover hidden gems through workshops, performances, and culinary experiences. Noord and Zuid are up next in the program.
ToekomstTiendaagse (FutureFest) (June 12-21, 2025): This ten-day event aims to answer the question: ‘What will our city look like in the future?’ Focusing on creating ‘a liveable Amsterdam’, it will feature discussions, conferences, VR experiences, and showcases of innovation that will impact on food, travel, design, technology, and community.
What is Festival Op de Ring A10?
Perhaps the most unique event of the anniversary, and the main highlight, is the Festival Op de Ring, taking place on June 21, 2025. For one day, the usually traffic-heavy A10 ring road will be closed to vehicles and transformed into a massive open-air festival.
What to expect
Green transformation: Portions of the highway will be transformed into a temporary forest, featuring 750 large and 7,500 small trees. After the festival, these trees will be planted throughout the city as a lasting gift.
Cultural activities: The festival will feature music performances, theatre, dance, sport, and art installations across three zones: A10 West, South, and East. Highlights will include a nine-hour highway rave hosted by Audio Obscura and performances by local artists.
Community engagement: Attendees can participate in activities like the Run Op de Ring, a 7.5-kilometre race, and enjoy communal meals at long tables, celebrating the city’s diversity.
Practical Information
Date and time: June 21, 2025, from 12pm to 11pm.
Location: A10 Ring Road, Amsterdam.
Tickets: Admission is free, but for certain zones and time slots, advance booking is required. Tickets can be reserved at opdering.nl.
How can tourists get involved?
Amsterdam 750 is, much like the city itself, designed to be inclusive – visitors will be every bit as welcome as locals. Many of the anniversary events, including Festival Op de Ring and SAIL Amsterdam, are free and open to the public, and the 24H Amsterdam events offer a unique opportunity to explore different neighbourhoods and experience local culture, food, and art.
Some events may require advance booking or have limited capacity, so it’s advisable to plan your visit accordingly and secure tickets where necessary – keep an eye on official websites like Iamsterdam.com and Amsterdam750.nl for the latest updates and information.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the city in a new light and be part of history in the making.
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