On October 27, 2025, Amsterdam will celebrate its 750th birthday. For a year, the city has been in a festive mood, and now it will officially blow out 750 candles. The anniversary year will be grandly concluded in the last 75 hours, highlighted by a festive concert: the National Celebration Amsterdam 750 years.
Story Festival
The finale of the anniversary year starts on Friday, October 24, with the Story Festival, in collaboration with the OBA. The stories collected during the anniversary year will be celebrated there. The mayor will open the festival, which takes place at the OBA on the Oosterdok.
750 Watercolors of Amsterdammers
The artist society De Kring will also open its doors to the public. Here, artist Anne Stooker presents a special tribute to the city: 750 watercolors of Amsterdammers, the iconic anti-parking posts. The works are not only on display but also for sale.
Special Performance
The Nieuwe Kerk will conclude the anniversary year with a special performance by Audio Obscura and the ZO! Gospel Choir. This is part of the collaboration between ADE and Amsterdam 750, about which more will be revealed later.
All of Amsterdam at the Table
From October 24 to 27, meals will be shared at 75 locations throughout the city. From breakfast to dinner: everywhere, Amsterdammers can join for an affordable price. Long tables will be set up in restaurants, community centers, cafes, and special places where everyone is welcome.
Free Thinkers from Young to Old
The Free Thinkers Festival will take place from October 22 to 25 at De Balie on Leidseplein. The focus is on freedom of expression and the importance of fundamental rights. There will be debates and lectures.
This year, there is also a special junior edition. Children and young people aged 7 to 17 can get creative on Sunday, October 26, working on childrens rights, such as the right to education and protection.
Great Amsterdam Quiz
The anniversary year was filled with events, but some activities will also return. The Great Amsterdam Quiz will continue. The final of 2025 will be played on Saturday, October 25, at the Beurs van Berlage.
3D Model of the City
At the Westergasterrein, the impressive exhibition Amsterdam in Motion opens: a 3D model of the city. Visitors can view the permanent exhibition for free on October 25, 26, and 27.
75 Meter Long Cake
On the big day itself, Monday, October 27, the birthday will start festively with a gigantic 75-meter-long cake at Dam Square. That’s 7,500 pieces, which will be cut and distributed by Mayor Halsema at 7:50 AM to passersby and local residents. The city districts will also receive their share of the birthday cake.
Musical and Festive Conclusion
In the evening, the grand finale will follow: the National Celebration Amsterdam 750 years. From 8:30 PM, artists like Yves Berendse, Karsu, Kris Kross Amsterdam, Maan, and Wibi Soerjadi will bring a musical tribute to the city in a live concert on TV. From classical to dance and from pop to Dutch-language: everything will be featured. Artists will perform in surprising duos, with one singing from the Museumplein and the other from an iconic location in the city.
Dione de Graaff and Matthijs Weststrate will report live on behalf of NOS. The broadcast will last until 10:00 PM and can be seen on NPO 1. The audience in the hall is present by invitation and mainly consists of Amsterdammers who have made an active contribution to activities in the anniversary year.