In 2024 and 2025, Amsterdam marks its 750th anniversary with a rich array of cultural and sporting events. This extensive program highlights both the rich history and the dynamic present of the city, attracting both residents and visitors. Key events in 2024 include Orkater’s ongoing performance ‘Café 749’, the start of ticket sales for ‘De Koning van Amsterdam’, and the eco-friendly ‘Amsterdam Green! Festival’. There are also cultural highlights such as ’24H West’ and the exciting preliminary rounds of ‘De Grote Amsterdam Quiz’. The celebrations continue into 2025 with events like the ‘Amsterdams Straatvoetbaltoernooi’ and ‘SAIL 50 years’, celebrating Dutch maritime history. These events not only strengthen the cultural infrastructure of Amsterdam but also promote community spirit and urban renewal, celebrating the city’s 750 years in a vibrant way.
Amsterdam’s 750 years anniversary: Must-See Events for Tourists
For tourists visiting Amsterdam this year, there is a wealth of engaging activities centered around the city’s 750th anniversary celebrations. The Jubilee Year kicks off with a spectacular Opening Concert at the Ziggo Dome, which promises a musical and visual tribute to Amsterdam’s storied past and vibrant present. Throughout the year, more than 200 events, including musicals, theater productions, exhibitions, and sports events will take place. Highlights include the Future Ten Days in June, focusing on visionary themes and culminating in a massive celebration on the Ring A10. Additionally, tourists can partake in significant cultural events like SAIL, the Amsterdam Marathon, and the Kwaku Festival, each celebrating their 50th anniversaries. These events not only offer unique experiences but also a deeper connection to the city’s rich cultural tapestry and communal spirit.
Opening Concert in Ziggo Dome
The Amsterdam 750 Anniversary Year will be festively inaugurated on October 27, 2024, at Ziggo Dome with an impressive opening concert. This event offers a unique opportunity to pre-register via a special link and be part of this historic celebration.
The concert is a journey through the history of Amsterdam, celebrating 750 years of culture and tradition. The event pays tribute to the city with a mix of music genres and dance, from classic hits to contemporary pop and electronic music. Prominent Dutch artists and groups such as Metropole Orkest, ISH Dance Collective, and ZO! Gospel Choir will perform, representing a range of styles along with other artists.
Festival on the A10!
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary. This longest day of the year is chosen for a grand celebration in a special location: the Ring A10, which will be transformed into a festive, car-free zone. For 15 kilometers, music, sports, theater, dance, and a variety of other activities will take place.
Mayor Femke Halsema emphasizes the unique nature of this celebration: “You only turn 750 once as a capital city. That’s why we are celebrating it grandly, in a fantastic place, on the longest day of the jubilee year.” Everyone is invited to join this historic celebration, which is not only a celebration of Amsterdam’s rich history but also of its community and future.
24-Hour Series
In 2024, Amsterdam celebrates its 750th year with a series of events that spotlight the city. One of the highlights is the special series of ’24-hour’ events, where each district offers a whole day full of activities and entertainment. On May 25, the West district kicks off with a diverse program accessible to all Amsterdammers, offering 52 free activities.
During this day, visitors can enjoy a wide range of events. Music lovers can indulge in a music route that includes genres from rock and pop to jazz and soul. Foodies are treated to a musical breakfast and can shake their own paloma cocktails. A special foodie route leads through various culinary hotspots.
Other districts will follow throughout the year with their ’24-hour’ events. Each offers unique activities that showcase Amsterdam’s diversity. From kickboxing workshops to walking concerts and historical narratives, each event connects residents and visitors to the city’s culture and history.
Amsterdam 750th Anniversary Event Calendar
| Month | Date(s) | Event |
|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | 5 April ongoing until April/May | Café 749 by Orkater |
| 12 April | Start of ticket sales for De Koning van Amsterdam | |
| 21, 22, 23, 29, 30 April | Theater evenings by Collectief SLPLZN | |
| 25 April | Performance ‘Space to Dream’ CAFÉ 749 | Orkater | |
| May 2024 | 16 May | Radio Het Danspaleis |
| 25 May | 24H West | |
| 26 May | Amsterdam Green! Festival (100% pesticide-free!) | |
| June 2024 | Early June | Kick-off public campaign leading up to the anniversary year |
| 13 June | Radio Het Danspaleis | |
| September 2024 | 7 September | 24H East |
| 30 September to 14 October | Preliminaries of The Great Amsterdam Quiz | |
| October 2024 | 30 September to 14 October | Continuation of The Great Amsterdam Quiz preliminaries |
| 12 October | 24H New-West | |
| 21 October | Premiere of the musical Our Jordaan at DeLaMar Theater | |
| 27 October | Geurt Brinkgreve Lecture, Friends of the Amsterdam Inner City | |
| 27 October | Opening concert Amsterdam 750 in the Ziggo Dome | |
| 27 October | Kick-off new MBO talent program | |
| 27 October | Toll privilege displayed at the City Archives | |
| November 2024 | 1 November | Finale of The Great Amsterdam Quiz |
| 2 November | Museum Night Amsterdam | |
| 20 – 24 November | The Spirit of Amsterdam | |
| December 2024 | 8 December | Premiere of De Koning van Amsterdam |
| 14 December | Opening of The Women of Amsterdam: A Tribute. Amsterdam Museum. | |
| 31 December | New Year’s Eve with a 750-twist | |
| March 2025 | March | Amsterdam Street Football Tournament |
| 20 – 21 March | Skills the Finals 2025 | |
| Spring 2024 | Date TBD in spring | 24H Southeast |
| June 2025 | June | Finale of the Amsterdam street football tournament |
| 18 June | Amsterdam Play Outside Day | |
| July 2025 | 13 July – 4 August | Kwaku 50 years |
| August 2025 | August | Urban Sports Festival |
| 20 – 24 August | SAIL 50 years | |
| September 2025 | Fall 2025 | 24H North |
| October 2025 | 19 October | TCS Marathon 50 years |