The countdown has begun! In exactly 100 days, on October 27, 2025, Amsterdam will celebrate its official birthday: 750 years! Until then, the city will be buzzing with festive activities — from large-scale events to walking tours and unique neighborhood theatre: there’s something for everyone to enjoy. To get you started, we’ve listed a number of celebratory events leading up to October 27. For the full schedule, check out the 750 Events Calendar by Amsterdam & Partners.
July 12 – August 3, every weekend | Nelson Mandela Park | from €12.50 Kwaku celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a grand edition in Amsterdam Southeast. What started as a local football tournament has grown into a major cultural festival that brings communities together. Expect live music, dance, film, delicious food, and of course, football. Each weekend features a full program, with a special focus on diversity and connection. One of the highlights is Pink Sunday (July 27), celebrating love, freedom, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
August 20–24 | IJ waterfront | free & ticketed events SAIL returns to Amsterdam for a festive 10th edition – and celebrates the city’s 750th anniversary at the same time. Enjoy the most beautiful tall ships, historic vessels, and impressive boat parades on the IJ. The atmosphere is one-of-a-kind: maritime traditions and global cultures come together on and around the water. Expect music, theatre, boat tours, and international encounters. SAIL only happens once every five years – a true highlight of the summer you won’t want to miss.
August 16–17, September 20–21, October 4–5 | NDSM Wharf | free As part of Amsterdam 750, six cultural organizations are hosting a series of seven art walks at the NDSM Wharf. Each walk is co-created with artists and collectives and leads you through surprising places and untold stories. Every edition follows a different route, offering a fresh experience of the site each time. Discover how the area continues to evolve, inspire, and transform. Art, heritage, and the future come together in this special series.
Sunday, October 19, 2025 Celebrate the 50th edition of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon! Highlights of the route include the iconic 1928 Olympic Stadium (start and finish), the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, the Amstel River, and the Heineken Experience. Spots are still available if you’d like to join the run – or come out and cheer on the runners along the route!
August 15–17 | citywide | free & ticketed events For years, the Grachtenfestival has been the stage for emerging musical talent, performing in unique venues across the city. Expect concerts on the water, in community centers, historic monuments, and unexpected spots like the Royal Palace or ARTIS Planetarium. Artists come from around the world, bringing their stories through music. The festival connects the city, its history, and fresh sounds. The 28th edition in 2025 promises even more innovation and discovery.
August 24 & 31, September 7 | from Wereldmuseum Amsterdam | free Join storyteller and guide Kashif Amin for a walking tour through Amsterdam East, exploring traces of Muslim heritage. Themes include migration, colonial history, and modern-day identity. You’ll visit meaningful sites like the Wereldmuseum (formerly the Tropenmuseum) and the “De Schreeuw” monument. The walk connects the past with present-day stories, offering a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s diverse identity. A must for anyone seeking context and insight.
September 12 | Sloterpark | free Opening Night marks the festive start of the new concert season of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra – and this year, it takes place in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. In Sloterpark, by the lake, classical music will fill the open air. The orchestra collaborates with local initiatives and entrepreneurs, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. After previous editions on Dam Square and at the NDSM Wharf, Opening Night continues its journey through the city’s neighborhoods. A concert for everyone – free and unforgettable.
September 12–14 & October 3–5 | De Pijp | free Boost Producties and CC Amstel bring a one-of-a-kind circus show to the streets of De Pijp. Circus around the Block is inspired by stories from local residents and invites you to see the neighborhood with new eyes. Expect large-scale installations, movement theatre, and stunning acts by award-winning circus performers. The route winds through hidden squares and streets like Tolstraat and Dora Tamanaplein – turning the neighborhood into the stage for an immersive circus spectacle.
Don’t miss a thing! Check out the full program in the 750 Events Calendar and keep an eye on our website in the lead-up to October 27.
