Amsterdam wraps up 750 years with 75 hours of celebration
24 September 2025
Best Amsterdam 750 events in October
Updated 31 October 2025 at 11:11Written by Marijn Ruhaak
On 27 October 2025, Amsterdam will celebrate its 750th anniversary in a big way. In the lead up to this occasion, you'll find a vast programme of ways to join in the party from small neighbourhood activities to major cultural events. Here are the best Amsterdam 750 events to take part in for October.
The greatest Amsterdammers of all time
Which Amsterdammers were most important to the city? The VU is organising nine lectures (in Dutch), each focusing on a different famous Amsterdammer, from Joost van den Vondel to Baruch Spinoza, Anne Frank to Major Bosshardt. The series kicks off with a theatrical performance on October 1st. It's about Samuel Sarphati, who was voted the greatest Amsterdammer of all time by the Parool newspaper.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | October 1st to December 10th, Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105 | €345,-
Listening adventure at Jeugdland
Image from Adobe Stock
In Flevopark, children experience a listening adventure full of stories, sounds, and surprises alongside their parents and guardians. Throughout the park and Jeugdland, you'll find various spots to listen to short excerpts. Each excerpt allows you to view the place you're standing, each other, and the city from a different perspective. What do you hear when you're quiet? Who used to come here? What does moss actually feel like under your hands? And did you know that a fox lives in Flevopark?
Jeugdland | until October 27, 00:00 – 23:59 | Flevopark, Kramatweg | free
The Red Light District in pictures
Image from Dana Lixenberg
The Red Light District isn't just a tourist attraction. It's also where Amsterdammers of different generations—newcomers, entrepreneurs, sex workers, students, the homeless, and artists—live and work together. Photographer Dana Lixenberg captured photos and videos of the narrow alleyways, canals, and daily life. The result is the exhibition and publication "De Wallen," which offers a portrait and snapshot of this historic neighbourhood.
Dana Lixenberg | Until February 15, 2026 | Amsterdam City Archives - De Bazel, Vijzelstraat 32 | free
Immerse yourself in Spanish culture
Spanish-speaking cultures are a vibrant part of Amsterdam's identity. The Jaleo Sound Festival celebrates life with live music, visual arts, and delicious tapas. The festival is for those who want to rediscover their roots and those curious about the Spanish-speaking community. The program features artists like Maite Hontelé, Ramón Valle, Andrés Barrios, and La Mafia de la Gozadera. Nàtura takes you on a musical journey through flamenco, Latin music, rumba, and Spanish pop.
Jaleo Sound Festival | October 11 & 12, 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Posthoornkerk, Haarlemmerstraat 124-126 | from €23
Basketball tournament for refugee girls
On Amsterdam's 750th anniversary, a basketball tournament for girls with a refugee background will be held at the Bijlmer Sports Centre. The tournament aims to empower girls through sports, helping them build self-confidence, teamwork, and a sense of community. All girls aged 12 to 18 with a refugee background are welcome to participate.
Basketball tournament | October 27, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Bijlmer Sports Center, Anton de Komplein 157 | free
Amsterdam City Journal
Image from Amsterdams Stadsjournaal
Between 1974 and 1984, filmmakers made activist films and documentaries about social issues. The Amsterdam City Archives and Eye Film are bringing these old films to the modern cinema. Key excerpts will be screened on October 15th. Rommy Alberts of Eye will introduce excerpts from "Private Property and Crime" (1974), "Police Work" (1978), and "The Kick" (1982). Afterwards, there will be time for a discussion about the social impact of these films.
Amsterdam City Journal | October 15, 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM | Eye Film Museum, IJpromenade 1 | €13.50, discounts available
Put your running shoes on
Amsterdam isn't the only city celebrating its birthday: the TCS Amsterdam Marathon is also turning 50. Highlights along the route include the start and finish at the Olympic Stadium, the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, the Amstel River, and the Heineken Experience. There's a full marathon, a half marathon, a 7.5 km route, and a kids' run for enthusiastic children. In addition to the running events on Sunday, the Marathon Expo starts on Thursday, and the Good Morning City Run and Amsterdam City Walk take place on Saturday.
TCS Amsterdam Marathon | October 19, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Amsterdam Olympic Stadium
