Amsterdam wraps up 750 years with 75 hours of celebration

30 years of electronic beats

During ADE, there will be a huge party at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The programme features top artists from the last few years, including Hardwell and Armin van Buuren, as well as emerging acts such as KI/KI and John Summit. This year, ADE celebrates its 30th anniversary with more than 2,500 international artists and over 200 stages. In addition to the main event, there will be an exclusive Afrosalto pre-show with Afrojack and Gregor Salto taking turns behind the turntables, plus lectures, workshops and masterclasses.

Saturday 25 October | Johan Cruijff ArenA

The Great Amsterdam Quiz 2025

Who knows where Theo van Gogh Park is located? And who can name the architect of the Stock Exchange? From 29 September to 12 October, Amsterdam experts will test their knowledge during the preliminary rounds of The Great Amsterdam Quiz. This can be done at more than 75 locations throughout the city, from cafés and community centres to sports clubs. The grand finale will take place on 25 October at the Beurs van Berlage. Who will walk away with the prizes and eternal fame as an Amsterdam expert? For those who cannot attend, the exciting final battle can be followed live on AT5.

Preliminary rounds: Monday 29 September to Sunday 12 October, final on Saturday 25 October

75-metre-long cake on Dam Square

It's your birthday, so it's your treat! Fancy a slice of birthday cake? Then come to Dam Square at 7.50 a.m., where Mayor Femke Halsema will cut a gigantic cake measuring no less than 75 metres. There are 7,500 slices to go around, so enough to get the city's birthday celebrations off to a festive start. For those who don't want to get up so early or prefer to celebrate closer to home, part of the cake will also be distributed in the city districts. This way, residents and passers-by in all neighbourhoods can enjoy this special birthday moment and celebrate Amsterdam's 750th birthday together.

Monday 27 October, 07:50 | De Dam

Amsterdam in Motion

In Amsterdam in Motion in the Zuiveringshal, you can immerse yourself in the compelling story of the city. On a huge 3D model measuring 200 m², you can experience the development of Amsterdam: from a village in 1275 to the metropolis of tomorrow. One floor up, you can join in an exhibition on themes such as housing, fashion, Ajax and climate. You will see how the government, scientists and businesses are dealing with problems such as climate change and housing shortages. But you will also see, for example, how a coot builds a sustainable nest from McDonald's packaging, face masks and sunglasses. This initiative by Duncan Stutterheim, in collaboration with the Amsterdam Museum and Monks, will be a permanent total experience for Amsterdammers and visitors from all over the world.

Monday 27 October | Zuiveringshal Oost Westergas

All of Amsterdam Eats!

During the closing weekend, you can join in for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cooking workshops or tastings at 75 locations throughout Amsterdam. From community centres to cafés, restaurants to surprising locations: everywhere, the table will be set for conviviality and connection. Each location adds its own twist – sometimes with regional dishes, sometimes with a culinary workshop – but it's always about eating and meeting together. Everyone is welcome, whether you come alone or with neighbours, friends or family. Organisers ask the locations to keep prices low and accessible so that everyone can enjoy this festive gathering.

Friday 24 to Sunday 27 October | various locations

Musical finale

The anniversary year will be brought to a grand close with the festive National Celebration, broadcast live from 8:30 p.m. on NPO1 via the NOS. Well-known artists such as Maan, Karsu, Yves Berendse, Wibi Soerjadi and Kris Kross Amsterdam will provide a varied programme, ranging from classical to pop and from Dutch-language to dance music. They will perform in surprising duos: one artist will be on stage in the dome tent on Museumplein, while the other will perform from an iconic location in the city. The audience will consist of Amsterdammers who actively contributed to the anniversary year, which will be brought to a festive close.

Monday 27 October, 8:30 p.m. | live on NPO1