How Amsterdam celebrates its 750th birthday in May

May is the month of blossom, outdoor life, and Amsterdam at its finest. To mark the city's 750th anniversary, we present five stylish ways to celebrate: from urban sports to open-air art and theatre gems you won't want to miss.

May is the month of blossoms, the outdoors – and Amsterdam at its most beautiful. In honor of the 750th anniversary of our capital, the city is once again buzzing with events this month. From art on the streets to musical legends in the theater; MASTERS recommends five ways to celebrate this festive month.

Cycling in Amsterdam | May 15

On the national Bike to Work Day, you don't just cycle to the office, but also to Eye Film Museum for a special film evening. Under the name Forever Young the Amsterdam bicycle will be the focus of a series of screenings and discussions.

Expect films in which the bicycle is not just a side issue, but a leading role – such as The Cyclist (2018) in Cycling (1965) by Ed van der Elsken. An ode to the city's most beloved means of transport, with stories, images and guests who take you into Amsterdam's rich cycling culture.

Urban Sports Week | May 16 – 18

For three days, the NDSM wharf will be transformed into a playing field for world-class urban top sports. During this special 750th edition of Urban Sports Week, international athletes will compete for titles in disciplines such as 3x3 basketball, parkour and breakdance.

The program includes the FIBA ​​3×3 World Tour Masters, the Women's Series and the FIG Parkour World Cup. And on May 17, it's all about moves during the Amsterdam Breaking Championship. In addition, you can visit daily Shred Fest, the side event for skateboarders, BMX'ers ​​and inline skaters.

ARTZUID 2025 | May – August

The leafy avenues of Amsterdam South will form the backdrop for the ninth edition of the Amsterdam Sculpture Biennale ARTZUID this spring. Under the theme Enlightenment fifty international artists and young talent show sculptures that celebrate freedom, tolerance and international connections.

Start your walk at the ARTZUID pavilion on Minervalaan and be surprised by art in the wild along the way – with a route map, catalogue and, if you like, a good glass of wine.

NDSM Art Walk | from May 10th

Seven walks, seven artists, one terrain full of hidden stories. In the context of 750 years of Amsterdam, six cultural organisations invite you to a series of sensory routes across the iconic NDSM wharf.

Once a shipyard, now a breeding ground for art and experiment. During the NDSM Art Walks you will experience the shipyard as you have never seen it before – through sound, movement, fictional pirate radio and performances. Each month a new maker takes centre stage, with their own perspective and interpretation.

No time to physically walk along? Each walk can also be listened to as a podcast, produced by Visionair Ordinair.

Johnny meets Shaffy | May 14

Two voices, two stories – one theatre. In this musical performance by Amsterdams Allooi, on show at Theater Mascini, Johnny Jordaan meets his kindred spirit Ramses Shaffy. A poetic, funny and moving journey through Amsterdam's soul and bliss.