Imagine strolling along a huge stretch of motorway—no cars, no horns, just crowds, music, trees—and stumbling across a wedding happening right on the pavement. That’s exactly what I experienced on Saturday, June 21, 2025, during Amsterdam’s A10 ring road festival, and trust me—it was up there with the city’s most unforgettable events.

From Freeway to Fairground: The Ring Road Reinvented

Amsterdam celebrated its 750th anniversary (“Op de Ring”) by shutting down 15 kilometers of the A10 ring road, turning it into a pedestrian-only carnival zone. No traffic, no tailbacks—just space to run, walk, relax, and celebrate.

More than 200,000 free tickets were snapped up, even though 600,000 people tried. Sections were divided into zones—west, south, east—to host live music, dance, art installations, children’s meetups, pop-up forests, and yes… wedding ceremonies.

Spotted: A Wedding on the Highway

While wandering near Silvertown, I came across a couple exchanging rings with highway traffic gutted for love. Zuzanna Lisowska and Yuri Iozzelli were among roughly 400 couples selected to say “I do” on the A10—chosen via lottery early in the year. Zuzanna laughingly told me it was a “super fun idea” and she felt lucky—as the demand far exceeded the 20 official slots. Yuri quipped, “It’s a nice party we didn’t have to organize.”

At 30°C+, sun shimmered on the tarmac. The couple's only complaint: they left their rabbit at home—it was too hot for it to join

A crowd of locals—families, grandparents, even communications student Kyra Smit—cheered the joyous moment. Kyra summed it up best: “It’s really fun because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing… it’s so fun that you can say to people, wow, I’m married on the rings.”

More Than Just Matrimony: A Day of Discovery

The festival rolled out much more than just weddings:

A 7.5 km run, though shortened mid-day due to heat
Music sets and dance performances on the blacktop
Readings, meetups, and art installations weaving across the motorway
A striking temporary forest of 8,000+ trees, transforming concrete into green peace

Public safety stations were set up with water taps and sunscreen booths to help with the soaring temps . And yes—it felt surreal to wander where cars usually rush and bridges arch overhead—the vibe was electric .

Marjolein de Bruijne, who works nearby, echoed my thoughts: “It’s quite strange because normally you drive here and now you’re walking, so that’s a totally different situation.”

Why It’s More Than a Road Closure

This event wasn’t just to celebrate a milestone—it was symbolic:

Reclaiming public space: turning a busy motorway into communal territory
Uniting inner and outer city politics—breaking down divisions the ring road often symbolizes
Celebrating residents: the road is where thousands commute daily, now transformed into a place of joy, ceremony, and creativity

Mayor Femke Halsema captured the spirit best: “You only turn 750 once… that’s why we’re celebrating in a big way, at an amazing location, on the longest day.”

Practical Tips I Picked Up

If you’re planning to experience Op de Ring in future:

Leave the car at home—transport chaos was expected 
Reserve free tickets early (they were released May 21); up to 6 per person in the morning, and 4 later 
Stay hydrated—attend midday refreshed
Explore! Wander zones fully—they each had unique performances and art
Enjoy the surprises—like spontaneous wedding ceremonies or 8,000 trees towering beside you

Final Thoughts: A Highway to Happiness

That afternoon on the A10 was more than just a day out—it was a creative reclamation of infrastructure, redefined as a canvas for celebration. Witnessing a couple say their vows on the motorway among strangers made me realize how powerful public space can be.

So yeah, I saw people run, dance, propose, and yes—get married—all where cars once ruled. And it reminded me how urban spaces can be reimagined—if only for a day.

If you love unique experiences and public art that transforms city life—this is one for the books.

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I Said “I Do” on a Highway? My Day at Amsterdam’s A10 Ring Road Festival