North Korea`s supreme leader Kim Jong-un will preside over the ceremony, but no world leaders will be attending.
Analysts say the event will be closely watched for any new military hardware.
When it announced plans for the anniversary earlier this year, the government spoke of "cutting-edge" weaponry suitable for modern warfare.
It is not known if Kim Jong-un - grandson of North Korea`s first leader, Kim Il-sung - will speak at any of the day`s events, although the anniversary is expected to send a signal of defiance, particularly to South Korea and the United States.
Officials did not divulge details of Saturday`s celebrations, although thousands of Pyongyang citizens have been seen in public squares across the city practising for a torchlight parade to be held in the evening.
A stage has also been set up on a river for a late-night concert featuring the all-female Moranbong Band - North Korea`s most popular musical group.
China, North Korea`s closest ally, has sent a senior Communist Party official to the anniversary.
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