Every April 27, Amsterdam transforms into the world's largest street party. King's Day (Koningsdag) celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander with free outdoor concerts, canal boat parties, street markets, and club nights that run well past dawn. The city turns entirely orange.
What Is King's Day?
Koningsdag is a national holiday celebrated across the Netherlands, but Amsterdam is the epicentre. The tradition dates back to 1890 when Queen Wilhelmina's birthday was first celebrated. Today it has evolved into one of the biggest outdoor music events in Europe. The city fills with over a million visitors, orange clothing is everywhere, and the canals become one long floating party.
King's Night (Koningsnacht) begins the evening of April 26, with clubs hosting special events that run through to the morning of April 27. This means 36+ hours of continuous celebration if you pace yourself correctly.
Best Events for King's Day 2026
King's Day splits into outdoor free events and ticketed festival and club experiences. Here's where to be:
- Kingsland Festival: major ticketed festival at Gaasperplas park, international DJs, multiple stages, one of the biggest events of the day.
- Loveland van Oranje: Loveland's legendary King's Day edition, with high-quality electronic music in a festival setting.
- Nachtbloesem: arts-focused outdoor festival with electronic music during King's Day.
- Club Kingsnight events (April 26): almost every club in Amsterdam hosts a special night. Shelter, Paradiso, Melkweg, and BRET all book major acts.
- Free stages: Vondelpark, Museumplein, Westerpark, and the Jordaan all have free live music all day.
- Canal boat parties: book a boat with a DJ for the afternoon. The canals are the most iconic King's Day experience.
Best Areas for King's Day
The entire city celebrates, but some areas concentrate the best free energy. Vondelpark is packed from morning with families and students, with multiple free stages. The Jordaan neighborhood hosts intimate street parties and is beloved by locals. Westerpark has a strong alternative crowd. For the main spectacle, position yourself along the Prinsengracht or Herengracht canals to watch the boat parade.
If you want to spend money wisely, start the day for free in the Jordaan, join a canal boat for the afternoon session (book in advance), then go to a ticketed festival or club night in the evening.
Kingsnight: The Night Before (April 26)
King's Night starts the celebration on the evening of April 26. Nearly every club in Amsterdam books a special lineup. Paradiso, Melkweg, Shelter, and BRET all host Kingsnight events, and they sell out months in advance. If you want to dance until sunrise and roll straight into the street parties, book your Kingsnight ticket well ahead.
Insider Tip
Wear orange. Everything orange. It's not just a suggestion; it's the uniform for the day. Also book your canal boat well in advance; they sell out. If you want to avoid the heaviest crowds, head to the Jordaan neighborhood from noon. That's where Amsterdam locals actually celebrate.
Essential Tips for King's Day Amsterdam
- Book Kingsnight and festival tickets months ahead. They sell out completely.
- Wear orange: it's the dress code for the entire day and night.
- Stay near the Jordaan or Vondelpark if you want a more local experience.
- Book a canal boat for the afternoon. It's the most iconic King's Day experience.
- Carry cash: many street vendors only accept cash on King's Day.
- Use public transport: parking is impossible. Take the metro, tram, or bike.
- Start early: the free stages fill up quickly and the best spots go by noon.
King's Day is one of those events you have to do in Amsterdam at least once. Book early, wear orange, and commit to the full day. You won't regret it.
Ready to celebrate? Check WeParty for King's Day and Kingsnight events in Amsterdam and book your tickets before they're gone.