Every year on 27 April, Amsterdam becomes one of the world’s largest open-air festivals during King’s Day (Koningsdag).
Locals and visitors flood the streets, canals, parks, and squares in a sea of orange to celebrate King Willem-Alexander’s birthday with concerts, boat parties, street markets, pop-up bars, and the legendary nationwide vrijmarkt (free market).
This is the ultimate, up-to-date guide for 2025–2026 based on official information, insider tips, and fresh logistical updates designed to help you experience Koningsdag like a local.
Table of Contents
What Is King’s Day (Koningsdag)?
Koningsdag is the Netherlands’ national celebration honouring the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, marked by orange costumes, street parties, canal parades, live music, family festivities, and the countrywide free market.
It is widely considered the most festive day of the year in the Netherlands and one of the biggest street events in Europe.
Important Date Rule
- Koningsdag is celebrated on 27 April.
- If 27 April falls on a Sunday, celebrations move to 26 April.
In 2025 and 2026, King’s Day stays on 27 April.
History of Koningsdag
- 1885 – First celebrated as Princess’s Day for Princess Wilhelmina.
- 1890–2013 – Became Queen’s Day, shifting to each queen’s birthday.
- 1949 – Under Queen Juliana, the date moved to 30 April, starting large-scale national celebrations and the first free markets.
- 1980–2013 – Queen Beatrix kept the 30 April date despite her January birthday.
- 30 April 2013 – Beatrix abdicates; Willem-Alexander becomes king.
- 2014 onwards – The holiday becomes King’s Day, celebrated on 27 April.
Koningsnacht: The Party Begins the Night Before
Koningsdag festivities start early with Koningsnacht (King’s Night) on 26 April.
Amsterdam hosts:
- Free open-air concerts
- DJ sets on major squares
- Dance festivals and club nights
- Canal parties
- Food trucks and outdoor bars
Thousands stay out until sunrise, especially around Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein, Jordaan, and the canals.
The Vrijmarkt: The Netherlands’ Giant Free Market
The vrijmarkt is a defining tradition of King’s Day: a countrywide flea market where anyone can sell anything without a permit.
How It Works
- Residents chalk or tape off their selling spots in the early morning.
- The free market starts at dawn, around 06:00.
- Vondelpark is a dedicated child-friendly market with performances and games.
- Popular selling areas include Jordaan, De Pijp, the canal belt, and Nieuwmarkt.
What You’ll Find
- Vintage clothing
- Antiques & records
- Homemade pastries
- Toys & games
- Street performers
- Art & handmade crafts
- Random treasures (and plenty of quirky surprises)
If you love browsing flea markets, this is the most exciting day of the year.
What to Expect on King’s Day
The atmosphere is unlike anything else:
- Orange everywhere: clothing, wigs, flags, face paint, and even orange beer.
- Streets transform into dance floors.
- Boats become floating parties, blasting music as they pass under bridges.
- Neighbourhoods host mini-festivals.
- Pop-up stands sell drinks, snacks, and local treats.
Multiply a music festival, carnival, national holiday and street market, and you have Koningsdag.
King’s Day 2025–2026 Updates & Crowd Trends
To outperform outdated guides, here are the current insights:
- Amsterdam expects 800,000–1,000,000 visitors on King’s Day, depending on the weather.
- Attendance in recent years increased after pandemic-era dips.
- The city implements additional crowd-control zones near Dam Square, Museumplein, and Rembrandtplein.
- Some canals now have one-way boat traffic to reduce congestion.
- Alcohol consumption rules are strictly enforced: outdoor drinking is only allowed in designated areas.
- Expect enhanced train services by NS (Dutch Railways) and expanded metro frequency from 26–27 April.
Best Neighbourhoods to Celebrate King’s Day in Amsterdam
1. Jordaan – Local, Lively, Authentic
Perfect for street food, local bands, family-friendly markets, and a classic Amsterdam vibe.
2. Museumplein – The Concert Epicentre
Home to the city’s biggest stages and festival-style crowds.
3. De Pijp – Trendy, Youthful, Fun
Packed with markets, pop-up bars, DJs, and international visitors.
4. Prinsengracht & Keizersgracht (The Canal Belt)
The world-famous canal boat parties book early.
5. Vondelpark – Kids’ King’s Day
Children sell toys, perform music, and play games. Soft, family-friendly, wonderful.
6. Nieuwmarkt & Chinatown
Lively, multicultural, food-rich and filled with energetic street parties.
Boat Parties: The Most Amsterdam Way to Celebrate
How to Join a King’s Day Boat Party
- Book weeks or months in advance; tickets sell out fast.
- Licensed party boats include DJs, drinks, and onboard toilets.
- Private boats require a designated sober captain.
- Expect one-way flow on most central canals.
Best Canals for Celebrating
- Prinsengracht
- Keizersgracht
- Brouwersgracht
- Reguliersgracht
Essential Boat Tips
- Wear layers. April weather changes quickly.
- Protect your phone with a waterproof pouch.
- Bring cash; not all boats accept cards.
Practical Tips for Koningsdag
Wear Orange or Stand Out
Orange clothing isn’t optional; it’s the spirit of the celebration.
Use Public Transport
Many streets are closed to cars. NS and GVB run extra services, but trains are extremely busy midday.
Start Early
The vrijmarkt starts at sunrise; crowds build fast.
Travel Light
Crowded zones = pickpocket risk. Bring essentials only.
Follow Alcohol Rules
Designated drinking zones are marked by signs and enforced by police.
Carry Some Cash
Not every stand accepts cards or digital payments.
Pick Your Neighbourhood
Plan your route. Crossing the city after 12:00 becomes difficult.
Alternative Cities for a Less Crowded Koningsdag
If Amsterdam feels overwhelming, consider:
- Haarlem
- Zaandam
- Alkmaar
- Utrecht
- Leiden
You’ll find live music, markets, and orange fun without the crush.
FAQ
Q. When is King’s Day?
27 April (or 26 April if the 27th is a Sunday).
Q. Why do people wear orange?
It represents the Dutch Royal Family: the House of Orange-Nassau.
Q. When does Koningsnacht start?
On the evening of 26 April, music and nightlife run late.
Q. Can tourists participate in the free market?
Yes. Anyone can sell.
Q. Is King’s Day safe?
Yes, but the extremely crowded areas keep valuables secure.
Q. What time do the canals get busy?
From late morning through sunset.
Final Thoughts: Experience Amsterdam at Its Most Alive
King’s Day is more than a holiday; it’s Amsterdam’s most remarkable expression of freedom, creativity, and community.
For one day each year, the city becomes a spectacular celebration of music, colour, and shared joy.
Plan your route, embrace the orange, travel smart, and let Amsterdam sweep you into its biggest festival of the year.
Koningsdag isn’t just something you attend. It’s something you become part of.
Continue the Celebration: Explore the Jordaan Festival 2025
If you love the atmosphere of King’s Day, the music, the markets, the local spirit and the lively streets of Amsterdam, then you’ll also enjoy one of the city’s most beloved neighbourhood festivals.
The Jordaan Festival 2025 brings you back to the heart of Amsterdam’s musical and cultural traditions.
With classic Dutch sing-alongs, open-air performances, local food, and the warm community feel the Jordaan is famous for, it’s the perfect next event to add to your travel plans.