King's Day Amsterdam

Koningsdag Amsterdam

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Cultural & TraditionalAmsterdam
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsKing's Day stands apart for its vrijmarkt
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: EUR
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

King's Day Amsterdam in Amsterdam

Koningsdag, or King's Day, is the Netherlands national holiday held every April 27 to mark King Willem-Alexander's birthday, with Amsterdam hosting the country's largest celebration. Streets and canals fill with orange-clad crowds, decorated party boats crowd the canal ring, and a citywide free market lets anyone, including children, sell secondhand goods without a permit. Music stages fill squares such as Museumplein, Rembrandtplein, and Leidseplein throughout the day.

Every April 27, Amsterdam turns orange.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

King's Day stands apart for its vrijmarkt, or free market, a legally sanctioned exception that lets any resident, including children, set up a stall and sell secondhand toys, clothing, and homemade items on public streets for one day only, with no trading permit required

02

The mystery stays covered

Vondelpark becomes especially known for children's stalls selling toys and treats

03

The city starts moving

The date itself carries royal history: it replaced Koninginnedag, celebrated April 30 under Queen Juliana and continued on that date under Queen Beatrix for better spring weather, before shifting to April 27 when Willem-Alexander became king in 2013

04

The water draws everyone in

The night before, Koningsnacht, brings club parties across the city ahead of the main celebration

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The vrijmarkt is the day's defining tradition: normal street-trading rules are suspended so that anyone

Water and renewal

Living ritual

including children

The sacred route

Living ritual

can lay out secondhand toys

The local code

Living ritual

and homemade goods for sale without a permit

Tradition 5

Living ritual

with Vondelpark long associated with children running their own stalls

Tradition 6

Living ritual

Orange clothing and decorations reference the royal House of Orange-Nassau

Tradition 7

Living ritual

The canal parade of decorated party boats through central Amsterdam is treated as one of the day's central spectacles

Tradition 8

Living ritual

and Koningsnacht

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Wear orange, the color tied to the House of Orange-Nassau: t-shirts, jerseys, hats, or wigs are all standard. Late April weather in Amsterdam can swing between mild sun and cool drizzle, so...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

EUR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map52.37 N, 4.89 EOpen in Google Maps

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

Nearest airportAMS — Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaStay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Amsterdam via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Amsterdam, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for April.Compare faresFestival gearWear orange, the color tied to the House of Orange-Nassau: t-shirts, jerseys, hats, or wigs are all standard. Late April weather in Amsterdam can swing between mild sun and cool drizzle, so a light waterproof jacket or layers work better than a single heavy coat. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes matter most, since the day involves long stretches on foot, on crowded bridges, and along canal-side cobblestones.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Netherlands and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is King's Day Amsterdam?

King's Day Amsterdam is listed for Past edition: 27 April 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does King's Day Amsterdam take place?

The festival is listed in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLiamsterdam.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusOfficial source linked
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