King’s Day is a national holiday each year in honour of the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. Amsterdam turns bright orange and the city fills with parties, street markets, boats on the canals and visitors celebrating everywhere. In 2026 King’s Day falls on Monday 27 April. Expect a big, busy and festive day that’s ideal for a city trip to Amsterdam.
What to wear on King’s Day 2026 in Amsterdam
Orange remains the standard colour. Many visitors wear T-shirts, hats or accessories in that shade. You can wear anything you like, as there’s no dress code. Comfortable clothing is helpful because you’ll be walking and moving around a lot. Traditional outfits such as clogs or folkloric clothing do appear here and there, mainly worn by people who like to stand out or joke around. Choose something you feel good in and can wear all day without hassle.
Festivals during King’s Day Amsterdam 2026
The full festival schedule for 2026 is not final yet, but the well-known organisers almost always return. These are the events you can likely expect in 2026, based on the usual locations and past editions. Always check the programme once organisers release their official information.
- Kingsland Amsterdam: One of the biggest King’s Day festivals again in 2026. The 2025 edition moved to the Olympic Stadium, and that venue is very likely to host it again. Expect major Dutch artists, lots of dance music and a sizeable production. Tickets usually go on sale early.
- Loveland: Loveland traditionally hosts a King’s Day event in Amsterdam. In 2025 this was BURST in Meerpark with one large stage. Chances are high that Loveland will follow a similar concept in 2026. Check the line-up in early 2026.
- NDSM Vrijhaven: A free and creative festival each year at the NDSM Wharf, with live music, street theatre, children’s activities, art and a flea market. Popular with families and locals.
- Urban Music Legends: In 2025 this event took place in the Rhonepark. Hip-hop, R&B and Afro sounds are the core of the programme. You can expect a similar setup in 2026.
- Outdoor and alternative events: The Bredeweg Festival in Amsterdam-Oost remains a favourite for families and culture lovers. Westerpark usually hosts a mix of electronic events and smaller pop-up parties.
King’s Night 2026 in Amsterdam
The evening before King’s Day, on Sunday 26 April, is just as lively. Clubs, cafés and public squares host special evening events. The Jordaan, De Pijp and Amsterdam-Oost are traditionally very busy with street parties. Because King’s Night in 2026 falls on a Sunday, a large turnout is expected.
Bars and cafés that will celebrate again in 2026
Amsterdam cafés go all out each year and 2026 will be no different. These locations almost always have a full programme.
De Blaffende Vis in the Jordaan with its well-known decorated façade. Café Nol with Dutch sing-along music and packed streets. Café De Jonge Wees, Café Restaurant Nieges, Het Feest van Ome Jan, Café ’t Spui-tje, Café de Ceuvel, Grand Café 1909, Pllek and Eetcafé de Avonden are all expected to host events again. Pllek in Amsterdam-Noord is ideal for anyone looking for a more relaxed vibe, with live music during the day and DJ sets later on.
Street markets and busy areas on King’s Day 2026
Amsterdam will once again be full of street markets on 27 April. The biggest and best-known one is in the Jordaan. The Vondelpark is, as always, entirely reserved for children, with performances, games and blankets full of toys and books for sale. Other streets worth visiting include the Negen Straatjes, the Beethovenstraat, the Apollolaan and the Bredeweg Festival in Oost.
Important practical information for King’s Day Amsterdam 2026
- The city usually applies a limit of one alcoholic drink per person when consuming on the street. Expect a similar rule in 2026.
- Supermarkets typically allow only one can or bottle of alcohol per person on King’s Day.
- NS banned alcohol on stations and trains during King’s Day weekend in 2025. It’s very likely this rule will return in 2026.
- Hundreds of temporary public toilets are placed each year. Use them — public urination leads to fines.
- First-aid stations are available at busy locations and festival sites.
- Travel by metro or train. Many roads are closed and trams run on modified routes.
- Pickpockets are active during King’s Day. Keep your belongings close and secure.
Watch out for pickpockets
Also read the article on pickpockets in Amsterdam during King’s Day. The city attracts large crowds, which unfortunately also makes it appealing for people with bad intentions. Keep your phone and wallet in an inside pocket that can be closed.
Hotels in Amsterdam during King’s Day 2026
Booking early is strongly recommended. King’s Day is one of the busiest weekends of the year. View current availability and prices via Booking using affiliate ID aid=2232023.