King’s Day is a national holiday in the Netherlands celebrated in honor of King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. On this day, Amsterdam transforms into a sea of orange, with people from all over the country coming to the city to celebrate. On April 27th, 2024, King’s Day in Amsterdam will once again be a great spectacle. It’s one of the most enjoyable times to visit Amsterdam for a city trip!
Orange or Not: What to Wear for King’s Day in Amsterdam 2024?
On King’s Day in the Netherlands in 2024, people often wear orange clothing or accessories, because orange is the color of the royal family. However, it is not mandatory and you can wear other colors if you prefer. Wearing traditional Dutch clothing, such as clogs and folk costumes, is also popular in some places during King’s Day. In short, wear what you like and feel comfortable in!
Festivals King’s Day Amsterdam 2024
On King’s Day in Amsterdam, there are many festivals and parties taking place throughout the city. Below you will find an overview of some well-known festivals:
- Kingsland Festival: This festival takes place at the RAI and offers a lineup of well-known names from the Dutch dance scene, including Martin Garrix, Afrojack, and Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano.
- Oranjebloesem: This festival takes place at the Olympic Stadium and features a wide range of electronic music, ranging from techno to house. In addition to music, the festival also offers a market and activities.
- Loveland: This festival takes place at the Meerpark and offers various stages with electronic music, ranging from techno to house. In addition to music, there are also food trucks and other activities.
- Urban Music Legends Festival: This festival takes place at the Rhonepark near Sloterdijk and focuses on urban music, such as hip-hop and R&B.
- NDSM Vrijhaven: This free festival takes place at the NDSM wharf and offers live music, a flea market, food trucks, and basketball workshops, among other activities.
Podiums in the City
Podiums and parties are set up all over the city, with the free NDSM Vrijhaven being one of the main attractions, offering live music, a flea market, food trucks, and basketball workshops. Other events include the Bredeweg Festival in the east, with a focus on children, and F*ck de Koningsdag on Albert Cuypstraat, featuring Amsterdam-based house DJs. The festivities usually start the night before on King’s Night, where the streets are filled with music and partygoers.
Cafes also make it a celebration!
In and around Amsterdam’s cafés, many fun events are being organized during King’s Night and King’s Day. Here are some tips from some of the bars that will celebrate the King’s birthday. The Blaffende Vis, Café Nol, Café De Jonge Wees, Café Restaurant Nieges, Het Feest van Ome Jan, Café ‘t Spui-tje, Café de Ceuvel, Grand Café 1909 and Café de Zaak, Pllek, and Eetcafé de Avonden all have exciting plans for the event.
Pllek will host live music and DJs to get the party going, while the other venues have their own distinct offerings, from special programs to free entrance, live music, and entertainment.
Some places are already well-known locations to enjoy King’s Night and King’s Day, such as Café Nol in the Jordaan, but just walking around the city will lead you to many other exciting bars.
Big Markets at King’s Day Amsterdam 2024
On King’s Day itself, there are flea markets all over the city where people sell their second-hand goods. The largest flea market is in the Jordaan district, where hundreds of stalls line the streets and the atmosphere is very cozy. Various stages throughout the city also offer live music, with the largest stage located on Museumplein, where famous Dutch artists perform. There are also many events for children, such as face painting and games.
Important information King’s Day Amsterdam 2024
Note that there is a one-drink limit for alcohol purchases between 6:00 am and midnight. The city of Amsterdam has implemented this rule due to safety concerns caused by excessive alcohol consumption during King’s Day in previous years. Public toilets are available throughout the city, with an additional 75 being placed this year, and fines are given for public urination. First aid stations are also set up in various locations throughout the city.
Watch out… Pickpockets
Read also our article about pickpockets during King’s Day in Amsterdam. Unfortunately, some people come to the capital with the wrong intentions. It would be very unfortunate if you become a victim of this.