Everyone loves a good party, but King’s Day in Amsterdam is the biggest of them all! So, what’s happening in the Dutch capital on April 26? 🧡
Amsterdam is going to have its own festivities, so here’s what you should know if you’re planning on celebrating in the Dutch capital. 👑
What is King’s Day?
King’s Day celebrates the current ruling monarch’s birthday. In this case, the entire Netherlands throws a huge birthday party for King Willem-Alexander, whose birthday is on April 27.
2025 is a special year since April 27 falls on a Sunday, and King’s Day never takes place on a Sunday.
The festivities will therefore be moved to a day earlier this time around — April 26 for King’s Day and April 25 for King’s Night. 👑
Given the chance to let loose, the Netherlands celebrates like crazy. Even if they aren’t the biggest fans of the monarchy. 🤷🏻
King’s Day in Amsterdam
There will be plenty of music and festivities through the night and into King’s Day. Amsterdam is well known for its open stages throughout all its neighbourhoods. 🎶
There are parties and live music all around Amstelveld, Leidseplein, Nieuwmarkt, Rembrandtplein, and the Jordaan. 🎤
Spui, Regulierdswartsstraat, and Marie Heinekenplein are accessible to partygoers from 12 PM to 8 PM and are completely free! 😍
There are also some festivals on the outskirts of Amsterdam:
- Nachtbloesem at Multipla and IJland, Amsterdam, from 8 PM to 5 AM
- Loveland at Meerpark, Amsterdam, from 11 AM to 8 PM
- Cartel Kingsday at Westerunie, Amsterdam, from 12 PM to 5 AM
Travelling during King’s Day in Amsterdam
The municipality closes most of Amsterdam’s city centre to traffic on April 26, but you can walk or bike around the city as usual — the only thing that’ll slow you down are the crowds.
You can still access the city by car through a few open roads, and parking is free, but the municipality strongly recommends arriving by train. 🚄
READ MORE | 8 things you should know about King’s Day in the Netherlands
The NS runs on a special King’s Day timetable with some extra trains. Amsterdam Science Park is closed all day because of festivals and parties in the area.
On King’s Night (April 25), both Amsterdam Science Park and Amsterdam RAI are closed all day.
Buses, metros, and trams will also be running throughout King’s Day in Amsterdam, some on different routes and timetables, which you can check on GVB.
Trams won’t run at night, but there will be night buses, and the ferry running between Amsterdam Central Station and NDSM will sail as usual.
Flea markets on King’s Day in Amsterdam
The municipality will allow flea markets across the city. Anyone can settle down anywhere in the city and sell all their unwanted goods from 6 AM to 8 PM, except in Dam Square.
You can sell anything except for live animals and alcohol, and you’re only allowed to sell food if you have a permit.
Good to know: You won’t be allowed to purchase more than one serving of alcohol at a time between 6 AM and 12 AM during King’s Day. A six-pack or crate of beer counts as several pieces, so you won’t be able to buy these on April 26.
There are dozens of markets to check out across the city’s many parks and squares. There are even special markets where only children are allowed to sell their old things.
Let’s just hope the weather holds up and comes through for the country’s biggest party.
How are you planning on spending King’s Day this year? Tell us in the comments!
Play piano acordeón on the streets in Amsterdam
Makes people happy with my music