When Is King’s Day Amsterdam? Your Complete 2026 Guide

Orange crowds on canal boats. Music on every corner. Entire streets turned into one huge flea market. That’s King’s Day in Amsterdam.

If you’re trying to time your trip right, you’ll find everything you need here: the exact 2026 date, how the date is chosen, what actually happens in the city, and how to plan your visit without getting caught out by crowds, prices, or transport changes.

What Is King’s Day?

King’s Day (Koningsdag) is the national birthday party for the Dutch monarch. It’s a public holiday across the Netherlands, but Amsterdam throws one of the largest celebrations.

Across the city you’ll see parties on boats, DJ stages in squares, and families selling second-hand items on blankets along the streets.

History and Origins

The holiday started in 1885 as Princess’s Day for Princess Wilhelmina, celebrated on her birthday, 31 August. When she became queen in 1890, the event gradually evolved into Queen’s Day.

Later queens kept the tradition but changed the date:

• Queen Juliana: Queen’s Day on her birthday, 30 April
• Queen Beatrix: kept 30 April as a tribute to her mother, even though her own birthday is 31 January

For decades, 30 April meant spring weather, outdoor parties, and a national day off.

The Transition From Queen’s Day to King’s Day

On 30 April 2013, Queen Beatrix abdicated and her son became King Willem-Alexander.

From 2014, the holiday switched:

• Name changed from Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag) to King’s Day (Koningsdag)
• Date moved from 30 April to 27 April, the current king’s birthday

That’s why all current King’s Day celebrations, including in Amsterdam, are built around 27 April.

When Is King’s Day Celebrated in 2026?

Official Date and Why April 27?

In 2026, King’s Day in Amsterdam is on Monday, 27 April 2026.

The rule is simple:

• King’s Day is on 27 April each year, because that’s King Willem-Alexander’s birthday.
• Exception: if 27 April falls on a Sunday, celebrations move to Saturday, 26 April.

So for travel planning, lock in 27 April 2026 as your key date. Many events also spill over into the evening before.

What Happens if King’s Day Falls on a Sunday?

The Netherlands traditionally avoids holding King’s Day on a Sunday.

When 27 April is a Sunday:

• The official holiday becomes Saturday, 26 April
• Amsterdam’s major events, street markets, and parties happen on the Saturday
• Sunday runs more like a regular day (though the city can still feel lively)

If you’re planning far ahead, keep that shift in mind when you see 27 April falling on a Sunday in the calendar.

King’s Day Dates for the Next 5 Years

Use this mini calendar to plan future trips:

The next potential Sunday shift will only matter once 27 April lands on a Sunday again; when that happens, expect celebrations on 26 April instead.

King’s Day Celebrations in Amsterdam

Amsterdam goes all-in on King’s Day. The city center becomes one big street party and flea market, and the canals fill with boats.

Street Markets (Vrijmarkt) and How They Work

The vrijmarkt is a huge citywide second-hand market where anyone can sell without a permit.

In Amsterdam:

• Entire streets and parks turn into informal stalls: blankets, tables, boxes of old items
• Families sell toys, clothes, books, and homemade cakes
• Kids often perform music, magic tricks, or games for coins

Key areas typically see heavy vrijmarkt activity:

• Jordaan district
• Vondelpark (especially child-focused stalls and performances)
• Streets around the city center and residential neighborhoods

If you want the best finds or a more local vibe, go out early in the morning and wander beyond the main tourist streets.

Boat Parades and Major Events

The canals on King’s Day aren’t a quiet postcard scene. They’re packed.

Expect:

• Orange-decorated boats, often with loud music and dancing
• Busy canal intersections like Prinsengracht and the Amstel
• Crowds watching from bridges, cheering as boats pass

On land, Amsterdam usually features:

• DJ stages in key squares
• Bars and cafés extending outdoors
• Local neighborhood parties in side streets

Event details and line-ups change each year, so check the official Amsterdam tourism site or city maps closer to April 2026 for exact stages and music events.

Orange Clothing and Traditions

King’s Day has one unofficial dress code: orange.

Orange comes from the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. You’ll see:

• Orange T-shirts, hats, and wigs
• Dutch flags and orange face paint
• Crowns, inflatable accessories, and novelty outfits

You don’t have to wear orange, but it helps you blend in and makes the day more fun. Many people also enjoy traditional snacks like stroopwafels, poffertjes, and bitterballen as they wander.

Planning Your Visit for King’s Day 2026

Crowds, Accommodation, and Booking Tips

Amsterdam is one of the busiest places to experience King’s Day, so expect:

• Very crowded streets in the center and along canals
• Packed bars and venues from morning into late night
• Higher demand for accommodation and transport

To avoid headaches:

• Book early: Aim to secure hotels or apartments several months ahead; prices typically jump as the date approaches.
• Stay central if you like nightlife: Jordaan, De Pijp, and the Canal Belt are lively but noisy.
• Choose a quieter base if you prefer calm: Amsterdam Oost, Westerpark, or suburbs along the metro lines can be a better fit.

If your budget is tight, look at nearby cities like Haarlem, Utrecht, or Almere and commute in for the day.

Transportation and Access

Public transport in and around Amsterdam usually keeps running on King’s Day, but with changes:

• Some tram and bus routes are diverted around closed streets in the center
• Extra trains often run to and from Amsterdam because of the crowds
• Certain central stations or exits can be temporarily closed if it gets too busy

Practical tips:

• Use trains and metro to get close, then walk
• Start your day a bit earlier to avoid the heaviest crush
• Be ready to walk more than usual, as bikes aren’t always practical in dense crowds

If you were thinking of driving into the city center, don’t. Park further out or at a Park+Ride lot and switch to public transport.

Dos and Don’ts for Visitors

Do:

• Wear orange or at least something bright
• Carry some cash; many small stalls don’t accept cards
• Keep valuables close and use a secure bag
• Drink water regularly, especially if you’re outdoors all day
• Check official city maps or apps for event zones and closed streets

Don’t:

• Expect to cycle smoothly through the city center during peak hours
• Leave glass bottles lying around; use bins
• Buy or sell on the street in restricted zones where it’s not allowed
• Forget your ID if you plan to go into clubs or certain venues

How King’s Day Differs From Other Dutch Holidays

King’s Day can look like a mix of festival, birthday party, and street market, so it helps to separate it from other Dutch celebrations:

King’s Day (Koningsdag)

National holiday on or around 27 April, focused on the monarch’s birthday, orange outfits, and vrijmarkt.

Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)

Held on 5 May, marking the end of World War II occupation; features freedom festivals and concerts.

Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas)

Celebrated on 5 December, family-focused gift-giving tradition, very different atmosphere and season.

King’s Day is the big spring blowout. If you’re seeing orange, canal parties, and flea markets in late April, you’re in the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is King’s Day in Amsterdam in 2026?

King’s Day in Amsterdam is on Monday, 27 April 2026.

Is King’s Day the same date every year?

Yes. It’s set on 27 April, the king’s birthday, unless that date falls on a Sunday. In that case, celebrations move to 26 April.

Why was Queen’s Day changed to King’s Day?

When Queen Beatrix abdicated in 2013 and King Willem-Alexander took the throne, the holiday changed from Queen’s Day on 30 April to King’s Day on his birthday, 27 April.

What happens in Amsterdam on King’s Day?

Amsterdam fills with street markets, canal parties, live music, DJ stages, and crowds dressed in orange. Many streets in the center are closed to regular traffic.

How far in advance should I book for King’s Day 2026?

Treat it like a major festival weekend. Aim to book accommodation and main transport several months in advance to secure reasonable prices and good locations.

Is public transport running on King’s Day?

Yes, but with adjustments. Trams and buses are often diverted, and certain central areas become pedestrian-only. Trains and metro are usually a reliable way to approach the city.

Can I sell things in the vrijmarkt as a visitor?

In many areas, anyone can join the vrijmarkt, but some zones are reserved for children or have local rules. If you’re just visiting for a short trip, it’s usually easier to browse than to set up your own stall.

Do I need tickets for King’s Day?

The streets and vrijmarkt are free. Some specific parties, boat events, and festivals require tickets, which often sell out. Buy those in advance if you have a specific event in mind.

Conclusion: Lock In the Date, Then Plan Around the City

For 2026, circle Monday, 27 April on your calendar. That’s when King’s Day turns Amsterdam into a sea of orange, packed canals, and buzzing street markets.

Next steps:

1. Book your accommodation and main transport for late April 2026 as early as you can.
2. Decide where you want to spend the day: canals, DJ stages, family-friendly parks, or local neighborhoods.
3. Closer to the date, check official Amsterdam listings for specific events and transport changes.

Get the date right, arrive prepared, and Amsterdam will do the rest.

Alison Adams

Alison is a travel writer passionate about solo adventures, photography, and memorable getaways. She loves discovering beautiful destinations, distinctive stays, authentic local experiences, and hidden gems, creating stories that help curious travelers explore beyond the usual tourist highlights. Her work has been featured in Forbes, CNN, Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, and other major outlets.