King's Day

King's Day Facts & Quotes

• When the monarch’s birthday falls on a Sunday, the celebrations are moved to the Saturday before.
• Approximately 700,000 people flock to Amsterdam for King’s Day. Koningsnacht, or King’s Night, is the night before King’s Day. Most parties will start on this day, although bars are meant to shut for an hour before sunrise.
• On Kings Day, it is a popular occurrence for those in the Dutch nation to wear orange clothing. Orange symbolizes the country and signifies national pride.
• 6:00am marks the start of the free market, where half the population gets involved in selling everything from bric-a-brac to musical instruments.
• Friendships—and community—will be formed. For me that’s really what Queen’s [Kings from 2013] Day is all about. It’s not an outburst of patriotism, it’s not even about the popularity of the royal family. It’s about a sense of belonging. For one day, everybody is the same in Holland. Bright orange and barmy. – Local Orange Committee member

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King's Day Top Events and Things to Do

• See some music. Museumplein is typically the location of large open air music performances. Lots of young people attend and even camp on the grass in the middle of the square.
• Take the kids to a market. Vondelpark on King’s Day is specially for kids, only children are allowed to sell things here.
• Visit the old quarter of Amsterdam, Jordaan, to see the most crowded free market area. During the festivities, folk singers are common on the streets.
• Wear orange! The national colour is everywhere on King’s Day, hats, t-shirts, trousers, hair. Anything goes if its orange.
• Visit the Van Gogh museum. Amsterdam is cultural hotspot, with a trading history dating back centuries. Take the day to explore some of the quieter spots in the city while everyone else is partying!

King's Day References and Related Sites