Kingsday in Amsterdam
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Kingsday is the Netherlands' biggest national celebration and one of the world's most spectacular street parties. Every April 27th, the entire country transforms into a sea of orange as millions of Dutch people celebrate their King's birthday with unmatched enthusiasm. This unique holiday combines the best of Dutch culture: a massive nationwide flea market where anyone can sell anything anywhere, outdoor music festivals on every corner, canal boat parties, and a spirit of community that's infectious. For visitors, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that perfectly captures the Dutch love of fun, freedom, and togetherness.
Amsterdam becomes the epicenter of the celebrations, attracting over a million visitors who join locals in turning the city into one giant outdoor festival. Picture this: every street corner features a stage with DJs, live bands, or children singing traditional Dutch songs. The famous Vondelpark fills with families selling toys and showcasing talents, while the iconic canals overflow with decorated boats carrying celebrating crowds. The atmosphere is pure joy – imagine if the whole world celebrated together like this every day.
However when it gets darker the atmosphere sometimes changes and people get a bit drunk. That's why Kingsday finishes pretty early (9 pm), but you could always find a club where you can dance all night.
When is Kingsday and What's the Weather Like?
Kingsday is celebrated on April 27th each year (or April 26th if the 27th falls on a Sunday). April weather in Amsterdam can be quite unpredictable, with temperatures typically ranging from 11-15°C (52-59°F). Recent years have shown the typical spring variability: some Kingsdays have been blessed with sunny, warm weather perfect for outdoor celebrations, while others have experienced rain showers that send party-goers seeking shelter under tents and in cafés. In 2020 and 2021, the celebrations were limited due to COVID-19, but 2022 saw a return to full festivities with mixed weather conditions. 2023 and 2024 followed the usual April pattern of changeable weather. Pack layers and bring a waterproof jacket - you'll be outside for most of the day, and April showers are common. The unpredictable weather is part of the Kingsday experience!
What to Expect on Kingsday
Kingsday transforms Amsterdam into one giant street party. The city becomes a sea of orange as over a million people celebrate together. Key highlights include the famous vrijmarkt (free market) where you can buy anything from vintage clothes to homemade stroopwafels, boat parties on the canals, and countless outdoor stages with DJs and live music. Popular areas include Vondelpark for families, the canal ring for boat parties, and Museumplein for large-scale concerts. Start early (around 10 AM) to avoid the biggest crowds, and be prepared for packed public transport and busy streets throughout the day.
Where to stay?
If you would like to stay in Amsterdam during Kingsday we recommend to stay at the Westerpark so you are close to all the action. At the Westerpark many events take place and you are also close to the city center. We definitely recommend the eco friendly Conscious hotel at the Westerpark. This hotel is beautiful and the location is great right in the middle of the park. 
The building is absolutely gorgeous and it has a delicious restaurant. When we stayed there the room was immaculate and we would definitely come back.
Getting Around on Kingsday
Kingsday is Amsterdam's busiest day of the year, with streets closed to traffic and public transport severely limited. Many tram and bus lines are disrupted or rerouted, and Central Station can become extremely crowded. The best way to get around is on foot - wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking a lot. Many locals recommend renting a bike beforehand, though cycling can be challenging due to the crowds. If you're staying outside the city center, consider taking public transport very early in the morning before the crowds build up, then plan to walk for the rest of the day.