TrekUnity
When
April
Attendance
~1,000,000
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
King's Day (Koningsdag) is the Netherlands' biggest national celebration — held April 27 for the King's birthday, when Amsterdam dresses head-to-toe in orange, the canals fill with boats, and the entire city becomes a free flea market (vrijmarkt), open-air concert, and dance party.
It's a joyful, democratic street festival where anyone can sell, perform, or party, set among Amsterdam's canals, gabled houses, and bridges.
Want to go? Turn King's Day (Koningsdag) into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
April 27 (April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday)
Admission
Free
Parking
Don't drive — the whole center is packed; use trams, walk, or a boat, and wear orange.
Nearest airport
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) — ~20 min by train
Typical weather
Cool, changeable Dutch spring — 50s °F with possible showers; layers and comfy shoes.
Official website
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Where to stay
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Canal-side luxury in six historic palaces.
The Hoxton, Amsterdam
Stylish hotel on the Herengracht canal.
Jordaan guesthouses
Charming stays in the beloved canal district.
Where to eat & drink
Herring & bitterballen
Classic Dutch street snacks.
Stroopwafels
Warm caramel waffle cookies from market stalls.
Brown cafés
Cozy historic Amsterdam pubs.
Nearby attractions
The Canal Ring
The UNESCO-listed canals, at their liveliest.
Rijksmuseum
Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Dutch masters.
Vondelpark
The city's green heart, packed on King's Day.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + canals
- •Train from Schiphol
- •Afternoon: canal-ring stroll + Jordaan
- •Evening: brown café
2King's Day
- •Morning: the vrijmarkt flea market
- •Afternoon: canal boats + street DJs (wear orange!)
- •Evening: party on
3Museums + depart
- •Morning: Rijksmuseum
- •Head to AMS
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Wear orange — it's the whole point.
- Explore by boat or on foot; the center is impassable by car.
- Hit the vrijmarkt early for the best flea-market finds.
Frequently asked questions
When is King's Day?
April 27 each year (moved to April 26 when the 27th is a Sunday), across the Netherlands.
What is the vrijmarkt?
The nationwide free market where anyone can sell their goods on the street — a beloved King's Day tradition.
What should you wear?
Orange — the Dutch royal color. The whole city does.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by King's Day (Koningsdag) or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.