Celebrating King's Day in the Amsterdam Area
Amsterdam is one of the most popular places to celebrate King’s Day, but sometimes you might fancy a change of scenery or to escape the enormous crowds of partiers that take over the city. If you're looking to escape the crowds in Amsterdam city centre and celebrate this iconic Dutch day elsewhere in the region (or even further afield), our inspirational guide should help you find your ideal King's Day spot.
Haarlem
King’s Day takes over the entire city of Haarlem, with pop-up markets, live music, DJs and children’s activities spilling onto the streets throughout its charming neighbourhoods. The programme for King’s Day in Haarlem is packed: check out K-day Kenaupark in the city centre for family-friendly games and shows, or take your place at one of the many stages to dance all day long. Because the massive festival in Haarlem is so spread out, the city is guaranteed to be less crowded than Amsterdam city centre.
Edam & Volendam
For a more traditional celebration, head to the old Dutch villages of Edam or Volendam. In Edam, the Oranje Feesten Edam (in Dutch) features old Dutch games, workshops and competitions in which everyone can participate (including the kids!). In Volendam, the party takes place near community centre De Opperdam and features a market – proceeds go to the area’s handball club – and special bouncy castles for the kids to jump on to their heart’s content.
Almere
Almere's King's Day celebration promises to be one of the biggest celebrations in the whole Amsterdam area. Following on from a King's Night celebration featuring a host of DJs and acts, on King's Day itself, a vast stage erected in the city's Grote Markt will feature performances and DJs spinning tracks from all around the world. There will also be the chance to entertain the crowd with some karaoke. Throughout Almere Centrum, Buiten, Poort and Haven, the streets will be lined with pop-up stalls, music, laughter and merriment. Celebrating King's Day in Almere will leave a smile on your face and offer an unforgettable day.
Zaandam
In addition to large free markets at Burgemeester In 't Veldpark (Zaandam), Heiligeweg (Krommenie) and Kaaikpad (Assendelft), you will also find great King's Day parties in Zaanstad. Things get going in the Bullekerk in Zaandam during the Royal Jazz Festival, and in Krommenie there is a big party for the little revellers in the Nicolaaskerk in Krommenie during the children's games.
Purmerend
Purmerend goes big on King's Day and Night. On King's Night, the central market square, the Koemarkt is transformed into the largest dance floor in Purmerend and on King's Day everyone comes together on the same Koemarkt. Also called the largest reunion in Purmerend. You will see live performances by Billy Dans, John Keijer and Fake Tits, among others. In the Leeghwaterpark you can stroll along rugs during the flea market.
Amstelveen
Amstelveen kicks off King's Night with King's Night Karaoke on the Stadsplein and A Night at the Church at ANNA, where three DJs will be spinning house and tech-house beats. On King's Day, enjoy the free markets spread throughout the neighbourhood - with the largest being at Oude Dorp, which runs along the entire Amsterdamseweg and Molenweg. Amstelveen is the right place to experience some typically Dutch conviviality at one of the many bars and cafés. View the entire programme.
Hilversum
Throughout Hilversum, you'll find stages with live music, flea markets and children's games on King's Day. There will also be a fair on Marktplein, and a big sing-along party with the best hits at the Groest. Enjoy live performances by Mart Hoogkamer, Yves Berendse and John West, among others. You can also celebrate King's Night on Weversplein where the men of Fusebox will blow the whistle with the best sing-along songs from all genres. View the entire programme (website in Dutch).
