King’s Night (Koningsnacht) on 26 April 2027 is the opening act of the biggest party of the Dutch year. The evening before King’s Day, Amsterdam explodes into street parties, live music and orange madness that lasts until deep in the night.

The warm-up for King’s Day

While King’s Day is a daytime festival, King’s Night belongs to the night owls. Squares like Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein and Nieuwmarkt host open-air stages, every café spills onto the street, and clubs programme special Koningsnacht editions. On the canals, decorated boats already start the party – getting a head start on tomorrow’s floating parade.

Where to go

• Rembrandtplein & Thorbeckeplein: the classic party squares with live acts
• The Jordaan: singalong cafés and street parties with real Amsterdam atmosphere
• Club nights: every venue in town hosts a special – buy tickets in advance
• The canals: quieter than tomorrow, but already glowing orange

Practical tips

• Wear orange – you’ll stand out if you don’t
• Public transport runs night services, but the centre is best explored on foot
• Pace yourself: King’s Day starts early the next morning with the vrijmarkt (free market)
• Hotels sell out months ahead for this weekend – book early