On King's Day, you can party everywhere in the city. Every bar and club will be open and offer a nice day or evening filled with activities. But if you are looking for a proper, large music festival with a solid line-up, then look no further. We have listed the most popular parties for you right here.
Official King's Day Festival 2023
In 2023, the king is actually celebrating the holiday in Rotterdam. This is unique, and therefore there is an official festival taking place in the city centre. The royal walking route concludes on Thursday, 27th April at the Binnenrotte, which will be renamed as a delightful King's Day festival area for the day. With free entry, visitors can enjoy a programme of events from 10:00 to 17:00. Comedian Richard Groenendijk and Denice Dest, the maître of the popular television show First Dates, will host the King's Day Festival.The festival area opens at 10:00 am on King's Day, and from 10:45 am, guests can watch a live broadcast of the royal family's route through Rotterdam on a large screen. DJ Willow, Ronnie Flex, and Davina Michelle kick off the festive programme on the main stage at 11:30 am. At around 12:50 pm, the royal entourage arrives at the bustling Binnenrotte from the Markthal. They are greeted with performances by various artists and a children's choir, accompanied by a resounding rendition of the Dutch national anthem, “Wilhelmus.”
On stage, King Willem-Alexander, his family, and their entourage bid farewell to the people of Rotterdam. However, the festivities continue for all Kings & Queens until 5:00 pm, featuring performances by Davina Michelle, DJ Willow, Broederliefde, Hermes House Band, Lee Towers, Ruwhel, The Rotterdam Drag Show, and DJ Chico Rose.
'Unofficial' King's Day festivals taking place:
If you're an expat or tourist, these festivals could be more fun, as the artist line-ups and musical genres (EDM, Hip Hop etc.) are more mainstream.Kingsland Festival
This year the Kingsland Festival is giving a festival with a nice lineup that includes Afrojack, Benny Rodgrigues, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Sigourney K and Yade Lauren. The location is Zuiderpark.
Event: Kingsland Festival
Location: Zuiderpark
Date and time: 27th of April, 12:00 until 23:00. (Gates close at 21:30).
Event: Kingsland Festival
Location: Zuiderpark
Date and time: 27th of April, 12:00 until 23:00. (Gates close at 21:30).
Kralingse Bos Festival
During the Kralingse Bos festival, you can also enjoy some nice tunes. ADF Samski, Alessio, Speedy J and The Opposites are the headliners of this festival.
Event: Kralingse Bos Festival
Location: Kralingse Bos
Date and time: 27th of April, 13:00 until 23:00
Location: Kralingse Bos
Date and time: 27th of April, 13:00 until 23:00
