HAPPENING 27 April 2026 | The vibrant spirit of King's Day (Koningsdag) comes to life in Rotterdam. The historic celebration of the Dutch monarch's birthday is marked by a range of exciting events, including a royal walking route, performances, and activities throughout the city.
When is King's Day celebrated?
Since 2014, King's Day has been celebrated on the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, April 27, unless this date falls on a Sunday, in which case, King's Day is moved forward to Saturday. The upcoming King's Day is celebrated on the Monday, 27th April 2026, and is recognized as an official public holiday in The Netherlands. The evening before King's Day is called King's Night (Koningsnacht) and is generally an opportunity for a good night of clubbing and bar-hopping.
The royal family will visit Dokkum in 2026, while Rotterdam does its own thing as usual.
A short history of King's Day
King's Day (Koningsdag) in the Netherlands is a national holiday celebrating the Dutch monarchy and the birthday of the reigning monarch. It originated in 1885 as “Princess's Day,” honouring Princess Wilhelmina's birthday. When she became queen in 1890, it was renamed Queen's Day (Koninginnedag) and celebrated on her birthday, 31 August. Over time, it became a festive occasion with street markets, parades, and public festivities. Queen Juliana moved the date to her birthday, 30 April, in 1949, and Queen Beatrix retained the date to honour her mother, despite her own birthday being in January. When King Willem-Alexander ascended the throne in 2013, the holiday was renamed King's Day and moved to his birthday, 27 April. The day is marked by nationwide celebrations, music festivals, and vibrant orange-themed events, reflecting the royal House of Orange.
Big King's Day events in Rotterdam (2026)
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 and live performances. In other words, you don't need to go to a major festival, as the atmosphere is best experienced in the city streets and its brown bars. Moreover, every town square and shopping street will be transformed into flea markets, where anybody can set up a table with goods for sale. Be sure to arrive early if you want to find vintage gems.
However, if you are looking for a proper, large music / EDM festival with a solid line-up, then look no further. We have listed the most popular events for you right here.
Note that the information below is from 2025 and yet to be updated for 2026. However, all the main festivals tend to return every year, so check out their websites for up-to-date information.
Kralingse Bos Festival (KBF)
Kralingse Bos Festival, now known simply as KBF, is ready to turn heads on King's Day. It promises to be a day of non-stop festivities that are quintessentially Rotterdam; less talk, more celebration. KBF is confirmed for Monday 27 April 2026, running from 13:00 to 23:00 in Kralingse Bos.
Expect an eclectic mix of genres aimed at energizing and captivating attendees with performances from urban to house music.
Access to the festival is restricted to those 18 and over, with ID checks at the entrance. KBF is well-connected to public transport, advising against car travel due to safety and parking considerations. It's recommended to use the metro, tram, or e-scooters, with the festival providing clear guidance on the best routes from various starting points, including nearby cities.
Attendees can expect a plethora of food stands and bars catering to various dietary requirements, although personal food and drinks are not permitted on-site. To ensure a smooth experience, the festival is a 'pin only' event, making transactions quicker and more environmentally friendly. For added convenience, lockers will be available to store personal items safely.
For those looking to capture the royal festivities of KBF, you're advised to arrive early, especially if you have an Early Entrance Ticket which requires entry before 15:00 to avoid additional charges. Keep in mind that once you're in, there's no re-entry, so make sure to bring everything you need to enjoy the festival to the fullest.
Find more information on the official website.
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Oranjebitter Rotterdam
Oranjebitter Festival is listed for Monday 27 April 2026 at 14:00 in Roel Langerakpark, Rotterdam, with an 18+ age indication and pre sale tickets at €35 already sold out
Oranjebitter Rotterdam takes the celebration of King's Day to the next level with an electrifying event set to take place at Roel Langerakpark. The festival offers an immersive experience with three stages delivering a diverse range of electronic music genres. Partygoers can expect a sonic journey through euphoric rave, pounding techno, and high-energy hypersonic house sounds, all under the banner “The Future Is Orange”.
Oranjebitter Festival will feature a diverse lineup across three stages, offering genres such as euphoric rave, techno, and hypersonic house.
The festival's ethos is steeped in inclusivity and enjoyment, making it an essential destination for music enthusiasts on this Dutch national holiday. For more information on tickets, the line-up, and general FAQs, visitors can explore Oranjebitter's official website.
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Other (smaller) King's Day festivals usually taking place in Rotterdam:
A triple threat of indie parties at Rotown
If you’re looking for an alternative to the orange-filled festival fields, Rotown typically has you covered with a three-part celebration that spans King’s Night (26th) and King’s Day (27th). Nestled near Eendrachtsplein, this intimate live music venue and club turns into a haven for indie lovers, electronica die-hards, and anyone who prefers a bit of grit with their glitter.
De Oranjetuin
This block party, or mini-festival, kicks off the opening of De Kerktuin, a pop-up terrace next to the Arminius Church. Expect a casual vibe with dancing, beer, and good company. The deejay line-up is unique as it is always exclusively women behind the decks.
Royal Republic
Royal Republic offers a free celebration at Garden of Bird, a King’s Day celebration featuring DJs from BIRD’s regular club nights. From early in the afternoon, visitors can enjoy an open-air mix of hip-hop, R&B, Afro, dancehall and future beats, with cocktails, beach chairs and wood-fired pizzas setting the tone for a relaxed afternoon.
The music spans across genres and generations, offering both dancefloor energy and laid-back vibes. Entry is free.
Radio Tornado
In recent years Yardbird and Radio Tornado have joined forces for a King’s Day XL block party at and around MONO. Typically, two outdoor stages will deliver a lively mix of disco, house, Afro and hip-hop.
After 23:00 ish, the party continues indoors with the official afterparty, taking the celebration all the way to the late hours of the night.
Kroonjuweel
Kroonjuweel Festival at the Merwe-Vierhavens invites you to celebrate King's Day with a mix of techno, uplifting house, and blazing hard-techno rave.
Koningsdag op het Stadhuisplein
Stadhuisplein, popular with younger crowds, is usually always decking out in orange for King's Day.
Koningsdag festival Baroeg (cancelled in 2025)
As Baroeg is currently undergoing renovations, we believe this event is also cancelled in 2026. The annual (and totally free) King's Day festival at Baroeg usually features various energetic bands ready to rock through the national holiday.
Sweet Kingsday Festival
The Sweet Kingsday Festival in Lombardijen is a family affair, offering a full day of bands, live acts, and DJs in the Spinozapark. Children can enjoy playground amenities, and with plenty of food and drink options, you can settle in for the long haul.
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Practical tips for King's Day in Rotterdam
- Wear orange: it is not mandatory, but you will blend in more easily. Even a scarf or hat counts.
- Travel smart: public transport runs, but routes can change and stops may close temporarily near large events. Check 9292 or NS apps before you leave.
- Bring card, not cash: most festivals and many bars around the larger events are pin only.
- Check alcohol rules: some busy areas and public transport zones have restrictions on drinking in the street. The municipality publishes temporary regulations in the run up to King's Day.
- Plan toilets and food: queues can be long at peak times, especially near Kralingse Bos and Stadhuisplein. Street food is widely available, but vegetarian and vegan options vary by location.
- Look beyond the big names: smaller block parties and neighbourhood festivals can be less crowded, cheaper and more relaxed, especially if you are with children.
Rotterdam is a city that suits King's Day: practical, slightly rough around the edges and very good at turning any square into an open air festival. Whether you go for a huge production in the park, a free block party in the city centre or a family event in the suburbs, you will find somewhere to raise a plastic cup to the king.
