The vibrant spirit of King's Day (Koningsdag) comes to life in Rotterdam on 27th April. 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.
The party is happening everywhere
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 parties for you right here.
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, rather than the traditional Dutch folk music.
Kingsland Festival
Kingsland Festival in Rotterdam is set to be a spectacular celebration of Koningsdag, the national holiday in honor of the King's birthday. Held in the expansive greenery of Het Zuiderpark, this festival is renowned as the largest of its kind in the Netherlands, drawing massive crowds and featuring some of the country's most prominent artists.
For 2024, Kingsland Festival has prepared an extensive lineup that promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. The roster includes a diverse array of performers such as Benny Rodrigues, Broederliefde, Flemming, and Oliver Heldens, ensuring that there's something for every musical taste.
Festival-goers have various ticket options to choose from, with prices ranging depending on the time of purchase—Early Bird tickets start at €49,50, Regular tickets at €54,50, and Late Bird options go up to €59,50. Group tickets are also available for those attending in parties of five or more. Adding to the convenience, Kingsland Rotterdam operates with e-lockers, which use a digital code eliminating the need for keys or a deposit.
Transportation to the festival is well-organized, with recommendations to park at Ahoy if driving, or to use the train and metro systems with Rotterdam Centraal as the central hub. Keep in mind that on Koningsdag, special transport regulations apply, including an adjusted train schedule and restrictions on alcohol consumption in transit areas.
The festival upholds strict house rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all. These include mandatory ID checks (as the event is 18+), a ban on smoking in enclosed spaces, and a zero-tolerance policy for drugs.
Kingsland Festival in Rotterdam is truly an occasion that brings the spirit of Koningsdag to life, providing a day filled with music, celebration, and unity under the banner “Samen zijn wij oranje” — together we are orange. For more information, you can check the festival's line-up, tickets, and general info.
Kralingse Bos Festival (KBF)
Kralingse Bos Festival, now known simply as KBF, is ready to turn heads with its Royal edition on King's Day in 2024. It promises to be a day of non-stop festivities that are quintessentially Rotterdam—less talk, more celebration. The event will take place on April 27th from 13:00 to 23:00, turning the Kralingse Bos into a kingdom of entertainment.
The festival's line-up is an eclectic mix of genres aimed at energizing and captivating attendees with performances from urban to house music. Noteworthy acts such as Fake Tits, Joy Heart, and Josylvio are set to take the stage, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. Other artists like Rowan Pierot, Sluwe Ollie, Team Rush Hour, The Partysquad, Wessel S, Young Ellens, and MC Joreno add to the diverse musical offering, with the promise of more to be announced.
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 16:00 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.
Oranjebitter Rotterdam
Oranjebitter Rotterdam takes the celebration of King's Day to the next level with an electrifying event set to take place at Roel Langerakpark. Scheduled for April 27th, 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”.
A noteworthy line-up includes the collaborative magic of Chris Stussy x Locklead, the enthralling beats of DJ Gigola, and the vibrant rhythms of Philou Louzolo & Cincity, amongst others. Each artist brings their unique flair, set to captivate attendees in what promises to be a full-throttle celebration of the national holiday.
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.
Other King's Day festivals taking place in Rotterdam:
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. With artists like David Vunk, Fafi Abdel Nour, OG Karin, and Subfiction spinning the decks, the party promises to be an unforgettable experience. Tickets are in their final phase, starting at 39,50 euros excluding service costs.
De Oranjetuin
King's Day welcomes a new player, De Oranjetuin. This block party 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. While the lineup remains a surprise, it's exclusively women behind the decks. A 'Vlugge Willy' entry card is a steal at 15 euros.
Royal Republic
Royal Republic offers a free celebration at Garden of Bird, showcasing a mix of hip-hop, r&b, afro, dancehall, and more. With talents like Phil Peoples, Acquisition, Ray Escobar, and Cijntje, the day is sure to be vibrant. Plus, there's no shortage of drinks and wood-oven pizza to enjoy in the picturesque setting.
Radio Tornado
Radio Tornado serves a diverse musical feast, from Italo disco to Chicago house and Caribbean to African tunes. On King's Day, they bring their eclectic blend to a block party at Mono with local DJs like Marsman, Jeff Solo, All Hans on Deck, and Alix Dyon. Tickets are a bargain at 15 euros, with early bird options already sold out.
Koningsdag op het Stadhuisplein
Stadhuisplein is once again decking out in orange for King's Day. Celebrate with old and new friends over beers and cheers. The party starts early with tickets available at 11,50 euros for early birds, and regular tickets at 16,50 euros.
Koningsdag festival Baroeg
The annual King's Day festival at Baroeg is back with seven energetic bands ready to rock through the national holiday. The event is free, so gather your crew and head over to the Spinozaweg. And for Baroeg regulars, there's exciting news: a brand-new venue is set to replace the current one.
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. The festivities run from 10:00 to 21:00.
