What is King’s Night?

King’s Night is celebrated every year on April 26 throughout the Netherlands. It marks the start of the national celebration for King Willem-Alexander’s birthday on April 27, known as King’s Day. The evening before is all about nightlife, music, and public celebration.

While King’s Day itself is known for open-air markets and daytime activities, King’s Night is focused on concerts, festivals, and street parties that take place in city centers. The night draws massive crowds and is especially popular in cities like The Hague, Amsterdam, and Utrecht.

In years when King’s Day is moved to April 26 because April 27 falls on a Sunday, King’s Night automatically shifts to April 25. This is not based on a law but on practical organisation and tradition. Municipalities and organisers adjust permits, festivities and safety measures . This way, the difference between night and day is preserved, even when the official holiday shifts slightly.

History and Origin

King’s Night evolved from Queen’s Night, which was held on the evening before Queen’s Day when Queen Beatrix was head of state. After King Willem-Alexander took the throne in 2013, the holiday moved to April 27, and the tradition of celebrating the night before continued under a new name.

Over the years, King’s Night has developed into one of the biggest nightlife events of the year in the Netherlands. Entire city centers are turned into open-air party zones. People dress in orange, stages are set up, and the celebrations go on late into the night.

Who participates in King’s Night?

• Event Organizers and Municipalities: Set up stages, manage safety measures, and coordinate official events.
• Bars and Clubs: Host themed nights and extended parties with DJs or live music.
• Tourists and Travelers: Visit the Netherlands to experience the high-energy celebration and join local crowds.
• Local Residents: Head into town centers to enjoy music, food, and festivities.
• Street Performers and Musicians: Entertain large crowds in public squares and parks.

Slogans and Themes

King’s Night is all about festive energy and national pride. Slogans like “Oranje boven,” “Feest mee in het oranje,” and “Koningsnacht begint hier” are widely used in advertisements and on social media. Each year, city events may carry unique themes, but the focus always remains on fun, freedom, and togetherness.

Colors, Symbols and Patterns

Colors:

• Orange: The dominant color of the night, representing the Dutch royal family.
• Red, White, and Blue: The colors of the Dutch flag, often used in combination with orange.
• Gold: Used in party decorations and royal-themed designs.

Symbols:

• Crowns: Represent the Dutch monarchy and appear in party décor and merchandise.
• Lions: A national symbol, often seen on shirts, flags, and accessories.
• Confetti Cannons: Used during concerts and midnight moments for visual effect.

Patterns:

• Orange Streamers: Strung across streets and stages as a festive visual.
• Royal Motifs: Crowns, scepters, and silhouette designs of King Willem-Alexander.
• Bold Typography: Used in signage and stage visuals to mark event names and slogans.

Most Used Hashtags

• #KingsNight
• #Koningsnacht
• #Oranjegekte
• #April26
• #DutchCelebration

How do you celebrate King’s Night?

• Join a Street Festival: Head to city centers where DJs, food trucks, and stages create a lively scene.
• Dress in Orange: Whether it’s a simple shirt or a full costume, orange is the color of the night.
• Visit Local Bars or Clubs: Many host special King’s Night parties with live acts or themed décor.
• Watch a Live Concert: Attend one of the many free shows hosted outdoors in major cities.
• Meet with Friends: Gather for drinks, dancing, or just walking through the festive crowds.

Why is King’s Night important?

King’s Night is the unofficial kickoff to one of the most beloved holidays in the Netherlands. It builds excitement, creates community, and invites people to take part in something uniquely Dutch. For many, the night is just as important as King’s Day itself.

It’s a time when the country’s creative energy comes alive. Music, color, and joy fill the streets. Whether you’re dancing in a square or singing along at a local bar, King’s Night is a celebration of national identity, freedom, and togetherness.