King’s Day 27 april 2026

On 27 April, our King will be blowing out no fewer than 59 candles. And that’s not all! Willem-Alexander will be visiting Dokkum, one of the Frisian Eleven Cities, with his family. That’s definitely something to celebrate! So, in Friesland, we’re going all out. In our vibrant capital, you’ll find live music, entertainment for children and fantastic parties, plus the largest free market in the Northern Netherlands. On this page, you can read all about the royal programme in Leeuwarden. Grab your red, white and blue face paint, dig out that orange scarf from the loft and head into the city. Orange above all!

26 April 2026 – King’s Night

One of the cosiest nights of the year! The terraces are packed, Dutch party tunes spill out of the bars, bright orange shots are everywhere, and the pubs are decked out in festive decorations. Fancy a pub crawl through the Doelesteeg alley? You’re guaranteed a night you won’t soon forget. The Wilhelminaplein is buzzing too. At the Leeuwarden Music Square, you’ll hear everything from Dutch sing-along classics to the Beach Boys and the Bee Gees. And as the icing on the cake, you’ll find the lively King’s Night celebrations at the Oldehoofsterkerkhof. Now there’s only one thing left to do: deal with the ultimate dilemma — where will you go first?

27 April 2026 – King’s Day

In Leeuwarden, you’ll find the largest free market in all of Friesland. Along the Nieuwestad, Wirdumerdijk, Gouverneursplein, Eewal — and sometimes even part of the Voorstreek — you’ll discover blankets, stalls, car boots and tables overflowing with pre-loved treasures. Although the free market officially starts at 8:30 am, the true early birds and bargain hunters are often already making their first round by 7:00 am.

King’s Day is being celebrated throughout the city. In the Prinsentuin, you’ll find a full day of fun activities for children. The Oldehoofsterkerkhof is buzzing with festivities all day long. The Wilhelminaplein is transforming into the Leeuwarden Music Square, while the Mata Hariplein once again is turning up the volume. De Toeter is setting up its spacious terrace, Café de Prins H. welcomes you in truly royal style, and at De Koperen Tuin you can dance with Tuinfeest until the early hours. Can’t get enough of techno? At the Blokhuispoort, BIVSII is delivering another unforgettable night.

score big at the largest flea market in the North!

Head to the flea market!

browsing

Royal Roots

King’s Day is, of course, all about our orange roots. But did you know that the Frisian capital played an unmistakable role in the rise and preservation of the Royal House? From 1584 to 1747, Leeuwarden was the court city of the Frisian Nassau family. And to this day, you can still see traces of that legacy throughout the city. That’s why it’s extra special that King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, the Princesses and other members of the House of Orange-Nassau are visiting Friesland this year. Whether you choose to explore the royal roots here in Leeuwarden or hope to catch a glimpse of them in person in Dokkum, one thing is certain: it’s going to be a celebration to remember.

Meet the Nassaus!

For the kids

This year, there are loads of fantastic activities for children during King’s Day in Leeuwarden! Copini Buitensport is organising all sorts of sporty challenges in the Prinsentuin, by the Noorder city canal. Try your hand at archery, tackle a treetop course, or even climb into a water roller (a giant inflatable ball) and roll across the canal! Over at De Brol — near Bagels & Beans and Anne & Max — you’ll find a huge bouncy castle. In the city centre and the Prinsentuin, you’re bound to stumble upon hilariously entertaining street theatre by Van Ravensteijn, Acta Theater and Vet Cool Entertainment. On the Groeneweg, a cheerful fairground awaits, complete with aeroplane rides, a carousel, hook-a-duck, claw machines and a traditional shooting gallery. Dare to give it a go?

With all that excitement, everyone is sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, you’ll find plenty of food trucks on the Groeneweg too. So no worries, those hunger pangs will be sorted in no time!

Even more fun for kids

Find your way around the city centre

Download the King's Day map

City map
More practical information!

Everything you need to know

Screeching Guitars

Fancy dancing to the best live music? Then Hofplein is the place to be! This is where you’ll find the Firda Talent Stage, where promising students keep the shopping crowds moving as they browse the stalls and blankets. In the mood for a dose of rock, indie or pop? Drop by between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm and soak up the atmosphere.

We know: there’s a lot. going. on during King’s Day. To help you keep an overview, we’ve created a map for you! You can pick up a physical copy from the vending machine at Central Station, but it’s even easier to keep an eye on it on your smartphone. Always up to date. Check it out here!

Leeuwarden remains easy to reach during King’s Day, but we recommend travelling to the city centre by public transport or bicycle. The centre is closed to cars from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Public transport operates on a Saturday timetable. Please note that no buses will run through the city centre on King’s Day. For the latest updates and departure times, check Arriva and NS. Coming by car after all? You can check available parking spaces here. Also useful: