After all my grumbling about Christmas and Easter you might be surprised, but there is indeed a national holiday that this sour woman really really likes. Queen's Day. Or, as we now have to call it, King's Day. As a child, it was the same. My parents, little sister, and I always went to friends in Blaricum, and I would sell homemade necklaces at the market there. I was very skilled at it; I used to make a lot of necklaces anyway, but in the weeks leading up to Queen's Day, I significantly increased production. For a pittance, I bought some beads, strung them all together, and sold them without batting an eye for 15 guilders or more. Those people in the Gooi didn't mind a guilder more or less, and oh, such a cute girl with necklaces is just delightful – come on, give me four. Meanwhile, I have the beads for beer, and instead of making money, I usually spend a lot of money, but it's worth it. So, for those who are still uncertain about how to spend this weekend, we will talk today in the Explorer about how to have an awesome King's Day.

The preparation

Of course, from now on, you will closely monitor the weather report. Is there a chance of rain? Make sure you have a small umbrella and possibly a poncho. It doesn't matter that it looks bad; walking around all day wet is hell. Also, keep in mind that many supermarkets in the city center do not sell alcohol on the day itself, so make sure you have stocked up on that. I always drag a six-pack or two of Heineken in my Marc Jacobs bag, and that private stash is very handy when you're somewhere that charges 19 euros for a beer. Not very feminine perhaps, but that's not the point. If you're going to a party, make sure you either have your ticket printed or take a screenshot of the QR code. Often, your mobile internet is down on such a day, so you'll be standing there at the gate trying to load your ticket, and that won't work. Make clear agreements with your friends about where and when you will meet. Keep in mind that calling won't work, so something like “we'll see each other around then and around there” won't work.

Your outfit

I usually make a tour through the city visiting different parties, and I prefer not to do that in heels. Sneakers are nice, but they can get very soggy, dirty, wet, and thus cold if it rains. Motor boots are a better option, or other boots without heels. Furthermore, layers are always nice. You need to be able to switch between scorching hot (inside a pub/party) and freezing cold (at the end of the day or as soon as the sun goes down). If you want to walk from head to toe in orange junk, you should definitely do that, but you won't see me in it. Orange is ugly, and no one has ever become more attractive from that color. Moreover, I hate boas and glitter cowboy hats. In your bag, there should be beer (or wine. Or none of that if you don't feel like carrying), an empty bottle that you can refill with water in a restroom, gum, rubber bands, hairpins, powder, and mascara for when everything has worn off your face.

Your day program: party

The most fun thing is, of course, to be on a boat, but for those who don't have a floating vehicle within reach, there is plenty of fun to be had on solid ground. In Amsterdam, at the Olympic Stadium,‘King's Day Festival’, with artists like Joris Voorn, Yellow Claw, Bakermat, and handsome heads Geza Weisz and Manuel Broekman parading. In the Oosterpark, you can go to Loveland Van Oranje, or for those who fancy a trip with the ferry, VOLTT x Lockdown at the NSDM wharf is a must-see. Don't feel like buying an expensive ticket? Walk to Reguliersdwarsstraat. Always good for fun, and now the the coolest spots on the street are organizing one big party..

Your day program: shopping

If you don't feel like dancing, you can try your luck at the flea markets. Who knows, you might come across a unique but broken record player! Or a storybook with stains! Or a stack of used tea towels still in great condition! You should definitely check out Vondelpark, even if it's just for a moment. Buy brownies for a dime, homemade apple pie for a euro, and listen to the crackly yet endearing sound of violins from dozens of kids showcasing their musical talents. Those looking for real gems among the junk should head to Zuid, around Stadionweg, Beethovenstraat, and P.C. Hooftstraat, where many people are selling their clothes, and there might just be something truly beautiful among them.

People, make it a wonderful day!