The best parties during King's Day in Amsterdam
Each year I have three favorite days. My own birthday, Sinterklaas, and King's Day. My birthday is in June so that takes a while, but King's Day is just around the corner and I can hardly wait. The city becomes one big festival ground and how can you not find that the most fun ever? Admittedly, in recent years it has become a little less fun as the municipality of Amsterdam does everything to make it as boring as possible, but there is still plenty of fun to be had. So for those coming to Amsterdam to toast to Willy or those who already live there but have no idea where to go, here are your options.
VOLTT x Lockdown
You take the ferry to the NDSM wharf and dive into the party chaos of VOLTT, which based on previous editions is definitely going to be a huge party. The gates open at 12:00 PM and by 11:00 PM you have to take the boat back home and then you’ve been dancing to the decks of among others Tom Trago, Benny Rodrigues, and Bart Skills. A ticket costs €23.50 and you can get it here.
Thuishaven
The municipality keeps the city center panicked party-free, so events have to move to various corners of the city. Thuishaven is one of them, located deep in West on the Contactweg. But it promises to be really cozy and music comes from among others Eric de Man, Lee Burridge, and Rollin’ Robin. You can get a ticket for just 15 bucks (here) and that bike ride afterwards is actually wonderfully sobering.
Bon-a-Parte
One of the few parties still in the center. For this party, they have taken over the Multatulibrug. So that’s overlooking the canals, right behind the Nieuwe Kerk and the Dam. The line-up doesn’t say much to me but that’s not what it’s about, there’s no entrance fee so you can just join and leave whenever you like. A nice little party then.
Kingsday Open Air
Close to Sloterdijk station so in that respect easily accessible. On the line-up among others Tapeshe and Lexer. You’re welcome from 12:00 PM so a great place to stand with your hands in the air all day after your hangover breakfast.
Pleinvrees
A mega popular party that used to always be in the middle of the city, but this year also has to seek the outskirts. They are located on Zaventemweg, also near Sloterdijk. I’m still undecided, but the fact that Gui Boratto is going to play here makes me seriously consider going here. Look him up on Spotify, pretty nice right?
Koning Disco
If it’s not Pleinvrees then I think I’ll go to Koning Disco. Just because of the name, maybe I’ll bring Poes Disco along. But also because I’m a huge fan of disco music and because of the location: the Bilderdijkpark. Entrance is free and you’re welcome from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
