5 unmissable events for King’s Day in Groningen - 27 April

If this is the first time you’re spending King’s Day in Groningen, you’re in for a treat! Every year the city transforms into one big orange party. Thousands of families, partygoers and tourists celebrate the King’s birthday en masse. You can dance at the Kingsland festival, enjoy the Grachtenfestijn at the Diepenring or buy some special second-hand treasures at the Vrijmarkt. These are the top 5 events according to Tourisme Groningen to spend the festivities as a true local.

Vrijmarkt | 9.00 – 17.00

No King's Day in Groningen without the famous Vrijmarkt. On the Ubbo Emmiussingel, Praediniussingel, Ganzevoortsingel and Coehoornsingel you can stroll along the countless stalls full of second-hand items from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kindervrijmarkt Westerhaven | 10.00 – 17.00

Every year on the 27th of April Westerkade transforms into a fair for and run by children. All the youngest Groningers sell their old toys and books to make some extra pocket money.

Mainstage Vismarkt | 10.00 - 21.30

Many places in the city offer nice live music but the Algemene Oranjevereniging takes it to the next level with its pop-up festival on the Vismark. None other than Nielson (famous for the song “Sexy als ik dans”) will sing his heart out on Saturday evening. Have a look at the timetable.

Kingsland | 13.00 - 00.00

Not hard core enough? Dance festival Kingsland at the Stadspark is a great alternative. Swedish DJ Alesso, who scored a world hit with the song Heroes, is the main act, but also Bassjackers, Headhunterz, Jay Hardway, Jonas Blue, Julian Jordan, Justin Mylo, Sem Vox, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, W&W and Yellow Claw will wow the crowd with their DJ sets.

Grachtenfestijn | 15.45 - 17.00

During King’s Day Groningers get together on and around the canal surrounding the city. ‘Grachtenfestijn’, which literally means ‘festivity on the canals’, is a long parade of brightly decorated boats. The parade starts at the Ludinaterras, near the Ebbingebrug.

Want to know more?

Read the article on groningen.nl for some more background information or have a look at the King’s night events on 26th of April.