Kings Day in Amsterdam is one of the city’s wildest and most colorful celebrations, and the gay scene is fully part of it. The fun doesn’t just happen on the the day itself —the night before is Kings Night, when the first wave of street parties kicks off. Bars and clubs are packed, DJs set up outside, and the city already feels like a festival. For many locals, Kings Night is just as important as the day itself.
On Kings Day morning, the city turns completely orange. The canals fill with hundreds of decorated boats, each blasting music and packed with people dancing on deck. The streets are lined with food stalls, markets, and makeshift bars. In every neighborhood, you’ll find small block parties and live music. It’s an all-day takeover that keeps going until the evening.
For the gay scene, the heart of the action is around the bars on Reguliersdwarsstraat, and other gay venues. Most of the city center is closed for incoming traffic. Bars spill onto the pavements, DJs set up sound systems, and the crowds dance in the open air. The vibe is playful and international, with travelers mixing easily with locals. Everyone wears orange, from simple T-shirts to elaborate costumes.
In addition to the street parties, Kings Day also features some of Amsterdam’s biggest gay club events. Major venues host international DJs and large-scale productions, with parties running into the early morning. Some are official Kings Day events, others are off-programme, but all of them attract massive crowds. If you have the energy, it’s easy to combine daytime street fun with a full-on club night.
The atmosphere is lighthearted, chaotic, and unforgettable. Kings Day is not about perfection—it’s about joining the crowd, drinking beer in the street, and dancing wherever there’s space. For gay travelers, it’s a chance to experience Amsterdam at its most open, social, and alive. Whether you join the outdoor bar scene, jump on a party boat, or head to one of the big club nights, Kings Day delivers an experience that defines the city’s party spirit.
Kings Day Amsterdam
“Amsterdam’s biggest street party, where canals turn orange and the gay scene takes it outside.”
