From one-off celebration to Kings Day tradition: Kingsland Festival

Kings Day and Kingsland Festival are now inextricably linked. What began in 2013 as a one-time event in Amsterdam, grew rapidly into the largest one-day dance festival in the Netherlands. Thousands of partygoers flock to different cities every year to celebrate the king's birthday together with the best artists, spectacular shows and an unprecedented festival atmosphere. This festival has experienced an
impressive growth over the years and it is impossible to imagine King's Day without it.

Kingsland Festival was first organized on April 30, 2013, in honor of the change of throne from Queen Beatrix to King Willem-Alexander. This was also the last Queen's Day, because starting in 2014, Kings Day was officially celebrated on April 27. Organizers 4PM Entertainment and E&A Events seized this opportunity to put on a grand festival in Amsterdam, which immediately drew 25,000 partygoers. The combination of top artists, impressive stages and a frenzied atmosphere ensured an unforgettable first edition.

From Amsterdam to all over the Netherlands

After the success of 2013, a sequel was bound to happen. In 2014, a second location was added: 's- Hertogenbosch. Here visitors could enjoy the same Kingsland experience as in Amsterdam. Growth continued and in 2016 Groningen was added to the festival. The peak of the expansion came in 2017, when Kingsland was organized in five cities simultaneously: Amsterdam, 's-Hertogenbosch, Groningen, Maastricht and Twente. This grew the festival into a
national phenomenon, with an unprecedented attendance of more than 150,000 visitors.

Challenges and innovations

Like any major event, Kingsland also faced challenges. In 2020, the corona pandemic threw a spanner in the works, preventing major events from taking place. But instead of sitting still, Kingsland came up with an alternative: Balcony Day. A DJ bus drove past several cities to give residents a festive day from their balconies. This creative initiative kept the Kingsland spirit alive, despite its limitations. Kingsland returned to its familiar festival formula in 2022. In the years that followed, Kingsland continued to evolve, with impressive productions, ever-larger lineups and more visitors than ever.

Another step forward

For Kingsland 2025, grand editions are again planned in Amsterdam and Groningen. Although the festival will not take place in Rotterdam this year, it promises to be a spectacular edition. With an impressive lineup, breathtaking stages and the characteristic Kingsland atmosphere, this year's Kings Day will again be celebrated in an unparalleled way. On Saturday, April 26, Amsterdam and Groningen will transform into the festival locations of the Netherlands. Partygoers can prepare for a mix of different genres, spread across multiple stages.

Don't miss Kingsland 2025

In ten years, Kingsland Festival has become a Kings Day tradition. Every year, Kingsland proves to be the ultimate place to celebrate the orange party in style. Do you want to be there? Make sure you're ready to join thousands of others for an unforgettable Kings Day on April 26. See you there!