As you might know, the dress code for King's Day is orange! You can also wear red, white and blue, the colours of the Dutch national flag. Orange is not only in the outfits — food, drinks and decorations are also orange, red, white or blue. 

There is a special pastry connected to King's Day: the orange tompouce. You have to try it! But in general, you can’t go wrong with anything orange.

Previously, King's Day was Queen's Day and was celebrated on April 30. The annual day of orange-themed royal celebrations changed in 2014, when the King was inaugurated. Since then, King's Day has been celebrated on April 27. 

The King's Day celebrations already start on the night of the 26th of April into the 27th. You can begin the festivities the night before! There are different kinds of parties you can attend. Here are a few:

• King's Night at the Vismarkt: This party is free for everyone. There will be different styles of party music.
• Helden van Oranje: This party takes place at Stadspark in a huge tent, with only Dutch artists performing. (Ticket needed)
• For techno and house music lovers, there are parties by Paradigm, FIXY and Happy Feelings during Kingsnight. (Ticket needed)
• Afrobeats party at Wijck: In the city centre at Wijck, you can dance to warm and tropical beats. (Ticket needed)
• VISION, at Simplon: A party full of drum and bass and experimental sounds. (Ticket needed)
• Clubs and cafés in the city centre: During King's Night, most cafés and clubs in the city centre of Groningen are open. Some even move outdoors to celebrate on the streets, for example at the Grote Kromme Elleboog.

During King’s Night, a safe space is provided by the municipality for anyone who has experienced something unpleasant or simply wants to avoid the crowds. It is a quiet and safe place where you can gather yourself or receive help from professionals. This space is located at the Grand Theatre, address: Grote Markt 35. 

During King's Day there are also many parties and festivals. You can go to the city centre (same locations as King's Night) or attend one of the bigger organised parties a bit outside the city centre. Here are some options:

• Kingsland: At Stadspark, another big party takes place during Kingsday. This is an actual festival called Kingsland. Multiple bands and DJs from different genres will perform throughout the day.
• KopjeK Kingsday: For techno lovers, there is a party at the Graanfabriek with music playing all day and into the night.
• Koningskopje: A party full of R&B and hip-hop is taking place outdoors at Stadslab. Expect a day full of dancing, performances and good food.

The annual King's Day flea markets are a big tradition and are organised at different locations in Groningen. You can sell your own stuff (arrive early!) or buy whatever you like from others. One thing is for sure, it will be a crowded and very orange flea market!

Flea market locations in Groningen:

• De Singels: The most central and popular flea market. Open from 09:00 until 17:00.
• Diamantpark (Vinkhuizen): Open from 10:00 until 15:00.
• Lichtboei (Lewenborg): A neighbourhood outside the city centre. Open from 10:00 until 13:00.
• Jumbo Meerstad: This flea market is organised for kids to sell their stuff. As an adult, you can walk around and buy from the children. Open from 10:00 until 13:00.

Mainly, supermarkets are open during King’s Day. Other stores are allowed to be open but often choose to close to celebrate King’s Day themselves. If you want to go to a supermarket, you should check their opening hours, as these may differ from their regular times on King’s Day.

Want to find even more activities during King's Day? Or different party locations for King's Night? Have a look at Here and Now!