Queens Day, what goes on?
 

My daughter is in the army stationed in the Netherlands, and I'll be flying over and meeting her and her husband in Amsterdam a few days before Queens Day. I've seen a lot of posts about how crowded it is, and my daughter says there will be fireworks (where's a good place to watch them?), but what else goes on? Are there any planned events, or is it just one big party? At this point, it looks like we will be staying in the Jordaan district. Is that convenient to all the fun?

Queen's day is an absolute Zoo in Amsterdam. Officially, it's to celebrate the Queen's birthday. At some point the Queen will parade through town, watching school children do skits, dances and other things. The day starts as a big city wide flea market, garage sale. Then it becomes a city wide party. There will be bands, rides, and wall to wall people. Transportation becomes sketchy and if you don't have a place to stay already, forget it! Enjoy!

Thanks Grasshopper! I think we have a place lined up.

If transportation will be sketchy, is Amsterdam a good walking city?

Absolutely! And you can walk from the Jordan district to the city center.

The whole city is a crazy party. I'd suggest a walk on the Damrak, then visit the Spui. Jordaan is an easy walk to the center of town.

rapunzll--We were in Amsterdam a couple of years ago for Queen's Day. It was a zoo and if it is on, I think, May 1 which is a Sunday this year, the party will begin Friday non-stop thru Sunday. Transportation is indeed sketchy after about 10/11 am, so don't count on any--even the trains shut down our year! I wouldn't even attempt normal tourist sites but there is plenty to experience. As for walking, no problem but we were in streets which became totally gridlocked with masses of people-it was a little scary. Its a huge event and not for the timid, lots of drinking, eating, bands and revelry.
Have fun and keep an escape route!
Cheers, Paul

It looks like it's 4/30 this year, which is on the Saturday. That should work out fine as we are leaving on Sunday to go to my daughters place. This sounds like it will be a blast! Thanks for all of your comments, I do appreciate it!

I just found this, and it paints a good mental picture. http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=5298

Queen's Day is always on 4/30.

rapunzil, that post reminded me... one thing you'll learn from Queen's day; A person can never have too much orange! Especially essential is that inflatable orange crown! (will you bring me back one?!)

It's always on April 30, and the Queen does not normally visit Amsterdam on that day; she usually goes to some provincial town.
It is a zoo, as everyone has said. The town becomes one big flea market, as people can sell whatever they like on the streets on Queens day (Koninginnedag).
there's usually a lot of drinking (beer mainly) going on as well. In places like Leidseplein, Spui, where there are lots of bars, it will be extremely crowded. It is normally very friendly; I've never really heard about fighting or other problems on that day.

Amsterdam is easy to navigate on foot, and if you are staying in the Jordaan, that would be great. You can always escape to your hotel.

And don't forget to wear orange! You'll blend right in.

I think the only thing I own that's orange is a tank top. What's the weather like at that time of year?!

Probably not tank top weather! No worry, just buy one of those orange inflatable crowns.

I was in Amsterdam with a friend years ago the first week of May..
I did not know then that it was a week of festivity to celebrate Queens Day;it was a lot of fun..people were dancing, small bands playing in the squares and of course many people around.
We took day trip to a Tulip's farm..What a fantastic and breathtaking view..
Miles after miles of colorful tulips in blooms..I took some fab. pictures that look like postcards.
Also we took the boat around the canals, visited museums including Anne Frank..
I remember that it was cold for May, but of course I live in Texas now and i am used to a nicer sunnier weather.

Bring the tank top. If you're really lucky you'll be able to wear it outdoors. Otherwise wear it in the cafes. Anything goes in Amsterdam, especially on Queen's Day.