Koningsdag, or King’s Day, is a holiday in the Netherlands. An event celebrating the Dutch King’s birthday also happens at the Shipyards in North Vancouver.
Koningsdag officially takes place on April 27th every year, which is the date on which King Willem-Alexander was born in 1967. In 2026, the birthday celebrations on the North Shore take place on Saturday, April 25th.
See the Dutch Network website for details about the event.
North Vancouver Koningsdag King’s Day Events at the Shipyards
Koningsdag, which means King’s Day in English, is a national holiday in the Netherlands. It commemorates the birthday of that country’s king. Dutch communities across the world celebrate the occasion.
One of the biggest Koningsdag events in North America is the King’s Day Extravaganza organized by the Dutch Network here in Metro Vancouver. In 2026 the event happens at the Shipyards in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale District. The celebrations feature a free outdoor festival during the day from 12:00 until 8:00 pm. In the past, the outdoor event ended earlier and a ticketed party happened at night. In 2026, however, there is just the outdoor festival, but it runs until later than usual.
The festivities are a great way to learn about and celebrate Dutch culture, music, and traditional foods from both the Netherlands and Indonesia (the latter of which was a Dutch colony many years ago).
Where and When is King’s Day in Vancouver?
King’s Day is always on April 27th. However, the big celebrations at the Shipyards in North Vancouver in 2026 take place on Saturday, April 25th. The free festivities run from 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm. The fun happens at the Shipyards in Shipbuilders’ Square and/or Shipyard Commons, located at 19 Wallace Mews.
Shipbuilders’ Square is about a five-minute walk from the SeaBus terminal at Lonsdale Quay. It’s also right in front of the Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier (which is a really nice place to stay if you don’t want to drive home after your night of Dutch celebrations).
Vancouver Koningsdag Admission Details
The 2026 event is free to attend. Food and drinks are available for purchase on site from multiple food trucks throughout the day. This year, the bar is open from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, serving beer and wine. The event area is licensed, so guests can grab an alcoholic drink and relax around the square if they wish.
See the Dutch Network website for details about the event.
What to Expect at the Vancouver Koningsdag Event
The 2026 celebration is one large outdoor community festival rather than the split day-and-night format of previous years. Expect the covered commons area at the Shipyards to have lots of spaces to gather, socialise, and explore Dutch culture.
There is a Dutch market with a variety of vendors. The vendor mix includes items closely tied to Dutch culture. This year’s event includes face painting for kids and adults, cotton candy, and traditional Sjoelbakken, which is a Dutch game similar to shuffleboard. There are also food and product stalls.
Entertainment runs through the afternoon and into the evening. At the event in 2026, Norden the Magician performs at 1:00 pm. The band Old Growth performs at 2:30 pm. Dutch DJ René Sloos then performs from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
See the Dutch Network website for details about the event.
Other Information
Vancouver’s King’s Day is hosted by the Dutch Network with support from the Dutch Business Club, De Esdoorn, DCABC and the Consulate General of the Netherlands.
Visit the Dutch Network website for more information about the event.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- The City and District of North Vancouver
- Vancouver Cultural Events & Attractions
- Vancouver Festivals and Events
- North Vancouver Shipyards District
