Tweet28-04-2010 om 10:00 by Amanda Potter

Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) is Friday, the 30th of April, in official celebration of Queen Beatrix’s birthday, which is actually January 31st but celebrated in April for the better weather. While many people like the gigantic celebrations in Amsterdam, or prefer to spend the long weekend with just family, Maastricht has a nice celebration every year that includes live music, a Vrijmarkt, and sometimes special art events.

Last year was the first time Dan & I experienced Koninginnedag and found it to be quite fun. In Maastricht everyone converged on the Stadspark and the Vrijthof to explore the Vrijmarkt, a large flea market where anyone can sell things without charging sales tax. Many people use this opportunity to sell second hand clothing and items, but there were also several antique dealers promoting their wares. Nearly everyone was wearing a bit of orange, the color of the royal House of Orange-Nassau. There were a couple of small stages and, as with so many events in this area, wandering bands traveled the streets. In the evening a Heineken sponsored music event took place at the edge of the park.



This year the highlight of Koninginnedag will again be the Vrijmarkt, which you can find set up on the Stadspark and Onze Lieve Vrouwewal and the Children’s Market, which is typically on the Vrijthof. In addition, you can also check out these activities:

Royaal Mestreech: The day before Koninginnedag (Koninginnenacht), this 90’s music concert will take place in the Stadspark. The music starts at 4 pm and doesn’t stop until midnight.

Heineken Queensday: On Koninginnedag itself there will be two stages set up. The Stadspark Podium will feature a mix of everyone from rock to jazz starting at noon, and the Vrijmarkt Podium will feature several bands sponsored by Popsport, Kunstebende, de Muziekgieterij, and Kumulus.

Happy Rent Kinderpark: Also on Koninginnedag, this is a play area for kids with bouncy platforms and face painting.

Want to sell something at the Vrijmarkt? Anyone is welcome to do so and, unless you want a stall, you don’t actually have to register for a spot. Just spread out your blanket early. There are some rules (see link at page bottom), so be sure to take them into account. This year it will be more exploring for us, but maybe we’ll try selling next year.

Do you know of more Queen’s Day events in Maastricht or the greater region? Share them here and I’ll add them to the list.

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