Experience King's Day in Sittard!

SITTARD – On 27 April 2026, Sittard will turn orange for an unforgettable King's Day! The city will be buzzing with energy, music and conviviality, with festivities for young and old alike. From markets to performances and atmospheric squares, there is something to experience everywhere. Don’t miss out — join the celebration of King's Day 2026 in the heart of Sittard!

On Monday 27 April 2026, Sittard’s city centre will once again become the vibrant focus of King's Day. King's Day is a national holiday in The Netherlands, celebrating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. It is celebrated annually on 27 April.

The historic streets, welcoming squares and monumental buildings provide the backdrop for a day full of tradition, creativity and music. Visitors can enjoy a tribute to the honoured citizens, a colourful creative market and live performances on the Markt.

The day begins with a solemn church service in the Sint-Petruskerk, one of Sittard’s oldest and most distinctive buildings. Here, residents of the Sittard-Geleen municipality who have received a royal decoration for their special contributions to the community will be recognised. The service starts at 09:30 and is open to the public.

At 12:15, after the service, a procession will set off from the church through the charming streets of the city centre, passing historic buildings and picturesque alleyways, led by the decorated citizens of our municipality. The procession ends at the steps of the Mariapark, a unique place in the heart of Sittard. Here, a ceremony will mark the official opening of King's Day in Sittard-Geleen, including a parade in honour of the decorated citizens, the raising of the flag and the singing of the national anthem (Wilhelmus) together. The ceremony ends with a festive toast in the Mariapark. Between 13:00 and 14:00, there will be an opportunity to congratulate the decorated citizens at the Mariapark.

The historic Markt (market square) of Sittard, surrounded by monumental buildings and lively terraces, becomes a stage for live music and entertainment in the afternoon. Local bands, dance groups and street artists will create a vibrant atmosphere, while visitors enjoy snacks and drinks on the terraces around the square.

The blend of live music, historic ambience and the lively city centre makes this location one of the most congenial places to celebrate King's Day. Come and enjoy the authentic atmosphere, cultural offerings and celebrations in Sittard’s historic heart!

The inviting Markt of Sittard, encircled by historic buildings and bustling terraces, will feature live music and entertainment in the afternoon. Between 14:00 and 19:00, local bands, dance groups and street artists will provide a lively setting, while visitors indulge in snacks and drinks on the surrounding terraces. The activities on the Markt are organised in collaboration with Culture Organisation De Domijnen, Stichting Horeca Markt and the Oranje Comité Sittard.

On Monday, the Oranje Comité Sittard will also organise a creative market at the Oude Markt in Sittard. During this market, creative people will have an opportunity to present and sell their work to a wide audience.

The creative market will take place from 11:00 to 17:00 and offers space for all sorts of amateur art, e.g. paintings, ceramics, woodwork, jewellery, photography and other creative expressions. It’s an inviting market where visitors can walk by creatively decorated stalls and chat with the makers.

The Parkfestival Sittard is an annual event, organised on King’s Day in Sittard’s Stadspark (municipal park). It attracts about 8,000 visitors of all ages each year and offers a varied programme full of music, entertainment and activities for young and old.

The Stadspark is the place to wander for hours among the stalls of the children’s jumble sale. Here, children and parents offer their best second-hand goods, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. If your child wants to participate: reserve a spot in advance.

Besides the jumble sale, there’s much more to experience: you can enjoy live music and dance, try the obstacle course, the boulder wall or trampolines, and let the little ones have fun in playgrounds, on bouncy castles and with other fun children’s activities.

On the main stage, you’ll find new talent and established names. The Augustinerkapel will kick off the day in style, followed by the classic rock band Tune Out. After a successful debut last year, The Black MNM’s will return to the stage. The energetic indie-pop band KeyCult will continue the programme. As headliners, BacktoDylan and SKArtakus will close the day.

Additionally, Kunstbende Limburg will host its own programme with emerging young talent on the side stage. On the dance stage, dancers from Danzaira, the Urban Dance Factory, Dance Studio on Fire and Dance School Clara Lamar will show their skills.

For those who love good food, there are various food trucks offering a wide range of snacks and drinks. Several bars provide visitors with refreshments. From local delicacies to trendy street food, there’s plenty to enjoy while you relax in the park, lying on your blanket or together at one of the many tables.

The Parkfestival Sittard promises to be a day full of fun and entertainment for all ages again in 2026. Don’t miss it — come to the Stadspark in Sittard on 27 April! Entry is free.

Public Transport: the Stadspark Sittard is easily accessible by public transport. From the Sittard railway station, it is about a 10-minute walk to the festival grounds.

Bicycle: For visitors arriving by bike, bicycle parking is available near the entrances to the park.

Free shuttle buses: Between 13:00 and 17:00, two vintage buses will run between the city centre (Schuttestraat stop) – Stadspark (Vijverweg Swimming Pool stop) – and the city centre (Engelenkampstraat stop – Kloosterplein stop – Schuttestraat stop).

The birthday of King Willem-Alexander is also celebrated at the Code Nassau festival on the Schootsvelden in Sittard (Haspelsestraat).

On King's Night (26 April), from 16:00 to midnight, we take a trip back in time. None other than ATMOZ will host an evening full of classic and retro hits, so we’ll party together into the small hours. Expect familiar tunes, good vibes and a dance floor that never stands still.

On King's Day (27 April), starting at 14:00 (until 23:00), it’s time for free local entertainment during the Limburg Afternoon. Sing along at the top of your voice to the best music from our region and enjoy a festive atmosphere for all ages.

During King's Day, our little princes and princesses up to and including 12 years old, accompanied by an adult, are welcome free of charge. This allows the whole family to enjoy the festivities together.

For more information and tickets, visit codenassau.nl.

For more information about the full programme around King's Day in Sittard: koningsdagsittard.nl

·         Stay informed via Facebook, X or via the English newsletter, subscribe at the bottom of this page.

·         Submit a local (press) release or event? You can do so via [email protected] .

Want to advertise on Sittard-Geleen.nieuws.nl? Visitor numbers continue to rise, which is good for the visibility of our advertisers, among other things. Do you want to increase your brand awareness?

We are happy to help you think about how to spend your advertising euros as optimally as possible. By advertising locally on Sittard-Geleen Nieuws at a competitive price! Contact Paul Storms by phone: 06-22543972 or by email: [email protected] .

The news desk can be reached via [email protected].