Celebrate King’s Day in the Netherlands

The Dutch are considered a fun-loving people, and what better reason to throw a party of epic proportion than a royal birthday? On April 26, all Netherlands will celebrate the big day of its reigning monarch, King Willem-Alexander, in the form of a national holiday. The dress code for this particular birthday celebration is decidedly unfussy: one’s outfit should be suitable for spending many hours outside and incorporate lots of the color orange.

In several cities and towns, the fun and games actually begin on the eve of the day. In The Hague, the party takes the form of a massive, open-air concert known as the Life I Live Festival. From 7 p.m. April 25 until 2 a.m. the following day, local and international acts perform and DJs play their sets on temporary stages set up throughout the city center. Trucks selling street foods and beverages keep the masses fueled and spirits high. Entry is free. Online: tinyurl.com/msrr29xs

The lively student city of Utrecht is known as the ideal place to seek out secondhand treasure. As is custom throughout the country, a so-called “vrijmarkt,” in which anyone can haul their unwanted possessions out onto the sidewalk and sell them for a nominal price, takes place. Even children get into the act, setting up their own stalls to shift their unwanted toys and outgrown clothing. Utrecht’s market is known for its vast size and long hours of operation. The bargaining gets underway from 6 p.m. April 25 and continues until 6 p.m. the following day. Free live music also makes up a large part of the day’s festivities. Online: koningsdaginutrecht.nl

King’s Day in Amsterdam is not only a massive street party, but a festival on water. On the day, boat owners deck out their crafts, install sound systems and cram as many friends as they can fit on board before cruising up and down the canals at a snail’s pace. Meanwhile, those bound to the land stand alongside the canals or atop bridges, waving and cheering on the revelry. Parks are also bustling places, and good venues for watching or, better yet, partaking in traditional street games such as trying to eat a cookie dangling from a string with one’s hands tied. The traditional snack to reach for is the “oranje tompouce,” a puff pastry stuffed with custard and cream and topped with orange glaze. Online: tinyurl.com/4484jskh

Easter weekend happenings

While those in search of fun things to do on Easter weekend might have to search a little harder than usual to find public events and cultural happenings, a few places will be laying on some forms of entertainment.

Middle ages-themed fun by the Rhine: The sound of pounding hooves will fill the air above Germany’s fantastically scenic Upper Middle Rhine Valley over the weekend, as a jousting competition to find the bravest knight plays out. In addition to the equestrian show, a lively marketplace showcases handcrafted goods and curiosities. Musicians, jugglers, minstrels and other characters add to the days-of-yore ambiance. The “Oster Ritterturnier” takes place April 19-21 in the municipality of Bornich. Opening hours are from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; on Monday the market closes at 7 p.m. Adult admission costs 15 euros while entry for children ages 6-16 costs 5 euros. Visitors clad in convincing historical costume enter for the reduced price of 10 euros. Online: tinyurl.com/h8a3tmwx

Folk culture in Namur, Belgium: Namur, the capital city of southern Belgium’s French-speaking Wallonia region, shows pride in its heritage with Folknam, a day for celebrating traditions and folklore, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 19. Folk music and dancing groups, along with historical reenactors, will converge on the Place d’Armes to present programs showcasing their connections with their forefathers. A crafts market offers quality handmade goods. The day’s highlight, a historical parade of costumed marchers, takes place at 2 p.m. Entry is free. Online: folknam.be

Reggae music on the slopes in Ischgl, Austria: At the start and end of each ski season, the Silvretta Arena ski area welcomes internationally known artists to perform live on outdoor stages, and the tradition continues on April 20, when the Jamaican-American reggae musician Shaggy is set to perform surrounded by mountain peaks. Entry to the concert is free to all those holding a valid ski pass for the day. Non-skiers are also welcome to attend, although they still have to buy the pass in order to ride the lift to the concert venue. The single-day pass goes for 76 euros for adults when purchased online in advance. Online: tinyurl.com/2x3kvnkh