Queens Day (or 'Koninginnedag' in Dutch) is the celebration of the birthday of the Queen - technically the Queen mother's but the present queen decided not to move the celebration to January. In many cities Queensday is celebrated with a so-called 'vrijmarkt', a market where everybody can sell whatever they want on the streets. Especially Amsterdam is known for its large 'Vrijmarkt'. Next to that there's a lot of other happenings like parades, fairs, musical performances, cultural events and other activities. In general in most places people dress up in orange, go out on the streets and celebrate.

Queens Day in Eindhoven can be separated into two events: the flea market and the party that follows. People from all over the area set up tables or lay down blankets to display used goods for sale. Anything and everything is available and the streets are mobbed with people looking for a bargain. Mid-afternoon the market is packed up and the party begins. Music fill the air! Every available spot has live music - from a guy and his guitar playing to a small crowd on a patio, to a massive stage with a popular DJ. Every square will have its own unique vibe so half the fun is wandering around and finding the scene that suits you best. The one rule of the day: wear orange. The more (and brighter) the better - the locals will love you for sharing their national pride!

Eindhoven Queensday celebrations 2012
There's so much going on in our lively city, both on Queensday and the night before, it's almost impossible to give a complete overview of all performing acts and activities. Visit the 'Oranje de Gekste'-website for the full list (Dutch only). A short list of all places and stages:

Dance:

• Stationsplein (square in front of the train station): Extrema Queen's Night 'n Day, with Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Kraak & Smaak, Sandro Silva and others, from 12-9.30pm
• Kennedyplein (behind the central trainstation, close to Expat Center): Zodiak Commune; Acid & Techno, several DJ's
• Beursgebouw: House of Revolution - Goes Q-day, several acts like Paul Elstak, Dune, Mental Theo and many more, free entry, 12-2am
• Vestdijk/Kanaalstraat: KEI Oranje, dance & pop
• Dynamo: 1st annual HipHopLap040 Royal Block Party. Hip Hop and Soul dance music
• Stadhuisplein: Majestic Dance Event with (inter)national DJ's
• Strijp-S: PACT-festival, local modern electronic music; techno, dubstep, drum'n bass & funk, from 12-11pm

Pop/rock:

• Effenaar: Live bands on stage in the Effenaar garden
• Stratumsedijk: Add a little pink to your orange, assortment of live acts and DJ's
• Wilhelminaplein: Several live rock bands
• Strijp-S Klokgebouw: Klok Rock Orange with metal, punk, speedrock & roll

Family:

• Kruisstraat: Large fair with over 150 stands
• Market square: Party music all day long
• Clausplein (square next to the central library): Colourful Orange party, with multicultural dance, music, performances, sports, games, food and drinks
• Mathildelaan (next to Philips stadium): 'Vrijmarkt' (market) for everyone, adults and children, from 9am-5pm.

Eindhoven 'Queensnight' celebrations 2012
The night before Queensday traditionally also is a night of celebrations, called Koninginnenacht (Queensnight). In Eindhoven this year the following events take place:

Dance:

• Beursgebouw: Infusion, all night dance party with an assortment of DJ's. Door open at 9pm and the fun doesn't stop until 5am. Get there early because it will fill up fast. Entry € 31,50 ex fee
• Stationsplein (square in front of the trainstation): Extrema Queen's Night 'n Day, with Mightyfools, Dem Slackers and others, from 5-11pm
• Dynamo: Queenscore party with harddance and 'Nachtlampen' party with dubstep and electro
• Stadhuisplein: Majestic Dance Event with international DJ's like Don Diablo, Funkerman and more, from 5-11pm.

Pop/rock:

• Effenaar: Queensnight Festival, electro & rock, entry € 12,50
• Klokgebouw, Strijp-S: Klokrock Orange, several bands performing from 5-11pm

Family:

• Market square: Party music all evening, from 6pm
• Strijp-S Area 51 Skate Park & Monk area: several activities taking place

As you can see, there's so much to do! We have no doubt you'll have a great two days!