Celebrate Freedom in The Hague during Royal September
15 July 2025
The Hague – It has now become a well-loved tradition: The Hague celebrates Royal September. This year, in the run-up to Prinsjesdag (Budget Day), the royal city will be festively adorned in orange. The ten-day programme kicks off on Saturday 6 September. With highlights including the Prinsjesfestival and PrinsjesNach, The Hague offers an engaging programme for all ages – from live music to debates and speeches, from fashion shows to exclusive openings of royal palaces, from royal shopping experiences to comedy and cabaret. And of course, the traditional royal procession on Prinsjesdag itself. The full programme can be found at denhaag.com/royalseptember.
Celebrate Freedom in The Hague during Royal September
Freedom to express yourself, to demonstrate, and to participate in society in your own way. It may seem self-evident in our country, but polarisation is on the rise. That is why this year’s Prinsjesfestival centres around the theme ‘Free together, Strong together: celebrate democracy’. Highlights include the festive opening, live recordings of the PrinsjesBoekenCast, the PrinsjesOntbijt, and the PrinsjesRede speech competition at the Council for the Judiciary. On Saturday 13 September, the main Public Day will take place along the Hofvijver, featuring a special market with – of course – hats, music, dance, and the recital of the PrinsjesPoem. On the same day, visitors can also take part in the ‘Rule of Law Tour’, part of the Week of the Rule of Law, offering visits to the Dutch Parliament, the Council of State, the Court of Audit and other key institutions in The Hague. All activities are free of charge, except for the PrinsjesCabaret, which runs from 10 to 17 September at Theater Diligentia.
PrinsjesNach: A Tribute to The Hague’s DNA
On the eve of Prinsjesdag, Monday 15 September, the city centre will come alive with the sounds of The Hague’s music – filling pubs and streets across town. Visitors are invited to enjoy this free musical pub crawl, as the third edition of PrinsjesNach promises an energetic mix that crosses genres and defies categorisation. Jazz, indie pop, singer-songwriters, world music, spoken word, rock, hip-hop, and even classical – PrinsjesNach showcases the quality and diversity of The Hague’s music scene and pays tribute to the city’s musical DNA. Sjaak Bral and Michael Varekamp will perform a special programme of songs from The Hague in the Waalse Kerk. Dollhouse Drama, a local alternative rock band from the 2000s, is making a one-time return to the stage especially for PrinsjesNach. Emerging talent will also take the spotlight, including HYST, Warekes, and poetry collective FFÛH. The evening will end on a high note with a vibrant performance by the improvisational percussion ensemble La Maquina. PrinsjesNach takes place from 19:00 to 23:00 at nearly 30 venues, followed by a SuperSession from 23:00 to 01:00 at De Zwarte Ruiter.
Royal September in the City Centre
In addition to the Prinsjesfestival, PrinsjesNach, the Week of the Rule of Law and Open Monument Day, there is much more to experience in The Hague’s city centre during Royal September. A new family activity will take place on the Hofvijver, and from Saturday 13 to Tuesday 16 September, the area in and around the Grote Marktstraat will be buzzing with festivities. Highlights include the Prinsjesfestival hat fashion show and a one-day orange-themed vintage and hat market. Following the King’s Speech on Tuesday afternoon, a lively music programme will kick off in celebration. The Noordeinde and Hofkwartier districts will also showcase their surprising, unique and royal character. More information about all city centre activities will soon be available at denhaag.com/royalseptember.
Visit Historic Monuments
This autumn, the Royal Waiting Room at Hollands Spoor railway station will once again open its doors to the public on selected days, starting during Royal September. A truly special experience! Tickets are now available for purchase. The weekend of 13 and 14 September also marks Open Monument Day, when visitors will have the opportunity to explore sites such as the King’s Cabinet and Kneuterdijk Palace. Those visiting the palace can also admire the statue of King William II in the French garden. In 2023, the statue was temporarily removed from the Buitenhof due to construction works. Kneuterdijk Palace is its rightful home — King William II lived there in the 19th century with his wife. For more information, visit denhaag.com/royalseptember.