April 2026 offers many fun activities in Leiden, including interesting exhibitions, markets, and events. Whether you want to soak up some culture at the Jan Steen exhibition at Museum De Lakenhal, take on a sporting challenge during the Singelloop, or kick off the King’s Day weekend with the Oranjewandeling.
With the atmospheric Spring Beer Walk and the cheerful sounds of Leiden Barrel Organ Day also on the program, there’s something fun for everyone to do in Leiden. Discover the best things to do this spring in Leiden below!
Jan Steen 400 – Life in the Brewery
Quando: Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 23 August 2026
Localização: Museum de Lakenhal – Oude Singel 32 (Google Maps)
Informações: www.lakenhal.nl
Museum De Lakenhal is celebrating the 400th anniversary of Jan Steen with a major anniversary exhibition where you can discover his humor, satire, and hidden messages. This exhibition brings the work of this famous Leiden painter to life in a unique way.
Leiden Easter Fair
Quando: Wednesday 2 to Monday 6 April 2026
Localização: Molen de Valk (Google Maps)
Informações: www.kermis.nu
In Leiden, there is an Easter fair on the Lammermarkt near Molen de Valk, with attractions for young and old. The Easter fair runs from Thursday to Easter Monday and offers plenty of entertainment and delicacies.
Spring Beer Walk Leiden
Quando: Sunday 12 April
Localização: Leiden
Mais informações: www.bierwandeling.nl
Every April, the Spring Beer Walk takes place in historic Leiden, where you’ll visit six cafés and sample unique spring beers. The walk begins at 2:00 p.m., and participants receive a special glass, a stamp card, and beer vouchers. After visiting all the cafés, you’ll receive an official certificate as a souvenir.
Singelloop Leiden
Quando: Friday 17 April
Mais informações:www.singelloop-leiden.nl
The Singelloop Leiden is an annual running event that winds through the historic city center. On April 17, Leiden will once again celebrate this sporting tradition, with participants running along canals and past well-known landmarks.
Orange Walk
Quando: Saturday 25 April
Informações: www.oranjewandeling.nl
On April 25, 2026, Leiden’s city center will be transformed into a festive orange setting during the Oranjewandeling, a six-kilometer route passing by historic sites associated with the House of Orange. Along the way, short activities and performances will make the walk extra special. It will be the perfect start to the King’s Day weekend for young and old alike.
King’s Night in Leiden
Quando: Sunday 26 April
Localização: Lammermarkt (Google Maps)
Informações: www.hetkoningsfeestje.nl
On April 27, 2026, the Lammermarkt in Leiden will be decked out in orange for King’s Day, featuring live music, DJs, food trucks, and a special program for kids. The event runs from noon to midnight; space is limited, and only debit cards are accepted.
King’s Day Leiden
– The flea market (Vrijmarkten) takes place in the center of Leiden.
– Vendors start setting up their stalls early in the morning.
– Secondhand items are sold, such as toys, books, and clothing.
– Popular locations include Nieuwe Rijn, Haarlemmerstraat, and Lammermarkt.
– Visitors can walk around, browse, and find bargains.
– The flea market creates a lively atmosphere where people from the region come together.
