King’s Day

Most of the revelry is focused in and around the canals since the apparent highlight of the day is the parade of boats - people were stacked up 3 or 4 deep to watch the procession pass by. We found that we could just leave it all behind by striking out in another direction. Would probably be a good day to go for a bike ride across the river in the Waterland area if you're not keen on adding to the collective blood-alcohol level of the city that day.
It does stay pretty rowdy along the major thoroughfares into the wee hours that night as people congregate around the bars, but it's not bad if you stay in a residential area away from the crowds.

Robert, thank you. If we were to consider a residential area, what would you suggest? Haarlem has been recommended as an option....

We've only stayed in Jordaan during our visits and so can only comment on that area. There are a number of cute (and quiet) little residential streets away from the canals that would be a good choice for a place to stay - we liked being able to walk into the hustle and bustle of the city but then leave it behind us in the evening.
It's only for one day, but if you just want to avoid the crowds altogether then Haarlem or Leiden would be good alternatives. Once established there I'd stay put for the day, however, since the trains will be packed with people traveling to and from the city for the party.
All that said, we found that the crowd was good natured (though well oiled) in typical Dutch fashion. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the day and each other - we never saw any true rowdyism ... or anything else that struck us as mean spirited or threatening. As crowds go this one's really pretty mellow.

On Kings Day people are allowed to sell whatever , much like a yard sale . It is the only time no permits are required for street selling. Yes , it gets crowded on K.D. but if it gets too loud or crowded for you there are plenty of smaller side streets to escape to. Many locals take their small boats out to the canals which are decorated with orange flags , ribbons , you name it. When there are too many I saw them actually get grid-locked . Locals make a point of wearing orange b/c the royal family comes from the House of Orange and it is Kings Day . I enjoyed K.D. but hubby got bothered by the volume of music and avoided those areas . For a little quiet you could also visit Vondel Park where KIDS ONLY are allowed to sell their old toys etc. Also , some kids try to make a few euro's with music or singing. Some of it hurts the ears and some is quite good. If you despise crowds , don't go. If you like a lively experience it is lots of fun !

All cities have their King's Day events, not just Amsterdam where you'll be crushed by some 100.000s having the same idea.

It is April 27, a Friday this coming year, so maybe will morph into "King's Weekend." We're flying in late that afternoon and taking a bus to Haarlem for the next few nights, planning some forays into Amsterdam (where we've spent time before). We expect some street activity in Haarlem but not as much as in the big city. I met some Dutch folks recently who told me to wear something orange.

There's a new thread under "General Europe" about visiting places during big holidays. If you have a choice, you have to decide whether the special qualities of the experience outweigh the inconvenience. I'm glad my first visit to Amsterdam wasn't on King's Day, but I'm looking forward to it this time.