Night of the Cape Nacht van de Kaap (Night of the Cape) promises an evening of chansons and tall tales held, as the name suggests, on the Kaap (Cape) of Rotterdam, at Katendrecht. Picture the peninsula as it used to be, when it was still a red-light district and the haunt of sailors, with a…
Wereld Havendagen (World Harbour Days) A weekend filled with activities and performances in and around Europe’s biggest harbour, topped off with the famous fireworks show on Saturday night. The event showcases many different aspects of the harbour to all its national and international visitors. Take part in various events and excursions or step aboard the…
Oude Haven Zomerfestival This charming small festival takes place in Rotterdam’s oldest harbour and is a great opportunity to discover the city’s newest musical talent, with intimate concerts at various locations throughout the Oude Haven. This year, Sabrina Starke will headline the festival. Plus, free entrance and additional family-friendly activities will be taking place. Check…
Magia This music festival is one that may well surprise you. Back for a second time, the line-up is filled with under-exposed icons from non-Western music scenes, who are not yet household names. Magia is a festival that celebrates the unknown and introduces you to some unmissable talent! Even if you’re not familiar with the…
It might not be in the city centre, but trust us, this beachside culinary festival is well worth the metro ride to Nesselande (terminus line B). It’s a feast for all the senses, where you can not only sample delicious food (courtesy of city restaurants such as Asian Glories and Hotel New York) but also…
OVG Veerhaven Concert The atmosphere during this free open-air classical concert is truly enchanting: the transparent stage floats in the harbour and spectators can sit along the water or steer their own boat towards the stage. This is the perfect chance to attend a concert of the internationally-acclaimed Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra with the beautiful backdrop…
A city icon full of history Emigrants once left in droves on board the Holland America Line, steaming across the ocean to the other side of the world in search of happiness and a new life. There’s a different sort of pressure these days in the old Holland America Line head office, where management once…
Pleinbioscoop Rotterdam Europe’s biggest open-air cinema is back on for the next few weeks! Watch a movie in the centre of the cultural quarter along with thousands of other people. Tickets cost only a few euros and you can rent a chair for €1 – or bring your own, as the locals do. The screen is…
Duizel in het Park This family-friendly festival of music, art and performances is perfect for a lazy afternoon in the park. There really is something for everyone as the program is packed with performances by musicians, writers, poets, actors and visual artists. Entrance to the festival costs €5 for one day or only €8 for…
Rotterdam really comes alive in summer – not that it ever sleeps, of course. With so many ways to enjoy the city on a beautiful day, we’ve been hard-pressed to compile the definitive to-do list. But here they are: the 10 things you should be sure to see or do when the sun appears. From…