Events

Rotterdam Events and Festivals 2026

Rotterdam offers a vibrant cultural scene throughout the year. From world-class music festivals to international sports events and art exhibitions, this Rotterdam events calendar for 2026 helps you plan your visit month by month.
If you are visiting Rotterdam for one of these events, make sure to explore some of the city’s main attractions such as the Euromast, the iconic Erasmus Bridge, Depot or Markthal. You can also discover more ideas on our page about things to do in Rotterdam.

Agenda for 2026

JANUARY

Vrienden van Amstel Live. The best current bands in the country perform several live concerts. In 2026 it takes place from January 9 to 24. It is held at Rotterdam Ahoy’. Visit their website at this link.
International Film Festival (IFFR). The largest film festival in the country, attracting numerous visitors to the city. They organize many activities. In 2026 it takes place from January 29 to February 8. Visit their website at this link.

FEBRUARY

BLUE Festival. Music and culture festival. In 2026 it takes place from February 6 to 7. It is held at Oeverpark Nesselande. Visit their website at this link.
ABN AMRO Open. Major tennis names come together in Rotterdam for this tournament. In 2026 it takes place from February 7 to 15. It is held at Rotterdam Ahoy’. Visit their website at this link.
A State of Trance. Festival dedicated to Trance music. In 2026 it takes place on February 27 and 28. It is held at Rotterdam Ahoy’. Visit their website at this link.
Rotterdam Chinese New Year. Cultural celebration marking the Chinese Lunar New Year. In 2026 it takes place from February 28 to March 1. It is held at West Kruiskade / Wijkpark Oude Westen / Deliplein. Visit their website at this link.

MARCH

Holi Festival. Cultural festival (the festival of colors). In 2026 it takes place from March 2 to 7. It is held at Zuiderpark Vaanweidezijde / Sparta Stadium.
Museumnacht. Special night when museums remain open. In 2026 it is held on March 7. It takes place in various venues. Visit their website at this link.
International Community Arts Festival. Community arts festival. In 2026 it takes place from March 16 to 29. It is held in various locations. Visit their website at this link.
Parfum de BoemBoem. Artistic and musical event. In 2026 it is held on March 21. It takes place in various locations.
Rotterdam Art Week. This is the week dedicated to celebrating art in Rotterdam. In 2026 it takes place from March 25 to 29. It is held in various locations. Visit their website at this link.
The New Current. This is an arts event. In 2026 it takes place from March 25 to 29. It is held at the Hunter Douglas factory. Visit their website at this link.
Rotterdam Photo. Photography-focused event. In 2026 it takes place from March 25 to 29. It is held at Deliplein. Visit their website at this link.
Unity in Diversity Art Collective. Event organized by an art collective. In 2026 it takes place from March 27 to 28. It is held at the Fenix Museum.

APRIL

Rotterdam Marathon. The best international runners compete in this event through the streets of the city. In 2026 it is held on April 12. Visit their website at this link.
MOMO Festival. Music and culture festival. In 2026 it takes place from April 16 to 18. It is held in various locations. Visit their website at this link.
Koningskermis Rotterdam. Rotterdam fair and amusement park. In 2026 it takes place from April 17 to May 5. It is held at Lloyd Multiplein.
King’s Day. Markets, concerts, and celebrations take over all streets of the country. Wear orange so you don’t stand out. Concerts on many corners of the city. In 2026 it is celebrated on April 27.

MAY

Bevrijdingsfestival. On May 5, Rotterdam hosts the Liberation Festival. Numerous bands of all styles perform free concerts in Het Park. Visit their website at this link.
TREK Festival. Food festival with several events. In 2026 it takes place from May 7 to 10. It is held at Vroesenpark.
Opening Beach Season Hoek van Holland. This event marks the official start of the beach season. In 2026 it takes place on May 14. It is held at Hoek van Holland beach. Visit their website at this link.
O.Festival for Opera.Music.Theatre. Festival dedicated to opera, music, and theatre. In 2026 it takes place from May 22 to 31. It is held in various locations. Visit their website at this link.
Network Festival. Music festival and event. In 2026 it takes place on May 23.
Roparun. This is a charity run that alternates between the Netherlands and France. In 2026 it is held on May 25. Visit their website at this link.
Rotterdamse Dakendagen. Rotterdam Rooftop Days, allowing access to various rooftops in the city. In 2026 it is held from May 29 to June 7.
Taste World Fest. Culinary and world culture festival. In 2026 it takes place from May 30 to 31. It is held at Prinsenpark.
Toffler Festival.Festival with top House and Techno DJs. In 2026 it takes place on May 30. It is held at Roel Langerakpark / Neptunus Baseball Stadium. Visit their website at this link.

JUNE

Poetry International. Event dedicated to international poetry. In 2026 it takes place from June 4 to 7. It is held in various locations. Visit their website at this link.
Verborgen Tuinen. This event offers the opportunity to visit Rotterdam’s secret gardens. In 2026 it takes place from June 6 to 7. It is held in various private gardens in Rotterdam. Visit their website at this link.
Boothstock. Music festival. In 2026 it is held on June 13. It takes place at Kralingse Bos (west side). Visit their website at this link.
CHIO Rotterdam. If you enjoy the equestrian world, don’t miss this competition in Kralingse Bos, where events include the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of the Netherlands, the FEI National Cup of dressage, and the Longines Grand Prix (show jumping). In 2026 it takes place from June 18 to 21. It is held at Kralingse Bos (east side). Visit their website at this link.
Theaterfestival De Parade. Theatre festival. In 2026 it takes place from June 19 to 28. It is held at Museumpark. Visit their website at this link.
Day and Night of Architecture. Architecture Day and Night. In 2026 it takes place on June 20. It is held in various locations in the city centre and the Kop van Zuid area. Visit their website at this link.
North Sea Round Town. Music festival that serves as a prelude to the North Sea Jazz Festival. In 2026 it takes place from June 25 to July 12. It is held in various locations. Visit their website at this link.
Buitengewoon Festival. House music festival. In 2026 it takes place on June 27. It is held at Stadion Woudestein / Excelsior. Visit their website at this link.
I Love Urban – Outdoor Music Festival. Outdoor urban music festival. In 2026 it takes place on June 27. It is held at Oeverpark Nesselande.
Nous’klaer Festival. Music festival. In 2026 it takes place on June 27. It is held at Brutus. Visit their website at this link.

JULY

Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival. Festival dedicated to Bluegrass music. In 2026 it takes place from July 3 to 5. It is held at Noordplein. Visit their website at this link.
Reggae Roots. Reggae music festival. In 2026 it takes place on July 4. It is held at Zuiderpark.
Give Soul Festival. Soul music festival. In 2026 it takes place on July 5. It is held at Stadshaven Brouwerij. Visit their website at this link.
Dunya Festival. Multicultural festival. In 2026 it takes place on July 5. It is held at Zuiderpark.
NN North Sea Jazz Festival. Prestigious international Jazz festival in Rotterdam. In 2026 it takes place from July 10 to 12. It is held at Rotterdam Ahoy’. Visit their website at this link.
Rollerdam, Wednesday Night Skate. Every Wednesday in July and August, a large group of skating enthusiasts gather to follow a route of more than 15 km through the city, with music, DJs and a final party at Binnenrotte. They start at 8 PM from the Markthal.
Eendracht Festival. Free festival in the Eendrachtsplein area and surroundings. Stages with all kinds of musical styles. In 2026 it takes place on July 16. Visit their website at this link.
African Food Festival. This is a festival dedicated to African food. In 2026 it takes place from July 18 to 19. It is held at Museumpark. Visit their website at this link.
Boogie Festival. Music festival. In 2026 it takes place on July 18. It is held at Stadshaven Brouwerij.
Feyenoord Festival. Sports festival related to the Feyenoord football club. In 2026 it takes place on July 18. It is held at Stadion Feijenoord – De Kuip. Visit their website at this link.
Het Nelson Mandela Festival. Cultural festival in honor of Nelson Mandela. In 2026 it takes place on July 18. It is held at Mallegatpark.
Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval. Rotterdam’s summer carnival, including a large parade. In 2026 it takes place from July 24 to 26. Visit their website at this link.

AUGUST

Rollerdam, Wednesday Night Skate. Night skating event along a city route, taking place every Wednesday in summer.
Blijdorp Festival. Music festival. In 2026 it takes place on August 8. It is held at Roel Langerakpark. Visit their website at this link.
Roffa Mon Amour. Film event. In 2026 it takes place from August 12 to 23. It is held at Brutus. Visit their website at this link.
Floating Pasar. Floating market with musical events. In 2026 it takes place from August 15 to 16. It is held at Deliplein / Fenix Plein. Visit their website at this link.
Bierfestival HOP. Beer festival with musical performances. In 2026 it takes place from August 14 to 15. It is held at Heemraadsplein. Visit their website at this link.
Dag van de Romantische Muziek. Day of Romantic Music with picnics and performances. In 2026 it takes place from August 21 to 23. It is held at Het Park next to the Euromast. Visit their website at this link.
Maas Open Air. Open-air music festival. In 2026 it takes place on August 22. It is held at Oude Plantage and Mallegatpark. Visit their website at this link.
CuliNESSE. Culinary and music festival. In 2026 it takes place from August 27 to 29. It is held at Oeverpark Nesselande. Visit their website at this link.
Audio Obscura Festival. Music festival. In 2026 it takes place from August 29 to 30. It is held at Van Nellefabriek. Visit their website at this link.
Rotterdam Street Culture Week. Rotterdam Street Culture Week. In 2026 it takes place from August 29 to 30. It is held in various locations. Visit their website at this link.

SEPTEMBER

Wereldhavendagen Rotterdam. World Port Days of Rotterdam. In 2026 it takes place from September 4 to 6. It is held in the river area next to the Erasmusbrug. Visit their website at this link.
ALL CAPS. Festival dedicated to art, murals and urban art. In 2026 it takes place from September 6 to 13. It is held in different locations. Visit their website at this link.
Baroeg Open Air. Open-air heavy music festival. In 2026 it takes place from September 11 to 12. It is held at Zuiderpark. Visit their website at this link.
Cross Comix Festival. Comic-themed festival. In 2026 it takes place from September 11 to 12. It is held at de Doelen. Visit their website at this link.
Festival Downtown. Alternative music festival. In 2026 it takes place from September 11 to 12. It is held in various places around Eendrachtsplein. Visit their website at this link.
A Day at the Park. Open-air music festival. In 2026 it takes place on September 12. It is held at Kralingse Bos (west side).
Fiesta Futura. Festival with various musical styles. In 2026 it takes place on September 13. It is held at Zuiderpark.
Conflux Festival. Audiovisual festival. In 2026 it takes place from September 21 to 27. It is held in various locations. Visit their website at this link.
CAMERA JAPAN Festival. Film and Japanese culture festival. In 2026 it takes place from September 23 to 27. It is held at LantarenVenster / Fenix Plein. Visit their website at this link.
Rotterdam Pride. Rotterdam’s Pride celebration and parade. In 2026 it takes place on September 26. Visit their website at this link.

OCTOBER

Architectuur Filmfestival Rotterdam. Architecture-themed film festival. In 2026 it takes place from October 7 to 11. It is held in various cinemas. Visit their website at this link.
Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week Rotterdam. Rotterdam Sustainable Fashion Week. In 2026 it takes place from October 7 to 11. It is held in various locations. Visit their website at this link.
Najaarskermis. Autumn funfair with amusement rides. In 2026 it takes place from October 16 to 25. It is held at Lloyd Multiplein.
WK Turnen Rotterdam. World Gymnastics Championships. In 2026 it takes place from October 17 to 25. It is held at Rotterdam Ahoy’. Visit their website at this link.
Left of the Dial. Music festival. In 2026 it takes place from October 22 to 24. It is held in various locations. Visit their website at this link.

NOVEMBER

Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam. Film festival dedicated to wildlife. In 2026 it takes place from November 2 to 8. It is held in various cinemas across the city. Visit their website at this link.
Maastunnelloop. Popular running event. In 2026 it takes place on November 8. It is held at Parkkade / route. Visit their website at this link.
Sinterklaasintocht Rotterdam. This is the traditional arrival parade of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) in the city. In 2026 it takes place on November 14. It is held along the north bank of the river next to the Erasmusbrug.

DECEMBER

DSW Bruggenloop Rotterdam. Popular running event across the bridges of the River Maas. In 2026 it takes place on December 13.
Het Nationale Kinder Vuurwerk en Het Nationale Vuurwerk. This event includes the national fireworks for children and the main national fireworks to welcome the New Year. In 2026 it takes place on December 31. It is held in the Erasmusbrug area by the river.

Other options to go out in Rotterdam