Events

In this section you can see festivals and events in Rotterdam during the year. There are many more festivals, especially in summer, that change dates every year. Throughout the year, we will keep you informed about festivals and other events in Rotterdam.

Here’s a small agenda of Rotterdam’s festivals.

January

International Film Festival (IFFR). The country’s largest film festival that attracts numerous visitors to the city. They organize many activities. In 2024, it will take place from January 25th to February 4th. Visit their website at this link.

TEC ART Rotterdam. Creative Technology festival. In 2024 it will take place between January 31st and February 4th.

February

ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. Renowned tennis players gather in Rotterdam for this tournament. In 2024, it will take place from February 10th to 18th. Visit their website at this link.

Art Rotterdam. Art, design, architecture, fairs, exhibitions, workshops, and shows related to the latest artistic trends. In 2024, it will be held from February 1st to 4th. Visit their website for more information at this link.

Chinese New Year. The city’s Chinese community celebrates their New Year with parades in the city center and various activities. In 2024, it will be celebrated from February 12th to 18th.

March

Museum Night. Most of the city’s museums and galleries open on this night and host special events. In 2024 it will take place of March 2nd.

Mosselfeest. The mussel festival will take place on Saturday 9 March, from 16.00 to 2.00, on the grounds of the Glasfabriek, Buitenhavenweg 142, Schiedam. You can buy a ticket (36 euros adults, 13 euros children) via this link. For it, you will get a starter, main course and dessert, as well as access to the party with concerts.

April

Rotterdam Marathon. Top international runners compete in this event through the city streets. In 2024, it will be held on April 14th. Visit their website at this link.

King’s Day. Markets, concerts, and street parties throughout the country. Dress in orange to blend in. It’s celebrated on June 27th.

May

Bevrijdingsfestival. On May 5th, Liberation Festival takes place in Rotterdam. Numerous bands of all styles present their concerts in a free festival at Het Park.

Festival Trek. Free festival with culinary specialties from around the world and music from the 60s, 70s, blues, and disco. In 2024, it will be held from May 9th to 12th in Vroesenpark. Visit their website at this link.

June

Toffler Festival. Festival featuring the best DJs in house and techno music. In 2024, it will take place on May 1st in Roel Langerakpark. Visit their website at this link.

Rotterdam Architecture Month. A month filled with festivals, exhibitions, conferences, and other events related to architecture. Several iconic buildings in the city open their doors to the public. Visit their website at this link.

Boothstock Festival. Dance music festival featuring various DJs in Kralingen Park. Tickets sell out quickly. In 2024, it will be held on June 15th. Visit their website at this link.

CHIO Rotterdam. If you have an interest in horses, don’t miss attending this competition in Kralingen Bos. It features the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of the Netherlands, the FEI National Cup of classical dressage, and the Longines Grand Prix (show jumping), among others. It will take place from June 19th to June 23rd, 2024. Visit their website using this link.

De Parade. Street theatre festival that takes place in the Museumpark. In 2024 it will be held from June the 21st to the 30th. Visit their website at this lin k.

July

Metropolis. A festival where both national and international bands with great potential showcase their works. It will take place on July 7th, 2024, at Zuiderpark. Visit their website using this link.

NN North Sea Jazz Festival. A festival featuring the best international artists of jazz, soul, hip-hop, blues, and other trends, held at the Ahoy complex. It will be held from July 12th to July 14th, 2024 Visit their website using this link.

Eendrach Festival. A free festival in the Eendrachtplein area and its surroundings, featuring various musical styles on different stages. It will take place on July 18th, 2024. Visit their website.

August

Rollerdam. Every Wednesday in July and August, a large group of roller skating enthusiasts gather to take a more than 15km route through the city, accompanied by music, DJs, and a final party at Binnenrotte. They start at 8 pm from Markthal. Visit their website using this link.

I Love Urban – Outdoor Music Festival. An electronic music festival with multiple stages in the Nesselande area, by the lakeside. It will be held on July 15th, 2023. Visit their website to purchase tickets.

Shine Festival. If you enjoy salsa and bachata, visit this event in the southern area of Rotterdam. It will be held on July 23rd, 2023. Visit their website.

Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval. A summer carnival in the city center, with a parade, live music, and other events. It will be celebrated on July 29th, 2023, with activities throughout the entire weekend. Visit their website at this link.

September

Wereldhavendagen. Port Days, with exhibitions, events, concerts, demonstrations and visits to places related to port activities. In 2023 it will be held from 1 to 3 September. Visit their website at this link.

King and Queen of the Court. Variant of beach volleyball where five teams play simultaneously. Held from September 5 to 10. Visit their page at this link.

A Day at the Park. Festival with House, Tech-house, Techno and Urban. In 2023 it will be held on September 16. For tickets and information, visit this link.

Camera Japan Festival 2023. Four-day festival entirely dedicated to Japanese culture with auteur films, documentaries and animation, music, dance and culinary specialties. In 2023 it will be held from September 21 to 24. For more information, visit this link.

Downtown Festival. Festival with pop, rock and electronic bands. In 2023 it takes place the 22nd and 23rd of September. For more information, visit this link.

November

Sinterklaasintocht. In mid-November, a parade takes place in the city to celebrate Sint-Klaas (the Dutch Santa Claus for children), who, according to tradition, comes from Spain to bring gifts for kids. On December 5th, this character leaves presents at the children’s homes.

December

Het Nationale Vuurwerk. The year bids farewell with a fantastic fireworks display from the Erasmus Bridge.

Other options to go out in Rotterdam