ROTTERDAM, 7 May 2026 – Popronde has announced the 103 emerging artists selected for its 2026 national tour, with Rotterdam set to host the travelling music festival on Saturday 7 November. The Rotterdam edition will bring free performances by bands, producers, rappers, songwriters and other new musical talent to dozens of locations across the city centre.
Popronde Rotterdam returns on 7 November 2026 with free shows across the city centre, after 103 artists were selected for the national tour.
The selection was announced on 3FM during a three-hour 3voor12 Radio special with Eva Cleven and Jasper Leijdens. In total, the chosen acts were selected from more than 1,400 applications.
Popronde returns in November
Popronde Rotterdam takes place exactly six months after the announcement, on Saturday 7 November 2026. The full Rotterdam programme, including all performances and locations, will be announced after the summer.
The festival is known for turning everyday city spaces into temporary live stages. You might find a band in a café, a producer in a cultural venue or a songwriter in a spot you normally walk past without thinking twice. Very Rotterdam, honestly.
Rotterdam talent joins selection
Rotterdam is well represented in this year’s national Popronde selection. Local acts Brian Murphy, De Plaag, Duygu Alkan, Imme, JLK & _heART.felt, Kuzko, Lahaye, Mees, Misha Wong, MORÈL and Toobbss are among the 103 names chosen.
That means Rotterdam will not only host the festival, but also send its own artists into the wider Popronde tour. It gives local acts a chance to play beyond their usual circuit and meet audiences in cities across the Netherlands.
Free shows across the city
Popronde is the largest travelling festival in the Netherlands. Each autumn, it moves from city to city with a broad mix of pop, rock, hiphop, dance, singer-songwriters, metal and everything in between.
The festival offers a snapshot of what is happening in Dutch live music right now. Previous Popronde names include Froukje, Rondé, Meau, My Baby, Chef’Special, Kensington, Racoon, De Staat, Go Back To The Zoo and John Coffey.
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Rotterdam edition draws crowds
Popronde Rotterdam has been the largest edition in the country for years. In 2021, the event won the Rotterdam Music Award for Best Festival.
The 2025 edition featured 106 free performances at 47 locations across the city. Venues and locations included Rotterdam Centraal, Markthal Stalles, the Popunie office, BAR3, De Doelen, FERRY, MONO, Roodkapje, Hostel Ani & Haakien and Club Uniek.
Programme follows after summer
The 2026 edition is expected to become another large musical route through Rotterdam’s centre, with performances spread across well-known and lesser-known locations. Rotown is also mentioned as a hoped-for location, though the final list still has to be confirmed.
More information about Popronde Rotterdam is available at https://popronde.nl/steden/rotterdam.
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