ROTTERDAM, 15 April 2025 – Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival returns this summer with a diverse line-up reflecting both tradition and bold innovation. The festival will take place on 4, 5 and 6 July at Noordplein in Rotterdam’s Oude Noorden.
Photo credit: Images courtesy of Johannes Odé
Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival reveals full line-up for 2025
The full programme for the 2025 edition of Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival has been announced. Scheduled for 4 to 6 July, the event will once again take place on Noordplein in Rotterdam. Known for blending traditional roots music with unexpected collaborations and styles, this year’s line-up includes 27 acts from across the globe.
American headliners such as The Devil Makes Three, Nick Shoulders, The Brothers Comatose and Brennen Leigh are expected to draw attention to the city. Meanwhile, the Dutch bluegrass scene will also be prominently featured. Notable performances include Blue Grass Boogiemen with Tim Knol, and a collaborative set by Maurice van Hoek and Bertolf, which pays tribute to iconic bluegrass duos.
Among the international acts are Bab L’ Bluz, a French-Moroccan group merging North African blues with psychedelic rock, and Jake Blount, whose music draws from African American folk traditions. Returning to the festival is Angry Zeta, a punkgrass band from Argentina that has proven popular in past editions.
Embracing difference and connection
The 2025 edition places strong emphasis on inclusion and connection through music. One of the more unconventional performances will be by Creekbed Carter Hogan, a folk and country artist from Texas whose songs reflect their experience as a trans person raised in a religious environment. Julia Beets will offer a unique blend of gabber and bluegrass in her workshop “GabberGrass,” showcasing how seemingly opposing cultures can complement each other.
The organisers highlight these choices as a response to growing societal polarisation, aiming to offer an environment where everyone feels represented and welcome. A diverse audience, from bluegrass enthusiasts to curious locals, is expected to gather at the festival grounds in Rotterdam Noord.
Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival reveals 2025 line-up. Photo credit: Johannes Odé
Community roots and accessibility
Originally founded in 2009 as a local gathering on Pijnackerplein, Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival has grown into one of Europe’s more prominent bluegrass events. This year’s edition has been shifted to the first weekend of July due to the NATO summit taking place in nearby The Hague.
In a continued effort to keep the event accessible, ticket prices remain relatively low. A day pass is priced at €17, while a full weekend ticket costs €45. Children aged 14 and under may attend for free. In partnership with Stichting Nieuw Vaarwater, the festival is also offering free entry, food and drinks to individuals participating in debt relief programmes.
Full line-up for 2025
The confirmed artists for this year’s edition include:
The Devil Makes Three (US) // The Brothers Comatose (US) // Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band (US) // Nick Shoulders (US) // Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys (CAN) // Brennen Leigh & Joshua Hedley (US) // Tim Knol & Blue Grass Boogiemen (NL) // Jake Blount (US) // Pert Near Sandstone (US) // Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves (CAN/US) // Angry Zeta (ARG) // Chicken Wire Empire (US) // Daddy Long Legs (US) // Maurice van Hoek & Bertolf (NL) // Addie Levy (US) // Creekbed Carter Hogan (US) // Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs (US) // Yes Ma'am (US) // Bab L’ Bluz (FR/MA) // Pixie and the Partygrass Boys (US) // Radim Zenkl & Ondra Kozák (CZ) // Dom Glynn & His Sunday Best (UK) // Taff Rapids (WAL) // Blue Forest Pickers (NL) // The Vaudevillian (CAN) // The New West (NL) // Renegade Bandits (NL)
How to get there
Noordplein, Rotterdam
The festival will take place at Noordplein, located in the vibrant Oude Noorden neighbourhood. This area, known for its creative energy and multicultural vibe, is easily accessible by public transport. From Rotterdam Centraal, take tram 8 to Zaagmolenstraat or tram 4 to Noorderbrug. Cyclists can make use of several bike racks in the vicinity, while limited parking is available for cars.
