As April arrives, how will the city’s weather shape your daily routines? Which events will capture the community's attention this month? And what developments are set to redefine our urban landscape? Delve into the details to stay informed about Rotterdam's happenings this April.
Embracing spring: weather and seasonal shifts
April in Rotterdam marks the full arrival of spring, bringing milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. Residents can anticipate average highs around 12°C to 15°C, while evenings may still require a light jacket as temperatures dip. Rainfall is moderate during this month, so keeping an umbrella handy is advisable. The city's parks and green spaces begin to bloom, offering ideal spots for leisurely walks and outdoor activities.
Not-to-miss events lighting up the city
April is bustling with events that cater to diverse interests. Here are some highlights:
Rotterdam Marathon — The NN Marathon Rotterdam takes place on 13 April 2025 and brings tens of thousands of runners and spectators into the city centre. One of the fastest marathons in the world, it features a flat course that starts at the Erasmusbrug and winds through neighbourhoods filled with cheering crowds. Whether you're running or watching, the energy on race day is unmistakable.
Record Store Day in Rotterdam — On 12 April 2025, local record stores will celebrate Record Store Day with live performances and exclusive vinyl releases. It's an opportunity for music enthusiasts to support independent shops and discover new sounds.
Pasar Malam Istimewa XL — From 18 to 21 April 2025, Rotterdam Ahoy hosts the Pasar Malam Istimewa XL, immersing visitors in Indonesian culture through culinary delights, traditional dance, music performances, and a vibrant marketplace.
MOMO Festival — Scheduled from 17 to 19 April 2025, the MOMO Festival (Motel Mozaïque) showcases a blend of music, art, and performance across various city venues. Known for its eclectic line-up and intimate atmosphere, it's a staple for culture enthusiasts.
King's Day Celebrations — On 26 April 2025, Rotterdam will be awash in orange for King's Day (Koningsdag). The city comes alive with street markets, music festivals, and parties, offering residents numerous ways to join in the national festivities.
Artistic endeavours: exhibitions to explore
Art lovers have several exhibitions to look forward to this April:
Anansi the Spider at Kunsthal Rotterdam — Running until 29 June 2025, this exhibition delves into the tales of Anansi, the clever trickster from West African folklore, through various artistic interpretations.
Lebensborn by Angeniet Berkers — Open from 28 March to 13 July 2025 at Kunsthal Rotterdam, this thought-provoking exhibition examines the Nazi Lebensborn programme, offering insights into a complex chapter of history.
NN Art Award 2025 Nominees — From 15 March to 11 May 2025, Kunsthal Rotterdam presents works by the four nominees for the NN Art Award 2025, highlighting emerging talents in contemporary art.
Live music: performances to anticipate
Music enthusiasts can mark their calendars for these performances:
Clara-Jumi Kang Plays Prokofiev — From 3 to 6 April 2025 at De Doelen, violinist Clara-Jumi Kang interprets Prokofiev's compositions, promising an evening of classical mastery.
Chris Potter & Craig Taborn — On 10 April 2025, LantarenVenster hosts saxophonist Chris Potter and pianist Craig Taborn, offering a night of innovative jazz.
St Matthew Passion by the Netherlands Bach Society — Scheduled for 15 April 2025 at De Doelen, this performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion is a poignant musical experience during the Easter season.
Oded Tzur Quartet — On 25 April 2025, LantarenVenster welcomes the Oded Tzur Quartet, known for their unique blend of jazz and world music influences.
Learn to dance or get out and dance
Throughout April, dance school Typical Tropical organises Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba socials and workshops. Events such as the LatinXpress 15 years celebration (12 April) provide a lively atmosphere with separate salsa and bachata rooms, complemented by refreshing drinks and Surinamese catering. Perfect for those looking to combine dance with socialising.
Culinary scene: latest food and drink news
As temperatures rise, various pop-up terraces emerge throughout the city, offering residents new spots to enjoy food and drinks al fresco. These temporary venues often feature creative themes and menus, enhancing the city's vibrant dining scene.
Garden of BIRD
Tucked between the Luchtsingel footbridge and the Hofbogen, Garden of BIRD offers a relaxed setting just minutes from Rotterdam Centraal. Reopening in early April, the urban garden combines lounge seating, a small herb garden, and open grassy areas where guests can unwind with a cocktail or special beer and a bite to eat. Known for its silent discos, hip-hop, and salsa nights, the terrace also serves as a casual daytime spot. Visitors can order pizzas and small plates while relaxing in one of the garden’s lounge chairs. Herbs are often freshly picked for garnishes, giving the drinks a subtle seasonal twist.
Biergarten
Located beside the Schieblock near Rotterdam Centraal, Biergarten is once again preparing to welcome back guests. The venue, which remained partially open through winter, is known for its relaxed courtyard setting and communal picnic tables. With freshly grilled food, cold beer, and music from live DJs and the homegrown Biergarten Soundsystem on Friday nights, the bar has become a popular place to gather as soon as the sun returns. Serving craft beers on tap, burgers, snacks, and grilled dishes, Biergarten has long held its place as a spring and summer staple. Now entering its thirteenth season, the venue once again offers a low-key meeting spot in the heart of the city.
Easter brunches
If you're looking to make your Easter weekend lunch truly memorable, Rotterdam offers two standout sky-high experiences.
At the iconic Euromast, you can enjoy a lavish breakfast buffet on both Easter Sunday and Monday, complete with everything from smoked salmon to freshly baked croissants—plus family-friendly activities like face painting and a treasure hunt for the little ones.
Alternatively, Celest invites guests to a refined three-course lunch on Easter Sunday, served with an elegant aperitif and amuse-bouches. Housed in the Zalmhaven Tower—the tallest building in the Benelux—Celest offers an unforgettable culinary experience paired with breathtaking 360-degree skyline views. Whether you're celebrating with family or indulging in a stylish outing, these lofty locations promise a unique Easter celebration above the city.
Urban developments: shaping the city's future
Recent initiatives are set to impact Rotterdam's urban landscape:
Rijnhaven Floating Parks
Designs have been approved for the creation of floating parks in Rijnhaven, aiming to transform the area into a green and accessible district. These parks will include floating greenery, wooden decks, and recreational areas, offering residents a new way to experience the waterfront while improving biodiversity in the harbour.
Addressing energy grid limitations
The municipality has announced that it is stepping up partnerships to solve the issue of electricity grid congestion in Rotterdam. With increasing demand due to electrification and data centres, the city’s grid is nearing its limits. Efforts are now underway to speed up grid expansions and explore local generation and storage solutions.
SAWA housing allocation welcomes key workers
The SAWA building in the Lloydkwartier district, one of the Netherlands’ most sustainable timber residential towers, has completed the allocation of its mid-segment rental apartments. Priority was given to essential workers such as teachers, nurses, and police officers. This move supports broader efforts to retain vital professionals within the city limits.
Riva Tower moving forward in Wijnhaven
Plans for the new Riva Tower in the Wijnhaven district continue to progress, with the building set to offer 56 new apartments in a highly central location. The development contributes to ongoing efforts to meet housing demand and introduce modern architecture into the city centre.
A city in bloom with plenty to do
With longer days and a city bursting into spring colour, April is shaping up to be a lively and meaningful month. Whether you're wandering through exhibitions, grabbing a cold drink at a pop-up terrace, dancing the night away, or simply enjoying the warmer weather, there's something happening on nearly every corner. And behind the scenes, city planners are hard at work shaping a future where space, sustainability, and community remain at the heart of Rotterdam life.
