Curious how July in Rotterdam will unfold? What events, exhibitions and city changes should locals mark? Keep reading to discover a month packed with culture, music, food and urban transformation.
Weather and seasonal changes
July in Rotterdam typically brings mild to warm weather, ideal for outdoor plans. Residents should expect average daytime temperatures between 18 °C and 24 °C. Rain showers are possible, so it is wise to carry a light waterproof jacket. Early evenings will remain pleasant, making it a comfortable month for alfresco dining and evening strolls. The long daylight hours and generally amiable skies invite both planned and spontaneous outdoor adventures.
Notable events across the month
The month unfolds with a range of cultural happenings. On 2 July, the month begins with a bluegrass film screening that launches Bluegrass Week, marking its European premiere at Wester Paviljoen. From 4 to 6 July the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival will fill Noordplein, bringing Americana and roots music to the heart of the city. Keti Koti Rotterdam on 1 July commemorates the abolition of slavery in the former Dutch colonies through music, performances and reflection. Finally, 24 July sees the screening of Hardcore Never Dies, a film exploring Rotterdam’s 1990s hardcore and gabber scene at Wester Paviljoen.
Art exhibitions capturing the summer mood
Kunsthal Rotterdam continues to host two major exhibitions. Leap Year by Haegue Yang runs until 31 August, offering a look at the South Korean artist’s retrospective exploration of identity and space. Also at Kunsthal, CUTE delves into kawaii and pop culture, beginning on 5 July and running until 23 November. At the Chabot Museum, Leendert Bolle opens on 19 July, showcasing sculptures, sketches and public works of this overlooked figure. These exhibitions provide both indoor refuge and intellectual engagement during the warmer days.
From bluegrass to jazz legends: July's live music picks
July in Rotterdam brings an eclectic mix of concerts and festivals that stretch across genres and neighbourhoods. The Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival returns from 4 to 6 July at Noordplein, offering three days of acoustic roots music and performances by acts like the Hilltop Howlers. The event is free to attend and includes food trucks, a local market and lively jam sessions that spill into the evening.
At LantarenVenster, Mandé Sila—featuring Malian guitarist Habib Koité, vibraphonist Aly Keïta and kora player Lamine Cissokho—takes the stage on 6 July. On 8 July, jazz legend John Scofield presents his Long Day’s Quartet, followed by saxophonist Kika Sprangers on 10 July. The venue continues its strong programming with Cuban bass virtuoso Alain Pérez and his Latin jazz orchestra on 17 July, and experimental guitarist Marc Ribot and his quartet on 18 July.
The city’s biggest music event, North Sea Jazz Festival, runs from 11 to 13 July at Ahoy. While the main event is ticketed, locals can enjoy North Sea Round Town, a free fringe festival with hundreds of pop-up performances at unexpected locations like metro stations, rooftops and hidden courtyards. It continues until 13 July and adds an element of surprise to everyday city life.
On 19 July, indie-country band Daniel Romano’s Outfit plays an intimate show at Rotown. The same night, experimental group Vojdi performs at V11, the red ship venue moored in the Wijnhaven. Whether you're looking for improvisational jazz, acoustic storytelling, or danceable Latin grooves, Rotterdam offers a diverse soundtrack to your summer nights.
From jenever hotels to green housing: the city keeps moving
Two recent projects stand out in Rotterdam’s ongoing urban evolution. First, the Dahliablok development in Bloemhof officially began on 20 June. This new residential project will bring 33 sustainable homes to the neighbourhood, focusing on climate-conscious design. Construction is scheduled to finish in 2026, and the homes are aimed at families and working people seeking affordable and eco-friendly housing.
Meanwhile, just outside the city in Schiedam, work began on 17 June to transform a historic 19th-century distillery into the Distillers Hotel. The building once produced jenever, a traditional juniper-flavoured spirit that predates and influenced the creation of gin. Unlike gin, which is usually based on neutral alcohol and added botanicals, jenever has a maltier base spirit and a softer, rounder flavour. Schiedam is considered the historical heart of jenever production in the Netherlands, making this adaptive reuse a culturally significant project. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2026 and will include a bar, restaurant and rooms themed around its distilling heritage.
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