HAPPENING 29 AUG 2026 | Anticipation is building as Audio Obscura prepares for its return to the Van Nelle Fabriek in Rotterdam. The event will feature an exciting blend of international and local artists, set against the backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
When is Audio Obscura Festival Rotterdam 2026?
It’s scheduled for Saturday 29 August 2026, running 12:00 to 23:00. Audio Obscura frames it as a one-day event that takes over multiple parts of the location, rather than a single-stage setup. The lineup will feature a mix of electronic music styles. Expect a carefully curated musical journey in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Continuing a legacy of unique events
Audio Obscura has a strong reputation for hosting events in remarkable venues, having previously transformed locations such as the Euromast, the Concertgebouw, and the bicycle tunnel under the Rijksmuseum into extraordinary party spaces. The festival at the Van Nelle Fabriek continues this tradition, promising a memorable experience for festival-goers. The festival will take place both inside the historic factory and outside under the factory's distinctive diagonal transport bridges.
A unique venue for music lovers
The Van Nelle Fabriek, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is set to offer a unique backdrop for this festival. This will be the first time the site will be used for a music festival, creating a rare opportunity for visitors to enjoy performances in such a historically and architecturally significant location. The factory’s iconic diagonal transport bridges and its blend of industrial design and modern creativity are expected to provide a distinct atmosphere for the event.
“For the past 10 years, we have conducted an extensive search for a festival site that aligns with our vision. The Van Nelle Factory stands out as an epitome of Dutch architecture, celebrating the cultural heritage of Rotterdam alongside the city's industrial design and creativity. We are incredibly proud to host our inaugural Audio Obscura Festival in Rotterdam at the Van Nelle Factory,” said representatives from Audio Obscura.
Why Van Nelle Fabriek Rotterdam is UNESCO-listed
UNESCO describes the Van Nellefabriek as a 1920s “ideal factory” complex in Spaanse Polder, known for its modern industrial architecture and its extensive use of glass and steel. In plain terms, a UNESCO World Heritage listing is an international designation for places considered to have outstanding value to humanity, with protection handled through an international convention administered by UNESCO.
How to get tickets for Audio Obscura Festival
Audio Obscura is pushing pre-registration for presale access, rather than listing general ticket sales right away. You can sign up here: https://audio-obscura.com/festival/
If you’re planning ahead, keep an eye on the same page for updates on ticket release and any programme details they publish later.
For what it's worth, Audio Obscura says €3 from your ticket fee goes towards preserving Van Nelle Fabriek as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is presented as a fixed contribution tied to the venue, rather than an optional add-on at checkout.
How to get to Van Nelle Fabriek
The festival is set at Van Nelle Factory (Van Nelle Fabriek) in Rotterdam, at Van Nelleweg 1, 3044 BC Rotterdam. If you know the area, it’s in Spaanse Polder, north-west of the city centre. Coming by public transport, the venue says you can reach it from Rotterdam Centraal by bus in about 8 minutes, then walk the last stretch.
