HAPPENING 20–21 September 2024 | Festival Downtown returns to Rotterdam this September, marking its 10th anniversary. The event will take place across multiple locations in the heart of the city, featuring an eclectic line-up of international and local artists.
The festival, which has long been part of Rotterdam’s cultural fabric, offers a two-day programme on 20 and 21 September 2024. The daytime events will be free to attend, while tickets will be required for the evening shows.
Festival Downtown returns to Rotterdam
Festival Downtown, which was awarded 'Best Festival' at the Rotterdam Music Awards in 2023, is set to make its 10th appearance. The event will be held across 10 indoor and outdoor locations within Rotterdam’s inner city, including WORM, Club Centraal, Boomgaardsstraat, and Eendrachtsplein. The festival has adopted the slogan “Free By Day / Cheap By Night,” emphasising its commitment to making the event accessible.
The festival is known for celebrating the cultural diversity of Rotterdam and its role as a hub for new musical movements. This year’s edition will continue to reflect this ethos with performances by artists from the UK, Netherlands, Syria, Belgium, and beyond.
Headliners include international and local talent
Among the festival’s headliners is Sherelle, who was named DJ Mag's Best British DJ in 2021. She will be joined by Syrian musician Omar Souleyman, whose blend of traditional and electronic sounds has earned him international acclaim. Another Taste, a Dutch collective, will also perform, alongside renowned drum and bass producer Flava D, and the experimental UK artist Iglooghost.
Other notable acts include UK-based Ghanaian performer K.O.G Soundsystem, and Samurai Breaks, who was recognised as DJ Mag’s Best Breakthrough Producer in 2021. These artists will be complemented by an extensive line-up of supporting acts, such as Martha Da'Ro, Franky Sticks & Wantinga, and Belgian artist Blck Mamba.
You can find the official festival line-up and ticket information on the Festival Downtown website.
A reflection of Rotterdam's evolving music scene
Festival Downtown is a reflection of Rotterdam’s pioneering role in the global music scene. Its organisers have consistently focused on presenting new and alternative music, offering a platform for emerging artists. The festival’s motto, “Redefining Rotterdam / Reshaping the Narrative” (Herschrijf de Stad), captures this vision.
Over the years, the festival has hosted early performances from local talents like De Likt, Pink Oculus, and Brintex Collective, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to the music scene.
Multiple venues across the city
This year, the festival will take place across a range of iconic locations. WORM, Club Centraal, and Eendrachtsplein will host various performances, while outdoor stages will be set up at Boomgaardsstraat and Westblaak. Each venue will showcase a mix of international and local talent, offering festival-goers a diverse musical experience.
Festival Downtown Rotterdam
Festival Downtown is known and respected for its progressive and above all diverse line-up. Each year, the Festival is looking to grow and aims to do so by booking solid headliners and local heroes and niche artists. Although the Festival is generally aimed at electronic and electronically inspired music, there is a lot of diversity on offer. At Festival Downtown, there's room for singer-songwriters, non-western artists, progressive hip-hop as well as electronic punk and the thickest heavy bass from the UK.
For an inside look at how it all got started, have a look at our 2019 interview with Festival Downtown founder Immanuel Spoor.
What to expect at Festival Downtown Rotterdam
How to get to the event
Location and directions:
The festival's venues are spread across central Rotterdam, easily accessible by public transport, cycling, or walking. WORM is located near Eendrachtsplein metro station, while Club Centraal and Cannibale Royale are a short walk from the area’s numerous tram and bus stops. Visitors are encouraged to explore the festival's various stages and immerse themselves in Rotterdam’s vibrant atmosphere.
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