HAPPENING 7 July 2024 | The Metropolis Festival (Het Metropolis Festival), a unique one-day event, offers a platform for emerging bands and performers, attracting an average of around 30,000 visitors annually on the first Sunday of July. The festival is held in the Zuiderpark, located on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas river in Rotterdam.
About Metropolis Festival
The Metropolis Festival is known for its forward-thinking programming, showcasing acts that have subsequently gained widespread recognition. Both local and international talents have graced its stages, solidifying the festival's reputation as a must-visit destination for original pop music enthusiasts.
The festival not only showcases talented acts, but also scouts and supports them from the grassroots level. It also collaborates with various educational institutions, suggesting a broadening of focus towards other disciplines in the future.
At the festival grounds, visitors can indulge in a variety of food and drink options, with transactions being carried out using tokens. The festival has a strict policy against bringing glass or cans into the festival grounds for safety and environmental reasons.
Pets are not explicitly forbidden at the festival, but attendees are strongly advised to leave their pets at home or in someone else's care to avoid causing discomfort to other visitors.
The best bands you've never heard of
Now famous performers such as Smashing Pumpkins, Prodigy, The Killers, The XX and The Black Keys all took the stage at Metropolis in Rotterdam before becoming household names worldwide.
The festival also collaborates with various educational institutions, suggesting a broadening of focus towards other disciplines in the future.
Metropolis Festival line-up 2024
For the 2024 edition, new acts from both international and local scenes have been announced. These include Bongeziwe Mabandla, Chibi Ichigo, Deadletter, Delilah Bon, Imaginarium, Joe Unknown, Meltheads, Prins S en De Geit, Roger Damawuzan, and The Southern River Band. Other performers include SPRINTS, Zoë Livay, BKK, Geel & Ariënne Sillié, IKNOWnoa, Nienke Leone, Pearl Ramos, Sirocco, Smudged, Comfort Creature, DJ VNCE, RANIC, STerre Liz, Ytim, Nadinemoetjezien, Mirdjo, and Valencio.
Another feature of the festival is the market hosted by Swan Market, where festival-goers can shop for various items including jewellery, clothes, vinyl, sunglasses, and phone accessories.
The festival also features three stages, namely Metroville, New Garden, and Future Stage, where these diverse acts will perform.
You can find the official festival line-up on the Metropolis website.
What Metropolis Festival sounds like
Location: Zuiderpark
Parking at Metropolis Festival Rotterdam
There are parking options available nearby at Ahoy (P2), which probably costs around €15 for the entire day, and at the parking garages of Zuidplein. In the past, the parking lot was open from 12:00 in the afternoon, and you were able to drive out at any time.
You can also make use of the parking garages in Zuidplein. Note: space is limited. Luckily, Rotterdam has Park and Ride facilities (parking in combination with public transport) at 15 metro stations, such as P+R Alexander, P+R Slinge and P+R Kralingse Zoom.