HAPPENING 3–6 APR '26 | For four days, Rotterdam Ahoy is set to fill with the sounds, flavours and colours of Indonesia as Pasar Malam Istimewa XL returns to the city.
What is the Pasar Malam Istimewa XL?
If you want a weekend that feels like stepping into an Indonesian night market, this is it. Expect a vast indoor bazaar packed with shopping, street food and live entertainment. Recent editions have featured an Oriental speciality market with more than 200 stalls, spanning everything from sambal, spices and incense to clothing, jewellery and homeware.
The 2026 promo material points to a packed programme across the site, including:
- Four stages with live music, dance and performances
- Indonesian market plus an Eurasia market
- Cinema
- Live cooking shows
- Talks and lectures
- Workshops and exhibitions
- Kids entertainment
- Chill and lounge areas
The Pasar Malam Istimewa XL, recognised as one of the largest Pasar Malam events in the Netherlands.
What’s new and what’s back for 2026
The big fresh headline for 2026 is Bali Beach, an outdoor lounge area inspired by Bali’s laid-back vibe. The organiser describes it as a place to grab drinks, catch a DJ set and reset between halls.
Meanwhile, the cultural programme continues with the Budaya Hall, developed in collaboration with Stichting Pasar Budaya, focusing on stories, heritage, and cultural programming linked to the shared Dutch East Indies history.
At this year's Pasar Malam XL, you can expect five distinct areas:
- Istimewa Hall
- Senang Hall
- Budaya Hall
- Kampung Anak (kids area)
- Bali Beach (outdoor lounge)
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Opening hours (2026)
According to the organiser’s 2026 information:
- Friday: 13:00 to 23:00
- Saturday: 12:00 to 22:00
- Sunday: 12:00 to 22:00
- Monday: 12:00 to 20:00
Tickets (what we know right now)
Istimewa’s listings for Rotterdam 2026 show tickets from €10. The organiser has also promoted a €10 super early bird offer for the first 3,000 online tickets, with regular tickets referenced at €15 in at least one organiser post. Ticket pricing can shift as allocations sell out, so it’s worth checking before you travel. Children aged 0 to 3 are promoted as free entry.
For more information and ticket purchases, visit the official Istimewa Events website.
Location: Rotterdam Ahoy
Rotterdam Ahoy is well-connected by public transport, with bus and metro stations within a five-minute walk. Parking is available at a fixed daily rate, and facilities are accessible for individuals with mobility needs.
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