HAPPENING 29 NOV 2025 | The day after Black Friday, BlueCity invites Rotterdammers to swap, repair, knit and upcycle instead of chasing discounts. On Saturday 29 November, the old Tropicana swimming pool becomes Changez: a circular department store with Rotterdam’s biggest clothing swap, hands-on workshops, a sustainable Christmas market and even free sauna sessions.
What is Changez?
Changez is a one-day pop-up department store dedicated to circular living. For the seventh year in a row, BlueCity turns the former Tropicana wave pool into a place where clothes, textiles and gifts get a second life, under the cheeky motto “F*ck Black Friday”.
Instead of pushing flash sales and impulse buys, the event focuses on re-use, repair and thoughtful gifts. Visitors can trade in unworn clothes, learn how to mend favourites, join creative upcycling workshops and browse a market full of Rotterdam makers and circular brands.
Swap, repair and knit your wardrobe
At the heart of Changez is a large clothing swap hosted by The Swapshop, promoted as the biggest clothing exchange in Rotterdam. Visitors hand in up to five pieces of clothing, receive a swap budget and then hunt for new favourites in the old wave pool, now lined with rails of pre-loved items.
Those who would rather fix what they already own can head to the Textiel Repair Café Katendrecht, where volunteers help with buttons, zips, small holes and other everyday repairs.
For people who enjoy working with yarn, the “Niet Lullen Maar Breien” knitting club sets up a cosy breicafé in true Rotterdam style, turning the former subtropical pool into a social knitting spot for a day.
Upcycling workshops and sustainable Christmas market
Throughout the day, the BlueCity Lab hosts creative upcycling workshops, led by partners such as Aida Atelier, Bobbinhood and Ikigai Label. Participants can experiment with embroidery, screen printing and natural textile dyes to give old garments a fresh look instead of buying something new.
Alongside the workshops, there is a sustainable Christmas market with around twenty circular makers and entrepreneurs, offering items such as upcycled design pieces, fair gifts, food products and other low-impact presents for the December season. Names mentioned include Buurman Rotterdam, Wereldwinkel Rotterdam, Rotterzwam, Rebel Remake and Basecamp.
Relax at Bar Stroom and the sauna deck
Changez visitors enter via Bar Stroom, BlueCity’s bar and restaurant space on the Maasboulevard. Here, guests can stay for drinks and snacks, including a new burger created by Het Nieuwe Nassen.
On the outdoor deck, Lava Sauna opens specially for the event. Visitors can book a free 20-minute sauna session (with swimwear required), turning a day of swapping and repairing into a mini spa visit with river views.
Why Changez is organised
The organisers point out that the global textile industry is a major source of pollution and waste, while there is already enough clothing in circulation to dress several future generations. Changez is designed to show that re-using, repairing and swapping can be fun, social and accessible, while quietly lowering the impact of our wardrobes.
By focusing on skills, creativity and local makers rather than fast discounts, the event offers a clear alternative to Black Friday routines.
Practical information
Event
Changez – F*ck Black Friday
Date & time
Saturday 29 November 2025, 10:00–16:00
(Bar Stroom stays open until about 18:00)
Location
BlueCity / Bar Stroom
Old Tropicana swimming pool
Maasboulevard 100–102, Rotterdam
Tickets
Ticket prices range from €1.50 to €20, depending on whether you only visit the event or also join a guided tour or workshop.
More information & tickets
Details about the full programme and ticket options are available here.
