HAPPENING 5–7 NOV 2025 | RAUW, the festival for boundary-pushing music, returns this autumn with a multi-venue program across the city. Over three nights in early November, venues including Rotown, BIRD and De Zolder host performances blending jazz, electronics, punk and global sounds.
A platform for adventurous sounds
RAUW positions itself as a festival that highlights both Rotterdam’s own dynamic music scene and emerging international artists. It is described as building a “vibrant community around the exhilarating sounds of Rotterdam’s adventurous jazz scene.” The festival has roots in Jazz International Rotterdam, and continues the tradition of presenting music at the fringes of jazz.
In a city known for its openness, cultural diversity and experimental edge, RAUW brings an audio-artistic edge that complements Rotterdam’s festival identity. It allows the city’s music lovers to encounter sounds that stretch genres, cultures and expectations.
Festival format and venues
RAUW 2025 unfolds over three days:
- 5 November features a free programme at De Zolder and Rotterdam Central Station
- 6 November at Rotown
- 7 November at BIRD
Doors open at 20:00, with performances starting 20:30. The line-up includes COLLIGNON (NL), Tumi Mogorosi (ZA), Niels Broos × Jamie Peet (NL), Ingen Navn Trio (DE), Brintex × Diana Dzhabbar (NL), Asbest (NL), Escarteen Sisters (ES/NL), Adepts Of The Sun (IT/NL) and André Marmot (UK).
Featured artists and highlights in 2025
On 6 November at Rotown, the evening line-up includes Niels Broos × Jamie Peet, a Dutch duo blending electronics, jazz and improvisation; Asbest, a Rotterdam-based trio known for their “noise-beat” style; and Ingen Navn Trio from Germany, with a reputation for merging punk energy and jazz textures.
On 7 November at BIRD, Tumi Mogorosi, COLLIGNON, and Adepts Of The Sun will bring a mixture of South African jazz, experimental textures and cross-genre collaborations.
The free programme on 5 November aims to introduce the festival’s spirit to public spaces, with performances at De Zolder and Rotterdam Centraal Station.
Tickets and access
Tickets for RAUW 2025 are available through the festival’s website. Rotown’s edition is priced at €15 (including €1 service fee), while tickets for BIRD and full passes carry a higher price. The shows begin at 20:30, with doors opening at 20:00.
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