HAPPENING 23-25 OCT 2025 | The Official Unofficial returns this month with a free, city-wide daytime music programme featuring 75 live performances across 14 Rotterdam venues. Taking place on Friday and Saturday, the event runs alongside the ticketed showcase festival Left of the Dial, offering an open invitation to explore Rotterdam’s venues and discover new acts — entirely free of charge.
What it is
The Official Unofficial is a community-built daytime festival that coincides with Left of the Dial. Supported promotionally by Left of the Dial but run independently, it is powered by a network of local, national and international hosts. From record labels and collectives to independent curators, each participating venue programmes its own line-up. Every show is free to attend, no ticket or wristband required.
When and where
Daytime performances take place between 09:00 and 16:00, with most acts scheduled around midday to late afternoon. On Saturday morning, the “Band on the Run” showcase links up with the Kralingse Bos parkrun, blending live music and movement to kick off the day.
This year’s participating venues include Club Centraal, De Doelen Studio 1, Kaapse Will’ns, MONO, Mooie Boules, Paradijskerk, Plato, Rotown, Time Is The New Space, V11, Voigt, Vrijmoed, Waterfront and Zondebok — spread across the city centre and its fringes.
Who’s playing
The line-up spans a mix of rising and cult names, from local discoveries to touring acts curated by collectives such as Sniester, Leffingeleuren, Far Out Sessions, Crashing, SOS Artists, New Colossus, MOMO, Misty Fields, Sŵn, At Ease x Spot on Schiebroek, Excelsior, Sonic Rendezvous, Voigt, Breakfast Records, Roodkapje, VERA, Cowbell Practice, After Elmer and Inner Basement.
Highlights noted by Rotown include Fellatio, Grote Geelstaart and The Homesick, while other stages feature De Kift, Space Siren, After Elmer and more.
How to attend
No wristbands, no hassle — simply show up at any participating venue during the day and enjoy the shows. The Official Unofficial is separate from Left of the Dial’s evening programme, which requires a festival ticket. Daytime timetables and venue maps can be downloaded from theofficialunofficial.nl.
Organise a showcase
The spirit of the event is open collaboration. Musicians and promoters are encouraged to pitch their own daytime showcase. Organisers who secure a venue and manage their line-up can register through the website and, if selected, receive two Left of the Dial evening wristbands as a thank-you.
About the Official Unofficial
The Official Unofficial is a free, community-driven daytime event that runs concurrently with Left of the Dial in Rotterdam. It features performances curated by independent collectives, venues and curators from across Europe, aiming to strengthen connections within the alternative live-music ecosystem.
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