HAPPENING 29 & 30 AUG 2026 | Klassiek in het Park brings two days of free classical music to Het Park beside the Euromast, with symphonic concerts, chamber music, tango, dancing, family performances and opportunities to make music yourself.
Klassiek in het Park returns on 29 and 30 August
Klassiek in het Park takes place in Het Park beside the Euromast on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August 2026.
The free open-air festival builds on two familiar Rotterdam musical traditions: the Dag van de Romantische Muziek and the Sinfonia Maritiem Concert. Its renewed format puts classical music in an informal park setting, with performances ranging from symphonic and chamber music to singing, tango and Latin American music.
Saturday runs from 13:00 to 23:00. Sunday runs from 13:00 to 18:30.
The festival has one main stage, with smaller stages around the Parqietveld and near the Parkpaviljoen. You can move freely between performances throughout the day.
Participation is also an important part of the programme. Alongside concerts by professional musicians and young talent, the festival includes dancing, activities for children and an open stage for amateur musicians.
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Saturday 29 August: Sinfonia Rotterdam
Saturday puts the symphonic programme at the centre of the main stage.
Sinfonia Rotterdam gives a family concert at 15:30 followed by an evening concert at 20:30. Both concerts are conducted by Sinfonia Rotterdam founder Conrad van Alphen and presented by Rachel Rosier.
Guitarist Laura Lootens, cellist Tudor Marin and young pianist Yulianna Beziazychna appear as soloists.
The programme includes music by Rossini and Joaquín Rodrigo. Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, one of the best-known works in the classical guitar repertoire, features in the programme.
The evening concert is scheduled to finish with Händel's Music for the Royal Fireworks and a fireworks finale.
Both Sinfonia concerts are free, but you must reserve a free admission ticket in advance. You can bring your own chair or picnic blanket, or reserve a chair for €5.
Reservations are available through the Sinfonia Rotterdam concert listings.
Sinfonia Rotterdam performing outdoors in Rotterdam
Sinfonia Rotterdam outdoor concert
Sunday 30 August: tango and ballroom dancing
On Sunday, participation and dancing move to the centre of the main-stage programme.
The floor in front of the stage becomes a dance floor for live tango and ballroom music from OTRA and The Ramblers. In collaboration with Codarts and Rotterdam dance schools, the festival invites you not only to listen but to join the dancing yourself.
Elsewhere in the park, two smaller stages offer a continuous programme of chamber music, unusual ensembles and emerging talent.
Announced performers include Duo Ondine, Noies Quartet, Tacora Cello Duo and Liam Nassereddine.
You can settle down for a concert, wander between performances beneath the trees or join the dancing in front of the main stage.
Day of Romantic Music Rotterdam, photograph by Prisca Visser
Day of Romantic Music Rotterdam, photograph by Prisca Visser
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Classical music for children
Families have plenty to choose from during the weekend.
Sinfonia Rotterdam's Saturday afternoon family concert introduces children and adults to the orchestra through an accessible programme featuring music including Rossini and Rodrigo.
The wider children's programme includes Hieperdepiep! De Kleuteropera and Klassiek op reis met Jutter Thijs.
Children can also take part in activities on both Saturday and Sunday, including arts and crafts with Klieder en Klodder.
Because the performances are spread through Het Park, you do not have to commit to sitting through a conventional concert. You can move between stages, activities and picnic spots at your own pace.
From romantic music to Klassiek in het Park
Klassiek in het Park has deep roots in Rotterdam's summer festival calendar.
The Dag van de Romantische Muziek began in 1986 and developed into one of the city's familiar summer music traditions. Over the years, romantic clothing and extravagant hats became part of the event's visual identity.
Sinfonia Rotterdam developed its own free outdoor concert tradition with the Sinfonia Maritiem Concert, which began at Leuvehaven in 2017. Later editions took place at Rotterdam locations including the SS Rotterdam and Hotel New York before the concert moved to Het Park in 2024.
From 2026, these traditions come together more closely under the Klassiek in het Park name.
The result is a broader festival in which classical music remains at the centre while young musicians, participation and different musical traditions receive more space.
Day of Romantic Music Rotterdam, photograph by Prisca Visser
Day of Romantic Music Rotterdam, photograph by Prisca Visser
Food, drinks and picnics
Food and drinks are available at several points around the festival site. You are also welcome to bring your own picnic.
That makes it easy to spend several hours in the park, moving between performances or simply choosing a comfortable place on the grass and listening to whatever happens nearby.
Visitors at the former Dag van de Romantische Muziek in Rotterdam
What to wear
The current festival information does not advertise a dress code, so ordinary summer clothing is fine.
However, the Dag van de Romantische Muziek was known for visitors who embraced the romantic atmosphere with elaborate outfits and striking hats. If you feel like dressing up, you will be following a long Rotterdam tradition.
Romantically dressed visitor at Day of Romantic Music Rotterdam, photograph by Prisca Visser
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Practical information
What: Klassiek in het Park
When: Saturday 29 August, 13:00 to 23:00, and Sunday 30 August, 13:00 to 18:30
Where: Het Park, beside the Euromast in Rotterdam
Admission: Free
Sinfonia family concert: Saturday at 15:30
Sinfonia evening concert: Saturday at 20:30
Sinfonia reservations: Free ticket required in advance
Reserved chair: €5, or bring your own chair or blanket
For the full and latest programme, check the official Klassiek in het Park website.
If you want to attend either Sinfonia Rotterdam concert, reserve your free ticket through the Sinfonia Rotterdam concert listings.
Who organises Klassiek in het Park?
Klassiek in het Park is organised by Stichting Romantische Muziek Rotterdam, under the direction of JMR Event Makers/Earth Concepts, in collaboration with Sinfonia Rotterdam and Stichting het Park.
Together, the organisations are developing a Rotterdam festival designed to show the variety of classical music in a relaxed and accessible setting.
How to get there
Klassiek in het Park takes place in Het Park by the Euromast, in Rotterdam's Scheepvaartkwartier. The festival area stretches through the park, with the main stage and smaller performance areas around the Parqietveld and Parkpaviljoen.
Walking and cycling are convenient options from central Rotterdam.
If you are using public transport, check the RET journey planner shortly before travelling. Tram routes in Rotterdam are affected by works during August 2026, so the normal route may differ on the festival weekend. Leuvehaven and Dijkzigt metro stations are both within walking distance of Het Park.
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