Rotterdam in October 2025: What's happening in the city

Rotterdam in October 2025: What's happening in the city

The first orange leaves spiral onto Rotterdam’s streets, but what does October really hold for the city beyond sweaters and hot drinks? Will the month’s festivals bring warmth as the weather cools? From light shows in Kralingse Bos to live punk, this guide explores the experiences waiting for residents and newcomers alike.

 

Weather and seasonal changes

October marks Rotterdam’s shift into autumn. Temperatures slide from late‑summer highs to crisp daytime highs around 13–15 °C, and evenings often feel much cooler. Breezy conditions persist because the city lies close to the North Sea and is surrounded by flat countryside. You might wake to brilliant sunshine and then be caught in a rain shower an hour later. To enjoy the harbour walks and parks, layer up and carry a waterproof jacket. By mid‑month daylight hours shorten noticeably; sunset comes well before 19:00, reminding residents that winter is approaching.

 

Festivals and special events brighten the month

Rotterdam kicks off October with the Weekend of Science on 4–5 October. The national festival transforms institutions across the city into open laboratories. Families can watch demonstrations at the Belasting & Douane Museum, take behind‑the‑scenes tours at Portlantis and even catch aquatic creatures during a water‑life catch event at the Natural History Museum. Previous editions have featured experiments about emotions and smartphone addiction, and organisers promise similarly interactive programmes; participating venues offer activities free of charge or at reduced admission.

On 5 October the Harbour Run returns. This obstacle race invites participants to tackle either a 6 km route with 18 obstacles or a 10 km course with 34 obstacles through normally closed port areas. The start and finish are at the RDM Onderzeebootloods, and twenty start waves accommodate more than 7,000 runners. Teams of colleagues and friends often sign up together, transforming the course into a team‑building exercise with cargo nets, shipping containers and water obstacles. Spectators can wander around the industrial backdrop and get a rare look at the heart of Europe’s largest port.

From 8–12 October the city celebrates the Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam (AFFR). This 25th edition showcases more than 80 films exploring the relationship between architecture, urban planning and society. It will open with the documentary The Great Arch, and organisers emphasise that the programme’s breadth reflects the festival’s 25‑year history. Tickets go on sale in mid‑September, and screenings take place in various city cinemas. Whether you are an architect, film buff or simply curious about the built environment, the festival offers discussion panels, Q&A sessions and chances to view the city through new lenses.

Later in the month, the Magical Forest Light Show – De Grote Schijn transforms the Kralingse Bos into a dreamlike world of sound and light. Running from 16 October to 2 November, the two‑kilometre evening walk leads visitors past interactive installations, a mirror‑lined underwater world lit by 800 light cords and scent machines that respond to your steps. A special “Samen Schijnen” time slot invites solo visitors to walk together and connect during the national Week against Loneliness. Ticket prices range from €15.25 for children and seniors to €20.25 for adults; a family ticket costs €64.40. Time slots begin at sunset and run until 23:00, allowing you to experience the forest at different moods. 

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Art and exhibitions

Rotterdam’s museums and independent spaces offer an eclectic mix of exhibitions this October. Marlou Fernanda: A time for everything opens on 10 October at Wereldmuseum Rotterdam. The show covers a decade of work by the Rotterdam‑born multidisciplinary artist, who divides the exhibition into the four seasons and explores themes of self‑expression and the right to claim space. Large canvases, sketchbooks and installations reveal her alter ego Nu‑Nu, and a documentary titled Los van Nu‑Nu will premiere later in November. Visitors can expect bright colours, playful references to popular culture and personal narratives that encourage reflection on identity.

At Kunsthal Rotterdam, Homo Mobilis (27 September 2025 – 1 March 2026) presents portraits of people alongside their means of transport. Photographer Martin Roemers travelled through the Netherlands, Germany, China, Ukraine, India, Senegal and the United States, inviting locals to pose with cars, scooters and trucks. The images emphasise how vehicles embody personal aspirations and reveal differences in mobility culture. A photo book accompanying the exhibition launches on 7 October, and the show encourages visitors to consider how their own daily journeys shape their identity.

On the west side of the city, the industrial art space Brutus hosts Good over Evil – OVERGROW (3 October – 14 December). Artist Eveline Visser imagines Rotterdam’s Maasvlakte transformed into a series of fungi‑based settlements. Her large dioramas feature mycelium villages rising above disused industrial structures, illustrating how microorganisms could filter air and water and repurpose barren land. Lectures and guided tours accompany the exhibition, making it both a visual spectacle and a prompt to think about regenerative futures. 

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Live music and stage performances

October’s gig calendar caters to diverse tastes. On 1 October, Tokyo trio The Let’s Go’s bring punk energy and surf‑tinged melodies to V11. Their sound combines 1970s and 1980s influences with psychedelic flourishes, and tickets cost around €14. The same evening at De Doelen, contrabassist James Oesi and pianist Djuwa Mroivili perform repertoire by composers of colour such as George Gershwin, Florence Price and Antonín Dvořák. The duo’s concert highlights how African American musical traditions have influenced classical music.

On 2 October, singer‑songwriter Suzanne Vega returns to the Nieuwe Luxor Theater with her Flying with Angels Tour. Celebrated for narrative hits like Tom’s Diner, she will present songs from her May 2025 album Flying with Angels alongside classic material. Vega is joined by guitarist Gerry Leonard and cellist Stephanie Winters, lending the performance a rich texture that accentuates her storytelling.

Later in the month on 21 October, Boston band Magic Shoppe plays V11. Known for distortion‑drenched shoegaze and swirling guitars, the band draws inspiration from My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth. Their songs have featured in Netflix’s series Outer Banks, and the show promises an evening of reverb and dreamlike soundscapes. Doors open at 21:00 and the concert starts at 21:30. 

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Food and drink news

Rotterdam’s culinary scene evolves with new openings and revamped menus. Eurobrouwers, previously a pop‑up at the Glasfabriek, has moved to a permanent site at Middellandplein and reopened as Café de Wilde Mossel. Chef Milan Gataric has devised a bistro‑style menu featuring pork shoulder croquettes, smoked mushroom with kimchi, marinated mussel brioche and fries cooked in beef fat. The venue serves Eurobrouwers’ beers and natural wines, and it is raising funds through a crowdfunding campaign that offers participants interest and perks.

At Café Dox near the Luxor Theatres, a partnership with Mama’s Koelkast introduces family recipes from around the world. Lunch brings couscous bowls, Turkish pide or masala rotorol; snacks include mezze platters, samosas, Moroccan briwats and fishcakes; dinners feature jerk chicken, nasi goreng, couscous with chicken or vegetables, bolognese and vegan burgers. Desserts range from baklava and Moroccan almond cookies to pastel de nata and speculaas boterkoek. This collaboration celebrates Rotterdam’s multicultural community and offers affordable, home‑style meals.

Another newcomer stands at the Leuvehaven. Following renovations, the DoubleTree by Hilton and Haven Hotel have reopened with a dō deli bar bistro serving European‑inspired dishes such as quinoa bowls, chickpea focaccia and classic Negronis. In October, the Haven Hotel will debut Calan Restaurant & Bar, led by chef Michael Verhagen. The menu draws on Surinamese, Indonesian and Moroccan flavours to reflect Rotterdam’s diverse heritage. Alongside new spa and wellness facilities, the hotels aim to revitalise this waterfront corner of the city. 

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City updates and urban developments

Several city initiatives highlight Rotterdam’s commitment to quality of life and sustainability. A new study commissioned by the municipality shows that weekly sport and daily exercise significantly reduce healthcare costs. If just one percent of currently inactive residents start exercising weekly, the city could save about €11 million a year. Programmes such as Sportregie and Schoolsportvereniging already make sport accessible in neighbourhoods and at schools. The authors urge national government support so cities can strengthen prevention efforts.

To support climate‑friendly construction, the municipality has allocated €2 million for the second round of sustainable housing projects. New social housing funded through this scheme must contain at least 30 percent biobased materials, reducing emissions and encouraging expertise in biobased construction. The city continues to collaborate with housing corporations that completed similar projects earlier this year.

Traffic safety remains a priority. From October through November, the city will introduce 30 km/h speed limits on 115 streets in districts including Centrum, Charlois, Delfshaven, Feijenoord, Hoek van Holland and Hoogvliet‑Noord. Residents were involved in selecting streets, and the city organised a drawing contest to engage children. Lower speeds should reduce accidents and make neighbourhoods more livable.

Infrastructure is also evolving. The new A16 motorway and energy‑neutral Rottemerentunnel open in October, providing an 11‑kilometre connection between the A20 at Terbregseplein and the A16 near Dordrecht. Solar panels power the tunnel, while sound barriers and wildlife corridors mitigate environmental impacts. The project includes improved cycling routes and will relieve congestion on the A13 and A20.

Smaller projects signal a move towards circularity. At Eudokiaplein, the Droppie recycling point now accepts plastics and drink cartons. Residents earn digital coins for properly sorting their waste, and the collected materials will be turned into high‑quality plastic feedstock. The initiative aims to support local recycling companies and encourage neighbourhood engagement.

Finally, the city council has presented a 2026 budget projecting stable finances. Municipal charges will not rise beyond inflation, and investments are planned in neighbourhood infrastructure such as the renovation of metro station Zuidplein, the redevelopment of Pernisser Park and the construction of a new bridge connecting Zuidplein with Kralingse Zoom. Programmes to reduce inequality include expanding preschool childcare, helping residents with digital skills and improving safety in vulnerable neighbourhoods. These measures suggest that residents can expect both physical and social improvements in the coming years. 

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Learn to dance or get out and dance

If the shorter days make you crave movement, Rotterdam’s Latin dance community offers plenty of options. On 4 October, LatinXpress takes over Podium Grounds with separate salsa and bachata rooms and a roster of local DJs; presale tickets range from €10 to €18.50. Starting 6 October, Typical Tropical launches five‑week fast‑track courses in salsa and bachata at two venues, allowing beginners and experienced dancers to polish their skills. And on 15 October, Latin Café Dox offers a cosy, free social dance night at Café Dox near the Nieuwe Luxor Theatres. 

Rotterdam in September 2025: What's happening in the city

Rotterdam in September 2025: What's happening in the city

September in Rotterdam is a month of contrasts. The summer holidays fade into the background, but the city remains lively with festival vibes, art openings and new transport schemes. While the days shorten, there is still time to explore markets, listen to world‑class musicians and enjoy pop‑up eateries before autumn settles in.

 

Cooler days and autumn breezes

September marks the transition from late summer to early autumn. Daytime temperatures often hover just above 20 °C, but evenings start to cool. Rotterdam’s waterfront location makes the city windier than inland areas; the North Sea and the flat polder landscape create an “open corridor” for breezes to sweep through the high‑rise skyline. This windiness means the weather can change quickly, with sunshine one moment and a rain shower the next. Locals usually carry a waterproof jacket or umbrella alongside sunglasses. Our previous August preview described how warm days can mix with rain due to passing fronts; September continues this pattern, though temperatures begin to dip. The city is greener after summer rainfall, and parks such as Trompenburg Arboretum and Het Park are good places to enjoy the last outdoor picnics of the year.

 

Celebrations on water and in gardens

The month begins with the 48th edition of World Port Days (5–7 September). Rotterdam’s maritime heritage is on show at multiple locations along the river. Visitors can board ships such as the emergency vessel Guardian and the supply vessel CSS Den Helder, watch crisis‑management demonstrations at the Safety Square and explore an Innovatiekade featuring sustainable technologies. The events extend to Rijnhaven, where there are SUP‑board rentals and cultural performances. On Saturday evening a grand show with fireworks illuminates the Erasmus Bridge.

A more intimate gathering happens on 5 September at Trompenburg Gardens when Bossame, a local ensemble, fills the botanical garden with samba and bossa nova. The seven‑piece band—featuring flute, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass and percussion—brings the atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro to Kralingen. Tickets include garden admission, and audiences can enjoy the exotic plants while listening to the music.

The annual Open Monuments Day (Open Monumentendag), the largest cultural event in the Netherlands, is set to return on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September. Over 200 monument in the Rotterdam area will open their doors for free, providing an opportunity to visit sites that are not usually accessible to the public. The event will feature nearly 1,000 monuments in Zuid-Holland alone.

On 20 September Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen celebrates a free public open day. The depot, usually accessible only by tour, opens its storage rooms from 11:00 to 17:00. Visitors can see how artworks are packed, attend guided tours and participate in family workshops. It is a rare opportunity to peek behind the scenes of one of Rotterdam’s most iconic buildings.

Mid‑month, the city paints itself in rainbow colours for Rotterdam Pride Week, running from 19 to 28 September. This annual celebration of sexual freedom and diversity includes art exhibitions, debates and over 130 parties and events. The highlight is the Pride March on Saturday 27 September: participants gather at Stationsplein at 10:30, hear speeches at 11:00 and set off on a peaceful 3.5‑kilometre walk through the city at 11:30, finishing at Willemsplein around 13:00. Later that day, the riverside Pride Festival at Willemsplein brings live music and performances under the theme Queertopia; early names on the line‑up include Joost van Bellen, Xtra Xceptit and The Rainbow Club. An indoor afterparty at the Now&Wow Club with DJs from Berlin’s queer scene keeps the celebrations going into the night.

At the end of the month, from 24–28 September, the Camera Japan Festival marks its 20th edition at LantarenVenster. The festival is dedicated to Japanese cinema and culture, with film screenings, Q&A sessions, workshops and a market selling Japanese snacks and crafts. Details of the film programme are usually announced a few weeks before the festival, but previous editions have included anime, independent dramas and retrospectives.

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Art exhibitions celebrate architecture and fashion

From 13 September to 14 December, the Brutus art space hosts an installation by Iranian‑Dutch artist Narges Mohammadi. Her exhibition “Er kraait geen haan naar” explores themes of memory, poverty and resilience through sculptural pieces using sand and alabaster. The artist fills the gallery with miniature cities and long strips of glued sand, while family photographs embedded in the walls evoke memories of home. Mohammadi’s technique of hollowing alabaster blocks to create translucent forms invites viewers to question the fragility of personal history.

Architecture takes centre stage at the Nieuwe Instituut until 21 September with Ma Yansong. Architectuur en emotie. The exhibition surveys two decades of work by Ma Yansong and his firm MAD Architects, known for designs that merge natural landscapes with futuristic forms. Models, large‑scale installations and interactive displays reveal projects such as the Fenix Tornado staircase at the Fenix Museum of Migration in Katendrecht. Visitors can use an AI‑driven tool to generate sketches based on MAD’s data, demonstrating how algorithms influence architectural imagination.

Later in the month, from 27 September, Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses opens at Kunsthal. This retrospective assembles more than a hundred designs by the Dutch fashion innovator, renowned for merging art, science and haute couture. Van Herpen’s use of 3D printing and collaborations with architects and biologists blur the line between fashion and engineering. The exhibition includes garments worn by celebrities and interactive displays that explore natural phenomena and the creative process. Running through March, this exhibition will be a highlight for fashion and design enthusiasts.

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Live music from gospel to funk

Rotterdam’s September calendar offers something for every music lover. On 6 September, California band Venice returns to the Oude Luxor Theatre. The four Lennon cousins have long been favourites in the Netherlands, earning Edison awards and Top 2000 hits with their harmonies and West Coast sound. Their Get What You Give Tour features new songs from the album Brunch Buffet Part 2 alongside classics.

Four days later, on 11 September, gospel pioneer Kirk Franklin brings his world tour to the RTM Stage. Franklin’s fusion of gospel, hip‑hop and R&B has influenced mainstream music, and hits like Revolution and Stomp often get audiences dancing. Doors open at 19:00 and the show starts at 20:00; tickets begin at around €51.

The sixteenth edition of Baroeg Open Air will take place on Saturday 13 September 2025 in Rotterdam’s Zuiderpark, running from 12.00 to 23.00. The complete line-up has now been announced, featuring 30 acts spread across four stages. This year’s edition continues to present a wide selection of genres, ranging from streetpunk and metal to drum & bass and industrial techno.

For something more experimental, head to LantarenVenster on 19 September for Y‑Otis: In the Round. Swedish saxophonist Otis Sandsjö and his Berlin‑based collective blend jazz with electronica and funk. The performance places musicians in the middle of the room, surrounded by the audience, and includes DJ sets before and after the concert. The immersive format invites listeners to move around and experience the music from multiple angles.

At month’s end, on 28 September, the Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes perform at the RTM Stage. Celebrating more than 25 years together, the flamenco‑rumba group will play hits like Bamboleo and Volare. Nicolas Reyes, one of the band’s founding members, leads a lineup that continues to popularise Rumba Gitano.

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Pop‑ups and gastronomic explorations

Food lovers can look forward to a temporary concept called Bistronomique Fantastique. Running from 28 August to 12 September at Het Industriegebouw, this pop‑up is a collaboration between Fundamental restaurant and natural wine bar Lolo Vins. Diners can choose four‑ or six‑course menus featuring seasonal ingredients, complemented by natural wines selected by Lolo Vins. The organisers describe the event as a way to prolong the summer with wine and creative food.

On 6 September, the Euromast teams up with World Port Days for a special dinner. A four‑course menu includes dishes such as mackerel tartare, fried mussels, cod served with purple sweet potato, and cherry parfait. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the port and stay late for fireworks.

If you’re looking for ongoing culinary inspiration, the RotterdamStyle guide to the top foodie areas highlights seven districts. The Markthal is called the “Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam” for its colourful vaulted ceiling; inside you’ll find stalls selling Dutch cheeses, exotic spices, fresh stroopwafels and more. West‑Kruiskade offers Chinese dim sum, Japanese ramen, Surinamese roti and Thai curries, often in casual eateries. Witte de Withstraat transforms from a daytime gallery street to a nightlife hub with burger joints, sushi bars and cozy pubs. Across the river, the Kop van Zuid combines modern skyscrapers with maritime history and hosts Foodhallen, where you can sample everything from Vietnamese spring rolls to Neapolitan pizza. Katendrecht’s Deliplein square offers more than 20 restaurants and the recently relocated Fenix Food Factory, where you can taste artisanal bread, charcuterie and craft beers. Smaller areas such as MaHo Kwartier around Pannekoekstraat and Botersloot feature brunch cafés, Indonesian street food and local delis. In Rotterdam Noord, streets like Zwaanshals and Noordplein host markets, vegan cafés, mezze restaurants and craft beer bars amid vintage shops.

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Transport news and urban developments

While there are few new building projects announced recently, there are notable updates in mobility. From 5 September, public transport operator RET introduces weekend night buses. These routes connect Rotterdam Centraal with thirteen lines across the region, running hourly and linking with night trains. A single journey costs €6.30 (€7 if bought via the RET app), and passengers with an existing discount or subscription can buy a €0.01 transfer ticket. On 26 August, RET also launched discount subscriptions offering 20 % or 40 % off fares for €7.90 or €28.70 per month, and group tickets for up to five people priced from €19.

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Learn to dance or get out and dance

September is also a good time to move your feet. The Typical Tropical dance studio offers trial lessons and courses in salsa, bachata and kizomba during the first week of the month; classes are taught at locations including Dansschool Meyer et Fils and Typical Tropical Studios, with sessions for both beginners and experienced dancers. On 6 September, the organisers collaborate with Podium Grounds for LatinXpress, a party with live music and DJs spinning bachata and salsa. Later in the month, on 17 September, Café Dox hosts a free Latin café where dancers can practise their steps and socialise. These events are informal and emphasise community, making them a good way to meet people and stay active. 

Rotterdam in July 2025: What's happening in the city?

Rotterdam in July 2025: What's happening in the city?

Curious how July in Rotterdam will unfold? What events, exhibitions and city changes should locals mark? Keep reading to discover a month packed with culture, music, food and urban transformation.

 

Weather and seasonal changes

July in Rotterdam typically brings mild to warm weather, ideal for outdoor plans. Residents should expect average daytime temperatures between 18 °C and 24 °C. Rain showers are possible, so it is wise to carry a light waterproof jacket. Early evenings will remain pleasant, making it a comfortable month for alfresco dining and evening strolls. The long daylight hours and generally amiable skies invite both planned and spontaneous outdoor adventures.

 

Notable events across the month

The month unfolds with a range of cultural happenings. On 2 July, the month begins with a bluegrass film screening that launches Bluegrass Week, marking its European premiere at Wester Paviljoen. From 4 to 6 July the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival will fill Noordplein, bringing Americana and roots music to the heart of the city. Keti Koti Rotterdam on 1 July commemorates the abolition of slavery in the former Dutch colonies through music, performances and reflection. Finally, 24 July sees the screening of Hardcore Never Dies, a film exploring Rotterdam’s 1990s hardcore and gabber scene at Wester Paviljoen.

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Art exhibitions capturing the summer mood

Kunsthal Rotterdam continues to host two major exhibitions. Leap Year by Haegue Yang runs until 31 August, offering a look at the South Korean artist’s retrospective exploration of identity and space. Also at Kunsthal, CUTE delves into kawaii and pop culture, beginning on 5 July and running until 23 November. At the Chabot Museum, Leendert Bolle opens on 19 July, showcasing sculptures, sketches and public works of this overlooked figure. These exhibitions provide both indoor refuge and intellectual engagement during the warmer days.

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From bluegrass to jazz legends: July's live music picks

July in Rotterdam brings an eclectic mix of concerts and festivals that stretch across genres and neighbourhoods. The Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival returns from 4 to 6 July at Noordplein, offering three days of acoustic roots music and performances by acts like the Hilltop Howlers. The event is free to attend and includes food trucks, a local market and lively jam sessions that spill into the evening.

At LantarenVenster, Mandé Sila—featuring Malian guitarist Habib Koité, vibraphonist Aly Keïta and kora player Lamine Cissokho—takes the stage on 6 July. On 8 July, jazz legend John Scofield presents his Long Day’s Quartet, followed by saxophonist Kika Sprangers on 10 July. The venue continues its strong programming with Cuban bass virtuoso Alain Pérez and his Latin jazz orchestra on 17 July, and experimental guitarist Marc Ribot and his quartet on 18 July.

The city’s biggest music event, North Sea Jazz Festival, runs from 11 to 13 July at Ahoy. While the main event is ticketed, locals can enjoy North Sea Round Town, a free fringe festival with hundreds of pop-up performances at unexpected locations like metro stations, rooftops and hidden courtyards. It continues until 13 July and adds an element of surprise to everyday city life.

On 19 July, indie-country band Daniel Romano’s Outfit plays an intimate show at Rotown. The same night, experimental group Vojdi performs at V11, the red ship venue moored in the Wijnhaven. Whether you're looking for improvisational jazz, acoustic storytelling, or danceable Latin grooves, Rotterdam offers a diverse soundtrack to your summer nights.

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From jenever hotels to green housing: the city keeps moving

Two recent projects stand out in Rotterdam’s ongoing urban evolution. First, the Dahliablok development in Bloemhof officially began on 20 June. This new residential project will bring 33 sustainable homes to the neighbourhood, focusing on climate-conscious design. Construction is scheduled to finish in 2026, and the homes are aimed at families and working people seeking affordable and eco-friendly housing.

Meanwhile, just outside the city in Schiedam, work began on 17 June to transform a historic 19th-century distillery into the Distillers Hotel. The building once produced jenever, a traditional juniper-flavoured spirit that predates and influenced the creation of gin. Unlike gin, which is usually based on neutral alcohol and added botanicals, jenever has a maltier base spirit and a softer, rounder flavour. Schiedam is considered the historical heart of jenever production in the Netherlands, making this adaptive reuse a culturally significant project. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2026 and will include a bar, restaurant and rooms themed around its distilling heritage.

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Rotterdam in August 2025: What's happening in the city

Rotterdam in August 2025: What's happening in the city

How does Rotterdam come alive when summer peaks? August 2025 promises warm weather and a calendar filled with sports, film, music and civic progress. Read on to discover the events, exhibitions and city changes awaiting local residents this month.

 

Warm breezes and mixed skies: what to expect from August weather

August often brings some of the warmest days of the year to Rotterdam, with temperatures frequently above 20 °C and evenings remaining pleasant. However, the city’s proximity to the North Sea and the flat Dutch countryside means breezes are never far away; Rotterdam acts like an open corridor for winds sweeping in from the sea or across the plains, and the wide boulevards and open plazas do little to slow them. Residents should anticipate a mix of sunny spells and occasional rain, so carrying sunscreen and a light waterproof jacket is sensible.

 

Urban surf contests, historic ships and silent rooftop discos

On 3 August the Red Bull Pool Clash turns RiF010 into a surf arena. Identical artificial waves emphasise style; Dutch champion Stef van Noordennen and Irish surfer Conor Maguire headline alongside local riders. From 6–10 August Veerhaven welcomes the Nao Victoria, a replica of the 16th‑century ship that completed the first circumnavigation. Visitors can explore its four decks; adult tickets cost €8 and children’s tickets €4. Between 13 and 24 August Brutus hosts Roffa Mon Amour, an open‑air film festival with screenings, live cinema and Q&As exploring queer culture, Indonesian cinema and digital worlds. Films start after sunset with English subtitles. On 15 August the Euromast hosts a silent disco on its viewing platform. Participants dance under the stars via wireless headphones; entry is 20:30–21:00 and the 18+ party runs until 01:00.

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Exhibitions exploring memory, fashion and identity

The Wild Summer of Art at Brutus, running through 24 August, assembles works by fifty artists around the theme “Traces We Keep” to explore memory and transformation. Community scouts helped select contributors, and the show is open Thursday‑Sunday afternoons. At Kunsthal, Fashion Army (19 July–7 December) exhibits photographs of declassified US Army clothing prototypes from the late 1960s to early 1990s. Curator Matthieu Nicol shows how these utilitarian designs influenced civilian fashion. Also at Kunsthal, the retrospective Leap Year by South Korean artist Haegue Yang runs until 31 August. Spanning three decades, it turns everyday objects into multisensory installations exploring identity, migration and cultural exchange.

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Garage rock, post‑punk and electronic festivals

On 1 August Rotown welcomes Dead Ghosts, Canadian garage rockers known for fuzzy psychedelia; local outfit Nospray presents the show, doors open at 21:00 and tickets are €17. On 27 August Australian post‑punk prodigy R.M.F.C. performs at Rotown. Buz Clatworthy’s one‑man project melds frenetic riffs with DEVO‑esque vocals and is supported by Tuff Guac; tickets are €14.50. British duo IDER bring their cinematic harmonies and candid lyrics to Rotown on 28 August. Standing tickets cost €19.50. On 30 August the Rotterdam Rave Festival fills Ahoy with eleven hours of techno and house. Tickets start at €74.50.

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Cocktails for a cause and Michelin dining

The Eat & Drink scene offers both social conscience and culinary excellence. Throughout summer The Usual hotel on Westblaak serves Sip With Pride, a limited‑edition cocktail made with Ketel 1 jenever, pink grapefruit soda and strawberry syrup. Half of the €12.50 price supports COC Nederland’s buddy project for LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers. One recent development is the permanent closure of one‑star (Michelin) restaurant Fitzgerald on 13 July 2025. For upscale dining, Rotterdam now counts eight Michelin‑starred restaurants. Two‑star establishments Parkheuvel and Fred showcase refined French cuisine, while FG Restaurant has become known for seafood and playful gin cocktails.

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Subsidies, sustainability and social care in the city

Several municipal initiatives were announced in late July. A €2 million subsidy will help port companies install shore power, so ships can plug in at berth and reduce emissions and noise. Apartment owners’ associations can now claim up to €3 000 per home to insulate buildings thanks to an extended VvE subsidy, and the minimum energy‑label requirement has been scrapped. A joint agenda between the municipality and care organisations aims to prevent and reduce homelessness through targeted outreach and a new shelter for EU migrants. Funding worth €2.5 million supports hydrogen and circular‑economy projects. The city also launched subsidies to improve digital skills and signed a socio‑economic impact deal linking the redesign of Hofplein to job creation.

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Learn to dance or get out and dance

If you feel like dancing, Typical Tropical’s Latin socials run throughout August. On 2 August the LatinXpress party returns to Podium Grounds with two rooms of salsa and bachata. From 4 to 31 August the school offers beginner‑friendly courses at its Schiekade studio. An outdoor fiesta at Stadion Neptunus on 9 August combines workshops with DJ sets, and on 20 August the new Latin Oase invites dancers to a free social at Oase on Marconistraat.

 

Rotterdam in June 2025: What's happening in the city?

Rotterdam in June 2025: What's happening in the city?

June pulls Rotterdam outdoors, but will the skies behave? Which festivals should you mark on the calendar, and what fresh city projects will reshape daily life? Read on for a grounded preview that helps residents plan the month ahead.

 

Milder temperatures and long evenings

June usually delivers Rotterdam’s most comfortable weather: daytime highs hover near 20 °C while nights cool to around 12 °C. Expect roughly sixteen hours of daylight and more than 200 hours of sunshine, balanced by about 60 mm of rain spread over a dozen showery days—often brief, but worth preparing for when cycling to evening plans.

 

Festivals that define the month

Rotterdam Architecture Month opens on 1 June and turns the Schiemond quay into a circular festival site made from reused materials. More than 125 events—including a “Day and Night of Architecture” on 14 June—unpack how existing spaces can be re-imagined sustainably.

Just across the river, another height-seeking project steals early-June headlines. From 29 May to 9 June the tenth edition of Rotterdam Rooftop Days unveils the giant Rooftop Roetsj slide on top of the Maritime Museum. After exploring an elevated exhibition about future city-water relations, brave souls can zip down a long stainless-steel chute with sweeping views of Coolsingel and Leuvehaven; stairs are available for anyone who prefers a slower descent. The slide is closed only on 2 and 3 June, and extra rooftop routes pop up around town on both festival weekends.

From 7 to 9 June the Roparun relay race finishes on the Coolsingel, bringing 212 fundraising teams and a weekend of roadside cheer for cancer care charities.

Literary fans converge on LantarenVenster between 13 and 15 June for the 55th Poetry International Festival, featuring a new Poetry Summit curated by Poet Laureate Babs Gons and an international line-up that includes Simon Armitage and Warsan Shire.

Finally, North Sea Round Town begins on 26 June, scattering more than 350 jazz, soul and pop-up performances across metro stations, parks and cafés in the run-up to North Sea Jazz.

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Hands-on art and design exhibitions

Families have until 29 June to explore Anansi the Spider at Kunsthal Rotterdam, an interactive romp through West African folklore complete with games, puzzles and colourful illustrations that trace the tale’s journey via the Caribbean to the Netherlands.

Also at the Kunsthal, audiovisual artist Boris Acket’s installation Spaces Between Lines—a moving canvas animated by air currents—closes on 8 June. The work spills from Hall 6 onto the exterior ramp, blurring boundaries between inside and open parkland.

Over at the Nieuwe Instituut, Ma Yansong. Architecture and Emotion runs throughout the summer. Models, films and a late-June talk by the MAD Architects founder link the show to the Fenix Museum’s dramatic Tornado staircase across the river.

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Live music: from jazz quartets to Nordic electronica

The month’s first weekend swings straight into gear. On Thursday 5 June Barcelona-meets-Florence quartet Barencia sets LantarenVenster ablaze with a heady mix of flamenco dance and modern jazz, led by pianist Xavi Torres and dancer Karen Lugo. Twenty-four hours later the same stage rewinds to vintage rock ’n’ roll when Oklahoma guitarist JD McPherson teams up with honky-tonk troubadour JP Harris for a double bill promising upright bass slaps and twanging Telecasters.

Mid-month belongs to the musical mavericks. On Tuesday 10 June the Casady sisters return as CocoRosie, turning children’s toys and operatic vocals into poetic lo-fi pop. Folk archivist Jake Xerxes Fussell follows on 11 June with Appalachian story-songs that feel both centuries old and sharply present, while the cavernous Maassilo hosts Icelandic-Faroese duo Kiasmos on 12 June, bathing dancers in minimalist electronica built from sub-bass and string samples. The percussion spectacle Slagerij van Kampen celebrates forty years at the Oude Luxor on 13 June, and Bollywood icon Shreya Ghoshal fills RTM Stage on 14 June with the soaring melodies that made her a legend of Indian cinema.

Big voices claim the spotlight later in the month. Gospel powerhouse CeCe Winans teams up with long-time friend Michael W. Smith for an arena-sized worship evening at Rotterdam Ahoy on 19 June, their first joint Dutch date. Two nights later alternative-rock history walks onto the Theater Rotterdam stage when Pixies bassist Kim Deal premieres songs from her debut solo album Nobody Loves You More—recorded partly with the late Steve Albini—alongside Breeders classics.

The closing week offers contrasts as wide as the Maas. North Sea Round Town starts on 26 June, scattering more than 350 free and ticketed jazz, soul and hip-hop sets across metro stations, bookshops, parks, and dive bars through to mid-July. One highlight lands on 27 June at LantarenVenster, where the Paradox Jazz Orchestra joins Belgian trumpet great Bert Joris for contemporary big-band swing steeped in Ellingtonian warmth. Whether you prefer intimate folk tales, industrial-scale techno pulses or full-choir gospel, June’s calendar proves you never need to leave city limits to tour the world’s sounds.

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Terrace season and food news

As soon as the afternoon sun settles over the Maas, Rotterdam’s seasonal hang-outs burst back into life. Biergarten, Garden of BIRD, De Maaskantine and other pop-up terraces have rolled out their benches, fairy lights and vinyl DJs, inviting lingering after-work drinks and long Sunday lunches by the water. Each venue stays open only for the warm months, so June is the ideal moment to claim a table before weekend crowds peak.

A short metro ride west, Schiedam welcomes the public into jenever history on 12 June when the Nolet family unveils the Nolet Copper Club. Housed in the historic Witte Huis, the experience pairs a mini-museum tour with a two-hour mixology workshop where guests shake three cocktails made from the distillery’s botanicals and spirits. Sessions run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings, and group sizes are capped for an intimate feel.

Dining out with relatives gets a social twist early in the month. On National Grandparents’ Day, 4 June, dozens of Rotterdam restaurants take part in the nationwide ‘Een tafel voor Twee’ campaign: bring an older companion and their main course is on the house. Participating spots range from Café de Ooievaar in Delfshaven to Vegan Pizza Bar on Goudsesingel, so you can choose surroundings that suit your elder’s taste.

Families with young children can stretch the budget further at De Beren Rotterdam Alexandrium, where every Saturday and Sunday until 20 July one children’s menu is free with each adult main. The promotion grew out of a May-holiday pilot and now includes a mid-week extension for kids who attend Alexandrium’s Wednesday Kidsclub. Expect a small surprise for the little ones and a playground that lets parents linger over dessert.

Finally, mark 16 June for the lakeside Haringparty at De Tuin aan de Plas. Every herring eaten during this convivial fundraiser sends a donation to Stichting Taai, supporting cystic-fibrosis research. It is a quintessentially Dutch way to celebrate the new herring catch while giving back to a good cause.

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Greener energy and better housing

A 5,400-panel solar park opened mid-May in Schiebroek, the city’s first in which local entrepreneurs and residents each hold a fifty-percent stake—enough to power about a thousand households. In governance news, the municipality launched Rotterdams Goed Wonen on 28 May, an integrated plan to tackle neglected housing in five southern neighbourhoods through joint action by housing associations, police and health services. Meanwhile, on 3 June councillors formalised protection of Landtong Rozenburg, converting this windy strip beside the port from industrial zoning to permanent nature reserve after years of local campaigning.

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Get your groove on

If you prefer dancing to spectating, nhow Rotterdam’s rooftop-bar DJ nights run every Friday and Saturday from 21:30 until 01:00. Part of the hotel’s “dance nhow, change now” programme, the sessions pair skyline views with house, Afro-Latin and disco sets. Entry is free and the lifts run late, making it an easy excuse to stay out after sunset.

On Saturday, June 7th, Typical Tropical is hosting its monthly LatinXpress events in Grounds, featuring separate bachata and salsa rooms. 

How about a live show tonight?

Special events happening soon

How about a live show tonight?

Special events happening soon

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