ROTTERDAM, 25 July 2025 – Rotterdam’s streets will come alive this Saturday with the Summer Carnival, locally known as Zomercarnaval. The parade will be broadcast live from Witte de Withstraat by NOS.

Summer Carnival 2025 broadcast live from Rotterdam

On Saturday 26 July, Rotterdam’s city centre will host the annual Summer Carnival, commonly referred to as Zomercarnaval. The large-scale street parade will fill the city with music, dancing, and colourful costumes over the course of seven hours.

Later that evening, Dutch broadcaster NOS will air highlights in a special programme, presented live from Witte de Withstraat. The broadcast will run from 20:28 to 21:18 on NPO 1 and can also be streamed via NOS.nl and the NOS app. International viewers in the Caribbean and worldwide can tune in via BVN from 23:30 (NL time).

Former Carnival Queen joins the NOS team

Presenter Evita Mac-nack will guide viewers through the live coverage. She will be joined by Larisa Da Veiga, last year’s Carnival Queen. Da Veiga, of Cape Verdean-Dutch descent, will offer personal insight and context to the cultural meaning of the celebration.

Stories from behind the scenes

The NOS programme will include pre-recorded segments that give viewers a closer look at the people behind the event. Among the featured participants are siblings Oneal and Céline Rodgers, who were crowned King and Queen of Summer Carnival 2025 earlier this month.

The broadcast aims to provide both an overview of the parade and a window into its diverse community of performers.

Follow the parade online

Between 12:15 and 15:00 on Saturday, a fixed camera on Witte de Withstraat will livestream the full parade on NOS.nl and the NOS app.

In addition, a video will be published that follows the Cape Verdean group Cabo Verde Chegou as they prepare for the parade. Their appearance coincides with Cape Verde’s 50th anniversary of independence, adding symbolic weight to their participation.

About the Summer Carnival (Zomercarnaval)

The Summer Carnival in Rotterdam is a two-day cultural festival inspired by Caribbean traditions. Since 2023, it has been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The 2025 edition marks the event’s 41st year.

The parade will include around 25 groups and 2,500 dancers, representing over 170 nationalities. The event has grown into one of the most visible expressions of Rotterdam’s multicultural identity.

ROTTERDAM, 10 July 2025 – Rotterdam’s cityscape and humour take centre stage in Netflix’s latest Dutch-language comedy, Almost Cops, which premieres this week. The film was celebrated with a fan screening and afterparty at Kino Rotterdam.

New Netflix comedy Almost Cops set in Rotterdam launches globally

An exclusive premiere of Netflix’s Dutch comedy film Almost Cops (original title Bad Boa’s) was held last night at Kino Rotterdam. Attended by fans and familiar faces from the city, the event marked the film’s upcoming global release on 11 July. The film, set in Rotterdam, features Jandino Asporaat and Werner Kolf in lead roles.

A pre-screening Q&A session with the cast was moderated by Fernando Halman, giving the audience insight into the film’s development and characters. Following the screening, the evening concluded with a dance-fuelled afterparty, reflecting the energy of the production and its setting.

Plot rooted in Rotterdam’s streets

Almost Cops follows the story of Ramon, a committed community enforcement officer (boa, or buitengewoon opsporingsambtenaar) portrayed by Asporaat, who is tasked with patrolling his local Rotterdam neighbourhood. He is unexpectedly paired with Jack, a former detective, played by Werner Kolf, who has been reassigned to Ramon’s team after a workplace incident.

As the unlikely duo navigate their conflicting personalities, they uncover a shared trauma – both have lost a loved one to murder. Their collaboration turns into a personal investigation, leading them closer to the truth and forcing them to confront unexpected revelations.

Netflix’s Almost Cops, starring Jandino Asporaat, premieres 11 July. The comedy, set in Rotterdam, was launched with a screening and fan event at Kino.

Local talent behind and in front of the camera

Directed by Gonzalo Fernández Carmona and produced by Maarten Swart, Jandino Asporaat, and Kenneth Asporaat, the film has been developed by Kaap Holland Film and Het Huis van Asporaat. The script was written by Thomas van der Ree, Joost Reijmers and Kenneth Asporaat.

The ensemble cast includes Mark Rietman, Florence Vos Weeda, Juliette van Ardenne, Stephanie van Eer, Ferdi Stofmeel, Ergun Simsek, Teun Kuilboer, Daniël Kolf, Victoria Koblenko, Romana Vrede, Yannick Jozefzoon, Nazmiye Oral, Rian Gerritsen, Phi Nguyen, Richard Groenendijk, Jetty Mathurin, Murth Mossel, Raymond Thiry, and Steef Cuijpers.

Rotterdam as a cinematic backdrop

With key scenes shot around the city, including recognisable landmarks such as the Erasmus Bridge, Almost Cops uses Rotterdam’s architecture and neighbourhoods not only as a setting, but as part of the narrative. The film blends comedy and light mystery, reflecting everyday tensions and connections in urban life.

ROTTERDAM, 14 July 2025 – This year’s national Open Monuments Day will officially launch in nearby Schiedam with a public evening programme highlighting the city’s architectural heritage. The event, hosted on 12 September, ties into Schiedam’s 750th anniversary celebrations.

 _{Photo caption: Schiedam City Hall. Photo: Cathelijne Beckand}

Open Monuments Day 2025 to launch with public event in Schiedam

Schiedam has been selected as the host city for the official launch of the VriendenLoterij Open Monumentendag (Open Monuments Day) 2025. The national event, which takes place annually across the Netherlands, will begin on Friday 12 September with an evening of cultural activities in and around the historic Lange Haven in Schiedam’s city centre.

The opening will be led by Open Monumentendag ambassador Janny van der Heijden and Schiedam’s mayor, Harald Bergmann. The launch event will include an outdoor show near the Havenkerk, followed by a cultural programme involving several local monuments.

Focus on heritage and architecture

This year’s Open Monuments Day theme is ‘Heritage & Architecture’, with the accompanying slogan ‘Gebouw(d) om te blijven’ (Built to last). The theme explores the durability and historical value of Dutch architectural heritage.

Schiedam’s 750th anniversary serves as a timely backdrop. Mayor Bergmann commented, “We are honoured to open Open Monuments Day in our anniversary year. Heritage should not only be preserved but also experienced. Schiedam celebrates the future.”

Friday 12 September evening programme

The public is invited to gather from 20:00 along the Lange Haven quays to enjoy a cultural pre-programme. The official launch will take place at 20:30, followed by an open programme from 21:00 to 23:00 where visitors may explore various monuments in the city centre, each hosting cultural activities. Entry is free of charge.

Han van der Horst, chair of the local committee, remarked, “The people of Schiedam are eager to welcome more visitors to their distinctive city centre this anniversary year.”

Photo caption: Havenkerk in Schiedam. Photo: Bob van der Vlist

National heritage weekend continues through 13 and 14 September

On Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September, over 5,000 monuments across the Netherlands will open their doors to the public, many of which are not usually accessible. Guided tours, exhibitions and cultural activities will highlight the stories and architectural value of Dutch heritage sites.

Event partners and supporters

The event is supported by the VriendenLoterij, WARP Systems, the National Restoration Fund, and the Dutch Association of Real Estate Agents and Valuers (NVM). The launch in Schiedam is produced in cooperation with the ‘Schiedam viert 750’ celebrations and the local Open Monuments Day committee.

About Open Monuments Day and its organiser

Open Monuments Day (Open Monumentendag) is held annually during the second weekend of September, organised by the foundation Nederland Monumentenland in collaboration with more than 300 local committees and 18,000 volunteers. The event aims to increase public appreciation of heritage by offering free access to significant historic locations.

The foundation also organises events such as the Open Monumenten Klassendag (Heritage Day for Schools), the National Monuments Conference, the Heritage Volunteers Award, and distributes the familiar Monumentenschildjes (monument plaques).

Directions to the Schiedam opening event

The launch and evening programme will take place near the Havenkerk and along the Lange Haven in Schiedam’s historic city centre. The area is accessible via Schiedam Centrum station, and several parking garages are located nearby. The surroundings are characterised by scenic canals, historic warehouses and traditional Dutch windmills.

ROTTERDAM, 9 July 2025 – Popronde Rotterdam will join forces with Club Uniek during this year’s Eendracht Festival, highlighting local talent on 17 July. The collaboration forms a preview of Popronde’s main event, set to return this November.

Popronde Rotterdam to co-host stage at Club Uniek during Eendracht Festival

Popronde Rotterdam has been announced as a co-host of the VOS stage at Club Uniek during Eendracht Festival, taking place on Thursday 17 July. The collaboration includes Motel Mozaïque, venue Annabel, and music platform 3voor12 Rotterdam. Together, these local cultural organisations have curated a line-up of five emerging Rotterdam-based acts.

The VOS stage will be located in Club Uniek on Mauritsweg 34, previously known as De Unie. The programme will feature Romy Liz Rose (20:30), Hana Fatur (21:30), BERBER (22:30), Newark (23:30), and FLORA (00:30). Entrance is free.

A celebration of Rotterdam’s music scene

Organised by Stichting De Nieuwe Lichting, Eendracht Festival has evolved into a platform showcasing the diversity of Rotterdam’s music culture. Taking place around Eendrachtsplein, the festival includes thirteen free stages, curated in collaboration with various local music initiatives.

The festival places the spotlight on Rotterdam-based musicians, particularly from non-mainstream genres, and aims to present a broad reflection of the city’s evolving creative landscape. An estimated 13,500 visitors are expected, including both music fans and industry professionals interested in discovering new talent. In addition to live music, the festival programme also includes spoken word, theatre, stand-up comedy, street art, and visual art.

Popronde Rotterdam returns in November

Popronde Rotterdam, part of the nationwide travelling festival Popronde, is scheduled for Saturday 8 November. The event is known for transforming both expected and unconventional city locations into live music venues. Previous editions included performances in bookshops, cafés, hostels, galleries, and even a military museum.

While the complete line-up and venue list will be released later in the year, the 2024 edition featured 91 free performances across 41 different locations. The event is regarded as one of the more extensive editions in the country. In 2021, Popronde Rotterdam received the Rotterdam Music Award for ‘Best Festival’.

Popronde offers audiences a chance to experience live sets from emerging artists before they break through to wider national recognition. Past alumni include Froukje, Meau, Rondé, Chef’Special and Kensington.

For more information, visit popronde.nl/steden/rotterdam.

Club Uniek – location and directions

Club Uniek is located at Mauritsweg 34, near Eendrachtsplein in the city centre. The area is well-connected by tram and metro, with Eendrachtsplein station only a few minutes' walk away. The venue is surrounded by other cultural spaces and eateries, making it a convenient stop during the festival.