HAPPENING 1-2 NOV 2025 | Following its Rotterdam debut earlier this month, the immersive sound project Foundscape Orchestra by artist Daniel Maalman now brings its maritime-inspired performance to Schiedam. On 1 and 2 November, the Sodafabriek will transform into a living instrument for Klankexpeditie Sodafabriek, part of the travelling cultural programme Erfgoedspektakel.

The sound of maritime heritage

What does maritime heritage sound like? That question drives Foundscape Orchestra, a project that explores the sonic and spatial qualities of historical industrial sites. Using self-built sound sculptures, mechanical devices and the building itself as a resonating body, Daniel Maalman turns each space into a unique audiovisual composition.

“The Sodafabriek will become an immersive sound and light installation where history, architecture and acoustics merge,” says Maalman. “It’s an electronic performance that uses the building as both stage and instrument.”

A historic setting

Located in Schiedam’s former harbour district, the Sodafabriek once formed part of the city’s industrial backbone — serving as a soda factory from the late 19th century until 1975. Its structure, marked by maritime trade and the jenever industry, provides the perfect backdrop for this site-specific performance.

Shows take place on Saturday (19:00, 20:00, 21:00) and Sunday evening (18:00, 19:00, 20:00), featuring Daniel Maalman, Jaap Mutter (Tojo) and Stijn Kuipers (This is not Rocket Science).

Connecting culture and heritage

Klankexpeditie Sodafabriek is part of the Erfgoedspektakel, a series of events that link cultural creators with historical buildings across Zuid-Holland. Supported by the Province of Zuid-Holland through its Maritime Industry Heritage Line and by the VriendenLoterij, the initiative aims to make heritage accessible through artistic interpretation.

Michiel Rohlof of Erfgoedspektakel explains: “We bring culture and heritage together in ways that attract new audiences. The Province’s ambition aligned perfectly with our mission — to show that heritage sites can be places of wonder and connection. After Schiedam, the series will continue at other maritime locations across Zuid-Holland.”

From Rotterdam to Schiedam

Earlier this month, Foundscape Orchestra transformed Rotterdam’s Ontsmettingsgebouw at the Quarantaineterrein into a living sound installation. Read more about that performance here: Foundscape Orchestra in Rotterdam’s port heritage site.

Together, these performances form a growing series of sound expeditions across South Holland, exploring how local history and industrial architecture can inspire new forms of music and art.

Directions

Location: De Sodafabriek, Makkersstraat 5–7, Schiedam
Tickets: €9.50 (€7.50 for VriendenLoterij members), advance booking required.
The venue is a short walk from Schiedam Centrum station and easily accessible via tram or metro from Rotterdam.

HAPPENING 15 NOV 2025 | The annual Sinterklaas parade is one of the biggest family events of the season, marking the official arrival of the Dutch Saint Nicholas and his helpers in Rotterdam. The 'Sint' and his crew will sail into the city, kick-starting weeks of festive anticipation.

What is Sinterklaas?

If you’re new to the Netherlands, Sinterklaas is the traditional Dutch figure who inspired Santa Claus. He travels from Spain by steamboat each November, bringing gifts and sweets for children. The story and celebrations differ from Christmas, though they share a similar spirit.

To learn more about the origins of Sinterklaas, the difference between him and Santa, and why Dutch children leave their shoes by the fireplace, read our full guide: Sinterklaas: The Original Santa Claus and Dutch Traditions.

Route and highlights

The celebration begins at Willemskade, where Mayor Carola Schouten will join families to welcome Sinterklaas and his colourful entourage as the steamboat docks. Expect lively music, dancing, and a big pietenshow — a playful stage performance featuring Sinterklaas’ helpers.

After the welcome ceremony, the Sint and his helpers will parade through the city towards the Grotekerkplein, followed by a cheerful procession of bands, acrobats and costumed performers.

Along the way, you’ll spot stunt pieten, stilt walkers and even the fire brigade joining in the fun. The parade ends with a second stage show at Grotekerkplein, where Sinterklaas greets children and families once more.

Schedule

The full programme runs from 12:00 to 17:00, offering plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of the Sint and his helpers. Families typically line the streets early to find a good viewing spot along the parade route.

The event is organised each year by the Sint Nicolaas Intocht Comité Rotterdam, with support from the municipality. Beyond the spectacle, the committee also donates gifts to children at the Sophia Children’s Hospital, ensuring the joy of the season reaches those who need it most.

Tips for visitors

• Arrive early: Crowds build quickly, especially around Willemskade and Grotekerkplein.
• Public transport: Take the metro or tram to Leuvehaven or Beurs — both are within walking distance.
• Dress warmly: November weather in Rotterdam can be chilly and windy along the waterfront.
• Stay for the show: The closing performance at Grotekerkplein is family-friendly and full of festive music.

Getting there

The parade starts at Willemskade and ends at Grotekerkplein, both within Rotterdam city centre. The area is easily accessible by public transport.

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.

HAPPENING 8 November 2025 | The Popronde music tour returns to Rotterdam this November, bringing a wide range of emerging artists to unexpected venues throughout the city — all free to attend. The selection for this year has been announced, and several Rotterdam-based acts are among the chosen performers.

_{Image: Daimy Lotus. Photo credit: Jessica Santiago Lopez.}

What is Popronde?

Popronde is the Netherlands’ largest travelling festival, showcasing up-and-coming artists on the verge of breaking through. Every autumn, around one hundred acts tour 41 Dutch cities, performing in unexpected venues such as bars, libraries, and galleries.

The idea is simple: discover tomorrow’s headliners today. Many now-famous Dutch artists — including Froukje, Rondé, Meau, Chef’Special, Kensington, De Staat and Racoon — once played Popronde before hitting the big stages.

A diverse programme throughout the city

This year’s Rotterdam edition sets a new record. From afternoon until late into the night, the city will pulse with live music in every corner. The day opens at 13:00 in the main hall of Rotterdam Central Station, where folk singer Coos from Utrecht will officially kick off the event. The closing act — electropunk band Stroomstoot — performs at Stalles BACK (formerly Club Centraal), wrapping up an intense day of music discovery.

Expect an eclectic mix of genres, from indie pop and jazz to hip-hop and punk. Whether you prefer intimate sets in hidden cafés or high-energy gigs in bustling bars, there’s something for every taste — and it’s all free.

Where to catch the shows

The 47 participating locations reflect Rotterdam’s diversity and creativity. Well-known music spots like BAR3, De Doelen, FERRY, Roodkapje, and MONO join forces with unexpected spaces such as Markthal, Bibliotheek Rotterdam, and Stadstuinwinkel STEK.

Here’s the full list of participating venues:

Station Rotterdam Centraal, Markthal, salsaschool El YoYo, Popunie, Delftse Poort, Burgertrut, Plato Rotterdam, Boekhandel van Gennep, Bibliotheek Rotterdam, Stadstuinwinkel STEK, Boekhandel Donner, Haagse Bluf, Proeflokaal Reijngoud, Baek Food & Drinks, Episode, Brasserie Barclay, Belgisch Biercafé Boudewijn, Hofbrouwerij Reijngoud, De Zondebok & ’t Zwarte Schaap, Café ’t Fust, Verward, MONO, De Doelen (Eduard Flipse Zaal), Roodkapje, Westkop, Café Pol, RiF010, Ani & Haakien, Club Uniek, Voorheen Voigt, Café Dox (Nieuwe Luxor Theater), Pocha, BAR3, Stalles (FRONT & BACK), Nieuw Rotterdams Café (NRC), Westerpaviljoen, Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub, Brewdog Outpost, Hensepeter, Matrix Rotterdam, Café Steijn, Sijf, De Riddert, FERRY, LITTERBOX, Brewpub Reijngoud.

Who’s playing

Popronde Rotterdam’s 2025 line-up features a huge range of new talent across every style imaginable — from electro-pop and rock to soul, punk and experimental sounds.

Acts performing this year include:
ARCHANGELS, BAD LUCK BABY, Badminton, Bens, Bodine Monet, C’est Qui?, Clitteband, Coos, Crybabies, Culi., Daisy Bellis, damy, Death Sells, Doe Gewoon, Eigen Risico, Elieve, Emirhan X, Faela, FAMKE, FAST DE, Fellatio, Figi, Fit, Flora Sophi, Gallamesh, Grote Geelstaart, Heijmat, Helen Jewett, Hiltje, Hondenfokker, Honey Camp, IDA, ILÆNDER, Joram Feitsma, JUNO, KALIMA, Karnabahar, Kaya, Kelsey, Kemal, Laplander, Lauf, Lisa Ploeger, LNDE, LOE., Luca St, Luke Christoffel & The Golden Tears, M.J.H. Thompson + Volksorkest, M2K, Mara Mandeau, MAYA MARIA, MAZIS, MAZOO, Mila & Mira, Miss Starling, Moon Jacky Jane, My Girlfriend, plonki, Politie Warnsveld, Rockpool Dramas, Ruby Mus, SERVICE, shaza, SKINC, Spijbelaar, stay away from dante!, Steven Charlot, STROOMSTOOT, Subject Sue, Syot, The Pekkers, Thor Kissing, tjels, Trxnz, Vegan Music, Wabi Sabi, Warbuhl, XXJULÍA, Yael Daila, Yengi, Yung Volwassen, Zedyé.

The variety and scale of this edition underline Rotterdam’s position as one of the most vibrant music cities in the Netherlands.

A growing festival with a local impact

Popronde Rotterdam has long been one of the larger editions of the nationwide festival. The Rotterdam edition previously won the ‘Best Festival’ category at the 2021 Rotterdam Music Awards. Its reputation continues to grow, with this year’s line-up promising an extensive tour through both popular and hidden locations across the city.

Attendees can expect a mix of musical genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop, funk, jazz, and electronic music. All performances are free of charge, making this an accessible and exciting event for both locals and visitors.

For the full programme and more information, visit the official Popronde website.

Getting to the venues

All Popronde Rotterdam venues are in and around the city centre, within easy reach by metro, tram or on foot from Rotterdam Central Station. Cycling between locations is a popular and efficient way to explore.