On Friday May 3rd, the Dutch world class artist will perform his relatively new concept ‘What The F’ in a spectacular Open to Close. The 6-hour show promises a blend of past and future sounds from System F and Gouryella to the present and future.
Maassilo to host Ferry Corsten's What The F! audiovisual concert
A special concert has been announced for Rotterdam’s Maassilo, featuring the renowned Dutch DJ Ferry Corsten. Scheduled for 3 May, this event will showcase Ferry Corsten's 'What The F' concept, an audiovisual experience spanning from open to close. This six-hour performance aims to merge the musical journeys of Corsten's various artistic personas, including Gouryella and System F, alongside his main act.
Ferry Corsten's pioneering journey
Ferry Corsten shared his excitement about the concert: “This feels like an absolute highlight of my work. Lots of my older productions examined, reconsidered from a futuristic approach and ultimately remixed,” he explained, emphasizing the transformative nature of this event.
The Rotterdam-based EDM legend, known for his significant contributions to the music industry, will perform an extended set that highlights the evolution of his music. Describing the depth of his repertoire, Ferry said, “It will be a journey through my sound in all its diversity.” He added, “It sounds crazy, but I really became a bit enchanted by the diversity of my music. From house to progressive and from trance to techier productions.”
The official poster for Grotesque presents What The F!
Event details and directions
Grotesque presents What the F! Ferry Corsten in Concert will take place in the main hall of Rotterdam's Maassilo. Regular tickets and meet & greet ticket packages are available here. Alongside Ferry, this show will include light and laser visuals, several live acts from vocalists, but also tracks from Ferry’s alter egos, some as previously mentioned in new, futuristic versions.
Maassilo, situated on the Maashaven Zuidzijde, is known for its industrial charm and large-scale events.
Every year on the fifth of May, people in the Netherlands celebrate Bevrijdingsdag, marking the end of Nazi occupation during World War II. It is also a nice day to visit one of the 14 official festivals which take place all over the country.
Dodenherdenking, May 4th
The festive events on May fifth are always preceded by 'Dodenherdenking' on May fourth. On this day, at exactly 20:00, two minutes of silence are observed by media, offices, restaurants and stores in honour of the people who gave and lost their lives during World War II and War in general. Don't be surprised if they suddenly cut the music in a bar or stop tending tables in a café.
Bevrijdingsdag, May 5th (Liberation Day)
The Netherlands was liberated on May 5th, 1945 when German commander Johannes Blaskowitz agreed to surrender. The official capitulation document was signed the next day at the university auditorium in the city of the Wageningen. This was almost five years to the day after Rotterdam was levelled by Nazi bombers in 1940.
Liberation Day is a workday for most
Though nobody doubts the importance of the day, it's not a typical national holiday. It is only observed as a public holiday for everyone, including both public and private sectors, once every five years. The next time this will happen is in 2025 when the Netherlands will celebrate the 80th anniversary of its liberation. In between those five-year milestones, Liberation Day is not considered a public holiday for the general population. However, it is still a public holiday for schoolteachers, civil servants and government employees, meaning they will get a day off from work.
Government employees are free from work, but for those in the private sector, it's just a regular workday. Some collective labour agreements specify that employees get one free day every fifth Liberation Day. Schools are usually always closed on Liberation Day.
Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid Holland celebrated in Rotterdam
Liberation Festival (Bevrijdingsfestival) Rotterdam
To mark this day, there are various parades and 14 festivals all across the country. The Liberation Day festival in Rotterdam is actually the official festival for the entire province of South Holland. The event, named Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland is held at Euromast Park. The next one takes place on May 5th, 2024, from 12:30 PM to 11:00 PM in Het Park at the foot of the Euromast in Rotterdam.
This is the official artist line-up for 2024, featuring headliners Son Mieux and Blaudzun:
HAPPENING ON 20 April 2024 – A notable gathering is set to take place at Baroeg under the 'Everyone Rocks' event, aimed at integrating individuals with disabilities into the vibrant local culture scene. This initiative offers an inclusive day of music, dance, and communal activities.
Everyone Rocks event to unite community
Baroeg, a key cultural hub in Rotterdam's Lombardijen district, is hosting the second edition of the 'Everyone Rocks' event. The initiative is designed to foster inclusion for people with disabilities, alongside local music and dance enthusiasts. The day is set to feature performances that highlight both the talent and inclusiveness of the community.
The event will kick off with a performance titled 'Iconic World' by the Rotterdam dance company Misiconi, which is known for its inclusive lineup of dancers with and without disabilities. This marks the first collaboration between Baroeg and Misiconi, enhancing the cultural fabric of Lombardijen.
Musical highlights and activities
The musical programme for the day includes a variety of pop and rock covers performed by the Niemand Minder Sessieband, consisting of clients from Pameijer, a local support organization for individuals with disabilities. Attendees can expect renditions of classics from bands like KISS, Queen, Johnny Cash, Golden Earring, and CCR.
Additionally, the event will feature karaoke, music lessons provided by SKVR, and a barbecue. The day will conclude with a performance by Scream Tonight, covering hits from rock legends such as AC/DC, Motörhead, ZZ Top, and Twisted Sister.
Everyone Rocks is Baroeg's event for people with disabilities. Photo credit: Martijn Berlage @ Baroeg Open Air festival
Future plans for Baroeg
This event is among the last to be held at the current Baroeg venue before its scheduled demolition in summer 2024. The new venue is expected to open in autumn 2025. In the interim, Baroeg will host performances at various locations across the city, including V11, Maassilo, Podium Grounds, Rotown, SoundVille, and the annual Baroeg Open Air festival in Zuiderpark.
Event information
The event will take place at Baroeg, located at Spinozaweg 300, 3076 ET Rotterdam. The venue is easily accessible by public transport.
The Travelling Learning Circus offers a creative oasis in Hoek van Holland. Brinkplein is set to become a stage for community tales and artistic ventures.
‘Travelling learning circus’ engages Hoek van Holland
The Travelling Learning Circus (Reizend LeerCircus) will set up its inaugural space for community and cultural engagement in Hoek van Holland, at Brinkplein from 16 to 21 April 2024. Orchestrated by Stichting Wijkcollectie, the initiative is designed as a meeting place where residents and artists share experiences through stories, art, music, and theatre.
The initiative aims to enhance community bonds and cultural exchange. In this edition, the theme of 'new neighbours' is explored, which has emerged as a recurrent narrative among the local residents. Nicole van Dijk, director of Stichting Wijkcollectie, has highlighted the complexity of welcoming new neighbours into the community.
Art and dialogue in Hoek van Holland
Throughout the week, Brinkplein will host a multitude of activities, including workshops, theatrical performances, and musical events, all centred around the distinctive circular open-air tent installation by artist Frans van der Horst. These programmes encourage community members to engage with each other and reflect on the shared stories of their environment.
Kick-off and week-long programme
The official launch on 18 April 2024 will feature local narratives, culinary delights from the area, and cultural performances, providing a vibrant start to the week's festivities. The full programme can be found here.
The Travelling Learning Circus continues its journey
Following its time in Hoek van Holland, the Travelling Learning Circus will move on to other Rotterdam neighbourhoods including Oosterflank and Oude Noorden, creating platforms for community engagement and collective reflection in each new location.
Finding your way to Brinkplein, Hoek van Holland
Brinkplein, located at the centre of Hoek van Holland, is readily accessible for attendees of the Travelling Learning Circus.
The vibrant spirit of King's Day (Koningsdag) comes to life in Rotterdam on 27th April. The historic celebration of the Dutch monarch's birthday is marked by a range of exciting events, including a royal walking route, performances, and activities throughout the city.
The party is happening everywhere
On King's Day, you can party everywhere in the city. Every bar and club will be open and offer a nice day or evening filled with activities and live performances. In other words, you don't need to go to a major festival, as the atmosphere is best experienced in the city streets and its brown bars. Moreover, every town square and shopping street will be transformed into flea markets, where anybody can set up a table with goods for sale. Be sure to arrive early if you want to find vintage gems.
However, if you are looking for a proper, large music / EDM festival with a solid line-up, then look no further. We have listed the most popular parties for you right here.
King's Day festivals taking place:
If you're an expat or tourist, these festivals could be more fun, as the artist line-ups and musical genres (EDM, Hip Hop etc.) are more mainstream, rather than the traditional Dutch folk music.
Kingsland Festival
Kingsland Festival in Rotterdam is set to be a spectacular celebration of Koningsdag, the national holiday in honor of the King's birthday. Held in the expansive greenery of Het Zuiderpark, this festival is renowned as the largest of its kind in the Netherlands, drawing massive crowds and featuring some of the country's most prominent artists.
For 2024, Kingsland Festival has prepared an extensive lineup that promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. The roster includes a diverse array of performers such as Benny Rodrigues, Broederliefde, Flemming, and Oliver Heldens, ensuring that there's something for every musical taste.
Festival-goers have various ticket options to choose from, with prices ranging depending on the time of purchase—Early Bird tickets start at €49,50, Regular tickets at €54,50, and Late Bird options go up to €59,50. Group tickets are also available for those attending in parties of five or more. Adding to the convenience, Kingsland Rotterdam operates with e-lockers, which use a digital code eliminating the need for keys or a deposit.
Transportation to the festival is well-organized, with recommendations to park at Ahoy if driving, or to use the train and metro systems with Rotterdam Centraal as the central hub. Keep in mind that on Koningsdag, special transport regulations apply, including an adjusted train schedule and restrictions on alcohol consumption in transit areas.
The festival upholds strict house rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all. These include mandatory ID checks (as the event is 18+), a ban on smoking in enclosed spaces, and a zero-tolerance policy for drugs.
Kingsland Festival in Rotterdam is truly an occasion that brings the spirit of Koningsdag to life, providing a day filled with music, celebration, and unity under the banner “Samen zijn wij oranje” — together we are orange. For more information, you can check the festival's line-up, tickets, and general info.
Kralingse Bos Festival (KBF)
Kralingse Bos Festival, now known simply as KBF, is ready to turn heads with its Royal edition on King's Day in 2024. It promises to be a day of non-stop festivities that are quintessentially Rotterdam—less talk, more celebration. The event will take place on April 27th from 13:00 to 23:00, turning the Kralingse Bos into a kingdom of entertainment.
The festival's line-up is an eclectic mix of genres aimed at energizing and captivating attendees with performances from urban to house music. Noteworthy acts such as Fake Tits, Joy Heart, and Josylvio are set to take the stage, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. Other artists like Rowan Pierot, Sluwe Ollie, Team Rush Hour, The Partysquad, Wessel S, Young Ellens, and MC Joreno add to the diverse musical offering, with the promise of more to be announced.
Access to the festival is restricted to those 18 and over, with ID checks at the entrance. KBF is well-connected to public transport, advising against car travel due to safety and parking considerations. It's recommended to use the metro, tram, or e-scooters, with the festival providing clear guidance on the best routes from various starting points, including nearby cities.
Attendees can expect a plethora of food stands and bars catering to various dietary requirements, although personal food and drinks are not permitted on-site. To ensure a smooth experience, the festival is a 'pin only' event, making transactions quicker and more environmentally friendly. For added convenience, lockers will be available to store personal items safely.
For those looking to capture the royal festivities of KBF, you're advised to arrive early, especially if you have an Early Entrance Ticket which requires entry before 16:00 to avoid additional charges. Keep in mind that once you're in, there's no re-entry, so make sure to bring everything you need to enjoy the festival to the fullest.
Oranjebitter Rotterdam
Oranjebitter Rotterdam takes the celebration of King's Day to the next level with an electrifying event set to take place at Roel Langerakpark. Scheduled for April 27th, the festival offers an immersive experience with three stages delivering a diverse range of electronic music genres. Partygoers can expect a sonic journey through euphoric rave, pounding techno, and high-energy hypersonic house sounds, all under the banner “The Future Is Orange”.
A noteworthy line-up includes the collaborative magic of Chris Stussy x Locklead, the enthralling beats of DJ Gigola, and the vibrant rhythms of Philou Louzolo & Cincity, amongst others. Each artist brings their unique flair, set to captivate attendees in what promises to be a full-throttle celebration of the national holiday.
The festival's ethos is steeped in inclusivity and enjoyment, making it an essential destination for music enthusiasts on this Dutch national holiday. For more information on tickets, the line-up, and general FAQs, visitors can explore Oranjebitter's official website.
Other King's Day festivals taking place in Rotterdam:
Kroonjuweel
Kroonjuweel Festival at the Merwe-Vierhavens invites you to celebrate King's Day with a mix of techno, uplifting house, and blazing hard-techno rave. With artists like David Vunk, Fafi Abdel Nour, OG Karin, and Subfiction spinning the decks, the party promises to be an unforgettable experience. Tickets are in their final phase, starting at 39,50 euros excluding service costs.
De Oranjetuin
King's Day welcomes a new player, De Oranjetuin. This block party kicks off the opening of De Kerktuin, a pop-up terrace next to the Arminius Church. Expect a casual vibe with dancing, beer, and good company. While the lineup remains a surprise, it's exclusively women behind the decks. A 'Vlugge Willy' entry card is a steal at 15 euros.
Royal Republic
Royal Republic offers a free celebration at Garden of Bird, showcasing a mix of hip-hop, r&b, afro, dancehall, and more. With talents like Phil Peoples, Acquisition, Ray Escobar, and Cijntje, the day is sure to be vibrant. Plus, there's no shortage of drinks and wood-oven pizza to enjoy in the picturesque setting.
Radio Tornado
Radio Tornado serves a diverse musical feast, from Italo disco to Chicago house and Caribbean to African tunes. On King's Day, they bring their eclectic blend to a block party at Mono with local DJs like Marsman, Jeff Solo, All Hans on Deck, and Alix Dyon. Tickets are a bargain at 15 euros, with early bird options already sold out.
Koningsdag op het Stadhuisplein
Stadhuisplein is once again decking out in orange for King's Day. Celebrate with old and new friends over beers and cheers. The party starts early with tickets available at 11,50 euros for early birds, and regular tickets at 16,50 euros.
Koningsdag festival Baroeg
The annual King's Day festival at Baroeg is back with seven energetic bands ready to rock through the national holiday. The event is free, so gather your crew and head over to the Spinozaweg. And for Baroeg regulars, there's exciting news: a brand-new venue is set to replace the current one.
Sweet Kingsday Festival
The Sweet Kingsday Festival in Lombardijen is a family affair, offering a full day of bands, live acts, and DJs in the Spinozapark. Children can enjoy playground amenities, and with plenty of food and drink options, you can settle in for the long haul. The festivities run from 10:00 to 21:00.
The official poster for Grotesque presents What The F!
