Eendracht Festival Rotterdam - date, locations, line-up
Featured

Eendracht Festival Rotterdam - date, locations, line-up

HAPPENING 17 July 2025 | Once a year, the entire area around Eendrachtsplein is filled by the sounds of live music. Multiple venues and various event programmers team up to bring you a showcase of the best that Rotterdam has to offer.

Eendracht Festival is Rotterdam’s annual multi‑venue showcase for emerging local artists. By partnering with grassroots venues and cultural organisations, the festival offers a snapshot of the city’s diverse creative scenes and keeps all performances 100 percent free for audiences.

 

Rotterdam local talent

The event provides a platform for more than 100 bands, poets, DJs and other creative locals. In the last eight editions, the festival has developed into a major showcase where event organizers, bookers, and fans come to discover the cities' best talent. All of Rotterdam's many musical scenes are represented. Each has its own location and 'host'. These hosts will 'take over' a local bar or venue in the Eendrachtsplein area for the night. 

 

What visitors can expect

  • 11 themed stages, each hosted by local venues, collectives and cultural partners.
  • 55+ emerging acts spanning hip‑hop, rock, metal, jazz, electronic, singer‑songwriter, comedy and visual arts.
  • Free admission to every performance; audiences simply move from stage to stage on foot.

 

Eendracht Festival is completely free and starts at 15:00. Most of the activities end around 23:00 while some clubs host parties that go on to 4:30 in the morning.


Eendracht Festival Bar3 📷 Niek HageEendracht Festival Bar3 📷 Niek Hage

 

2025 stage map and line‑ups

For the latest updates, check out the official website

Kameleon – Eendrachtsplein
Hosts: De Popunie; De Nieuwe Lichting
Acts: La Reunión • YSA Bermejo • Rijnbaart • L’Orne • Andro • Noizboiz • Ansjovis

Toekan – Boomgaardsstraat
Hosts: Stichting GloMAD; Café Dox; Jollove; G
Acts: Yabuticaba • Grupo Puerto • Reci Da! • Myl • Anda Electronix

Cobra – Mamarazzi
Hosts: Yardbird; Habibi’s World; Mood; Peanut Butter Jelly; Amapiano NL; Sense Society; Stir It Up
Acts: El Javier_B • Nubiya Ajuna • Nadim • Rish b2b Nalee • Yentzyz

Vos – Club Uniek
Hosts: 3voor12 Rotterdam; Annabel; Popronde; Motel Mozaïque
Acts: Hana Fatur • FLORA • BERBER • NEWĀRK • Romy Liz Rose

Jaguar – Skatepark Westblaak
Hosts: BIRD; North Sea Round Town; Cult North; House of Knowledge
Acts: Lizzy • Nia • Shaynah • Siegfried Hart • Westheaven

Wolf – Rotown
Hosts: Baroeg; V11; Roodkapje; Inner Basement
Acts: Kind Human • Fellatio • Menacer • Fosvor • Bombstrap

Uil – Heilige Boontjes (Eendrachtsplein)
Hosts: De Rotterdamse School; The World Club; Poetsclub
Acts: Iks • Nadine • Damaris • Yasslines • Luchowie Duzzith

Octopus – WORM (basement)
Hosts: Radio Tornado; Paardenrave; Fugazii; LUM co.; Lo‑Fidelity; Infinite Pleasure
Acts: Acidic Male • Vesuvio Vortex • Snooz • Momanna • Itz3bby 

Neushoorn – WORM (ground floor)
Hosts: Rotterdam Street Culture Week; Levels; Music Matters; Quardin
Acts: Kiiro • Nathan • Judah • Navaronecole • Main

Gorilla – WORM (upper floor)
Hosts: Unocked; Amen; Explicit; Wildstyle; Rdblck; PRSPCT
Acts: Prekeris • Platypus • Yemi • Oxfr • Aliienmiavs Dioxic

Pauw – Slash Gallery (Coolsestraat)
Hosts: Noël Deelen; Dead Cat; Jelmer Konjo; All Caps Rotterdam
Acts: Sjoerd Labega • Joost van Doorn • Rachel Caruana • Evi • My Little Paradice 

Hyena – Club Centraal (comedy)
Hosts: Poor Man’s Laugh; Comedy Club Ba‑Dum‑Tsss
Acts: Weinama • Harri Soinila • Christian Boscheri • Vasu Arora • Maryam Ameer

Axolotl – Club Centraal
Hosts: GrandLoge; Club Gewalt; HipSick
Acts: Radical Meditation • Joost Maaskant • Melissa Fortes • Nor



Bianculli performing at Eendrachtfestival 5.0Bianculli performing at Eendrachtfestival 5.0

 

Location: Eendrachtsplein area

Be sure to explore the entire area, starting at Eendrachtsplein and fanning out towards Oude Binnenweg, Nieuwe Binnenweg, Mauritsweg and Westblaak.

Superbimbo returns to Rotterdam this October

Superbimbo returns to Rotterdam this October

HAPPENING 11 October 2025 A Rotterdam nightlife staple returns to Kralingen this autumn, reviving house classics and expressive club culture. The event will take place at The Boathouse, surrounded by performance, fashion and music.

 

Superbimbo returns to The Boathouse with 'Show me love'

The Rotterdam-born club concept Superbimbo is set to return on Saturday 11 October with a new edition titled Show me love. The event will take place at The Boathouse in Kralingen, with a focus on classic house music from the 1990s and early 2000s, theatrical performances and an open-minded atmosphere.

Following its earlier comeback this year, the club night returns to the waterfront location with DJ sets from Emma Champagnequeen, Boris Ross and Ted Langenbach. The event is expected to attract a crowd familiar with Rotterdam’s more alternative nightlife traditions.

 

A legacy of expressive nightlife

Superbimbo originally gained recognition in the early 2000s during its time at Now&Wow. The event became known for embracing flamboyance and personal expression, setting itself apart with theatrical elements and open dress codes.

“We did it our way,” said DJ and co-organiser Ted Langenbach. “That drew in exactly the kind of people we hoped for: expressive, creative and open. It was never just another club night.”

 

Superbimbo returns to The Boathouse in Rotterdam on 11 October with house classics, live acts and a bold dress code.Superbimbo returns to The Boathouse in Rotterdam on 11 October with house classics, live acts and a bold dress code.

 

Back to Kralingen with house classics and spectacle

Superbimbo’s recent revival exchanged the industrial setting of Now&Wow for the lakeside intimacy of The Boathouse (Kralingse Plas). October’s edition will again feature nostalgic house sets and live performances throughout the evening. The organisers have issued a playful dress suggestion that encourages over-the-top looks, blending eccentric glamour with retro club aesthetics.

“It’s like coming home to a club world full of freedom and joy,” said creative director Pietra Ligura. “With Show me love we are celebrating the way dancing used to connect people.”

 

Directions to The Boathouse Kralingen

The Boathouse is located on the north side of the Kralingse Plas, offering views of the lake and surrounded by trees. The area is easily accessible by bike or tram from Rotterdam city centre. Tram lines 7 and 21 stop nearby at ‘Kralingse Plaslaan’ and parking is available in the surrounding area, though limited in the evening.

Lie down concert in Rotterdam botanical garden

Lie down concert in Rotterdam botanical garden

HAPPENING 23 July 2025 An open-air piano concert is set to take place in the botanical heart of Rotterdam, offering visitors a relaxed evening among greenery. The event focuses on film music, performed live in a laid-back, reclined setting.

 

Open-air film music concert planned at Trompenburg Gardens

A piano concert featuring recognisable compositions from popular films will be held on Wednesday 23 July 2025 in Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum (Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum). The performance will be led by pianist Anne Veinberg, who is expected to interpret soundtracks from various well-known films.

The event is designed as a “ligconcert,” a Dutch term meaning a lying-down concert, where audience members are encouraged to bring their own mats, cushions or blankets. Rather than using chairs, guests will find a spot on the grass and experience the music while lying down, surrounded by nature as the sun sets.

 

Music from iconic soundtracks

The evening’s programme will include musical arrangements from several notable films and musicals:

  • Beauty and the Beast – composed by Alan Menken, arranged by Kyle Landry
  • InterstellarDay One by Hans Zimmer
  • La La LandMia & Sebastian’s Theme by Justin Hurwitz
  • WickedDefying Gravity by Stephen Schwartz, arranged by Francesco Parrino

These selections are intended to evoke a sense of nostalgia and tranquillity, providing space for reflection and a slower pace in the midst of Rotterdam’s urban environment.

 

Evening access to the gardens

Trompenburg Gardens, usually closed in the evening, will open specially for the duration of the concert. Visitors may access the gardens from 19:00, with the concert starting promptly at 20:00 and concluding at 21:00. Doors to the concert area will open at 19:30.

 

How to get there

Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum

Trompenburg is located in Kralingen, a green and peaceful neighbourhood just east of the city centre. The gardens are accessible by tram, bicycle, or on foot, and offer a calm, leafy escape from the city bustle. Attendees are advised to arrive early to find a comfortable spot and settle in before the performance begins.

Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival - location, date, lineup

Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival - location, date, lineup

HAPPENING 25–26 July 2025 | Every summer the streets of Rotterdam are privy to a spectacle which has no equal anywhere else in The Netherlands: the Rotterdam Summer carnival and more specifically, the street parade.

What is Rotterdam Summer Carnival?

In a nutshell, it's the largest Caribbean street party in the Netherlands. The Summer Carnival in Rotterdam is also part of the intangible cultural heritage of the Netherlands. It is of great importance to the cultural identity and social cohesion of the country. The Rotterdam summer carnival street parade first took place in 1984. 

Sure, there's carnival in other parts of the country. Such as the carnival celebrations in Brabant and Limburg. However, the Rotterdam summer carnival has a Caribbean flair. It includes many elements from Dutch-Caribbean carnival traditions and could best be compared to the Nottingham Carnival in Britain.

When is the next Rotterdam Summer Carnival?

Rotterdam Unlimited Carnival 2025 will take place on 25 and 26 July in different locations across the city. The festival is mostly free, with after-parties being the only events you need tickets for at the summer carnival. 

This year’s Summer Carnival will be led by Oneal and Celine Rodgers, who were recently crowned King and Queen of Zomercarnaval 2025. The sibling duo earned the title during the official election in Rotterdam and will take centre stage as they lead the iconic parade on 26 July.

Changes in 2025: No concert after the street parade

Rotterdam Unlimited 2024 featured only a street parade, without the usual stage programmes on Friday and Saturday, due to new requirements from the Rotterdam municipality.

The municipality introduced new requirements mandating that stage programmes take place in a secured area with controlled access. Additionally, the street parade was no longer allowed to end at the event location. The need for a secure area added complexity and higher costs, while the restriction on the parade's endpoint disrupted the traditional flow and celebration of the event.

These stipulations complicated the festival’s logistics and planning, making it impossible to organise the stage programmes within the available timeframe. Instead, an extra festive parade took place on 27th July, marking its 40th anniversary and recent UNESCO recognition. Efforts are now focused on planning a full festival for 2025.

Main Rotterdam Summer Carnival dates for 2025

Disclaimer: At present, all we have to go on is that the official dates will be 25 and 26 July 2025. If the Friday events remain on Friday and the Saturday events remain on Saturday, this means the 2025 schedule will likely look as follows:

 

Friday 25 July: Battle of the drums

After last year’s spectacular anniversary edition at Rotterdam Ahoy, the legendary Battle of Drums is heading back to where it all began—outdoors, on the vibrant Coolsingel! On Friday evening, the city centre will erupt with rhythm, energy and unmistakable Caribbean vibes, as the top three brass bands go head-to-head for the coveted title. Expect an electrifying showdown that only Zomercarnaval can deliver.

 

Saturday 26 July: Rotterdam summer carnival street parade

The Summer Carnival Street Parade 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, 26th July, from 12:00 to 19:00 in Rotterdam's city centre. The parade starts at 12:00 from Blaak and winds its way along a 5-kilometre route through Rotterdam city centre, ending around 19:00.

This vibrant event features a colourful procession of dancers, music floats, drum bands, and spectacular costumes. Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the parade covers a 5 km route throughout the city.

 

The Queen and King lead the parade in the first float 

This year’s Summer Carnival will be led by Oneal and Celine Rodgers, who were recently crowned King and Queen of Zomercarnaval 2025. The sibling duo earned the title during the official election in Rotterdam and will take centre stage as they lead the iconic parade on 26 July.

 

Saturday 26 July: Mercado

De Mercado festival market is the culinary heart of Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval. Spread across the city, you'll find a rich mix of world cuisines—ranging from Surinamese, Hindustani-Chinese and Antillean, to street food and nutritious full meals. In addition to food stalls, there will also be stands offering merchandise, clothing and trinkets from various cultures.

De Mercado will take place on Saturday 26 July 2025 from 12:00 to 16:00 on Coolsingel.

Want to book a spot at the Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval festival market?
Applications are now open! Click the button below for more information and to sign up. 

 

Saturday 26 July: Rueda de Casino

The spectacular Rueda de Casino has long been a staple of Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval. Everyone is welcome to join—no registration required, and it's completely free!

Rueda de Casino is a Cuban group dance where a minimum of three couples dance salsa or son montuno in a circle, exchanging partners on command. The beauty of it? Absolutely anyone can join!

While there’s no fixed choreography, participants need to know certain routines or figures. The leader calls out or signals moves such as enchufla, adios a la hermana, setenta, and dame. The dance usually begins with the move dile que no, and the music is the same as that of salsa.

Rueda de Casino takes plce on Saturday 26 July from 12:00 to 16:00 in front of Rotterdam Centraal Station.  

 

Rotterdam summer carnival street parade route

In general, this is the route. Every so often it changes a little due to construction along the route, so be sure to double-check before making your final plans. The diagram below is from 2023.

 

route of the rotterdam summer carnival street parade in 2023route of the rotterdam summer carnival street parade in 2023

 

Still not sure if you should attend? Have a look at the Rotterdam Unlimited 2024 aftermovie:

 

And here's the Battle of the Drums aftermovie from 2024:

Historic ship Nao Victoria visits Rotterdam this August
Featured

Historic ship Nao Victoria visits Rotterdam this August

HAPPENING 6–10 August 2025 | A historic Spanish replica ship, the Nao Victoria, will dock at Veerhaven this August, offering visitors a glimpse into maritime history. The vessel will be open to the public from 6 to 10 August.

 

Nao Victoria replica arrives in Rotterdam this August

The Nao Victoria, a replica of the 16th-century vessel that completed the first circumnavigation of the globe, will dock in Rotterdam for the first time during its European tour. The ship, which retraces the maritime legacy of explorer Ferdinand Magellan, will be moored at Veerhaven and open for public visits between 6 and 10 August, from 10:00 to 20:00 each day.

The original Nao Victoria formed part of the Spanish “Spice Fleet” (Specerijenvloot), which departed from Seville in 1519. Commanded by Ferdinand Magellan and later Juan Sebastián Elcano, the expedition marked the first recorded journey around the world. Only one ship — the Nao Victoria — returned to Spain in 1522, with just 18 survivors from the original 243 crew members.

 

A floating museum of maritime history

The modern replica was constructed in 1991 for the Universal Exposition in Seville and is the only one of its kind to have completed a global voyage, which it undertook from 2004 to 2006. Since then, it has functioned as a travelling museum and ambassador for maritime heritage. The Nao Victoria Foundation, based in Seville, manages the ship and its educational missions.

The vessel measures 26 metres in length and includes four decks with a captain’s cabin and living quarters. It can host up to 100 visitors at a time and has welcomed more than six million people at ports across Europe, the United States, and Spain.

 

Nao Victoria docks at Veerhaven Rotterdam 6–10 August. Explore this replica of the first ship to sail around the world. Tickets and info available online.Nao Victoria docks at Veerhaven Rotterdam 6–10 August. Explore this replica of the first ship to sail around the world. Tickets and info available online.

 

Tickets and access

Tickets for the Rotterdam visit can be purchased either onboard or via tickets.fundacionnaovictoria.org. Prices are set at €8 for adults and €4 for children aged 5–10. Family tickets are available for €20, covering two adults and up to three children. Children under five may enter free when accompanied by an adult.

School groups and associations can arrange guided tours by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Group tickets cost €4 per student, with one teacher admitted free for every ten children. For visitors aged 10 and above, the group rate is €8.

In addition to dockside visits, limited berths are available for those wishing to sail aboard the ship. Reservations for sailing experiences may be made through www.tallshipexperience.com.

 

 

How to get there

Veerhaven is located in the Scheepvaartkwartier, one of Rotterdam's most picturesque waterfront areas. This historic harbour is surrounded by monumental buildings and lined with cafés and galleries, offering a fitting backdrop for a ship rooted in naval exploration. Public transport connections via tram and metro are available nearby, and paid parking is available along Westplein and surrounding streets.

How about a live show tonight?

Special events happening soon

How about a live show tonight?

Special events happening soon

About RotterdamStyle

RotterdamStyle.com is the largest and most popular online platform for expats and long stay tourists in Rotterdam.

Business inquiries

We're always open to receiving press releases or business inquiries. Just send us an email at hello [@] rotterdamstyle.com.

Acquire us

We're looking to get acquired by a startup or enterprise with deep pockets. Go ahead, make us an offer we can't refuse. ;-)