HAPPENING 11–13 August 2024 | Rotterdam is set to host the start of the prestigious 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, marking the event's first commencement outside France. Scheduled from 12 to 18 August, the race will feature three stages across the Netherlands, including The Hague and Dordrecht, promoting cycling and physical activity.

Key details of the event

The event kicks off on 11 August with a city program in Rotterdam, offering cycling tours and opportunities to experience the Tour route. The race begins on 12 August at Rotterdam's Museumpark, next to the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, covering 124 kilometres to The Hague through Voorne-Putten and Westland, finishing in Kijkduin.

Stages and routes

On 13 August, two stages are scheduled. The morning stage is a 73-kilometre ride from Dordrecht to Rotterdam, passing through Kinderdijk and Alblasserwaard. The afternoon features a 6-kilometre individual time trial in Rotterdam, starting at Erasmusbrug, passing iconic landmarks like the Willemsbrug, and concluding on the Boompjes. Following the Rotterdam stages, the tour proceeds to a stage from Valkenburg to Liège, ending at l’Alpe d’Huez on 18 August.

Local impact and anticipation

Rotterdam's Alderman for Sports, Faouzi Achbar, along with officials from The Hague and Dordrecht, have expressed pride and enthusiasm for hosting the event, highlighting its significance in promoting city engagement and cycling.

Directions to Museumpark

Museumpark, the starting point, is conveniently located near Rotterdam's heart, easily accessible by public transportation. Known for its cultural vibrancy, the area serves as a central hub for locals and visitors alike.

 

HAPPENING 7–11 August 2024 | The Galeón Andalucía, a unique replica of a Spanish galleon, will be docking at Veerhaven in Rotterdam this August. Residents and visitors are invited to explore this historic vessel.

Galeón Andalucía to dock at Veerhaven in Rotterdam

The Galeón Andalucía, a replica of the legendary Spanish galleons, is set to visit Rotterdam. This historic vessel will be open to the public at Veerhaven from 7 to 11 August 2024, allowing visitors to explore its decks and learn about life on board a galleon.

The vessel symbolises the rich Andalusian culture that voyaged through its decks over three centuries, crossing the oceans to America and Asia. These journeys facilitated one of the most significant cultural exchanges in history, leaving a lasting mark of Andalusian culture.

Visiting details

The Galeón Andalucía will be available for public tours daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Visitors can explore five decks of the ship, which serve as a floating museum, showcasing the history and adventures of Spanish sailors from centuries past.

Constructed from iroko and pine wood, this imposing ship measures 55 metres in length and features nearly 1000 m² of sail surface spread across its seven sails. Crafted with historical accuracy in Punta Umbría, Huelva, the Galeón Andalucía magnificently reflects the maritime tradition of the Andalusian community.

Ticket information

• Dates: 7 to 11 August
• Location: Veerhaven, Rotterdam
• Opening hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Ticket prices:

• Adults: €12
• Children (5-10 years): €6
• Family ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children aged 5-10 years): €30
• Free entry for children under 5 years, accompanied by an adult

Tickets can be purchased on the ship or through the website tickets.velacuadra.es. Associations are encouraged to arrange guided visits by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sail to Bremerhaven

For those interested in a maritime adventure, there is an opportunity to sail aboard the Galeón Andalucía from Rotterdam to Bremerhaven. Details and bookings can be made at tallshipexperience.com.

Visit the Galeón Andalucía in Rotterdam this August

Getting to Veerhaven

Veerhaven is located in the Scheepvaartkwartier, a historic maritime district of Rotterdam. Easily accessible by public transport, visitors can take tram line 7 or bus 32. The area is known for its picturesque views and historic buildings, making it an ideal location for the Galeón Andalucía’s visit.

HAPPENING 16 July–21 2024 | Mooie Boules and Stichting De Buurt have partnered to offer free summer activities in Rotterdam, fostering community connections through various games and events. Residents and visitors are invited to participate in weekly sessions designed to bring people together.

Summer activities at Mooie Boules Rotterdam

Residents of Rotterdam are being offered free access to a range of activities at Mooie Boules, located on Vijverhofstraat 45, as part of an initiative by Mooie Boules and Stichting De Buurt (The Neighbourhood Foundation). The initiative, named Mooie Buurt (Beautiful Neighbourhood), aims to create spaces where enjoyment and social interaction go hand in hand.

Weekly neighbourhood events

Every Friday afternoon from 13:00 to 15:30, the community can participate in BuurtBoules, an event where all the facilities at Mooie Boules are available at no cost. Activities include jeu de boules, karaoke, 3D twister, darts, ping pong, and various board games.

For children, special sessions called VakantieBoules will be held on Wednesday 17 July, 24 July, and 21 August from 13:00 to 15:30. In collaboration with the welfare organisation SOL, Mooie Boules will be transformed into a fun-filled living room with attractions, bouncy castles, and crafting activities.

No registration is required to join these events, and entry is free. Attendees will also be offered a complimentary drink. Further details about the initiative and the programme can be found on the official website: de-buurt.nl/mooie-buurt.

About Stichting De Buurt and Mooie Boules

Stichting De Buurt has been working for ten years to create neighbourhoods where people greet, know, and help each other. Their mission is to foster connections through joyful and engaging local activities. Mooie Boules, known for its welcoming play areas for "friends of friends," offers 900 square metres of space in its Rotterdam location, including indoor jeu de boules, karaoke, shuffleboard, board games, and more.

The partnership between Mooie Boules and Stichting De Buurt aims to enhance community involvement and connection. Supported by the Univé Buurtfonds, this collaboration helps to realise initiatives that strengthen local communities.

Directions to Mooie Boules

Mooie Boules is located at Vijverhofstraat 45, a central area in Rotterdam easily accessible by public transport. The venue offers ample indoor and outdoor spaces for various activities, making it a convenient spot for both local residents and visitors.

HAPPENING 14–25 August 2024 | For twelve enchanting nights, Rotterdam welcomes back the Roffa Mon Amour film festival. This open-air festival, taking place in the Brutus sculpture garden (Beeldentuin Brutus) in Rotterdam West, is set to celebrate cinematic talent from around the world.

Diving into a world of cinema

Roffa Mon Amour, founded in 2012 by Charlotte van Zanten and Lisa Smith, presents a selection of bold, vibrant films from emerging and established filmmakers. Attendees can expect to engage in live Cinema Concerts, film introductions, and Q&A sessions. Additionally, in 2024, a unique initiative called the “New Makers Competition” gives Rotterdam film lovers the chance to decide which filmmaker will receive the “New Amour Award”.

For a detailed list of films and the screening schedule, please visit the official festival site.

When the stars align

The films start when darkness falls, typically between 21.15 and 21.30, depending on the programme. All films will be available with English subtitles, ensuring a truly international experience for all attendees..

Accommodations and facilities

In line with standard event regulations, the festival is expected to end by 11pm each night. Attendees can order drinks at a bar that opens in the evening, and bringing outside drinks is discouraged. While popcorn will be available, the festival encourages exploring local eateries around the venue for a complete experience​.

A festival for all

Roffa Mon Amour extends a warm welcome to all film lovers, including the four-legged ones. As a festival that aims to engage and inspire, it's an inclusive event that embraces diversity in cinema and its audience alike​.

How to reach the venue

Brutus, the sculpture garden located in Rotterdam West, Keilestraat 10, is the host for this year's festival. The area is known for its artistic and cultural vibrancy, adding to the unique charm of the event. Attendees are advised to plan their journey in advance to ensure a smooth arrival.