HAPPENING 23 August 2024 | Baroeg, a cornerstone of Rotterdam's alternative music scene, will present its long-awaited book at Podium Islemunda. The event celebrates the rich history of Baroeg as a cultural hub in Rotterdam-Zuid.

Baroeg, the iconic alternative music venue in Rotterdam-Zuid, will launch its highly anticipated book on Friday, 23 August 2024. The event will be held at Podium Islemunda, providing a fitting backdrop for the presentation, especially as Baroeg prepares to relocate to a new building on the familiar Spinozaweg site. The original venue has been deemed outdated, marking this as an opportune moment to reflect on its storied past.

Four decades of alternative culture

Since its inception in 1981, Baroeg has evolved from an open youth centre into an internationally recognised cult venue. Over the years, it has hosted acts from across the globe, making it a significant player in Rotterdam's cultural landscape. The venue's success can largely be attributed to the dedication of numerous volunteers who have helped sustain this beacon of alternative and extreme music.

The newly released book offers a comprehensive look at Baroeg’s history, filled with anecdotes, illustrations, and trivia. A notable feature of the book is the “Galerij der Groten,” a meticulously curated list of bands and acts that have performed at Baroeg from 1982 to the present day.

A labour of love

Leo Minderhoud, the initiator of the book, explains the motivation behind its creation: “The initial reason for publishing the book was Baroeg's 40th anniversary, but it also stems from my vast collection of flyers, posters, clippings, photos, and memorabilia. It’s wonderful to compile all these into a book that provides an overview of what Baroeg has achieved over the past 40 years.”

What to expect at the book presentation

The book presentation at Podium Islemunda will feature a panel discussion with former youth workers, staff members, programmers, (ex-)board members, and (ex-)volunteers. The event will also include a musical performance by DJ duo De Raddraaiers, accompanied by visual presentations. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the book at a merchandise stand, with a special limited edition available for collectors.

Directions to Podium Islemunda

Podium Islemunda is located at Herenwaard 17, 3078 AK Rotterdam, in the heart of Rotterdam-IJsselmonde. The venue is easily accessible by public transport, with bus and tram stops nearby. Ample parking is available for those arriving by car.

HAPPENING 24 August 2024 | Anticipation is building as Audio Obscura prepares for its debut festival at the Van Nelle Fabriek in Rotterdam. The event will feature an exciting blend of international and local artists, set against the backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Audio Obscura set to host debut festival at Van Nelle Fabriek

On 24 August 2024, Audio Obscura will host its inaugural festival at the Van Nelle Fabriek (Factory) in Rotterdam. Known for its innovative events at unique locations, the organisation is now bringing together an eclectic mix of international and local talents at one of the city’s most iconic sites.

The festival will take place both inside the historic factory and outside under the factory's distinctive diagonal transport bridges. The initial lineup includes renowned names such as The Martinez Brothers, Dixon, Carlita, Chris Stussy, AMÉMÉ, and Partiboi69, along with local talents like Benny Rodrigues and Suze Ijó. Recently announced additions to the lineup feature Adriatique, Héctor Oaks, and a special back-to-back set by Dax J and Daria Kolosova, promising an unforgettable musical experience for all attendees.

A unique venue for music lovers

The Van Nelle Fabriek, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is set to offer a unique backdrop for this festival. This will be the first time the site will be used for a music festival, creating a rare opportunity for visitors to enjoy performances in such a historically and architecturally significant location. The factory’s iconic diagonal transport bridges and its blend of industrial design and modern creativity are expected to provide a distinct atmosphere for the event.

“For the past 10 years, we have conducted an extensive search for a festival site that aligns with our vision. The Van Nelle Factory stands out as an epitome of Dutch architecture, celebrating the cultural heritage of Rotterdam alongside the city's industrial design and creativity. We are incredibly proud to host our inaugural Audio Obscura Festival in Rotterdam at the Van Nelle Factory,” said representatives from Audio Obscura.

Continuing a legacy of unique events

Audio Obscura has a strong reputation for hosting events in remarkable venues, having previously transformed locations such as the Euromast, the Concertgebouw, and the bicycle tunnel under the Rijksmuseum into extraordinary party spaces. The debut festival at the Van Nelle Fabriek continues this tradition, promising a memorable experience for festival-goers.

The lineup will feature a mix of electronic music styles, from the dynamic sounds of AMÉMÉ and DJ Holographic to the eclectic tunes of Moody Mehran and Lucky Done Gone. Festival-goers can expect a carefully curated musical journey in a one-of-a-kind setting.

Directions to Van Nelle Fabriek

The Van Nelle Fabriek is conveniently located on the banks of the Schie river, just a short distance from Rotterdam city centre. The venue is accessible by public transport, with nearby bus and tram stops, or by car, with parking facilities available on-site.

HAPPENING 6–9 August 2024 | Dutch hockey fans are invited to join fellow enthusiasts at Pathé cinemas to watch the Olympic semi-finals and finals. Rotterdam's Pathé De Kuip will be one of the venues broadcasting these thrilling matches.

Hockey fans can watch Olympic Games at Pathé

Dutch hockey supporters will have the opportunity to watch the semi-final and final matches of the Olympic Games on the big screen, thanks to Pathé cinemas. The Dutch men's team, which has already secured a spot in the semi-finals, will be in action on Tuesday, 6 August, at three Pathé cinemas across the country, including Pathé De Kuip in Rotterdam. The Dutch women's team will play their semi-final match against Argentina on Wednesday, 7 August.

This event marks the first time Pathé has decided to screen the Olympic Games in its cinemas. Doron Kurz, the Commercial Director of Pathé, noted, “Hockey is a popular sport in the Netherlands, and we have two great teams with a chance to win medals. We want to give fans the opportunity to enjoy these exciting matches together on the big screen, with the best picture and sound. This way, we create a unique and festive atmosphere in the cinema.”

Screenings at select Pathé locations

The semi-final hockey matches will be exclusively shown at Pathé cinemas in Amsterdam (Pathé Arena), Rotterdam (Pathé De Kuip), and The Hague (Pathé Spuimarkt). Tickets are priced at €7.50. Should the Dutch teams progress, the finals will also be broadcast: the men's final on Thursday, 8 August, and the women's final on Friday, 9 August.

Tickets and viewing schedule

Tickets for these events can be purchased online. Currently, the schedule includes the men's semi-final featuring the Netherlands versus Spain and the women's semi-final against Argentina.

Getting to Pathé De Kuip

Pathé De Kuip is conveniently located near the iconic Feijenoord Stadium in Rotterdam. Visitors can easily reach the cinema by public transport, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. For those driving, ample parking is available in the vicinity. This makes Pathé De Kuip a prime location for fans wishing to experience the excitement of Olympic hockey on the big screen.

HAPPENING 12 August 2024 | Look to the sky in the early hours, and you'll probably catch a glimpse of the Perseid meteor shower. At its peak, expect to see an average of 60 meteors per hour. 

The Perseid meteor shower graces our skies every summer, starting in July and culminating in August. Originating from the Perseus constellation, the number of visible meteors can vary, but the experience is always breathtaking. The Swift-Tuttle comet is responsible for this annual spectacle. As it orbits close to Earth, its debris enters our atmosphere, disintegrating at an altitude of about 100 kilometres. These fragments, often no larger than dust particles, create the brilliant streaks of light we adore as shooting stars.

When to watch the Perseid meteor shower in Rotterdam

The Perseid meteor shower is active from mid-July to late August, with the peak occurring on the night of August 12th into the early hours of August 13th. During this peak, you can expect to see up to 100 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. The best time to view the meteor shower is from midnight to dawn. So, make sure to set your alarm and prepare for a night under the stars.

Where to see the Perseid meteor shower in Rotterdam

While light pollution in urban areas like Rotterdam can obscure the meteor shower, there are still several good spots to catch a glimpse of the Perseids:

• Skiberg in Bergschenhoek: This elevated vantage point offers a clearer view of the night sky away from the city's bright lights.
• Peripheral Parks: Parks on the outskirts of Rotterdam, such as Kralingse Bos or Het Park, can provide less obstructed views.

Urban areas, with their abundant light pollution, can sometimes obscure the meteor shower. For an unobstructed view, consider traveling to provinces like Drenthe, Friesland, or the Wadden islands.

Tips for a great viewing experience

Consider bringing a reclining chair or a blanket so you can lie back and enjoy the sky without straining your neck. Moreover, even in August, nights can get chilly, so bring warm blankets and dress in layers. Don't forget to pack some refreshments to keep you comfortable during the night. At first, allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 30 minutes to see the meteors more clearly, and do your best to avoid looking at your phone or any other bright lights.

If you can't quite picture it, check out this news report of a previous meteor shower, as experienced from the Skiberg.