HAPPENING 4 May 2025 – Vintage lovers will once again gather in Rotterdam this spring as the Waluw Vintage Market returns to de Doelen. More than 50 sellers will transform the venue into a curated space for design, fashion, and retro finds.

Waluw Vintage Market returns to de Doelen this spring

The Waluw Vintage Market is set to take place on Sunday, 4 May 2025, from 10:00 to 16:00 in the Jurriaanse Foyer of de Doelen in central Rotterdam. The biannual event, well-known among enthusiasts of vintage design and pre-loved fashion (loved before mode), will see over 50 vendors presenting carefully selected items.

Stallholders participating in this edition include familiar names such as Old North Interiors, Wintage, Studio Le Beau, Fem La Bru, Betje Krul and MRLY. Their offerings are expected to cover a range of interior design pieces and clothing rooted in past decades.

Curated for quality and design

The event is being overseen by curator and in-house stylist Christian Igesz and producer Marieke Holtes. Their focus has consistently remained on maintaining a standard of design and quality throughout the market. This curation is evident both in the selection of sellers and in the aesthetic cohesion of the event.

According to the organisers, the market has grown into a recurring platform where design integrity meets community atmosphere. Visitors will also be treated to music by DJ Richelle Soigni, with actress Maria Kraakman contributing to the auditory experience, while Maher al Sabagh will provide food offerings described as “tasteful lunches”.

Practical information

When: Sunday, 4 May 2025
Time: 10:00–16:00
Entrance: Jurriaanse Foyer, de Doelen
Address: Kruisplein 30, Rotterdam
Tickets: €2.50 in advance, €4.00 at the door (excluding service fees)

Getting there

The Jurriaanse Foyer at de Doelen is located on Kruisplein in the heart of the city, directly opposite Rotterdam Central Station. The area is easily accessible via tram, metro, and bike, and is within walking distance from most central city locations. The foyer itself is inside the de Doelen complex, a cultural landmark often used for concerts and design-related events.

HAPPENING 10–11 May 2025 | Windmills across Rotterdam and its surrounding towns will open to the public on 10 and 11 May 2025 as part of Nationale Molendag. Locals and visitors alike can explore these living monuments of Dutch engineering, some of which date back centuries.

National mill days 2025: explore working windmills in and around Rotterdam

The VriendenLoterij Nationale Molendag (National Mill Days) returns to the Netherlands on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May 2025. This annual event allows the public to step inside wind- and watermills—structures long woven into the Dutch landscape and identity.

In and around Rotterdam, a variety of historic mills will participate, including two right in the city, and several others in easily accessible neighbouring towns such as Schiedam, Delft, Kinderdijk and Dordrecht.

Rotterdam mills open to the public

Two windmills within Rotterdam will welcome guests: De Zandweg in Charlois and De Speelman in Overschie.

At De Zandweg, a 1723-built corn mill located in Rotterdam-Zuid, visitors can attend guided tours and live demonstrations by the miller. The mill is open Saturday from 11:00 to 16:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00.

At De Speelman, activities are scheduled for Saturday from 10:00 to 15:00. In addition to demonstrations and tours, visitors can enjoy pancakes, live music, children’s games, and a bouncy castle. The surrounding area offers walking and cycling routes that make it a pleasant day out.

Windmill daytrips just outside Rotterdam

For those keen on exploring further afield, several nearby towns offer compelling mill visits—all within an hour of Rotterdam by public transport or car.

• De Walvisch, Schiedam – Known for housing some of the tallest traditional windmills in the world, Schiedam’s De Walvisch will be open both days.

• Pendrechtse Molen, Barendrecht – This well-preserved mill is a classic example of a poldermolen, historically used to pump water from low-lying land.

• Kyck Over Den Dyck, Dordrecht – The only remaining windmill in Dordrecht, dating back to 1713, used to grind grain. Its name roughly translates to “look over the dike.”

• De Roos, Delft – Located close to Delft station, De Roos is one of the few city mills still operational in its original setting.

• Groeneveldse Molen, Schipluiden – A classic polder mill in a rural landscape, ideal for combining with a scenic bike ride.

• Nederwaard Molen No.2, Kinderdijk – Part of the iconic UNESCO World Heritage windmill complex, this mill offers a rare glimpse into 18th-century water management.

A closer look: the purpose of windmills in the Netherlands

Historically, Dutch windmills served two main functions: polder drainage and industrial production. Poldermolens were designed to manage water levels in reclaimed land—an essential task in a country where much of the land lies below sea level. These mills, some dating to the 15th century, played a crucial role in making Dutch agriculture and settlement possible.

Industrial mills, on the other hand, were often used for grinding grain, sawing timber, or pressing seeds for oil. The province of Zuid-Holland, and particularly towns like Schiedam, flourished during the 18th century partly due to these industrial windmills supporting the jenever (Dutch gin) industry.

A living tradition kept alive by volunteers

What makes Nationale Molendag notable is that the event is made possible by thousands of volunteers, many of whom are trained millers (molenaars), guides, or part of educational teams. These individuals are passionate about preserving and sharing knowledge of these historical machines—ensuring their continued relevance in a changing world.

The weekend is not only a chance to learn about Dutch heritage but also to experience the physical sensations of a working windmill: the creaking timbers, the grinding stones, the smell of fresh flour or linseed oil.

Directions to De Zandweg and De Speelman

De Zandweg, Charlois

This 18th-century windmill is located in the quiet residential district of Charlois. The area is accessible by tram, metro, or bicycle and offers a contrast to the busier parts of the city.

De Speelman, Overschie

Located in Overschie, close to Rotterdam The Hague Airport, this mill is easily reached by public transport and car. The area retains a historic village atmosphere, despite being incorporated into the city.

HAPPENING 23 May–1 June 2025 | Rotterdam’s O. Festival brings a citywide celebration of opera, music, and theatre. Visitors can discover performances at diverse locations across the city.

_{Photo credit: Bart Grietens}

O. Festival marks 20th anniversary with citywide performances

O. Festival for Opera, Music, Theatre, will celebrate its 20th anniversary from Friday 23 May to Sunday 1 June 2025 across various locations in Rotterdam. The festival, previously known as Operadagen Rotterdam, has announced a diverse programme featuring more than 100 performances and 50 different productions.

This year's edition puts a strong focus on choral music, featuring both professional and amateur choirs. The festival will offer audiences a glimpse behind the scenes with 'Works in Progress' performances and workshops through O. Lab, encouraging direct interaction between artists and visitors.

According to artistic director Guy Coolen, a major theme for 2025 is the power of collective singing. “At O., we bring all kinds of voices together – from professional to amateur, young to old, and from classical to contemporary – because singing together connects.”

Opening night and highlighted performances

The festival will open with Café de Verlossing (Café of Redemption), a folk opera by composer Akim Moïseenkov. This imaginative production involves senior citizens from Schiedam, alongside professional artists such as Fanny Alofs, Florian Slangen, and percussionist Baue Kunstman. The performance will continue until 28 May.

Among the festival highlights are:

• Anima Obscura, a multidisciplinary production exploring the human quest for immortality. It will feature Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra in collaboration with Laurens Symfonisch, Luxor Theatre, and O. Festival.

• Now We Are Earth, a project by Nicole Beutler Projects, delving into the relationship between humans, animals, plants, fungi, and technology.

• 24 Italian Songs & Arias, presented at Kantine Walhalla by Brian Lobel and soprano Gweneth-Ann Rand, focusing on personal and professional rejection.

• Hannibal, hosted at TR25 Schouwburg, a dynamic blend of opera, slam poetry, and house music.

• Dante Songbook by Sterre Konijn and Silbersee, an introspective musical journey inspired by Dante’s world.

Other premieres include LU OpeRAVE by Fattoria Vittadini, The Phonograph Changed Me by Rotterdam Arab Film Festival and Marmoucha Orchestra, and Vier Muren by Marios Bellas.

DEEP END. O. Festival 2024. Photo credit: Salih Kilic

Opportunities to experience creative development

A new feature of the 2025 festival is 'Works in Progress', offering visitors access to rehearsal processes of productions that will premiere in future editions. Meanwhile, O. Lab will involve audiences in the research and creative development phases of new works.

Ticket information

Day tickets and passe-partouts are available via the festival's official website (o-festival.nl). Individual performance tickets went on sale at the beginning of April.

About O. Festival

O. Festival has evolved over the past 20 years from Operadagen Rotterdam into an internationally recognised platform for innovation in opera and music theatre. Known for its adventurous programming and commitment to accessibility, O. Festival continues to bridge genres and generations within the dynamic cultural landscape of Rotterdam.

Festival locations and directions

Performances will be held across the city, including locations such as the Havenkerk in Schiedam, TR25 Schouwburg, BRUTUS, and Kantine Walhalla in Katendrecht. These locations are easily accessible by public transport, with tram, metro, and bus stops nearby. Visitors can explore different neighbourhoods, from the bustling city centre to the more industrial and historic districts.

HAPPENING 10 May 2025 | Urban waves return to the Steigersgracht as surfers prepare for the second edition of the Rotterdam Surf Open. Spectators can expect a full day of competition, music, and waterfront activity.

Rotterdam Surf Open returns to Steigersgracht in May

The second edition of the Rotterdam Surf Open is set to take place on Saturday, 10 May 2025, at RiF010 on the Steigersgracht. The event, accessible to the public without charge, will combine surf contests with live music and various activities along the waterfront. 

Following the debut edition last year, which marked the official opening of RiF010, the upcoming edition introduces an opportunity for competitive surfers to qualify for the Dutch National Surfing Championship (Nederlands Kampioenschap Surf). In the shortboard category, a wildcard to bypass the first round may be awarded to the winners. In the longboard division, a direct spot in the national finals is at stake.

Both novice and experienced surfers are eligible to register for the competition.

Check out last year's after movie

Qualification chances and surf categories

The competition is being coordinated in partnership with the Holland Surfing Association. A certified jury will assess performances, and surf commentator Erik Ringelberg will offer live commentary throughout the event.

The event will begin at 10:00 with official training sessions. Longboard heats are expected to commence from 12:00, while the shortboard competition will follow from 14:00, beginning with the under-18 category and continuing with an open contest.

Rotterdam Surf Open

Onshore activities and entertainment

In addition to the surf action, visitors will be able to enjoy live music, food and beverages. A mechanical surf simulator will be available for those wishing to test their balance on land.

Sponsorship and support

The event is being sponsored by Ripstar, a Dutch travel company that focuses on surf, ski, and snowboard holidays.

Rotterdam Surf Open returns on 10 May 2025

About RiF010

RiF010 is described by its organisers as the world’s first urban surf pool, situated in the heart of Rotterdam. The venue is intended to offer accessible surf training opportunities for all skill levels and regularly hosts activities aimed at introducing young people and school groups to the sport.

Event details and directions

The Rotterdam Surf Open will be held at: RiF010, Steigersgracht, Rotterdam
📅 Saturday, 10 May 2025
🕛 From 12:00
🎟 Free entry

Getting there: RiF010 is located along the Steigersgracht, nestled between Rotterdam Blaak and the Hoogstraat. The area is easily accessible by public transport, with the Blaak station within walking distance. For those arriving by bike, there is ample parking space nearby.