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?

The Summer Carnival in Rotterdam is 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 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.

Changes in 2024: No concert after the street parade

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

The new requirements, set by the municipality, mandate that the stage programmes must take place in a secured area with controlled access. Additionally, the street parade cannot end at the event location. The need for a secure area adds complexity and potentially higher costs, while the restriction on the parade's endpoint disrupts the traditional flow and celebration of the event.

These stipulations complicate the logistics and planning of the festival, making it impossible to organise the stage programmes within the given timeframe. Instead, there will be an extra festive parade on 27th July, celebrating its 40th anniversary and recent UNESCO recognition. Efforts will focus on planning a full festival for 2025.

Friday 26 July: Battle of the drums

The "Battle of Drums: Anniversary" event will take place on 26th July 2024, from 17:00 to 22:00 at Rotterdam Ahoy. This event marks the return of the popular drum competition, featuring spectacular showcases by previous winners like Ritmo Entertainment, TFM Brassband, and The Rhythm Allstar Brassband. In addition to the performances, there will be musical interludes and an outdoor mini-market with terraces. The event is free, but prior registration is required to receive a QR code for entry.

Saturday 27 July: Rotterdam summer carnival street parade

The Zomercarnaval Street Parade 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, 27th July, from 12:00 to 19:00 in Rotterdam's city centre. The starting location is Rotterdam Blaak. This year, the parade will be larger and more diverse than ever, with 43 participating groups.

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.

Queen Larisa and King Gillian will lead the parade in the first float. They will be accompanied by De Havenloods Zomercarnaval princess Inaya. The group Dushi Aventura, winners of Zomercarnaval Curaçao, will follow.

Saturday 27 July: Mercado

The Mercado at Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval 2024 will take place on Saturday, 27th July, from 12:00 to 21:00 across multiple locations in Rotterdam's city centre: Eendrachtsplein, Schouwburgplein, Coolsingel near Koopgoot, and Coolsingel near the city hall. This market features a diverse array of international cuisines, street food, and cultural merchandise. Spaces are 20 m² and include a booth and a power point. The market will only proceed if all four locations have sufficient interest by 15th May. 

Saturday 27 July: Rueda de Casino

The "Rueda de Casino" event at Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval 2024 is set for Saturday, 27th July, from 12:00 to 16:00 at Stationsplein. This Cuban group dance involves a minimum of three couples dancing salsa or son montuno in a circle, with participants exchanging partners on command. It's a spontaneous dance with specific routines or figures led by a group leader. The event is free, open to everyone. 

Rotterdam summer carnival street parade route 2023

route of the rotterdam summer carnival street parade in 2023

Still not sure if you should attend? Have a look at the Rotterdam Unlimited 2017 aftermovie:

HAPPENING SUMMER 2024 | Diergaarde Blijdorp introduces new summer activities, offering visitors a variety of events and new animal exhibits. The zoo aims to entertain and educate guests of all ages throughout the summer holidays.

New summer activities at Diergaarde Blijdorp

As the summer holidays approach, Diergaarde Blijdorp in Rotterdam has prepared an array of activities for visitors. The zoo is set to welcome guests with new animal exhibits and a series of events designed to provide entertainment and education for all ages.

Summer in Blijdorp

This summer, Diergaarde Blijdorp will feature numerous activities. Highlights include the arrival of new tigers, a pregnant lioness, the birth of an okapi, and the opening of the African Jungle Aviary. Visitors are invited to explore these new attractions and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the zoo.

Summer evenings

On 3, 10, 17, and 24 August, Blijdorp will extend its opening hours until 21:00 for Summer Evenings (ZOOmeravonden). Guests can enjoy live music on various terraces while sampling food and drinks.

Summer terrace

During the Open Monument Weekend on 13 September, Diergaarde Blijdorp will transform the forecourt of the Rivièrahal into a Summer Terrace (ZOOmerterras). This event will feature live music, dance, and a variety of refreshments. The terrace will open at 18:00, and entry is free.

Rotterdam Zoo summer terrace in 2022

Life-sized Playmobil

Until 1 September, the zoo will host life-sized Playmobil figures. Children, and adults alike, can enjoy a route through the zoo with an activity booklet available at the entrance. Participants can also join a treasure hunt for a chance to meet a zookeeper.

After exploring the zoo or completing the treasure hunt, visitors can relax at the Summer Square (ZOOmerplein) from 3 August. Located near the flamingos and geladas, this area offers summer treats and special drinks arrangements.

Directions to Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp)

Diergaarde Blijdorp is situated in the northern part of Rotterdam. The zoo is easily accessible by public transport, with trams and buses stopping nearby. For those travelling by car, parking is available on-site. The area around the zoo includes the Vroesenpark, a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks.

HAPPENING 7 July 2024 | The Metropolis Festival (Het Metropolis Festival), a unique one-day event, offers a platform for emerging bands and performers, attracting an average of around 30,000 visitors annually on the first Sunday of July. The festival is held in the Zuiderpark, located on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas river in Rotterdam​.

About Metropolis Festival

The Metropolis Festival is known for its forward-thinking programming, showcasing acts that have subsequently gained widespread recognition. Both local and international talents have graced its stages, solidifying the festival's reputation as a must-visit destination for original pop music enthusiasts​.

The festival not only showcases talented acts, but also scouts and supports them from the grassroots level. It also collaborates with various educational institutions, suggesting a broadening of focus towards other disciplines in the future​.

At the festival grounds, visitors can indulge in a variety of food and drink options, with transactions being carried out using tokens. The festival has a strict policy against bringing glass or cans into the festival grounds for safety and environmental reasons​.

Pets are not explicitly forbidden at the festival, but attendees are strongly advised to leave their pets at home or in someone else's care to avoid causing discomfort to other visitors​.

Metropolis Festival 2014

The best bands you've never heard of

Twenty One Pilots @ Metropolis Festival 2014

Metropolis Festival line-up 2024

For the 2024 edition, new acts from both international and local scenes have been announced. These include Bongeziwe Mabandla, Chibi Ichigo, Deadletter, Delilah Bon, Imaginarium, Joe Unknown, Meltheads, Prins S en De Geit, Roger Damawuzan, and The Southern River Band. Other performers include SPRINTS, Zoë Livay, BKK, Geel & Ariënne Sillié, IKNOWnoa, Nienke Leone, Pearl Ramos, Sirocco, Smudged, Comfort Creature, DJ VNCE, RANIC, STerre Liz, Ytim, Nadinemoetjezien, Mirdjo, and Valencio.

Another feature of the festival is the market hosted by Swan Market, where festival-goers can shop for various items including jewellery, clothes, vinyl, sunglasses, and phone accessories.

The festival also features three stages, namely Metroville, New Garden, and Future Stage, where these diverse acts will perform​.

You can find the official festival line-up on the Metropolis website.

What Metropolis Festival sounds like

Location: Zuiderpark

Parking at Metropolis Festival Rotterdam

There are parking options available nearby at Ahoy (P2), which probably costs around €15 for the entire day, and at the parking garages of Zuidplein. In the past, the parking lot was open from 12:00 in the afternoon, and you were able to drive out at any time.

You can also make use of the parking garages in Zuidplein. Note: space is limited. Luckily, Rotterdam has Park and Ride facilities (parking in combination with public transport) at 15 metro stations, such as P+R Alexander, P+R Slinge and P+R Kralingse Zoom.

A long, long time ago the Netherlands colonized many countries and was a major player in the slave trade. Since 1993, every year, the abolition of slavery by the Netherlands is observed and celebrated on July 1st.

Keti Koti in Rotterdam

On 1 July, Rotterdam will mark Keti Koti, a day that commemorates the abolition of slavery. The city will host various events that highlight the cultural significance of this historic day. In 2024, Keti Koti celebrations mark 151 years since the abolishment of slavery by the Netherlands.

Keti Koti Festival

The Keti Koti Festival is a significant cultural event in Rotterdam, fostering unity and celebrating freedom. The festival is free and open to all, inviting everyone to participate and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Afro-Caribbean community.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Bigi Spikri parade, which will begin at Oostervant and end at Wijkpark Oude Westen, running from 13:00 to 13:45. The Keti Koti festival starts when the Bigi Spikri procession arrives at the park. The park will host events from 12:00 to 22:00, featuring a cultural market with various Surinamese and Caribbean products. 

At Schouwburgplein, activities will commence at 16:00 and continue until 23:00. Expect live performances by artists such as Omar Ka, Kris Berry, Tabanka, Winne, Ebony Winter, and DJ Menace. For more information on the events and activities, check out ketikotirotterdam.nl. Entrance to all events is 100% free.

Keti Koti Festival 2024

What is Keti Koti?

Keti Koti literally means "Breaking the Chains" in Surinamese. Slavery was a fact of life in the former Dutch colonies, including Brazil, Suriname, Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba in the Caribbean, and Indonesia.

The Netherlands officially abolished slavery in the Caribbean on 1st July 1863. This move saw approximately 55,000 slaves in Suriname and the former Dutch Antilles gain their freedom. That same year, slavery was also abolished in the Dutch colony of Indonesia. Today, close to 100,000 of Rotterdam's citizens are descendants of former slaves. 

On (30th June and) 1st July, memorial services and celebrations are held, either officially or unofficially, across the Netherlands.

Keti Koti Rotterdam - celebrating the end of Dutch slavery

What is the Bigi Spikri march?

On July 1st, 1863, the former slaves of Suriname, having gained their freedom, marched to the centre of the country's capital city of Paramaribo. They were all wearing new clothes and shoes that day. So, upon their arrival in the city, they made use of the shop windows as a means to admire their own reflections. The shop windows served as big mirrors (Bigi Spikri).

This was the very first time that the freed slaves had the opportunity to truly enjoy themselves in freedom. In a parade, together they marched to the churches and meeting places of Paramaribo. The Bigi Spikri parade in Rotterdam aims to relive the proud moment of newfound freedom and the march of that day in 1863. Expect to see proud people in traditional dress.

Location: Wijkpark Oude Westen