The city's passion for pop culture is reignited with the return of a beloved convention under a new name: Comic Film & Manga Fest. At Ahoy Rotterdam, a weekend of immersive entertainment awaits.

Comic, film, and manga fest returns to Rotterdam

After a successful comeback in 2024 following a hiatus of four years, the premier Comic Con event of the Netherlands makes its anticipated return to Ahoy Rotterdam once again. Scheduled for 15 and 16 March 2025, the event transforms Ahoy into a hub for enthusiasts of comics, manga, anime, cosplay, board games, films, and television series. With a refreshed look and an expanded footprint, the fest promises a comprehensive entertainment experience. Spanning five halls, activities range from board gaming to shopping, featuring a dedicated comic area, an artists' alley, and opportunities to meet celebrated actors.

A family-friendly event

Comic Film & Manga Fest caters to a broad audience, providing a sprawling 20,000 square meter venue filled with diverse attractions. Attendees can explore an artists' alley, engage with fan groups, participate in cosplay contests and parades, and capture memories at various photo points. A large dealer hall invites shopping enthusiasts to revel in a vast selection of merchandise. The event offers complimentary admission for children up to the age of 11, ensuring a fun-filled weekend for families.

Comic Film & Manga Fest Rotterdam - dates, information

Stars align at Ahoy

The fest boasts appearances by an array of international and local celebrities, including Tom Felton, Christopher Lloyd, and Jeff Ward, among others. Fans can look forward to Q&A sessions, photo ops, and signing events. Additionally, notable Dutch comic artists such as Robert van der Kroft and Marcel Ruijters will be in attendance, providing a unique opportunity to celebrate local talent.

Event details

When: 15 and 16 March 2025
Where: Ahoy Rotterdam
More Information: Tickets available at Eventbrite and the official website.

Directions to Ahoy Rotterdam

Ahoy Rotterdam, located in the heart of the city, is easily accessible by public transport and car. For those using public transport, the venue is a short ride away from Rotterdam Central Station. Visitors arriving by car will find ample parking facilities in the vicinity.

A linguistic and cultural bridge will be formed in Rotterdam during Museumnacht010, connecting language learners and museum-goers in an evening filled with art and dialogue.

Rotterdam's Taalnacht enriches Museumnacht010

On Saturday, 2 March 2024, Rotterdam will play host to Taalnacht (Language Night) as part of the annual Museumnacht010, offering an innovative programme that merges language learning with cultural exploration. This event, scheduled from 18:00 to 22:00, will take place across various museums in the city and the Central Library, aiming to unite Rotterdam's diverse population through the shared experiences of art and language.

Language learners will be paired with Museumnacht visitors, who will volunteer as language buddies for the evening. This pairing is designed to facilitate language practice in a lively and cultural setting, allowing participants to engage in meaningful exchanges while exploring Rotterdam's rich museum offerings.

The Central Library will transform into a 'taalmuseum' (language museum) for the occasion, featuring poetry readings and presentations from language students. These presentations are the result of workshops conducted by Rotterdam-based language artists, including poet Derek Otte. The focus will be on providing insights into the Dutch language and raising awareness about literacy challenges within the community.

Participants in Taalnacht will benefit from a discounted ticket price for Museumnacht010, enabling them to continue their cultural journey throughout the night at a reduced cost. The detailed programme includes a welcoming address, city walks to various museums, and concludes with the opportunity for attendees to independently explore Museumnacht010.

Directions to the Central Library

The Central Library, located at Hoogstraat 110 in Rotterdam, serves as the starting point for the Taalnacht activities. This area, known for its vibrant cultural and academic presence, is easily accessible by public transport and offers a unique blend of historic and modern Rotterdam.

HAPPENING 7–9 June 2025 | Every year, Rotterdam becomes the concluding point of a unique sporting event – the Roparun. This multi-day, non-stop relay race not only brings together fitness enthusiasts and amateur athletes, but also plays a significant role in contributing to improving the lives of cancer patients.

What is the Roparun?

The Roparun is a relay race held annually during the Whitsun weekend. The event has varying starting locations and finishes at the Coolsingel in Rotterdam. A Roparun team consists of approximately 25 people, including a maximum of eight runners who each run an average of about 65 kilometres in relay form, or more than one and a half marathons. The runners are supported by cyclists, caterers, drivers, masseurs, and other team members. The Roparun consists of two routes of more than 500 kilometres each. Participating in the Roparun is not only very enjoyable, but it also creates unforgettable memories. Anyone can participate: families, friends, sports clubs, companies, and associations.

When is the next Roparun?

The next Roparun will take place from 7th to 9th June 2025. Registration opens on 1st August 2024 and is expected to close in January 2025 with more than 200 teams participating. 

How to get involved with Roparun

The purpose of the event is to raise funds for cancer patients and their families, helping to make their lives easier and more bearable. If you want to get involved with Roparun, there are a few different ways you can do so. Firstly, you can participate as a runner or cyclist, joining a team and helping to raise funds for the cause. Alternatively, you can volunteer to support the event, helping with logistics, cheering on the participants, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Roparun. Photo credit: Marco de Swart

History of the Roparun

Initiated in 1992, the Roparun (Roparun) is a long-distance, non-stop team relay race that spans over a course of approximately 500 kilometres. The name “Roparun” is a portmanteau of Rotterdam and Paris, the two cities which initially marked the start and finish of the race. Over the years, the race has evolved and now includes other starting points such as Hamburg and Bremen, with all routes converging at the finish line in Rotterdam. 

Year after year, the Roparun resonates with the spirit of camaraderie, resilience, and generosity. Competitors often express how the race's gruelling physical demands are outweighed by the fulfilment derived from contributing to a cause that affects so many lives.

The charitable dimension

What sets the Roparun apart is its philanthropic focus. The event functions as a fundraiser for projects supporting people diagnosed with cancer, making it more than just a sporting event. Participating teams engage in various fundraising activities in the months leading up to the event, with all the proceeds going to organisations providing palliative care to cancer patients.

You can also donate to Roparun and help to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. To find out more about how to get involved, visit the Roparun website at https://www.roparun.nl/en/. Here, you can also make a donation to the cause and support the incredible work that they do.

Visiting the Roparun

The atmosphere in Rotterdam during the Roparun is electric, with the Coolsingel boulevard coming alive to cheer on the participants as they cross the finish line. Visitors can also join in the festivities by taking part in the various events organised around the race. Details on how to reach the finish line of the Roparun can be found in the map below:

A landmark collaboration brings the iconic Star Wars: A New Hope soundtrack to life in Rotterdam.

Collaboration between cinema in concert and the Rotterdam philharmonic orchestra

For the first time, Cinema in Concert and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra (Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest) have joined forces to host Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert. This event, scheduled for 31 May and 1 June at the RTM Stage of Ahoy Rotterdam, promises to offer a unique experience by bringing the iconic film to life through a live performance of its unforgettable score by composer John Williams, under the baton of conductor Ben Palmer.

A unique cinematic and musical experience

The concert will feature a complete screening of Star Wars: A New Hope, accompanied by the live performance of its Oscar-winning score by the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. Annerieke Glaser, owner of Cinema in Concert, shared, “It is an honor to present John Williams' masterpiece in this manner, and we are confident that the audience will enjoy an unforgettable experience."

The original Star Wars film, released over 45 years ago, has significantly influenced cinema and culture, inspiring audiences worldwide with its mythical story, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects, and iconic musical score. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the magnitude and grandeur of this beloved film in an unforgettable live symphonic concert experience.

John Williams' legendary composition

John Williams is celebrated for composing the music for all nine films in the Star Wars saga, starting with Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977, which earned him an Academy Award® for Best Original Music. His scores for subsequent films in the series have also received nominations for Best Original Music.

Dates, tickets, and licensing

The concerts are scheduled to take place at the Rotterdam Ahoy RTM Stage on Friday, 31 May 2024, and Saturday, 1 June 2024, both at 20:00 hours. Tickets will be available from 7 March through an exclusive pre-sale. The presentation is licensed by Disney Concerts, ensuring an authentic and high-quality experience for attendees.

Directions to Rotterdam Ahoy RTM Stage

Located in the heart of Rotterdam, Ahoy is easily accessible by public transport, car, and bike. Visitors can reach Ahoy by taking the subway to Zuidplein station, which is just a short walk from the venue. The area around Ahoy features ample parking for those who prefer to drive.