HAPPENING 3–9 November 2025 | An event that brings together stunning and impactful films about nature from around the globe, the Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam (WFFR) showcases films both in-person at the cinema and online. The festival aims to raise awareness about our collective responsibility for conserving nature​.

Starting from 3 November 2025, you can enjoy a week of the most beautiful nature films in the heart of Rotterdam during the 10th edition of the Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam (WFFR).

About the Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam

Established in 2015, the festival is gearing up for its 9th edition this year. Over the years, the WFFR has come to be known for screening some of the best and most recent films about nature from both within the Netherlands and beyond. The films that make it to the big screen at the WFFR are selected for their beauty and the powerful messages they convey about the natural world​.

What to expect at the festival

Attendees of the festival can expect a selection of beautiful and thought-provoking films about nature. These films are chosen with the aim of highlighting the importance of conservation and the role that each individual can play in preserving the natural world. The festival offers a unique opportunity for attendees to embark on a journey of discovery and experience the beauty of nature as seen through the eyes of talented filmmakers​.

Festival location

Previous editions of the festival took place at the Cinerama Filmtheater located on Westblaak 18, 3012 KL Rotterdam. The theatre is situated in the heart of Rotterdam and is easily accessible by public transportation. The general area is bustling with a variety of restaurants, cafés, and shops, providing plenty of options for attendees to explore before or after the festival.

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HAPPENING 16 November 2024 – Kalpanarts returns to Rotterdam this November with Trust, a performance exploring themes of trust amid growing societal distrust. The show integrates diverse cultural dance forms, drawing inspiration from both Indian dance traditions and modern meditative techniques.

Kalpanarts returns to Rotterdam with new dance piece Trust

On Saturday, 16 November, the dance company Kalpanarts, led by choreographer Kalpana Raghuraman, will bring its latest production, Trust, to Theater Rotterdam. Known for blending multiple dance traditions, Kalpanarts has crafted a piece that delves into the complexity of trust, set against the backdrop of a world increasingly marked by mistrust and division. Raghuraman describes the production as a journey through various facets of trust, explored through an innovative choreography that melds cultural dance influences.

Kalpanarts, established in 2015 by Raghuraman and Gysèle ter Berg, regularly features dancers from Rotterdam and across the Netherlands. Last year, the company performed to a sold-out Rotterdam crowd, an experience the company recalls warmly. Raghuraman explains, “It felt like playing a home game, with an audience so engaged; it was a memorable experience.”

Choreographer Kalpana Raghuraman. Photo credit: Nicole Pecková

A multilayered exploration of trust

Trust is inspired by an array of dance forms, including Indian classical styles and urban dance, and incorporates Taoist meditative elements. According to Raghuraman, the concept was sparked by discussions with Ter Berg about trust’s diminishing role in Dutch society, especially within the theatre industry. The piece asks what conditions enable people to feel secure and how individuals can shield themselves from polarisation. “In this production, I want to make trust tangible and explore it more deeply. In Indian philosophy, for example, trust involves letting go of the need for control,” Raghuraman says.

Musical collaboration with Paloma Lázaro Arteaga

Spanish vocalist Paloma Lázaro Arteaga performs live in Trust, with a new composition by Kalpanarts' resident composer, Simone Giacomini. Arteaga’s voice, often described as dreamy and introspective, brings an essential auditory layer to the performance. Raghuraman notes, “Paloma’s presence adds a powerful theatrical element that perfectly complements Giacomini’s composition. Her voice is both commanding and harmoniously embedded within the piece.”

Cultural and philosophical influences

Drawing from both Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, Trust explores the ‘Veil of Illusion’ concept, suggesting that people often perceive a world detached from reality. Additionally, the production incorporates the Six Healing Sounds meditation technique, rooted in Taoist traditions, which uses movement and sound to help individuals reconnect with their emotions and find balance. Raghuraman remarks, “Our productions frequently address themes of connection and the complex relationships we maintain with ourselves and others. With Trust, we aim to highlight trust as a nuanced, fragile part of human existence, something that society increasingly needs to nurture.”

Event details

Theater Rotterdam is centrally located near the vibrant Schouwburgplein, easily accessible by metro, tram, and bicycle. Visitors can enjoy nearby dining options and cultural spots, making it an ideal area to explore before or after the performance.

 

HAPPENING October–November 2024 | Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum offers an autumn full of engaging activities, from guided walks and wildlife excursions to special events like a tree-planting day and a newly launched audio tour for visitors with visual impairments. The garden remains a vibrant green space, showcasing the beauty of nature’s seasonal transitions.

Experience autumn in Rotterdam’s greenest garden

Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum, situated in the Kralingen district, is inviting visitors to explore the beauty of autumn with a series of special activities. As the leaves change to vibrant hues of red and gold, the garden transforms into a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Over the coming months, a range of events will offer unique opportunities to engage with nature and learn more about the local ecosystem.

One of the key attractions is a newly introduced audio tour, designed specifically for blind and visually impaired visitors. The “Feel the Green” tour allows participants to experience the garden through touch, scent, and sound, offering a multisensory exploration of Trompenburg’s diverse plant life.

Wildlife film festival: screening of 'Heggeweer'

In conjunction with the 10th edition of the Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam (WFFR), Trompenburg will host a screening of Heggeweer: de natuur van de boeren. This documentary highlights the efforts of local farmers and nature conservationists to maintain biodiversity through sustainable farming practices. The film, which focuses on building natural hedgerows and creating amphibian habitats, will be shown at Trompenburg’s Flora garden restaurant on 16 October at 17:45. Tickets are priced at €16 per person.

Birdwatching in Trompenburg

For bird enthusiasts, Trompenburg offers an exciting opportunity to discover the garden's diverse avian life. Biologist Tom, known for his birdwatching tours with 'Vogelen met Matties', will guide a birdwatching walk on 29 October. Participants will learn to identify birds not just by sight, but also by recognising their songs. The garden is home to species such as green woodpeckers, goldcrests, and even kingfishers. The walk runs from 10:00 to 11:30, and tickets are available for €25, excluding garden entry.

Autumn walks: exploring the garden’s trees and plants

This autumn, Trompenburg is hosting three guided walks designed to highlight different aspects of the garden.

• Maple Walk: Discover the colourful Japanese maples (Acer palmatum), known for their beautiful fan-shaped crowns and striking autumn colours. Visitors will also learn about the traditional Japanese practice of momijigari – the autumn leaf hunt.

• Wild Foraging Walk: On 30 October, led by forager Gydo van der Wal, visitors can explore the edible plants and mushrooms that flourish in the garden. This walk aims to connect participants with nature and raise awareness of biodiversity.

• Oak Walk: Focusing on the garden’s oak collection, this walk will introduce visitors to both native and exotic species. Special attention will be given to the acorns and oak galls, as well as to varieties such as 'Chimney Fire' and 'Long Regal Prince'. The final walk takes place on 3 November.

Tree-planting day in 'Treevember'

To further promote sustainability and biodiversity, Trompenburg will host a tree-planting day on 24 November, dubbed Treevember. During this event, visitors will have the chance to purchase and plant climate-resistant trees, with advice from local growers. The initiative is part of the garden’s broader mission to support urban greenery and combat the effects of climate change.

A special creation by artist Bart Ensing

Trompenburg by night: illuminated walks

For two nights, the garden will open its doors after dark for Trompenburg by Night. Visitors can explore the illuminated pathways and enjoy light installations, including a special creation by artist Bart Ensing, who has designed an installation for the garden’s majestic Pontic oak. The event will also offer creative activities for all ages, such as lantern-making and light painting, while the Flora restaurant will serve hot drinks by the fire. The garden will be open until 21:00 on these evenings.

Directions to Trompenburg

Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum is located in Kralingen, just east of Rotterdam’s city centre. It is easily accessible by public transport, with trams and buses stopping nearby, and parking available for those arriving by car. The garden is a short walk from the Arboretumlaan entrance.

HAPPENING 8 November 2025 | The Popronde music tour returns to Rotterdam this November, bringing a wide range of emerging artists to unexpected venues throughout the city — all free to attend. The selection for this year has been announced, and several Rotterdam-based acts are among the chosen performers.

_{Image: Daimy Lotus. Photo credit: Jessica Santiago Lopez.}

Popronde brings emerging talent to Rotterdam

The national music initiative Popronde has revealed the names of the 100 acts selected for its 2025 edition. Announced during a special broadcast on 3FM, the artists will tour cities across the Netherlands as part of what is described as the country’s largest travelling music festival.

On Saturday, 8 November 2025, Popronde will visit Rotterdam, offering performances by musicians, bands, producers and rappers at various venues in the city centre. Entry to all performances will be free.

Popronde is recognised as the largest travelling music festival in the Netherlands. Each autumn, approximately 100 emerging bands tour 41 Dutch cities, performing in unexpected venues. The festival has a reputation for showcasing future stars, with past participants including well-known acts such as Froukje, Rondé, and Chef’Special.

A diverse programme throughout the city

In Rotterdam, this year’s edition of Popronde will take place across an eclectic mix of locations. We will let you know as soon as the information becomes available.

A growing festival with a local impact

Popronde Rotterdam has long been one of the larger editions of the nationwide festival. The Rotterdam edition previously won the ‘Best Festival’ category at the 2021 Rotterdam Music Awards. Its reputation continues to grow, with this year’s line-up promising an extensive tour through both popular and hidden locations across the city.

Attendees can expect a mix of musical genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop, funk, jazz, and electronic music. All performances are free of charge, making this an accessible and exciting event for both locals and visitors.

For the full programme and more information, visit the official Popronde website.

Getting to the venues

Popronde Rotterdam takes place across multiple locations, many of which are centrally located and accessible by public transport. Popular spots include Rotown, De Doelen, and WORM, all of which are situated near the main shopping and cultural areas. Some of the more unique venues, such as the Markthal and Mariniersmuseum, are also located in the city centre. Travelling to these venues is easy via Rotterdam’s public transport network, including metro, tram, and bus services.