For two weekends this September, one of the arches in Rotterdam's Hofbogen will be transformed into an interactive pop-up experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a Ben & Jerry's Sundae pint and embark on a sensory expedition.
The Ben & Jerry's Chunky Experience
The pop-up, open for the last two weekends of September, offers a unique journey through the layers of a Ben & Jerry's Sundae pint. The experience includes a 360° photo booth and an immersive audiovisual presentation, among other features. Ice cream, naturally, will also be a part of the event.
New Sundae Flavours
Earlier this year, new Sundae flavours were introduced, featuring a variety of textures and tastes. These ice creams are made with fair trade ingredients, such as vanilla and Open Chain cocoa. The ice cream is produced in Hellendoorn, where Ben & Jerry's cows are located.
Practical Information
How to get there
The Ben & Jerry's Chunky Experience is located at Raampoortstraat 16 in the Hofbogen area of Rotterdam. The venue will be open on Friday, 15 September from 16:00-21:00, Saturday, 16 and Sunday, 17 September from 12:00-21:00, and again on Friday, 22 September from 16:00-21:00, Saturday, 23 and Sunday, 24 September from 12:00-21:00. Admission is free.
As autumn leaves begin to fall, the doors of Typical Tropical dance school in Rotterdam are swung open once again. A new season of salsa, bachata, and kizomba dance classes is set to commence, offering a vibrant escape from the chill of the coming months.
Key details for the upcoming season
The new season spans from Monday, 4 September to Sunday, 12 November. Each course will consist of 10 lessons, each lasting 60 minutes. The cost for individual participation is set at €110, while couples can enrol for €210. Lessons are conducted by experienced instructors who provide clear and relaxed guidance, ensuring a quality learning experience.
Trial lessons and pricing nuances
Trial lessons (proeflessen) are available only during the first week of classes, priced at €7.50 per person or €15 for couples. It should be noted that a trial lesson does not guarantee a spot in the course. If one decides to join the course from the second week onwards after taking a trial lesson, the full course fee will be applicable until the end of the second week. Starting from the third week, the regular price will be reduced weekly by €10. Missed classes can be made up on another day, and the school also hosts events to help students practice what they've learned.
Trial lessons schedule week 1
There's a course for every level, spread out across the entire week. The times and dates don't change after the trial week. The schedule is as follows:
For those eager to immerse themselves in the rhythms of salsa, bachata, or kizomba, enrolment is a straightforward process. To secure a spot in the upcoming season, visit the Typical Tropical's Registration Page. The page features an embedded schedule at the bottom, detailing all available classes, making it easier for you to choose the one that fits your schedule.
Directions to Typical Tropical Rotterdam
Located in the heart of Rotterdam, Typical Tropical is easily accessible by both public transport and car. The area is known for its vibrant culture and bustling activity, making it a fitting location for a dance school of this calibre.
Join the celebration of living heritage at the annual Open Monuments Day (Open Monumentendag) in Rotterdam. Discover monuments, traditions, and artisan skills that define the city's legacy.
Rotterdam, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels, is set to host the 37th edition of Open Monumentendag (Open Monuments Day) on 9 & 10 September 2023. This annual event, celebrated across the Netherlands, opens the doors of thousands of monuments to the public for free, showcasing the nation's cultural traditions and craftsmanship. This year's theme, ‘Levend Erfgoed’ (Living Heritage), emphasizes the cultural practices and artisan skills passed down through generations.
Open Monumentendag: A closer look
More than 700 monuments in the province of Zuid-Holland will open their doors to the public, highlighting the richness of Dutch cultural heritage. This year's theme, ‘Levend Erfgoed’ (Living Heritage), focuses on cultural customs, traditions, and artisan skills inherited from previous generations and passed on to the next.
The year 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the theme 'Living Heritage' is being celebrated. Intangible heritage consists of cultural traditions, crafts, and skills that are passed down from generation to generation. This heritage is seen as constantly evolving and changing with time and the individual who practices it. Often, the monuments reflect this intangible heritage through their (historical) function, but living heritage will be made extra visible during Open Monumentendag Rotterdam this year.
Examples of intangible heritage associated with Rotterdam include the Summer Carnival, the kapsalon (the dish), São João Baptista, the Military Tattoo, papermaking, and also Action Group The Old West. The question is openly posed to the public whether connections can be made between this living heritage and the Rotterdam monuments. Examples of national intangible heritages are sometimes more easily linked due to the strong bond they already have with material heritage, such as the miller's craft or traditional water living.
Monuments are to be filled with liveliness this year!
Highlights of the event in 2023
Some monuments and activities to be featured during the event include:
De Citrusveiling: A remarkable building, a fine example of Rotterdam's post-war architecture.
Verenigingsgebouw Roeivereniging Nautilus: Open for free visits at the Oude Plantage.
Begraafplaats Crooswijk: Guided tours and free visits to the monument.
Botanische Tuin Kralingen: Open for free visits.
St Mary's Anglican Episcopalian Church: Open on Saturday, 9 September.
Van Nelle Fabriek: Visitable only with a guided tour (paid ticket required).
ss Rotterdam: Open on Sunday 10 September, with presentations available.
For a more complete list, have a look at the official Open Monuments Day website for Rotterdam.
Camera Japan is the largest festival for Japanese film and culture in the Benelux. See films, enjoy performances, participate in workshops, purchase Japanese products and get swept away by beautiful Japanese music.
What to expect at Camera Japan in Rotterdam?
Rotterdam is gearing up for the 18th edition of the CAMERA JAPAN Festival, a much-anticipated event for lovers of Japanese cinema and culture. Scheduled to take place from 21st to 24th September, the festival promises to be a treat for attendees with a rich line-up of Japanese films, including European and international premieres.
What to Expect? The CAMERA JAPAN Festival has always been a celebration of Japanese cinema, and this year is no exception. Attendees can look forward to:
Film Screenings: A diverse range of Japanese films will be showcased, including some that are making their European and even international debut at the festival.
Special Screenings and Q&A's: Engage with the minds behind the films with special screenings followed by Q&A sessions with directors. It's a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the world of Japanese cinema.
Side Programme: Beyond the films, the festival offers a rich side programme. Attendees can participate in workshops, experience interventions, and explore a market brimming with Japanese foods and goods.
Camera Japan programme 2023
For those eager to plan their festival experience, check out the complete programme or download the official timetable as PDF. Be sure to check it out and plan your visit accordingly. For this and additional details or inspiration, visit the official CAMERA JAPAN website.
Location: LantarenVenster
LantarenVenster, the iconic building located at Otto Reuchlinweg 996, 3072 MD Rotterdam on the Wilhelminapier, will once again host the CAMERA JAPAN Festival. With several screening rooms, LantarenVenster is the perfect venue to showcase over 50 Japanese films, ensuring that attendees have a wide variety of cinematic experiences to choose from.
Look to the sky in the early hours of August 13th, 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.
On the nights of August 11th, 12th, and especially the 13th, the skies above Rotterdam will be illuminated by the mesmerizing Perseid meteor shower. While the exact peak time can vary, the best views are typically from midnight to sunrise. So, make sure to set your alarms and prepare for a night under the stars.
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.
Perseid meteor shower in the Netherlands
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 kilometers. These fragments, often no larger than dust particles, create the brilliant streaks of light we adore as shooting stars.
Where to see the Perseid meteor shower in Rotterdam
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. However, if you're set on staying in Rotterdam, the Skiberg in Bergschenhoek offers an elevated vantage point. The city's peripheral parks are also great alternatives. Another option might be one of the many parks on the outskirts of the city.
Remember to bring along a comfortable beach chair and warm blankets. Lying down not only provides a panoramic view but also ensures you don't strain your neck. And of course, pack some snacks and drinks to keep you company!.
If you can't quite picture it, check out this news report of a previous meteor shower, as experienced from the Skiberg.
