HAPPENING 6–9 August 2024 | Dutch hockey fans are invited to join fellow enthusiasts at Pathé cinemas to watch the Olympic semi-finals and finals. Rotterdam's Pathé De Kuip will be one of the venues broadcasting these thrilling matches.

Hockey fans can watch Olympic Games at Pathé

Dutch hockey supporters will have the opportunity to watch the semi-final and final matches of the Olympic Games on the big screen, thanks to Pathé cinemas. The Dutch men's team, which has already secured a spot in the semi-finals, will be in action on Tuesday, 6 August, at three Pathé cinemas across the country, including Pathé De Kuip in Rotterdam. The Dutch women's team will play their semi-final match against Argentina on Wednesday, 7 August.

This event marks the first time Pathé has decided to screen the Olympic Games in its cinemas. Doron Kurz, the Commercial Director of Pathé, noted, “Hockey is a popular sport in the Netherlands, and we have two great teams with a chance to win medals. We want to give fans the opportunity to enjoy these exciting matches together on the big screen, with the best picture and sound. This way, we create a unique and festive atmosphere in the cinema.”

Screenings at select Pathé locations

The semi-final hockey matches will be exclusively shown at Pathé cinemas in Amsterdam (Pathé Arena), Rotterdam (Pathé De Kuip), and The Hague (Pathé Spuimarkt). Tickets are priced at €7.50. Should the Dutch teams progress, the finals will also be broadcast: the men's final on Thursday, 8 August, and the women's final on Friday, 9 August.

Tickets and viewing schedule

Tickets for these events can be purchased online. Currently, the schedule includes the men's semi-final featuring the Netherlands versus Spain and the women's semi-final against Argentina.

Getting to Pathé De Kuip

Pathé De Kuip is conveniently located near the iconic Feijenoord Stadium in Rotterdam. Visitors can easily reach the cinema by public transport, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. For those driving, ample parking is available in the vicinity. This makes Pathé De Kuip a prime location for fans wishing to experience the excitement of Olympic hockey on the big screen.

HAPPENING 12 August 2024 | Look to the sky in the early hours, 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. 

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. 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 kilometres. These fragments, often no larger than dust particles, create the brilliant streaks of light we adore as shooting stars.

When to watch the Perseid meteor shower in Rotterdam

The Perseid meteor shower is active from mid-July to late August, with the peak occurring on the night of August 12th into the early hours of August 13th. During this peak, you can expect to see up to 100 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. The best time to view the meteor shower is from midnight to dawn. So, make sure to set your alarm and prepare for a night under the stars.

Where to see the Perseid meteor shower in Rotterdam

While light pollution in urban areas like Rotterdam can obscure the meteor shower, there are still several good spots to catch a glimpse of the Perseids:

• Skiberg in Bergschenhoek: This elevated vantage point offers a clearer view of the night sky away from the city's bright lights.
• Peripheral Parks: Parks on the outskirts of Rotterdam, such as Kralingse Bos or Het Park, can provide less obstructed views.

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.

Tips for a great viewing experience

Consider bringing a reclining chair or a blanket so you can lie back and enjoy the sky without straining your neck. Moreover, even in August, nights can get chilly, so bring warm blankets and dress in layers. Don't forget to pack some refreshments to keep you comfortable during the night. At first, allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 30 minutes to see the meteors more clearly, and do your best to avoid looking at your phone or any other bright lights.

If you can't quite picture it, check out this news report of a previous meteor shower, as experienced from the Skiberg. 

HAPPENING 28–30 August 2025 | The CuliNESSE festival is set to take place once again in Rotterdam, offering a blend of gourmet food and live music for attendees. This annual event has become a staple for food enthusiasts and music lovers in the city. The festival will feature various culinary offerings from renowned chefs and eateries, accompanied by performances from both local and national artists.

The next CuliNESSE festival is scheduled for 28th to 30th August 2025 at the Nesselande beach area. The event promises a variety of food stalls, showcasing dishes from different cuisines, and a music line-up that includes popular Dutch bands and artists.


The information below is for 2024. We will update it as new event details become available.

Culinary offerings

Attendees can look forward to an array of gourmet experiences. The festival will host several top chefs and restaurants, presenting their signature dishes. Participating establishments include Parkheuvel, a two-star Michelin restaurant known for its sophisticated French cuisine, and Fred, another Michelin-starred venue celebrated for its creative and contemporary dishes. HMB Restaurant will offer modern European cuisine, while Restaurant Zeezout will provide seafood specialities. Additionally, Asian Glories will feature exquisite Asian fusion dishes, ensuring a diverse culinary landscape that highlights Rotterdam's rich food culture.

Music line-up

The festival will feature a diverse range of musical performances. Confirmed artists include well-known Dutch bands such as BLØF, DI-RECT, and Chef'Special. Other notable acts are Gers Pardoel, La Fuente, and Typhoon. Each day will offer a mix of genres, ensuring a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for all attendees​.

Tickets & additional information

Tickets for CuliNESSE can be purchased online through the festival's official website. Various ticket options are available, including day passes and full event passes. Early bird tickets are offered at a discounted rate, encouraging attendees to secure their spots in advance. For more details about the event, including the full programme and culinary participants, visitors are encouraged to check the official CuliNESSE website. The site also provides information on festival rules and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Directions to CuliNESSE

The CuliNESSE festival will be held at the Nesselande beach area in Rotterdam. The location is easily accessible by public transport and car. For those travelling by metro, the Nesselande station on Line B is the nearest stop, followed by a short walk to the festival grounds. Ample parking facilities are available for visitors driving to the event.

The Nesselande area is known for its scenic beachfront and modern amenities, making it an ideal location for the festival. The beach provides a picturesque backdrop for the culinary and musical activities, adding to the overall experience.

HAPPENING 11–13 August 2024 | Rotterdam is set to host the start of the prestigious 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, marking the event's first commencement outside France. Scheduled from 12 to 18 August, the race will feature three stages across the Netherlands, including The Hague and Dordrecht, promoting cycling and physical activity.

Key details of the event

The event kicks off on 11 August with a city program in Rotterdam, offering cycling tours and opportunities to experience the Tour route. The race begins on 12 August at Rotterdam's Museumpark, next to the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, covering 124 kilometres to The Hague through Voorne-Putten and Westland, finishing in Kijkduin.

Stages and routes

On 13 August, two stages are scheduled. The morning stage is a 73-kilometre ride from Dordrecht to Rotterdam, passing through Kinderdijk and Alblasserwaard. The afternoon features a 6-kilometre individual time trial in Rotterdam, starting at Erasmusbrug, passing iconic landmarks like the Willemsbrug, and concluding on the Boompjes. Following the Rotterdam stages, the tour proceeds to a stage from Valkenburg to Liège, ending at l’Alpe d’Huez on 18 August.

Local impact and anticipation

Rotterdam's Alderman for Sports, Faouzi Achbar, along with officials from The Hague and Dordrecht, have expressed pride and enthusiasm for hosting the event, highlighting its significance in promoting city engagement and cycling.

Directions to Museumpark

Museumpark, the starting point, is conveniently located near Rotterdam's heart, easily accessible by public transportation. Known for its cultural vibrancy, the area serves as a central hub for locals and visitors alike.