The vibrant Hoogkwartier district becomes a cultural and culinary paradise with the first Snowkwartier showcase festival.

Snowkwartier: a showcase of arts, culture, and cuisine

On 19 and 20 January, the Hoogkwartier district of Rotterdam will host the first edition of the Snowkwartier festival. This event aims to highlight the area's cultural and culinary richness, offering a variety of activities for all ages. The festival is designed to introduce a wider audience to the unique characteristics of this neighborhood.

Lobke Ruijs, the initiator of Snowkwartier, shared, “To acquaint a broader public with this special neighborhood in Rotterdam, the local businesses are not only opening their doors during Snowkwartier but also organizing a range of engaging activities and tours. Visitors can join an art tour through galleries and art dealers, or embark on a wine and dine tour across the area’s culinary highlights.”

Culinary delights and musical entertainment

The festival will begin on Friday, 19 January, with the “No Stars Dinner” in Achterkloosterpark, hosted by renowned local restaurants including Rotonde, Héroine, Old Scuola, and by Jarmusch. Priced at €22.50, this open-air dinner offers a walking dinner experience under the stars, accompanied by heaters for warmth. The evening will conclude with a silent disco. On Saturday, the Hermes House Band will perform their classic hits in the same location, complemented by glühwein and other warm refreshments.

Diverse activities for all tastes

Snowkwartier’s packed schedule includes tours for various interests. Those keen on Rotterdam’s history can join a guided tour by Paul Groenendijk. Art enthusiasts can explore works with Garage Rotterdam, the corporate collection of Het Industriegebouw, and Vendu auction house. For food lovers, a tasting card will provide access to the neighborhood's culinary spots. Creative activities like painting workshops at Gerstaecker Harolds will also be available for attendees of all ages.

Community involvement and development

In a show of community spirit, the Salvation Army (Leger des Heils) will open its doors to neighbors for the first time in years and collaborate in the festival’s setup and takedown. “We aimed to make everyone a part of the festival. Participation is a collective effort involving businesses, residents, the City of Rotterdam, and street musicians,” said Lobke Ruijs. A community flea market will also be organized, allowing residents to set up their own stalls at no cost. The City of Rotterdam plans to discuss with residents about renovating the Achterkloosterpark playground in 2024.

Directions to the event

Located in the heart of Rotterdam, the Hoogkwartier is easily accessible. For those attending the Snowkwartier festival at Achterkloosterpark, public transportation is recommended. The area is a short walk from Blaak Station, served by both trains and trams. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant art scene and diverse culinary offerings, making it a perfect backdrop for the festival.

Rotterdam, 7 November 2023 – The Maker Market is set to debut in Rotterdam's iconic Groot Handelsgebouw, promising a unique shopping experience infused with the historic charm and vibrant atmosphere of the GHG.

The Maker Market arrives in Rotterdam

The Maker Market, a travelling market featuring stalls from various creatives, is slated to open its doors at the Groot Handelsgebouw in Rotterdam on 17 December. This event marks the market's first venture in the city, following six successful years in Amsterdam and Haarlem.

An array of diverse brands and makers

More than 50 diverse brands and makers from different regions will be participating, offering a mix of handmade jewellery, clothing, prints, and organic delicacies. The market aims to showcase the ideas and stories behind each creation, ensuring a unique product for visitors.

Maker Market in Rotterdam: Date, location & details

Unique, handmade products

Siem Meijerink and Floor Wintgens, the driving forces behind The Maker Store, express their excitement for The Maker Market's first edition in Rotterdam. They share their enthusiasm with all makers who will introduce Rotterdam to a colourful collection of unique, handmade products.

A festive market experience

For its debut in Rotterdam, The Maker Market will present a carefully curated selection of small, creative makers across various fields, including art, crafts, jewellery, and clothing. This event serves as an ideal destination for unique Christmas gifts, offering a festive and complimentary outing during the holiday season.

Maker Market in Rotterdam: Date, location & details

About The Maker Market

The Maker Market celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and independent makers. Originating in Amsterdam, it offers a unique shopping experience by bringing together a diverse range of makers and their (handmade) products. Its expansion to Rotterdam represents a significant step in connecting with local communities and celebrating the art of creation.

About Groot Handelsgebouw

The Groot Handelsgebouw (GHG), located in the heart of Rotterdam's city centre and adjacent to the Central Station, is a vibrant community of over 450 businesses. Built in 1953, the GHG symbolises Rotterdam's post-war reconstruction. Spanning 120,000 square metres across eight floors, it stands as one of the largest business complexes in the Netherlands. Jamestown, a design-focused real estate investment and management company, is actively revitalising the property while preserving its heritage and adapting it for the future.

Directions to the event

The Maker Market is easily accessible at the Groot Handelsgebouw, situated near Rotterdam Central Station. The area is known for its dynamic mix of multinational companies, startups, creatives, and cultural organisations. For directions, use the following link:

The third edition of the Rotterdam Night Walk is set to illuminate the city streets on the evening of 27 December, offering a unique walking experience for residents and visitors alike.

Third edition of Rotterdam Night Walk announced

The third edition of the Rotterdam Night Walk is scheduled for the evening of 27 December, 2023. Participants can choose between two routes, approximately 7 or 12 km long, through the illuminated streets of Rotterdam. The event will take place after the Christmas holidays, providing an opportunity for walking enthusiasts to engage in physical activity.

New route explores Delfshaven and western Rotterdam

This year, the event will feature a new route. Instead of starting and finishing in the city centre, the walk will explore Delfshaven and the western parts of Rotterdam. Entertainment will be provided along the route, enhancing the overall experience.

Event details

Participants will receive a starting ticket and refreshments during the walk. A commemorative pin will be given at the finish line. The event will commence as darkness falls, between 17:45 and 19:00.

Supporting Stichting Jarige Job

This year's event will support Stichting Jarige Job, a foundation that assists families in the Netherlands who cannot afford to celebrate their children's birthdays. The foundation provides a birthday box worth €35, containing all the essentials for a proper birthday celebration at home and school.

How to participate

Registration for the event is now open and can be completed via the official website. Children up to 6 years old can participate for free, while a special rate is available for children between 6 and 11 years old.

Location

Nieuwe Luxor Theater in Rotterdam to host a night dedicated to Elvis Presley, featuring internationally recognised Elvis Tribute Artists and the Graceland Band.

A tribute to Elvis Presley in Rotterdam

On 15 November, Rotterdam will be the setting for an evening dedicated to Elvis Presley. Titled 'A Night in Vegas', the event aims to offer an immersive Elvis experience. The repertoire will include classics ranging from 'Jailhouse Rock' to 'Burning Love'. Three Elvis Tribute Artists, each with a history of accolades, will perform hits spanning from the 1950s rock 'n roll era to the 1970s Las Vegas shows. The artists will be accompanied by the Graceland Band from Wales. The artists will be backed by the Graceland Band, a 10-member ensemble from Wales. The band has a history of accompanying various Elvis Tribute Artists on stages worldwide.

The artists behind the tribute

Gordon Davis from Malta, Emilio Santoro from England, and Ciaran Houlihan from Ireland are the artists slated to perform. Davis has received numerous titles for his portrayal of Elvis. Santoro, at just 20 years old, has already gained international recognition, including a notable appearance on 'America's Got Talent'. Houlihan has been performing his tribute to Elvis for over 16 years and has received multiple awards.

How to attend

Tickets for the event can be purchased exclusively through the website www.luxortheater.nl. The event will take place in the main hall of the Nieuwe Luxor Theater, located at Posthumalaan 1 in Rotterdam.

Directions to Nieuwe Luxor Theater

The Nieuwe Luxor Theater is situated at Posthumalaan 1, a vibrant area in Rotterdam. Easily accessible by public transport and car, the venue offers a unique blend of entertainment and culture.