Metropolis Festival Rotterdam - location, dates, line-up

Metropolis Festival Rotterdam - location, dates, line-up

HAPPENING 7 July 2024 | The Metropolis Festival (Het Metropolis Festival), a unique one-day event, offers a platform for emerging bands and performers, attracting an average of around 30,000 visitors annually on the first Sunday of July. The festival is held in the Zuiderpark, located on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas river in Rotterdam​.

About Metropolis Festival

The Metropolis Festival is known for its forward-thinking programming, showcasing acts that have subsequently gained widespread recognition. Both local and international talents have graced its stages, solidifying the festival's reputation as a must-visit destination for original pop music enthusiasts​.

The festival not only showcases talented acts, but also scouts and supports them from the grassroots level. It also collaborates with various educational institutions, suggesting a broadening of focus towards other disciplines in the future​.

At the festival grounds, visitors can indulge in a variety of food and drink options, with transactions being carried out using tokens. The festival has a strict policy against bringing glass or cans into the festival grounds for safety and environmental reasons​.

Pets are not explicitly forbidden at the festival, but attendees are strongly advised to leave their pets at home or in someone else's care to avoid causing discomfort to other visitors​.

Metropolis Festival 2014Metropolis Festival 2014

 

The best bands you've never heard of

The festival aims to showcase established performers and works diligently to scout unheard-of acts and give them a chance to develop their talents further on stage. The festival has helped launch the careers of many now-established artists, and is regarded as a significant part of festival offerings within the city, having earned a national reputation as an essential stage for up-and-coming music talent​.

Now famous performers such as Smashing Pumpkins, Prodigy, The Killers, The XX and The Black Keys all took the stage at Metropolis in Rotterdam before becoming household names worldwide.

The festival also collaborates with various educational institutions, suggesting a broadening of focus towards other disciplines in the future​.

Twenty One Pilots @ Metropolis Festival 2014Twenty One Pilots @ Metropolis Festival 2014

 

Metropolis Festival line-up 2024

For the 2024 edition, new acts from both international and local scenes have been announced. These include Bongeziwe Mabandla, Chibi Ichigo, Deadletter, Delilah Bon, Imaginarium, Joe Unknown, Meltheads, Prins S en De Geit, Roger Damawuzan, and The Southern River Band. Other performers include SPRINTS, Zoë Livay, BKK, Geel & Ariënne Sillié, IKNOWnoa, Nienke Leone, Pearl Ramos, Sirocco, Smudged, Comfort Creature, DJ VNCE, RANIC, STerre Liz, Ytim, Nadinemoetjezien, Mirdjo, and Valencio.

Another feature of the festival is the market hosted by Swan Market, where festival-goers can shop for various items including jewellery, clothes, vinyl, sunglasses, and phone accessories.

The festival also features three stages, namely Metroville, New Garden, and Future Stage, where these diverse acts will perform​.

You can find the official festival line-up on the Metropolis website.

 

What Metropolis Festival sounds like

Check out the Spotify playlist below and have a listen.

 

Location: Zuiderpark

Please note that Zuiderpark is huge, so be sure to enter the park near the Rotterdam Ahoy parking lot. That's where you'll find the entrance to the festival. Be sure to check out the directions to Zuiderpark.
 
 

Parking at Metropolis Festival Rotterdam

There are parking options available nearby at Ahoy (P2), which probably costs around €15 for the entire day, and at the parking garages of Zuidplein. In the past, the parking lot was open from 12:00 in the afternoon, and you were able to drive out at any time.

You can also make use of the parking garages in Zuidplein. Note: space is limited. Luckily, Rotterdam has Park and Ride facilities (parking in combination with public transport) at 15 metro stations, such as P+R Alexander, P+R Slinge and P+R Kralingse Zoom.

L'Oréal Paris brings Wall of Worth to Rotterdam's Eendrachtsplein

L'Oréal Paris brings Wall of Worth to Rotterdam's Eendrachtsplein

HAPPENING 14–16 June 2024 | Women in Rotterdam are being invited to celebrate their self-worth with L'Oréal Paris' new campaign, "You're Worth It." The Wall of Worth will be featured at Eendrachtsplein from 14 to 16 June. Join in activities and receive a complimentary lipstick.

L'Oréal Paris promotes self-worth with Wall of Worth

L'Oréal Paris has launched its new campaign, "You're Worth It," in Rotterdam with the Wall of Worth. This initiative encourages women to recognise and celebrate their self-worth by engaging in self-affirmation activities. The Wall of Worth can be visited at Eendrachtsplein on 14 June from 15:00 to 19:00, and on 15 and 16 June from 11:00 to 19:00. Various activities will be available to motivate and celebrate women, and each visitor will receive a complimentary lipstick.

Campaign activities

The activation aims to empower women by inviting them to write compliments to themselves and others, shed negative thoughts, and speak positively about their self-worth. Coaches will be present to support women in this journey of self-discovery. The initiative highlights that self-worth is not determined by others' opinions. All women deserve to be seen and heard.

L'Oréal Paris brings Wall of Worth to Rotterdam's Eendrachtsplein. (Note: This photo is from another location)L'Oréal Paris brings Wall of Worth to Rotterdam's Eendrachtsplein. (Note: This photo is from another location)

Addressing societal pressures

Recent international research indicates that over half of young women struggle to meet traditional beauty standards. Additionally, 40 percent of youths feel that social media heavily influences their self-image. In this context, L'Oréal Paris urges all women in the Netherlands to cast aside their insecurities and celebrate their self-worth. The campaign features inspirational #worthit stories shared by international ambassadors and local influencers across various media platforms.

Silvana Hoekstra, Brand Communication Lead L'Oréal Paris Benelux, stated, "Saying 'I'm worth it' seems difficult for many. Keep repeating it to yourself in the mirror, post it on your timeline, and tell your friends, 'You are worth it.'"

A long-standing commitment

For over 50 years, the iconic slogan of L'Oréal Paris, 'Because you're worth it,' has resonated with women. The brand continues to challenge stereotypes, empowering women to take their rightful place in society. Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, Global Brand President of L'Oréal Paris, remarked, "Our mission will be fulfilled when women no longer need to be reminded of their worth. We aim to give women the confidence and strength to achieve their goals and be free in society."

Directions to Eendrachtsplein

Eendrachtsplein is centrally located in Rotterdam, easily accessible by public transport, including trams and buses. The area is known for its vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by cafés, shops, and cultural landmarks.

Kidsstock family festival Rotterdam - dates, artists, info

Kidsstock family festival Rotterdam - dates, artists, info

HAPPENING 16 June 2024 | Kidsstock is a family festival with workshops, performances, and food court. The event takes place every summer at the Kralingse Plas in Rotterdam. 
 
Attend performances by popular singers and illusionists. Dance together to the best house classics, or rather bump into your friends in bumper cars? It's all possible on at the Kidsstock family festival. The Kralingse Plas in Rotterdam will be the setting for a day full of entertainment for young and old. Think of a unique programme spread over several stages, with music being the common thread.
 
The next Kidsstock event takes place on Sunday, 16 June 2024 at Kralingse Plas, Rotterdam, from 13:00 to 20:00. Tickets are required for entry. For the most recent information regarding pricing, be sure to visit the official Kidsstock website
 
 

What to expect at Kidsstock?

The Kralingse Bos in Rotterdam will be the setting for a day full of entertainment for young and old. Think of a unique programme spread over several stages, with music being the common thread. Also be sure to take a stroll to be surprised by a special mix of walking theatre and entertainment. Or join one of the many workshops where crafts and new skills are taught. Of course, there will also be plenty of goodies to eat at the food trucks on the day, such as poffertjes or pizzas, and for parents there will be a fine wine bar with a varied selection. Besides dancing to the finest house classics, the kids can also get to work themselves at the craft square led by the duo Klieder en Klodder. From making a musical instrument to designing and making a hat or your own Kidsstock bag, it's all possible here. Of course, there is also plenty of room for craziness and magic. Like Turbo Touw Tornado's giant rope-jumping machine. 

KIDSSTOCK Rotterdam 2024 programmeKIDSSTOCK Rotterdam 2024 programme


 
A food truck at Kidsstock. Credit: Yvette de WitA food truck at Kidsstock. Credit: Yvette de Wit
 
 
 
Kids participating in creative workshops at Kidsstock. Credit: Yvette de WitKids participating in creative workshops at Kidsstock. Credit: Yvette de Wit
 

The organizers behind Kidsstock

Kidsstock is a co-creation of four fathers and their seven children. The dads are no strangers to the festival world; they are also behind Boothstock and used to conceive and run the Dance Parade. "Our kids comment on everything. Everything we come up with has to be better, more fun and wilder from them. Then we decided they should organise a festival themselves. That's how this youth advisory board came about. From the name to the programming, the children have determined what this festival looks like," says the organisers.
 
For more information about the programme and conditions, take a look at the Kidsstock website.
BIRDfest - date, location & artist line-up

BIRDfest - date, location & artist line-up

HAPPENING 1–2 November 2024 | Looking for something to do in November? BIRD invites you to 'celebrate the culture' at its very own festival: BIRDfest. 
 

Birdfest 2024 is set to offer an exciting array of musical performances and cultural events, promising a vibrant atmosphere for attendees. Scheduled for Friday, 1 November and Saturday, 2 November, the festival will take place at various venues, including Annabel, BIRD, and MONO.

 

BIRDfest artist lineup

Visitors to BIRDfest can expect a musical mix of jazz, soul, hip-hop, disco, house, singer-songwriters, DJs, vocalists and multi-instrumentalists. This is the line-up so far:

Mulatu Astatke // Thee Sinseers & The Altons // Carista // Moor Mother // August Charles // RolRolRol // Corto Alto
 

BIRDfest event details

The festival will kick off on Friday evening, with doors opening at 19:00. The Saturday programme begins earlier, with live music starting at 16:00 and running until the early hours. Saturday’s events are divided into concert and club segments, providing a diverse range of entertainment options.
 

Tickets and age restrictions

Tickets for Birdfest 2024 are available for purchase online. Pricing varies, with options for early bird and regular tickets, as well as club-only tickets. Attendees must be at least 18 years old, or accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Festival logistics

Festival wristbands can be collected at Annabel on Friday and at BIRD on Saturday. There is ample parking available near BIRD, with fees applicable between 09:00 and 23:00. For those using public transport, the venues are easily accessible from Rotterdam Centraal Station. 
 

Payment and amenities

All festival locations accept card payments. A secured cloakroom is available at BIRD, while MONO offers an unsecured option.
 

About BIRD Rotterdam

BIRD, Rotterdam's main hangout spot for urban music and culture started out as a jazz club and quickly branched out into soul, hip hop, afro and electronic music. With BIRDfest, the venue aims to create the ultimate environment in which different musical styles come together.
Urban Walk Rotterdam - date, registration, info

Urban Walk Rotterdam - date, registration, info

HAPPENING 29 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Discover Rotterdam up close and personal this autumn by joining Urban Walk. Various locations in Rotterdam will open their doors to welcome walkers during the walk of about 10-12 or 18-20 km. Every year, the organisation revamps the route, adding unique and special locations.

Urban Walk Rotterdam unveils new attractions

On Sunday, 29 September 2024, the Urban Walk Rotterdam will offer participants a unique way to explore the city while engaging in a delightful walking tour. This year’s event introduces a new route that promises a refreshing experience through Rotterdam’s notable locations.

The walk begins at Plein 1940, adjacent to the Maritime Museum and centrally located within the city, providing easy access to various parts of Rotterdam. One of the highlights this year is the inclusion of Comedy Club Haug, the first stand-up comedy venue along the Maas, featuring national and international acts as well as emerging talents.

Another key destination on the route is Brouwerij Noordt. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the brewery’s tasting room and explore a variety of beers from their classic, seasonal, and NXP series, directly from the tap. The brewery experience includes a tour and a chance to relax on the terrace while enjoying a selection of beers.

You can register via the Urban Walk Rotterdam website.

Memorable short and long routes

The Urban Walk not only offers a unique way to see the city but also serves as an opportunity to explore undiscovered spots and engage with the community. Whether opting for the shorter 10-12 km route or the longer 18-20 km path, walkers will experience Rotterdam in a special and memorable way.

The short route is a great opportunity for novice runners to join in. You pass slightly fewer locations on this route than on the long route. You indicate your choice of distance during registration. During the run, you can change distances at the junction. Please note: always take into account the opening and closing times of the supply points and finish line. Make sure you pass the different points on time.

In previous years, the same fee was charged for both distances. The start and finish of both routes are at the same point. There is a start in starting blocks.

Participation package

This information may not be fully accurate, but registration in previous editions included the following:

- A unique organised walk through Rotterdam
- Fully mapped out route through various special locations
- The stamp card will be sent before the event
- Refreshments for on the way
- Various music points on the routes
- A unique Urban Walk Rotterdam souvenir
- Medical assistance

 

Urban Walk Rotterdam - date, registration, infoUrban Walk Rotterdam - date, registration, info

 

In support of the National MS Fund

In partnership with the National MS Fund, the 2024 Urban Walk Rotterdam continues to support research aimed at combating multiple sclerosis (MS). Funds raised during the event will benefit the research led by Dr. Wia Baron at UMC Groningen, focusing on the role of astrocytes in hindering myelin repair around nerve fibres.

Participants can contribute to this research by donating during registration or by setting up a fundraising page through walkforms.nl. Those raising more than €150 will have their entry fee covered by the National MS Fund.

Directions to Plein 1940

Plein 1940, starting point of the Urban Walk Rotterdam, is easily accessible due to its central location near the Maritime Museum. 

How about a live show tonight?

Special events happening soon

How about a live show tonight?

Special events happening soon

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