A night of jazz and history at Jazz Club Museum Rotterdam.

In a remarkable transformation, Museum Rotterdam is set to become an underground jazz club on the evening of Friday, 13 September. The event will transport attendees back to the 1940s, a period when jazz in Rotterdam thrived in secrecy. The lively players of the Rotterdam jazz band promise an immersive journey into the era's jazz atmosphere. The museum, located at Coolhaven 375, invites the public to swing from 20:00 to 24:00.

Jazzclub Museum Rotterdam is part of the Tuschinski Festival, scheduled for 13 and 14 September 2024. The festival will feature performances, exhibitions, and walks, all aimed at honouring the legacy of Rotterdam entrepreneur Abraham Tuschinski.

Jazz during the occupation - Forbidden (not) to swing

Following the devastating bombardment on 14 May 1940, Rotterdam's population found solace in jazz, a genre that offered an escape from harsh realities. Despite dance bans, curfews, and blackouts imposed during the occupation, the city's shadowy districts became havens for forbidden pleasures, including jazz. It was in these areas, off-limits to German soldiers, that the pure sounds of jazz continued to resonate. During the war, the Dutch government attempted to regain control over the wayward youth by imposing a swing ban following the liberation. This ban, however, does not extend to the underground jazz club at Museum Rotterdam. ensure that attendees remain engaged and unable to sit still.

Location details

The event will take place at Coolhaven 375, adjacent to the metro and beneath the bridge. Admission is free, making it an accessible celebration of jazz and history.

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HAPPENING 12 July–10 August | A unique pop-up rooftop park will return to Rotterdam's city centre, transforming a parking garage into a vibrant green space. The DÂK park offers live music, BBQs, and various activities, inviting residents and visitors to enjoy summer evenings in an urban oasis.

DÂK pop-up rooftop park returns to Rotterdam

From 12 July to 10 August, APCOA Parking Westblaak in Rotterdam will host the annual pop-up rooftop park, DAK. This event transforms the roof of a parking garage into a green urban oasis, providing a unique space for residents and visitors to enjoy the summer season.

An urban oasis in the city centre

Each year, the rooftop park offers a green escape in the middle of Rotterdam. The transformation of the asphalt parking area into a verdant space provides an additional public outdoor area during the summer months, catering to those seeking a refreshing retreat within the city.

Social BBQ and live music

Visitors are invited to bring their own BBQ supplies, with several large BBQs available for use. This feature encourages social interaction, allowing people to meet and connect over grilled food. Music plays a central role in the park's atmosphere, with live performances scheduled every Saturday. Additional live music events may occur on other days, although the 2024 programme has yet to be announced.

Engaging activities for all

The DÂK park offers a variety of activities designed to entertain and engage visitors. Among the available options are ping pong tables, chess matches, a garden club, and a cacao ceremony. New activities for this year include Soul City and Soil City, which promise to enhance the overall experience.

Practical information

The DÂK rooftop park will operate with the following opening hours:

• Tuesday–Wednesday: 15:00-22:30
• Thursday–Friday: 15:00-23:00
• Saturday: 14:00-23:00
• Sunday: 14:00-22:00
• Monday: Closed

Entry fees are yet to be announced, and payments will be PIN-only. Children and friendly dogs are welcome free of charge. Check out the DÂK website for more information.

Location and directions

The DÂK pop-up rooftop park is located at APCOA Parking Westblaak in the city centre of Rotterdam. The area is easily accessible by public transport, bike, or car, providing convenience for all visitors.

This summer, the Zomerse Torenconcerten (Summer Tower Concerts) will bring a series of intimate musical performances to the rooftop of Gebouw De Heuvel in Rotterdam. These concerts, featuring a mix of carillon and live music, will provide audiences with a unique cultural experience set against the backdrop of the city's skyline.

A blend of carillon and live music

The concerts will be complemented by the carillon of the Laurenskerk, creating a harmonious blend of bell music and live performances. Each evening will feature a specific pairing of a carillonneur and a musical act, providing a diverse range of musical experiences.

Schedule and performers

Wednesday, 17 July
Joseph Min (USA) - Performing on the Laurenskerk Carillon
Joseph Min, a regular carillonneur at the Riverside Church in New York City, will perform at the Laurenskerk. His expertise on the carillon, one of the largest in the world, promises a compelling performance.

Didier François & Philippe Malfeyt (BE) - Nyckelharpa & Lute
This duo, featuring the renowned nyckelharpist Didier François and lutenist Philippe Malfeyt, will perform an eclectic mix of stringed music, offering a soothing yet captivating experience.

Wednesday, 24 July
Anna Kasprzycka (PL) - Performing on the Laurenskerk Carillon
Anna Kasprzycka, a renowned carillonneur and sound engineer, will showcase her skills on the carillon. Her performances are known for their technical precision and emotional depth.

Astrid Haring & Brandt Attema (NL) - Harp & Bass trombone
As the world's first bass trombone and harp duo, Haring and Attema will experiment with new compositions and reinterpret classic pieces, providing a unique auditory experience.

Wednesday, 31 July
Richard de Waardt (NL) & Dina Verheyden (BE) - Performing on the Laurenskerk Carillon
Richard de Waardt and Dina Verheyden, both experienced carillonneurs, will perform a duet on the carillon. Their combined expertise and harmony will be a highlight of the evening.

Duo Niepold/Verschueren (NL) - Diatonic Accordion & Piano
Anne Niepold and Florejan Verschueren will perform a dynamic and improvised concert, blending various musical styles and showcasing their individual talents.

Wednesday, 7 August
Peter Bray (AU) - Performing on the Laurenskerk Carillon
Peter Bray, an Australian senior carillonneur, will bring his international experience to the Laurenskerk, performing a diverse repertoire that resonates with a wide audience.

Kika Sprangers & Tuur Florizoone (NL/BE) - Saxophone & Accordion
This duo, known for their passion and improvisational skills, will perform a concert that blends their unique sounds and stories, offering a rich musical experience.

Wednesday, 14 August
Rosemarie Seuntiens (NL) - Performing on the Laurenskerk Carillon
Rosemarie Seuntiens, a well-known carillonneur in South Netherlands, will perform a concert featuring unique projects around the carillon and its cultural heritage.

Kabál (NL) - Viool, Accordeon, Gitaar & Percussie
Kabál will play folk music rooted in the Low Countries, merging traditional dances with their own musical world, creating a lively and engaging performance.

Wednesday, 21 August
Claire Janezic (USA) - Performing on the Laurenskerk Carillon
Claire Janezic, an accomplished carillonneur with performances across Europe and the USA, will perform at the Laurenskerk. Her expertise and diverse musical background will be showcased in her concert.

Neighbours Trio - Tar, Diatonic Accordion & Tablas
Neighbours Trio, combining Indian, Italian, and Iranian musical traditions, will perform an eclectic and vibrant set, blending traditional sounds with contemporary rhythms.

Directions and area description

For more information, visit the official Rotterdamse Dakendagen website.

Directions and area description

The rooftop of Gebouw De Heuvel is centrally located in Rotterdam, providing easy access for attendees. Situated near the Laurenskerk, the venue offers stunning views of the city's architecture. The area is well-connected by public transport, making it convenient for visitors to explore nearby attractions before or after the concerts.

HAPPENING SUMMER 2024 | Diergaarde Blijdorp introduces new summer activities, offering visitors a variety of events and new animal exhibits. The zoo aims to entertain and educate guests of all ages throughout the summer holidays.

New summer activities at Diergaarde Blijdorp

As the summer holidays approach, Diergaarde Blijdorp in Rotterdam has prepared an array of activities for visitors. The zoo is set to welcome guests with new animal exhibits and a series of events designed to provide entertainment and education for all ages.

Summer in Blijdorp

This summer, Diergaarde Blijdorp will feature numerous activities. Highlights include the arrival of new tigers, a pregnant lioness, the birth of an okapi, and the opening of the African Jungle Aviary. Visitors are invited to explore these new attractions and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the zoo.

Summer evenings

On 3, 10, 17, and 24 August, Blijdorp will extend its opening hours until 21:00 for Summer Evenings (ZOOmeravonden). Guests can enjoy live music on various terraces while sampling food and drinks.

Summer terrace

During the Open Monument Weekend on 13 September, Diergaarde Blijdorp will transform the forecourt of the Rivièrahal into a Summer Terrace (ZOOmerterras). This event will feature live music, dance, and a variety of refreshments. The terrace will open at 18:00, and entry is free.

Rotterdam Zoo summer terrace in 2022

Life-sized Playmobil

Until 1 September, the zoo will host life-sized Playmobil figures. Children, and adults alike, can enjoy a route through the zoo with an activity booklet available at the entrance. Participants can also join a treasure hunt for a chance to meet a zookeeper.

After exploring the zoo or completing the treasure hunt, visitors can relax at the Summer Square (ZOOmerplein) from 3 August. Located near the flamingos and geladas, this area offers summer treats and special drinks arrangements.

Directions to Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp)

Diergaarde Blijdorp is situated in the northern part of Rotterdam. The zoo is easily accessible by public transport, with trams and buses stopping nearby. For those travelling by car, parking is available on-site. The area around the zoo includes the Vroesenpark, a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks.