events (calendar) - RotterdamStyle.com

Summer nights at the Maaskantine: Films, games, and more

Bryan van Putten events (calendar) 27 June 2023

The Maaskantine in Rotterdam is set to become a hub of summer entertainment, offering a programme filled with films, games, and quizzes. This riverside venue, known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the Maas, is inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy a variety of events under the starry summer sky.

A summer of entertainment at the Maaskantine

From this week, the Maaskantine is launching a series of events designed to make the summer in Rotterdam unforgettable. The programme includes screenings of popular films, both classics and blockbusters, as well as engaging games and quizzes.

"In collaboration with Pleinbios and Film in the Neighbourhood, we have created a delightful programme for the upcoming summer. We are organising game and quiz nights with attractive prizes. During 'Movie on the Beach', guests can enjoy top films in the open air, with a splendid view of the Maas and the city lights. There will be no dull moments for those staying in town this summer," said Ruben Venema, the owner of the Maaskantine.

Maaskantine. Photo credit: Alexander Santos Lima

Weekly events to look forward to

Every Friday during the summer, the Maaskantine will host a special event. The line-up includes the screening of the film 'Little Miss Sunshine' on 30 June and a '30 Seconds' tournament on 6 July. Quiz enthusiasts can test their knowledge during 'The Ultimate TV Show Quiz' on 20 July. Films, a carefully selected mix of cult classics and iconic blockbusters, will be shown on a large outdoor screen on the beach.

Special showcase event: Curated by

In addition to the regular programme, the Maaskantine will host 'Curated by' on 8 July, 12 August, and 16 September. This event, a collaboration with the New Generation Foundation, offers a unique opportunity to get to know artists in a personal way. The artists Beau Zwart, IKNOWNOA, and Ruwhel & the Bigi Blues Band will be featured.

About the Maaskantine

The Maaskantine is a summer hotspot located on the banks of the Maas in Rotterdam. It offers a mix of culinary delights, refreshing drinks, and a lively atmosphere. Whether it's for casual drinks, tasty dinners, cultural events, or summer film nights, the Maaskantine promises endless fun.

Directions to the Maaskantine

The Maaskantine is easily accessible and located in a vibrant area of Rotterdam.

Rotterdam Pride week - general information, locations, dates

Bryan van Putten events (calendar) 22 May 2023

During Rotterdam Pride Week, the streets of Rotterdam transform into all colours of the rainbow in a celebration of sexual freedom, gender, gender identity and cultural diversity. Rotterdam Pride week boasts a diverse and colourful programme brimful of art, culture, talk shows, debates, entertainment and of course, more than 130 parties and events for all ages.

2024 UPDATE: There will be no Rotterdam Pride in Rotterdam this year. For the first time in ten years, the event for the Rotterdam LGBTQIA+ community is cancelled due to financial problems. Rotterdam Pride was scheduled for 14 September.

‘In light of the current circumstances, it has been decided to temporarily halt all activities of Rotterdam Pride,’ the organisation reports. ‘Our commitment to our LGBTQIA+ community remains unwavering.’

OLD INFORMATION CONTINUES BELOW

Rotterdam Pride Week is not just a celebration but a symbol of progress, unity, and inclusivity. It serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves love, acceptance, and equality. In 2023 Rotterdam Pride Week takes place from 1 - 11 June. This year, the event marks its 10th anniversary, offering a broad program full of pride talks, parties, and meet-ups dedicated to LGBTQIA+ emancipation, equality, and acceptance.

Key Highlights

These are the key highlights of Rotterdam Pride Week:

The Official Kick-Off

Rotterdam Pride Week 2023 commences with an official opening dubbed "Pride is a Protest," symbolizing the roots of Pride in protest and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights. The event will be held at Kunsthal Rotterdam from 19:00 on June 1st to 01:00 on June 2nd.

The night will be filled with various activities, including drinks, spoken word performances by Luis Bracamontes of Unwanted Words, and a pride talk about Queer masculinity featuring Giovanni Maisto Ferreira. The event will end with a ballroom showcase and an afterparty named ‘Under My Umbrella’, hosted by members of the Dutch ballroom scene.

During the pride talk on queer masculinity, the discussion will focus on how to adopt and spread a healthy form of masculinity, the effects of toxic masculinity on the Queer community, and strategies for breaking social patterns as a Queer person. Giovanni Maisto Ferreira will also screen their film "Touch'M", which is about their personal journey towards understanding the power of healthy masculinity.

The event will be conducted in Dutch, and the venue is fully accessible.

Pride March 2023

The Pride March 2023 event in Rotterdam Pride is set to take place on the evening of June 2nd. This peaceful march aims to make a statement for equal rights and increased acceptance of the LGBTIQA+ community both in the Netherlands and worldwide. The event is a response to recent incidents in Rotterdam and across the globe, highlighting the ongoing need for improvement in inclusivity and acceptance. Participants are encouraged to bring their friends, family, and allies, and to express their support with banners, flags, and music.

The march is scheduled to start at 7:00 pm at Kruisplein, in front of Rotterdam Central Station. The route, which is wheelchair-friendly and spans a maximum of 3 km, will pass through Rotterdam and end at Schouwburgplein at 9:00 pm.

The route of the march has been designed to reflect the history and future of the LGBTQIA+ community. Participants will walk along a path filled with symbols and memorials of heroes who have value for the LGBTQIA+ community and who have fought for their emancipation, not only in Rotterdam but also internationally.

The Pride March is organized by Pride010, COC Rotterdam, and Out in Rotterdam, in collaboration with LGBTQIA+ clubs and bars in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam Pride Festival 2023

The Rotterdam Pride Festival 2023 is set to take place on June 3rd, celebrating 10 years of Rotterdam Pride. The festival will be held under the iconic Erasmus Bridge at Willemsplein. The event promises a full day of exciting performances, featuring various artists, sound systems, and stands.

The details of the line-up and other exciting activities will be announced soon. The festival is free to attend and is expected to be an event not to be missed. Attendees are encouraged to mark the event in their calendars, ensuring their presence on June 3rd.

The event will be held from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Willemsplein, 3016 DR Rotterdam, Netherlands.

As the sun sets, the festivities continue into the night with "The afterparty MY iD x BLUSH" at CULTUURPODIUM PERRON, offering attendees an unforgettable night of celebration.

Inclusive Activities

Rotterdam Pride Week also includes activities promoting inclusivity and community, like the "Drag Brunch + Catwalk Lesson for Pink Elderly" and the "Board Game Night for Status Holders (asylum seekers)," ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and celebrated.

Pride Walk in Rotterdam. Photo credit: Alexander Suer

Engaging Discussions: Pride Talks and Town Hall Meetings

Pride Talks are a crucial part of Rotterdam Pride Week, offering insightful discussions on LGBTQIA+ issues. If you missed the previous talks, you can catch them on YouTube, where they're available with English subtitles.

The Pride Week also incorporates Town Hall Meetings, which focus on various topics related to the LGBTQIA+ community. The 2023 program and events were discussed in the third Town Hall Meeting, highlighting the planning and preparation that goes into making this week a success.

For the full Rotterdam Pride programme and timetable, be sure to check out the Rotterdam Pride website.

Arab Women Film Days: A Prelude to Arab Film Festival 2023

Bryan van Putten events (calendar) 19 May 2023

The Arab Film Festival has arranged a special showcase titled 'Arab Women Film Days' which will run on 26th and 27th May. The event is designed as an introduction to the main festival scheduled for September and will exhibit three distinctive films, including an award-winning Jordanian drama, 'Daughters of Abdul-Rahman'.

Details of the Arab Women Film Days

Organisers of the Arab Film Festival have planned the Arab Women Film Days as a prelude to the main event which will take place from 5th to 10th September 2023. This year, the festival is shining a spotlight on women in Arab cinema. Three different films will be presented at LantarenVenster in Rotterdam, followed by discussions and a publication, collectively illuminating the position of women in contemporary Arab cinema.

The films featured

Three films will be exhibited during Arab Women Film Days. 'Daughters of Abdelrahman', directed by Zaid Abu Hamdan, explores the narrative of four diverse sisters who reconnect while searching for their missing father in patriarchal Jordan. The film is based on the director's mother's life, who was unable to achieve her dreams.

Another film, 'Curfew' by the Egyptian Amir Ramses, is a touching drama focusing on a mother and daughter revealing hidden emotions and family secrets during a quarantine in Egypt.

Finally, 'The Women in Block J', by Moroccan filmmaker Mohamed Nadif, pays tribute to women from various social backgrounds who bond through the shared experience of mental illness and offer each other unique support.

The themes of the Arab Film Festival 2023

Arab Women Film Days will be carried forward into the main Arab Film Festival in September, where two additional themes will be explored. One theme will offer a diverse film programme on Iraq, providing an updated perspective of the country 20 years post-invasion. The second theme honours the centenary of Sayed Darwish (1892-1923), a pivotal figure in modern Arabic music. Special compositions inspired by Darwish's work will be performed by the Doelen Ensemble during the opening.

About the Arab Film Festival

The Arab Film Festival is scheduled to take place from 5th to 10th September 2023 in Rotterdam, hosted in three locations: LantarenVenster, Pathé Schouwburgplein, and Verhalenhuis Belvédère. The festival, in collaboration with partners from the MENA region, handpicks films each year that challenge stereotypes and represent key works from Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq.

Programme for Arab Women Film Days

The Arab Women Film Days' schedule is as follows:

Friday, 26th May: 'Curfew' at 19:30 and 'The Women in Block J' at 21:30, with the director Mohamed Nadif in attendance.

Saturday, 27th May: 'Daughters of Abdul Rahman' at 19:15.

A short discussion will follow all screenings.

Directions to LantarenVenster

LantarenVenster is located at Otto Reuchlinweg 996, 3072 MD Rotterdam, Netherlands. It's situated in a vibrant area of the city, easily accessible by public transport and with ample parking. The area is buzzing with cultural venues, restaurants, and the famous Erasmus Bridge just a stone's throw away.

Festival De Achtertuin Bergschenhoek - date, location, lineup

Bryan van Putten events (calendar) 16 May 2023

Festival De Achtertuin is an electronic music festival with surreal and wonderful experiences in 'the backyard of Rotterdam' on the grounds of Outdoor Valley in Bergschenhoek.

On Saturday, 15 July 2023, Outdoor Valley Bergschenhoek will transform into a surreal experience where attendees can dance, lose themselves, and marvel at the wild meadow. The line-up, completed by headliners such as Mees Salomé, Benny Rodrigues, Olivier Weiter, Sandrien, and Secret Cinema, promises a day of diverse musical experiences.

Line-up De Achtertuin

The first line-up announcement already featured Benny Rodrigues, Olivier Weiter, and Mees Salomé. Now, Sandrien, Secret Cinema, and Hollt (live) also grace the festival poster. The festival caters to a variety of musical styles, with house tunes at the Bird's Nest stage, enchanting progressive house in the Magical Garden Hut, and disco and retro tunes at the Vinextuin stage. This year, Rotterdam label Sekora will host the Tipi Stage, featuring Deeparture and Huminal among others.

Experience, art and safari

Festival De Achtertuin is not solely about the music. Attendees can immerse themselves in a green and adventurous oasis surrounded by water, garden houses, tipis, and fireplaces, where art and experience intersect. The festival offers a safari, live performances, quirky games, and delightful massages. As with previous years, there will be a hunt for access to the secret stage, curated by 50:HERTZ.

Sustainability

Sustainability is of paramount importance at Festival De Achtertuin. Only vegetarian dishes will be served from the food trucks, reusable drinking cups and biodegradable tableware will be used, and waste will be minimised, separated, and recycled. The festival limits power usage, employing solar panels and green energy for generation. The stages and decorations are reused and are also made from recycled materials.

Sekora and Trees for All

This year, the Tipi stage will be hosted by Sekora, a record label founded by Wesley Verheij (UOAK), who commits to sustainability as a DJ. As a nature enthusiast, he fuses electronic music and nature. For each release, he plants two trees with Trees for All.

Hosting a stage at Festival De Achtertuin is thus a logical step for Wesley and Sekora: “It's an opportunity to show that sustainability and electronic music can go hand in hand. This is where De Achtertuin and Sekora find common ground. We really consider sustainability: the festival takes place on existing grounds. A climbing wall and outdoor park are transformed into a stage. They genuinely look at what can be done with existing materials instead of building everything anew.”

Festival De Achtertuin Bergschenhoek

From 250 to 4000 attendees

Festival De Achtertuin welcomes all ages and is aimed at music lovers with a fondness for creative festivals, where art installations are as prominent as the line-up. The festival began in 2020 with a slimmed-down edition due to COVID-19 restrictions, attended by only 250 people. The sold-out 2021 edition was cancelled a day before construction started due to new COVID-19 measures. Despite the challenges that De Achtertuin and other festivals faced, the festival managed to grow, welcoming 2000 attendees in 2022. This year, the festival aims to double the visitor count to 4000.

Ticket Sales

Tickets for Saturday, 15 July are now available at www.festivaldeachtertuin.nl. Festival De Achtertuin is for all ages and is aimed at the conscientious music lover with a fondness for creative festivals, where art installations hold equal prominence in the line-up.

Götheborg of Sweden: an 18th-century ship experience in Rotterdam

Bryan van Putten events (calendar) 11 May 2023

The Götheborg of Sweden, the world's largest ocean-going wooden sailing ship, has arrived in Rotterdam, as part of its European Tour 2023. The ship is moored at the Holland Amerikakade until 14th May, and during opening hours it can be visited by the public with a ticket. Scroll below for opening hours and ticket prices.

Götheborg of Sweden's arrival and festivities

On Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 12:00 pm, the Götheborg of Sweden, a replica of an 18th-century Swedish merchant ship, arrived in Rotterdam. In the morning, the ship was welcomed with a parade, and before docking in the afternoon, it saluted the city of Rotterdam with multiple cannon shots.

European Tour 2023

The Götheborg will embark from Barcelona on March 20, 2023, and sail to its home port of Gothenburg, Sweden, where it will play a central role in the city's 400th-anniversary celebrations in early June. During the 2023 expedition, the ship will make six stops, inviting visitors on board and offering the opportunity to sail and experience life on an 18th-century vessel.

Opportunity to sail as a deckhand

During the European Tour 2023, the public can sail as deckhands. The ship requires a crew of 70, consisting of about 20 professional crew members and 50 sailors from the public who join for the adventure, experience, and the opportunity to learn how to sail an 18th-century ship. Unfortunately, all of these vacancies are already taken.

About the Götheborg of Sweden

The Götheborg of Sweden is a unique replica of an 18th-century merchant ship belonging to the Swedish East India Company that sank off Gothenburg in 1745. Excavations of the original Götheborg ship began in 1984, and construction of the new Götheborg commenced in 1995. It took ten years to build the replica, which was launched 20 years ago, in 2003. Between 2005 and 2007, the ship followed the historic route to Asia and back. Various European expeditions were carried out afterward, with the latest in 2015. In 2021, the ship sailed from Gothenburg to Stockholm and back, and in 2022, it sailed throughout Europe.

Last year, the Götheborg of Sweden garnered attention during its expedition, including a highly successful stop in Nice at the end of September. The ship made 13 stops in 11 European countries, attracting over 60,000 visitors during the various stops, and 500 people sailed as deckhands.

Visiting Götheborg of Sweden in Rotterdam

Opening Hours for Rotterdam

Thursday, 11th May: 14:00–20:00 (last entry 19:15)
Friday, 12th May: 10:00–20:00 (last entry 19:15)
Saturday, 13th May: 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:15)
Sunday, 14th May: 12:00–16:00 (last entry 15:15)

Ticket Prices

Adults: € 15.00
Children, ages 5-16: € 7.50
Children, ages 0-4: Free

Tickets: https://www.gotheborg.se/visit-us/

Location and directions

The Götheborg of Sweden will be docked at Holland Amerikakade in Rotterdam, a central and easily accessible location.