HAPPENING 14-16 JUNE 2024 | The vibrant flavours of Asia will be celebrated at the Taste of Asia Festival in Rotterdam, featuring three days of culinary delights, live performances, and cultural workshops. The event is set to transform Parklaan into an exotic paradise.

A glimpse into the festival

On 14, 15, and 16 June, Rotterdam's Parklaan will host the Taste of Asia Festival, inviting visitors to experience an array of Asian cuisines, including fried rice, dumplings, spring rolls, and noodle soup. Attendees can immerse themselves in an atmosphere reminiscent of Bali's beaches or a Vietnamese roadside eatery, indulging in bao buns, sushi, and fresh coconut.

Beyond the cuisine

In addition to the culinary offerings, visitors can enjoy cultural workshops, live performances, and stalls with unique trinkets from across Asia, offering a comprehensive taste of the region's culture.

Taste of Asia festival location and opening hours

• Location: Parklaan, Rotterdam
• Dates: 14, 15, and 16 June 2024
• Friday Hours: 17:00-21:00
• Saturday Hours: 13:00-22:00
• Sunday Hours: 13:00-20:00

Tickets for the 2024 edition can be purchased here.

Parklaan is located in the heart of Rotterdam, offering a central and accessible location. It's near Het Park, which provides an ideal setting for this celebration. The surrounding area is well-connected by public transport and boasts numerous parking options.

HAPPENING 3 May 2024 | The Dutch world class artist will perform his relatively new concept ‘What The F’ in a spectacular Open to Close. The 6-hour show promises a blend of past and future sounds from System F and Gouryella to the present and future.

Maassilo to host Ferry Corsten's What The F! audiovisual concert

A special concert has been announced for Rotterdam’s Maassilo, featuring the renowned Dutch DJ Ferry Corsten. Scheduled for 3 May, this event will showcase Ferry Corsten's 'What The F' concept, an audiovisual experience spanning from open to close. This six-hour performance aims to merge the musical journeys of Corsten's various artistic personas, including Gouryella and System F, alongside his main act.

Ferry Corsten's pioneering journey

Ferry Corsten shared his excitement about the concert: “This feels like an absolute highlight of my work. Lots of my older productions examined, reconsidered from a futuristic approach and ultimately remixed,” he explained, emphasizing the transformative nature of this event.

The Rotterdam-based EDM legend, known for his significant contributions to the music industry, will perform an extended set that highlights the evolution of his music. Describing the depth of his repertoire, Ferry said, “It will be a journey through my sound in all its diversity.” He added, “It sounds crazy, but I really became a bit enchanted by the diversity of my music. From house to progressive and from trance to techier productions.”

The official poster for Grotesque presents What The F!

Event details and directions

Grotesque presents What the F! Ferry Corsten in Concert will take place in the main hall of Rotterdam's Maassilo. Regular tickets and meet & greet ticket packages are available here. Alongside Ferry, this show will include light and laser visuals, several live acts from vocalists, but also tracks from Ferry’s alter egos, some as previously mentioned in new, futuristic versions.

Maassilo, situated on the Maashaven Zuidzijde, is known for its industrial charm and large-scale events. 

HAPPENING 21–22 May 2024 | A groundbreaking dance performance delves into a post-apocalyptic vision set in the year 2200. This unique show will transform Rotterdam's Schouwburg into a lush ruin dominated by nature.
_{Featured photo credit: Anja Beutler}

Performance overview

The Schouwburg Rotterdam will be converted into a scene from the distant future for the upcoming performances of 'ATMEN' on the 21st and 22nd of May 2024. This dance performance, created by Nicole Beutler Projects, represents the second instalment in the trilogy 'Rituals of Transformation'. The show explores the aftermath of the climate crisis, depicting a world where humanity has faded and nature reclaims its space.

Artistic elements

The production utilises 3D video projections by Heleen Blanken to transform the familiar red velvet and interiors of the theatre into an overgrown ruin. The atmosphere is further enriched by the electronic music of Gary Shepherd, which echoes the sounds of nature's resurgence, including fungus growth and natural disasters. Dancers and singers portray the survivors of humanity, evolving from mossy figures into beings forging new connections, vaguely recalling the melodies of composer Schubert.

Special features and impact programme

As part of the Rotterdam performances, Nicole Beutler Projects will present a special impact programme. This initiative includes a lecture performance by philosopher and dramaturg Thomas Lamers, who will explore the delicate balance between hope and despair in facing the climate crisis. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a silent disco featuring a podcast about the production and its themes, as well as an activist art exhibition by the collective Sunflower Soup.

ATMEN by Nicole Beutler Projects. Photo credit: Anja Beutler

Getting to Schouwburg Rotterdam

Schouwburg Rotterdam is easily accessible by public transport, with several tram and bus stops nearby. For those driving, parking is available in the surrounding area. The venue is known for its vibrant cultural scene, located in the heart of the city.

The Travelling Learning Circus offers a creative oasis in Hoek van Holland. Brinkplein is set to become a stage for community tales and artistic ventures.

‘Travelling learning circus’ engages Hoek van Holland

The Travelling Learning Circus (Reizend LeerCircus) will set up its inaugural space for community and cultural engagement in Hoek van Holland, at Brinkplein from 16 to 21 April 2024. Orchestrated by Stichting Wijkcollectie, the initiative is designed as a meeting place where residents and artists share experiences through stories, art, music, and theatre.

The initiative aims to enhance community bonds and cultural exchange. In this edition, the theme of 'new neighbours' is explored, which has emerged as a recurrent narrative among the local residents. Nicole van Dijk, director of Stichting Wijkcollectie, has highlighted the complexity of welcoming new neighbours into the community.

Art and dialogue in Hoek van Holland

Throughout the week, Brinkplein will host a multitude of activities, including workshops, theatrical performances, and musical events, all centred around the distinctive circular open-air tent installation by artist Frans van der Horst. These programmes encourage community members to engage with each other and reflect on the shared stories of their environment.

Kick-off and week-long programme

The official launch on 18 April 2024 will feature local narratives, culinary delights from the area, and cultural performances, providing a vibrant start to the week's festivities. The full programme can be found here.

The Travelling Learning Circus continues its journey

Following its time in Hoek van Holland, the Travelling Learning Circus will move on to other Rotterdam neighbourhoods including Oosterflank and Oude Noorden, creating platforms for community engagement and collective reflection in each new location.

Finding your way to Brinkplein, Hoek van Holland

Brinkplein, located at the centre of Hoek van Holland, is readily accessible for attendees of the Travelling Learning Circus.