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, 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. 

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 30 MAY–28 JULY 2024 | A new cinematic experience debuts in Rotterdam, allowing music enthusiasts to immerse themselves in classic albums with just the power of sound.

Sound sessions without visuals introduced

Pathé cinemas are introducing a novel entertainment format dubbed 'Sound Sessions,' enabling visitors to experience classic albums in unprecedented audio quality, devoid of visual stimuli. This concept, a first in the Netherlands, involves guests listening to albums from artists like Tame Impala, Miles Davis, and Daft Punk in complete darkness, aided by sleep masks provided by Pathé. The sessions are set to begin on 30 May and will run through 28 July at Pathé Rotterdam Schouwburgplein.

Experience tailored for music purists

Designed for music lovers who appreciate albums in their traditional sequence, the Sound Sessions offer a communal yet intimate setting to experience music as never before. The distraction-free environment ensures attendees can immerse themselves fully in the audio experience, enhancing the intensity of the music.

A diverse line-up of classic albums

The inaugural series of the Pathé Sound Sessions will showcase a variety of influential albums, starting with Miles Davis's "Kind of Blue" in a special 5.1 mix. This will be followed by sessions featuring albums from Tame Impala, Nas, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and Daft Punk. Each session aims to create a unique listening environment that elevates the conventional album experience.

Background on Pathé’s musical offerings

Aside from traditional film screenings, Pathé has a history of hosting special music events including opera, music documentaries, and live concert recordings of artists like Coldplay and Beyoncé. These events have been well-received, demonstrating a consistent demand for music-oriented features within the cinematic space.

Directions to Pathé Rotterdam Schouwburgplein

Pathé Rotterdam Schouwburgplein is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport or car. The venue is surrounded by several parking options and is just a short walk from Rotterdam Central Station. The Schouwburgplein area is known for its vibrant cultural scene, featuring numerous restaurants, cafés, and shops. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a day out in the city, either before or after a session.

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.