HAPPENING 25 June to 12 July 2026 | North Sea Round Town returns to Rotterdam with more than 375 concerts across more than 175 locations. The citywide fringe festival of NN North Sea Jazz brings jazz, soul, funk, improvised music, electronic sounds, hip-hop, R&B and pop to theatres, parks, cafés, stations, terraces and unexpected corners of the city.

North Sea Round Town returns in 2026

North Sea Round Town is back from Thursday 25 June to Sunday 12 July 2026, filling Rotterdam with three weeks of live music before and during NN North Sea Jazz Festival. This year has extra weight: NN North Sea Jazz celebrates its 50th edition at Rotterdam Ahoy from 10 to 12 July 2026.

Across the city, North Sea Round Town will present more than 375 concerts at more than 175 locations. Some events are ticketed, many are free, and part of the fun is that you may run into live music where you least expect it.

Chaerin Im is Artist in Focus 2026

The 2026 Artist in Focus is Chaerin Im, the pianist, composer and bandleader whose work moves between contemporary jazz, electronics, indie and club music.

Her central project is Phase Shift: A Sonic Collision of Seoul and Rotterdam, premiering on Thursday 2 July 2026. The work marks a deliberate move from her jazz piano roots and Korean classical background towards a darker, synth-driven sound shaped by Rotterdam’s underground scene.

Her wider Artist in Focus route includes performances and projects at venues and platforms across the city. Highlights include Neon River at WORM, a trio concert at Batavierhuis with Alessandro Fongaro, and Midnight Resets at Fenix in collaboration with Pocha Rotterdam, where Korean food culture, city-pop DJ sets and live music come together.

Chaerin Im is Artist in Focus 2026. Photo: Mooeul Kim

Jèryh Luz leads Femme in Focus 2026

This year’s Rotterdamse Femme in Focus is Jèryh Luz. From a residency at Boerderij Driebergen, she is developing new repertoire that moves through jazz, neo-soul, fusion and personal storytelling.

Her Femme in Focus project premieres on Saturday 27 June 2026. After that, you can catch her in several settings across Rotterdam, from terraces in the city centre to Hoek van Holland, Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam South, including an appearance at Dunya Festival in Zuiderpark on Sunday 5 July.

Opening night: RUNA BECOMES SUN

The festival opens on Thursday 25 June 2026 with RUNA BECOMES SUN, a new work by AWICHAS from Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti. Created especially for the opening night, the performance builds through sound, rhythm and light, setting a slower, more sensory tone before the festival spills out across the city.

Hoek van Holland by Bike

On Sunday 28 June 2026, North Sea Round Town heads towards the coast with Hoek van Holland by Bike. You follow a guided cycling route with live music along the way, discovering a different side of Hoek van Holland beyond the beach. The route ends at Pele Surf Shack, where visitors can add food and drinks to the seaside finish.

Jazzhaven in Historic Delfshaven

On Saturday 4 July 2026, Jazzhaven turns Historic Delfshaven into a musical route along the water. The programme moves between indoor spaces and terraces, with Rotterdam musicians performing in changing line-ups and intimate settings. The event is free to attend.

De Grootste Stoelendans op Livemuziek (musical chairs)

On Wednesday 8 July 2026, De Grootste Stoelendans op Livemuziek comes to Afrikaanderpark on Rotterdam South. Expect 1,000 chairs, live music and a playful family event where only one person can win. Entry is free, but visitors are asked to reserve tickets.

Jazz op de Meent

On Thursday 9 July 2026, the evening before NN North Sea Jazz begins, Jazz op de Meent brings live music to terraces, shops and boutiques. The event marks the 50th edition of North Sea Jazz with 50 concerts across around 25 locations. Many shops are expected to stay open later, turning the Meent into a walking route of music, terraces and city-centre buzz.

Closing weekend: music across the city

From Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July 2026, North Sea Round Town spreads through Rotterdam during the NN North Sea Jazz weekend. Rotterdam Centraal will host a large stage for three days, while Jazz Rotterdam Centrum brings musicians to streets and shopping areas from the Lijnbaan to the Koopgoot.

There will also be music on the move, with RET Melodies bringing live performances into the metro between Rotterdam Centraal and Zuidplein. Near Ahoy, at Annie M.G. Schmidtplein, another stage will welcome visitors on the way to the main festival.

Tickets and free events

North Sea Round Town mixes ticketed concerts with free events. Early bird tickets for selected 2026 productions are already on sale through the festival’s ticketing platform. Many city events, including Jazzhaven, Jazz op de Meent and parts of the closing weekend programme, are free to attend.

Keep checking the official North Sea Round Town wesbite as more concerts, venues and times are added in the run-up to the festival.

HAPPENING ON 5 MAY | Every year on the fifth of May, people in the Netherlands celebrate Bevrijdingsdag, marking the end of Nazi occupation during World War II. It is also a nice day to visit one of the 14 official festivals which take place all over the country. 

The day marks the end of Nazi occupation during the Second World War and asks a simple question that still feels urgent: what does freedom mean today? Across the country, fourteen official Liberation Festivals take place on 5 May. Rotterdam hosts Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland, the official Liberation Festival for the province of South Holland.

Dodenherdenking, May 4th (Remembrance Day)

The festive events on May fifth are always preceded by 'Dodenherdenking' on May fourth. On this day, at exactly 20:00, two minutes of silence are observed by media, offices, restaurants and stores in honour of the people who gave and lost their lives during World War II and War in general. Don't be surprised if they suddenly cut the music in a bar or stop tending tables in a café. 

Bevrijdingsdag, May 5th (Liberation Day)

The Netherlands was liberated on May 5th, 1945 when German commander Johannes Blaskowitz agreed to surrender. The official capitulation document was signed the next day at the university auditorium in the city of the Wageningen. This was almost five years to the day after Rotterdam was levelled by Nazi bombers in 1940. 

Liberation Day is a workday for most

Bevrijdingsdag is an official national holiday in the Netherlands, but that does not automatically mean everyone gets the day off. In 2026, 5 May is not one of the five-year milestone years in which many collective labour agreements grant a paid day off. Whether you are free depends on your employer, contract or cao. Schools are usually closed, but parents and students should always check with their school. 

Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid Holland celebrated in Rotterdam

Liberation Festival (Bevrijdingsfestival) Rotterdam

On Tuesday 5 May 2026, Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland returns to Het Park in Rotterdam, at the foot of the Euromast. The festival runs from 12:30 until 23:00 and is free to attend.

The festival site can be reached via the Kievitslaan/Parklaan entrance. Parking nearby is limited, so organisers recommend arriving on foot, by bicycle or by public transport.

From Rotterdam Central Station, you can take tram 8 towards Spangen or tram 18 towards Droogleever Fortuynplein and get off at Kievitslaan. You can also take metro line D or E and get off at Leuvehaven, followed by a short walk to the park.

Official 2026 line-up

Erasmus Stage

Josephine Ohdil
Reanny
NoizBoiz
Bird Experience
Jett Rebel
Zoë Tauran
Mula B
Lucas & Steve
La Fuente

Sena Performers Stage

Thrilled
Babette Swinkels
Jesse Hoefnagels
Giegs
Langa
Yssi SB
Maria Iskariot
Ben Diggins
Moody Mehran
Lisa Korver

Vrijheids / Jongeren Podium

The festival also features a Vrijheids / Jongeren Podium, with acts and programmes focused on youth culture, freedom and reflection.

Ambassador of Freedom 2026

La Fuente is the 2026 Ambassador of Freedom for Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland. In the run-up to 5 May, he explored the theme of freedom through conversations with people who know what it means to lack a fixed place of their own, including current and former homeless people.

Practical information

Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland is free to enter. The event takes place in Het Park, close to the Euromast, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors over the course of the day. Expect queues at peak times and check the official festival website before travelling, especially if the weather forecast is unsettled.

For more information on the live performances and special events, be sure to check out the official website for Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland. 

Directions to Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland

HAPPENING JUNE 2026 | Typical Tropical has lined up a full month of Salsa, Bachata and Latin events in Rotterdam this June, from LatinXpress at Grounds to an outdoor summer party at Stadion Neptunus. The programme also includes Tropalize in Zoho, a free Latin Café DOX at Nieuwe Luxor Theater and the start of 4-week summer courses in Salsa and Bachata.

LatinXpress opens the month

LatinXpress takes place on Saturday 6 June at Grounds on Pieter de Hoochweg. The Salsa room features DJs Lindt and Hubert, while the Bachata room is hosted by DJs Rachella and Mo. The event runs from 22:00 to 03:30. Presale tickets cost €10, €12.50, €15 or €18.50 and are available at https://typicaltropical.nl/4l8t. Door tickets cost €17.50 cash or €18.50 by card.

Tropalize returns to Zoho

On Saturday 13 June, Tropalize returns to Zoho on Zomerhofstraat. The event brings a Latin night to a 200 m² smooth dance floor, with a danceable mix of Salsa, Bachata and more. DJ Virgil will play from 21:00 to 01:30. Presale tickets cost €10, €12.50 or €15 and are available at https://typicaltropical.nl/21kg. Door tickets cost €15 cash or €16.50 by card.

Latin Café DOX stays free

On Wednesday 17 June, Typical Tropical hosts a free Latin Café DOX at Café Dox in the Nieuwe Luxor Theater. The evening brings Salsa and Bachata, with touches of Merengue and Kizomba. DJ Carlos plays from 20:30 to 00:30, and entry is free. The venue is at Antoine Platekade 9, close to the Wilhelminapier and the Erasmus Bridge, so yes, this is your midweek excuse to dance by the river.

Outdoor party at Stadion Neptunus

The big outdoor date comes on Saturday 27 June, when Typical Tropical Outdoor takes over Stadion Neptunus. The setting includes trees, sports fields, the stadium backdrop and an open-air summer atmosphere. The programme starts at 17:45 with walk-in and DJ music. Brandon and Milou teach an open-level Bachata workshop from 18:15 to 19:00, followed by party time with DJs Rojo and Phily from 19:00 to 23:00.

Tickets for Typical Tropical Outdoor are available at https://typicaltropical.nl/q7fc. Presale tickets cost €10 until Saturday 27 June at 14:00, or while available. Parking costs €5 in presale, with a maximum of 200 spaces. From Saturday 27 June at 14:00, presale tickets cost €15 and parking costs €7.50, while available. At the door, event tickets cost €17 cash or €18 by card. Parking at the door costs €7.50 cash or €8.50 by card.

Summer courses start in June

From Monday 29 June to Sunday 5 July, Typical Tropical starts its 4-week summer courses in Salsa and Bachata. The course period runs from Monday 29 June to Sunday 26 July 2026. The programme includes Salsa and Bachata, with Dominican and Fusion styles included in the Bachata offer. Each course consists of 4 lessons of 2 hours at Typical Tropical Studio’s on Schiekade 830. Registration is available at https://typicaltropical.nl/inschrijven.

Practical details for dancers

At LatinXpress and Tropalize, drinks can be paid in cash or by card, cloakroom costs €1 per item in cash only, toilets are free and parking is free after 23:00. At Typical Tropical Outdoor, food and drinks can also be paid in cash or by card, toilets are free and tropical snacks are provided by Homerun Catering.

For the outdoor event, the surface is not suitable for suede soles. If bad weather forces a cancellation, visitors get a full refund. The full Typical Tropical agenda is available at https://typicaltropical.nl/agenda/.

How to get there

Typical Tropical’s June events take place across Rotterdam. Grounds is in Delfshaven at Pieter de Hoochweg 125, Zoho is in Rotterdam Noord at Zomerhofstraat 71, Café Dox is inside the Nieuwe Luxor Theater at Antoine Platekade 9, Stadion Neptunus is at Abraham van Stolkweg 31 and the Typical Tropical Studio’s are at Schiekade 830. 

HAPPENING 14 May 2026 — Fancy swapping city streets for salt air, sandy dance floors and the first proper taste of summer? On Ascension Day, Hoek van Holland opens the beach season with festivals, live music, a braderie, family activities and two big 18+ parties by the sea.

Why Ascension Day is the perfect excuse for a seaside party

Ascension Day falls on Thursday 14 May in 2026, and in Hoek van Holland it means one thing: the beach season is back. For one long day, Rotterdam’s seaside front garden turns into a mix of festival ground, family fair, beach walk and open-air dance floor.

You can keep it easy with a stroll along the boulevard, browse the braderie, take the kids to the fairground, catch live music at the pavilions or go all in at one of the ticketed beach parties. Either way, bring layers. The North Sea can feel like July at lunchtime and March again after sunset.

Opening Strandseizoen Hoek van Holland: more than just parties

The broader Opening Strandseizoen Hoek van Holland takes place on Thursday 14 May from 10:00 to 22:00 around Rivierkant and Zeekant. Expect a braderie, children’s fair, local activities and live performances at several beach pavilions.

It is the best option if you want the atmosphere of the season opening without committing to a full festival ticket. Come early, wander the beach, grab something to eat, and let the day decide where you end up.

General facts

• Date: Thursday 14 May 2026
• Time: 10:00 to 22:00
• Area: Hoek van Holland, around Rivierkant and Zeekant
• Expect: braderie, children’s fair, local activities and live performances
• Good for: families, casual beachgoers and anyone who wants the buzz without an 18+ festival ticket

Royal Festival: five stages and more than 30 artists

Beachclub Royal’s Royal Festival returns on Thursday 14 May 2026 for its 28th edition. The festival runs from 12:00 to 21:00 at Zeekant 37, with five stages and more than 30 artists across house, tech-house, hardstyle, pop, urban and après-ski.

The 2026 theme leans into desert imagery, with Royal teasing a mysterious adventure where sand, sea and hidden paths meet. In practice, that means a big beach build-up, multiple music areas and a full Ascension Day crowd with their feet in the sand.

The line-up includes Mr Belt & Wezol, Outsiders, Rock & Rave by Billy the Kit, Dot Nation, Zany, CJ, FeestDJRuud, Bizzey, Robert van Hemert, Sky Brothers, Bass Chaserz, Chuckie, Immer Hansi, Sonny Wern, Luna, Chris Rox, Ruthless, Ian Zwaardski, DJ Jerome, Orgel Joke, Korsakoff, Bombastic, Erick E, Ransom, Luuk, Lange Frans, Sven Versteegh, Dr Rude, Chico Rose, La June, Stefan Vilijn, Emanuel Cox, MC Patrick Brown, Funkerman, MC The Russian and Roy van der Sar.

Royal Festival is 18+. The organisation says the doors open at 12:00 and entry is possible until 15:00, so do not treat this as a late-arrival beach party. Current ticket tiers include regular, late, group and VIP options, with VIP adding a separate entrance, VIP deck, private toilets, a VIP bar, snacks and a lounge area.

Quick facts

• Date: Thursday 14 May 2026
• Time: 12:00 to 21:00
• Location: Beachclub Royal, Zeekant 37, Hoek van Holland
• Age: 18+
• Stages: 5
• Music: house, tech-house, hardstyle, pop, urban and après-ski
• Tickets: current listed prices include regular at €39.50, late at €44.50, VIP at €69.95 and group tickets at €140.50

Villa on the Beach: sunny crowd-pleasers by the sea

A little further along the beach, Villa on the Beach is also opening the season on Thursday 14 May. The 2026 Strandopening is an 18+ party with a line-up built for hands-in-the-air beach energy.

La Fuente headlines, joined by The Partysquad, Team Rush Hour, Freddy Moreira x Poke, Chris Deluxe, Jamie More and DJ Dekker. Expect a sunny mix of house, urban, hip-hop and singalong festival sets, with the kind of crowd that arrives in sunglasses and leaves with sand in every pocket.

Uitagenda Rotterdam lists the Villa on the Beach Strandopening from 12:00 to 21:00. As always with beach events, check the organiser’s ticket page before you go, because ticket tiers and availability can move quickly.

Quick facts

• Date: Thursday 14 May 2026
• Time: listed as 12:00 to 21:00
• Location: Villa on the Beach, Hoek van Holland
• Age: 18+
• Line-up: La Fuente, The Partysquad, Team Rush Hour, Freddy Moreira x Poke, Chris Deluxe, Jamie More and DJ Dekker
• Vibe: house, urban, hip-hop and sunny beach-party favourites

Strandopening Hoek van Holland 2018 / Villa on the Beach

Which one should you choose?

Go to Royal Festival if you want the largest production, the most stages and the broadest mix of harder, housier and party sounds. Choose Villa on the Beach if you want a more compact beach-club party with familiar Dutch crowd-pleasers and a strong singalong factor. Stick to the wider Opening Strandseizoen if you are coming with kids, meeting friends casually or just want to taste the summer opening without buying an 18+ festival ticket.

Getting to Hoek van Holland without the stress

Metro Line B runs to Hoek van Holland Strand, putting you close to the dunes and the main beach area. RET has said extra Line B rides to Hoek van Holland operate during the beach season, and that the beach-season timetable now starts in early May rather than waiting until Ascension Day. Even so, this is one of the busiest beach days of the year. Check live travel information before leaving, travel earlier than you think you need to, and expect full platforms after the final sets.

Driving is possible, but not always pleasant on a sunny public holiday. P+R Hoek van Holland Haven sits by the metro station and can be a useful alternative if you want to avoid the most crowded beach-side parking areas. From there, finish the trip by metro or on foot.

What to bring

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle if your event allows it, a bank card, ID and a light jacket. If you are going to a ticketed event, read the house rules before packing your bag. Royal Festival, for example, does not allow re-entry once you leave the site. Most importantly, do not underestimate the wind. Hoek van Holland can give you a perfect beach afternoon and a chilly evening in the same outfit.

For more information on Rotterdam's beaches, check out our Beaches of Rotterdam article.