The Metropolis Festival (Het Metropolis Festival), a unique one-day event, offers a platform for emerging bands and performers, attracting an average of around 30,000 visitors annually on the first Sunday of July. The festival is held in the Zuiderpark, located on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas river in Rotterdam.
About Metropolis Festival
The Metropolis Festival is known for its forward-thinking programming, showcasing acts that have subsequently gained widespread recognition. Both local and international talents have graced its stages, solidifying the festival's reputation as a must-visit destination for original pop music enthusiasts.
The festival not only showcases talented acts, but also scouts and supports them from the grassroots level. It also collaborates with various educational institutions, suggesting a broadening of focus towards other disciplines in the future.
At the festival grounds, visitors can indulge in a variety of food and drink options, with transactions being carried out using tokens. The festival has a strict policy against bringing glass or cans into the festival grounds for safety and environmental reasons.
Pets are not explicitly forbidden at the festival, but attendees are strongly advised to leave their pets at home or in someone else's care to avoid causing discomfort to other visitors.
Metropolis Festival 2014
The best bands you've never heard of
The festival aims to showcase established performers and works diligently to scout unheard-of acts and give them a chance to develop their talents further on stage. The festival has helped launch the careers of many now-established artists, and is regarded as a significant part of festival offerings within the city, having earned a national reputation as an essential stage for up-and-coming music talent.
Now famous performers such as Smashing Pumpkins, Prodigy, The Killers, The XX and The Black Keys all took the stage at Metropolis in Rotterdam before becoming household names worldwide.
The festival also collaborates with various educational institutions, suggesting a broadening of focus towards other disciplines in the future.
Twenty One Pilots @ Metropolis Festival 2014
Metropolis Festival line-up 2023
For the 2023 edition, new acts from both Ghana and Rotterdam have been announced. These include Florence Adooni, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley & His Sekondi Band, Brintex Collective, Library Card, and Ruwhel & De Bigi Blues Band.
Another feature of the festival is the market hosted by Swan Market, where festival-goers can shop for various items including jewellery, clothes, vinyl, sunglasses, and phone accessories.
The festival also features three stages, namely Metroville, New Garden, and Future Stage, where acts like Deijuvhs, Kymara, MIKE, Militarie Gun, Nusantara Beat, and PUP will perform.
You can find the official festival line-up on the Metropolis website.
What Metropolis Festival sounds like
Check out the Spotify playlist below and have a listen.
Location: Zuiderpark
Please note that Zuiderpark is huge, so be sure to enter the park near the Rotterdam Ahoy parking lot. That's where you'll find the entrance to the festival. Be sure to check out the
directions to Zuiderpark.
Parking at Metropolis Festival Rotterdam
There are parking options available nearby at Ahoy (P2), which costs €15 for the entire day, and at the parking garages of Zuidplein. In the past, the parking lot was open from 12:00 in the afternoon, and you were able to drive out at any time.
You can also make use of the parking garages in Zuidplein. Note: space is limited. Luckily, Rotterdam has Park and Ride facilities (parking in combination with public transport) at 15 metro stations, such as P+R Alexander, P+R Slinge and P+R Kralingse Zoom.
