HAPPENING 9 August 2025 | Blijdorp Festival is a curious mix of music, art, and happiness. The event goes down in winter as well in summer. The summer edition is the bigger and bolder version and takes place in Rotterdam's Roel Langerakpark.

The event features various areas with different genres, including a “full size” techno stage in and around the park's trees and lake.  Each year, the festival organisers and attendees take pride in finding innovative ways to leave smaller eco-footprints.

Update 19 July 2025: Blijdorp Festival 2025 is officially sold out! They do have a waiting list if you wish to try your luck. 

Blijdorp Festival Rotterdam 📷 Blijdorp Festival

Blijdorp Festival artist line-up

In 2025, festival-goers will go wild across 4 stages with Benny Rodrigues, Mulab, MCR-T, Boris Coelman, among others. 

Blijdorp Festival sounds like:

Check out the Spotify playlist below and have a listen.

Blijdorp Festival recap video

Location: Roel Langerakpark

HAPPENING 15 August 2025 – A popular open-air dance event is set to return to the Euromast in mid-August. Revellers will once again be able to experience a silent disco on one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

Silent disco returns to the Euromast this summer

On Friday 15 August 2025, the observation platform of the Euromast will serve as the setting for a silent disco event. Visitors will be invited to dance beneath the night sky while enjoying panoramic views of the illuminated Rotterdam skyline.

The concept allows participants to choose between various music channels via wireless headphones, with genres ranging from urban to nostalgic party hits. In addition to music, food and drinks will be available for purchase.

A rooftop setting with a view

As in previous editions, the event will take place on the Euromast’s viewing platform. The event is designed for adults (18+) and offers an opportunity to enjoy music at height without disturbing the city below. Guests are advised that the cloakroom will be unattended, and that payment for drinks can only be made by card.

Further information, including house rules and terms of entry, can be found on the official website (euromast.nl).

Practical information

Date: Friday 15 August 2025
Time: Entry between 20:30 and 21:00; event ends at 01:00
Age: 18+
Cloakroom: Unattended
Payments: Card only

Silent disco at the Euromast in Rotterdam

Location and directions

The Euromast is located in Rotterdam-West, near Het Park and easily accessible by public transport, bicycle or car. The surrounding area is known for its green spaces, waterside views and proximity to cultural landmarks such as the Kunsthal and the Parkheuvel restaurant.

HAPPENING 13 August 2025 – A Bridgerton-inspired string quartet performance is set to take place in Trompenburg. Visitors can expect a live concert followed by a classic High Tea experience.

Butter Quartet to perform Bridgerton-inspired concert in Rotterdam

A concert by the Butter Quartet is scheduled to be held at Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum on Tuesday, 13 August. The performance will feature classical string quartets inspired by the Regency period, drawing its mood and tone from the popular Netflix series Bridgerton. The event will conclude with a traditional High Tea in the gardens.

The Butter Quartet, comprised of international musicians, has gained recognition for its stylistic interpretations of classical works. The ensemble will be performing selections reminiscent of Bridgerton’s musical style, characterised by its blend of romantic and dramatic themes.

Following performances at several noted festivals and the release of their debut album Scintilla, the group will present this special afternoon concert in Rotterdam. Audiences will be invited to immerse themselves in a Regency-inspired atmosphere (sfeer), with live chamber music followed by refreshments.

Programme and timing

Guests will be welcomed from 13:30, with the concert beginning promptly at 14:00. After a short intermission at 14:30, the High Tea service will commence at 14:45 and continue until the event concludes at 16:00.

The ticket price is listed as €50, which includes both the concert and High Tea.

Bridgerton-inspired classical music and high-tea at Trompenburg

About the Butter Quartet

The Butter Quartet is known for its historically informed performances and interest in exploring lesser-known repertoire alongside familiar works. The ensemble’s members have performed internationally, and this event marks a return to the Netherlands for the group following their recent recording project.

How to get there

Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum is located in Kralingen, east of the city centre. The gardens are easily accessible by tram, metro, and bicycle. The area is known for its serene green spaces and botanical collections.

HAPPENING 3 August 2025 – A competitive urban surf event is coming to the heart of Rotterdam. Surfing champions and ambitious locals will face off in the city's wave pool.

_{Image: Rif010 Rotterdam. Photo credit: Jan Bijl} 

Urban surf competition Red Bull Pool Clash comes to Rotterdam

A new competitive surfing event is set to take place on Thursday, 3 August 2025, at RiF010, Rotterdam’s centrally located wave pool. Titled Red Bull Pool Clash, the event will bring together both professional and amateur surfers in a format designed to test creativity, flow, and risk-taking over traditional wave selection or advanced manoeuvres.

Dutch surfing champion Stef van Noordennen, who claimed the national title in 2024, is among the confirmed participants. Van Noordennen praised the arena-like setting of RiF010, stating: “In the wave pool, you can create a true arena setting. This competition isn’t about complicated surfing manoeuvres but about technically sound surfing with a WOW factor.”

He will be joined by Conor Maguire, a surfer known internationally for tackling some of the world’s most powerful waves.

Identical waves, different styles

The Red Bull Pool Clash is structured to remove the natural unpredictability of ocean surfing. Every wave in the pool is mechanically generated to be identical in shape, height, and power. This allows for a level playing field where performance is judged on technique, style, and originality rather than wave selection.

The event will begin with a jam session, where all entrants surf in groups to demonstrate their skills. Judges will then select surfers to proceed to the 1-on-1 battles, in which two individuals face off on alternating waves. The jury, comprising Eveline Hooft, Hans van den Broek, and Yannick de Jager, will decide winners in each heat using a red or blue marker system.

Open to ambitious surfers

Although elite names are participating, the event remains open to the wider surfing community. Surfers of all genders and skill levels may still register to compete, provided they are willing to take on the challenge of riding against top talent in the Dutch surfing scene.

The competition will be hosted by Julia van Rooij, who previously competed in the World Surfing Championships in Japan, alongside Erik van Ringelberg, owner of the Dutch Surf Academy.

About the venue: RiF010

RiF010 is a city-centre wave pool designed for consistent and controlled surfing. It allows both surfers and spectators to enjoy the action in an urban setting, away from the coast. The venue has been gaining attention for its innovative approach to making surfing accessible year-round in Rotterdam.

How to get there

The event will take place at RiF010, located at Steigersgracht in central Rotterdam. The area is easily accessible by foot from Blaak Station and Markthal. RiF010 is situated in a historic part of the city near the Laurenskerk and within walking distance of shops and cafés.