Special Events - RotterdamStyle.com

World Port Days Rotterdam - location, dates, activities

Bryan van Putten Special Events 18 July 2025

HAPPENING 5–7 September 2025 | World Port Days (Wereldhavendagen) in Rotterdam is the largest annual maritime event in the Netherlands. It features numerous activities on the quay, demonstrations on the water and excursions that go deeper into the harbour. In addition, there is an extensive cultural program in the city. World Port Days is known to draw upwards of 380,000 visitors.

World Port Days Rotterdam 2025

The 48th edition of the World Port Days will take place in Rotterdam on 5, 6 and 7 September 2025. The team of the Netherlands' largest annual maritime event is organizing a jubilee edition with countless activities for young and old on the quays, ship demonstrations and excursions on land and water.

Visitors will once again be able to explore a wide variety of ships along the quaysides, book boat tours and excursions, and witness water shows. Long-time favourites such as the Match Career Event on Friday 5 September, aimed at those exploring careers in the port sector, will also be returning.

Several notable vessels will be accessible to the public. The 111-metre-long HEBO-CB 1 pontoon will be moored at the Holland Amerikakade. At Parkkade, visitors can find the Sefarina sea vessel from Chemgas, as well as the Guardian, an emergency tug operated by the Coast Guard and Multraship.

The Innovatiekade, where companies showcase developments towards the future of the port, will also return. On the Veiligheidsplein (Safety Square), visitors will encounter demonstrations and interactive stations focused on crisis management and safety procedures in the port.

The Royal Netherlands Navy will once again participate, with its marines’ village, multiple naval ships and a notable debut: the supply vessel CSS Den Helder will be open to the public throughout the weekend.

Rijnhaven joins the event terrain

For the first time, the quays surrounding the Fenix warehouse and the new FENIX museum will form part of the official event grounds. The Sea Rangers, this year’s featured charity, will be present with their sailing work vessel. The group is involved in marine conservation and ecological restoration at sea.

As Rijnhaven transitions from a former industrial harbour to a liveable urban area, the location will be used to highlight themes of sustainability and relaxation. During the weekend, visitors will find activities for children such as a fire hose demonstration, as well as the opportunity to rent SUP boards, canoes, kayaks or pedal boats. A floating skate ramp will also be featured.

Focus on innovation and inclusion

Sabine Bruijnincx, director of Wereldhavendagen, stated: “The port of Rotterdam remains a vital engine for both the Netherlands and Europe. This year’s edition reflects ongoing developments in innovation, sustainability, and energy transition, while also welcoming visitors seeking a more leisurely maritime experience.”

World Port Days Rotterdam 📷 Anne Reitsma Fotografie

Challenges and solutions of the future

During the World Port Days, young and old can discover why the port of Rotterdam is such a special place. Every day, countless professionals use smart technology to manage the import and export of hundreds of tonnes of goods, containers and ships in a clean, efficient and safe manner. Innovative start-ups and multinationals work here on the sustainable solutions of the future. It is a dynamic, diverse and inclusive place, where there are career opportunities for everyone. Special flora and fauna, protected nature areas and walking and cycling routes also make the port a liveable neighbour for Rotterdam and a green attraction for lovers of nature and recreation on and around the water.

At the same time, the world around us is changing. Brexit and the COVID-19 crisis showed that the global trade in raw materials and goods is vulnerable. Currently, the world is experiencing the consequences of the war in Ukraine. These are major challenges for the port of Rotterdam, which is already in transition. For example, the port wants to emit 55% less CO2 by 2030 and be completely emission-free by 2050. In the years to come, thousands of new people will be needed to fill the vacancies associated with the energy transition and digitalization of the port.

World Port Days Rotterdam 📷 Anne Reitsma Fotografie

Traditional activities

Visitors can expect the usual exciting features of World Port Days, including:

Special ships and boat tours
Exciting excursions
Spectacles on the water
Demonstrations and presentations by shipping companies
Cultural programmes with musical performances and markets

Evening show

A highlight of the event will be the musical and visual spectacle on Saturday night, featuring fireworks.

Ticket sales and programme details

The full event programme is available at www.wereldhavendagen.nl/programma. Additional items, such as show times and new features, will be added in the coming weeks.

Tickets for excursions and boat tours go on sale Monday 18 August at 12:00.

World Port Days Rotterdam by Anne Reitsma Fotografie 004

Main location: Erasmus Bridge Rotterdam area

Rijnhaven and Katendrecht event zone

This year, Rijnhaven becomes part of the official event terrain. Located between Wilhelminapier and Katendrecht, it is easily accessible via metro station Rijnhaven or Wilhelminaplein. From there, visitors can reach the Fenixloods and FENIX museum on foot. The area is known for its transformation from industrial port to residential neighbourhood with green public spaces.

World Port Days Rotterdam 📷 Anne Reitsma Fotografie

Eendracht Festival Rotterdam - date, locations, line-up

Bryan van Putten Special Events 16 July 2025

HAPPENING 17 July 2025 | Once a year, the entire area around Eendrachtsplein is filled by the sounds of live music. Multiple venues and various event programmers team up to bring you a showcase of the best that Rotterdam has to offer.

Eendracht Festival is Rotterdam’s annual multi‑venue showcase for emerging local artists. By partnering with grassroots venues and cultural organisations, the festival offers a snapshot of the city’s diverse creative scenes and keeps all performances 100 percent free for audiences.

Rotterdam local talent

The event provides a platform for more than 100 bands, poets, DJs and other creative locals. In the last eight editions, the festival has developed into a major showcase where event organizers, bookers, and fans come to discover the cities' best talent. All of Rotterdam's many musical scenes are represented. Each has its own location and 'host'. These hosts will 'take over' a local bar or venue in the Eendrachtsplein area for the night.

What visitors can expect

11 themed stages, each hosted by local venues, collectives and cultural partners.
55+ emerging acts spanning hip‑hop, rock, metal, jazz, electronic, singer‑songwriter, comedy and visual arts.
Free admission to every performance; audiences simply move from stage to stage on foot.

Eendracht Festival is completely free and starts at 15:00. Most of the activities end around 23:00 while some clubs host parties that go on to 4:30 in the morning.

Eendracht Festival Bar3 📷 Niek Hage

2025 stage map and line‑ups

For the latest updates, check out the official website.

Kameleon – Eendrachtsplein
Hosts: De Popunie; De Nieuwe Lichting
Acts: La Reunión • YSA Bermejo • Rijnbaart • L’Orne • Andro • Noizboiz • Ansjovis

Toekan – Boomgaardsstraat
Hosts: Stichting GloMAD; Café Dox; Jollove; G
Acts: Yabuticaba • Grupo Puerto • Reci Da! • Myl • Anda Electronix

Cobra – Mamarazzi
Hosts: Yardbird; Habibi’s World; Mood; Peanut Butter Jelly; Amapiano NL; Sense Society; Stir It Up
Acts: El Javier_B • Nubiya Ajuna • Nadim • Rish b2b Nalee • Yentzyz

Vos – Club Uniek
Hosts: 3voor12 Rotterdam; Annabel; Popronde; Motel Mozaïque
Acts: Hana Fatur • FLORA • BERBER • NEWĀRK • Romy Liz Rose

Jaguar – Skatepark Westblaak
Hosts: BIRD; North Sea Round Town; Cult North; House of Knowledge
Acts: Lizzy • Nia • Shaynah • Siegfried Hart • Westheaven

Wolf – Rotown
Hosts: Baroeg; V11; Roodkapje; Inner Basement
Acts: Kind Human • Fellatio • Menacer • Fosvor • Bombstrap

Uil – Heilige Boontjes (Eendrachtsplein)
Hosts: De Rotterdamse School; The World Club; Poetsclub
Acts: Iks • Nadine • Damaris • Yasslines • Luchowie Duzzith

Octopus – WORM (basement)
Hosts: Radio Tornado; Paardenrave; Fugazii; LUM co.; Lo‑Fidelity; Infinite Pleasure
Acts: Acidic Male • Vesuvio Vortex • Snooz • Momanna • Itz3bby

Neushoorn – WORM (ground floor)
Hosts: Rotterdam Street Culture Week; Levels; Music Matters; Quardin
Acts: Kiiro • Nathan • Judah • Navaronecole • Main

Gorilla – WORM (upper floor)
Hosts: Unocked; Amen; Explicit; Wildstyle; Rdblck; PRSPCT
Acts: Prekeris • Platypus • Yemi • Oxfr • Aliienmiavs Dioxic

Pauw – Slash Gallery (Coolsestraat)
Hosts: Noël Deelen; Dead Cat; Jelmer Konjo; All Caps Rotterdam
Acts: Sjoerd Labega • Joost van Doorn • Rachel Caruana • Evi • My Little Paradice

Hyena – Club Centraal (comedy)
Hosts: Poor Man’s Laugh; Comedy Club Ba‑Dum‑Tsss
Acts: Weinama • Harri Soinila • Christian Boscheri • Vasu Arora • Maryam Ameer

Axolotl – Club Centraal
Hosts: GrandLoge; Club Gewalt; HipSick
Acts: Radical Meditation • Joost Maaskant • Melissa Fortes • Nor

Bianculli performing at Eendrachtfestival 5.0

Location: Eendrachtsplein area

Be sure to explore the entire area, starting at Eendrachtsplein and fanning out towards Oude Binnenweg, Nieuwe Binnenweg, Mauritsweg and Westblaak.

Lie down concert in Rotterdam botanical garden

Bryan van Putten Special Events 10 July 2025

HAPPENING 23 July 2025 – An open-air piano concert is set to take place in the botanical heart of Rotterdam, offering visitors a relaxed evening among greenery. The event focuses on film music, performed live in a laid-back, reclined setting.

Open-air film music concert planned at Trompenburg Gardens

A piano concert featuring recognisable compositions from popular films will be held on Wednesday 23 July 2025 in Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum (Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum). The performance will be led by pianist Anne Veinberg, who is expected to interpret soundtracks from various well-known films.

The event is designed as a “ligconcert,” a Dutch term meaning a lying-down concert, where audience members are encouraged to bring their own mats, cushions or blankets. Rather than using chairs, guests will find a spot on the grass and experience the music while lying down, surrounded by nature as the sun sets.

Music from iconic soundtracks

The evening’s programme will include musical arrangements from several notable films and musicals:

Beauty and the Beast – composed by Alan Menken, arranged by Kyle Landry
Interstellar – Day One by Hans Zimmer
La La Land – Mia & Sebastian’s Theme by Justin Hurwitz
Wicked – Defying Gravity by Stephen Schwartz, arranged by Francesco Parrino

These selections are intended to evoke a sense of nostalgia and tranquillity, providing space for reflection and a slower pace in the midst of Rotterdam’s urban environment.

Evening access to the gardens

Trompenburg Gardens, usually closed in the evening, will open specially for the duration of the concert. Visitors may access the gardens from 19:00, with the concert starting promptly at 20:00 and concluding at 21:00. Doors to the concert area will open at 19:30.

How to get there

Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum

Trompenburg is located in Kralingen, a green and peaceful neighbourhood just east of the city centre. The gardens are accessible by tram, bicycle, or on foot, and offer a calm, leafy escape from the city bustle. Attendees are advised to arrive early to find a comfortable spot and settle in before the performance begins.

Featured

Superbimbo returns to Rotterdam this October

Bryan van Putten Special Events 10 July 2025

HAPPENING 11 October 2025 – A Rotterdam nightlife staple returns to Kralingen this autumn, reviving house classics and expressive club culture. The event will take place at The Boathouse, surrounded by performance, fashion and music.

Superbimbo returns to The Boathouse with 'Show me love'

The Rotterdam-born club concept Superbimbo is set to return on Saturday 11 October with a new edition titled Show me love. The event will take place at The Boathouse in Kralingen, with a focus on classic house music from the 1990s and early 2000s, theatrical performances and an open-minded atmosphere.

Following its earlier comeback this year, the club night returns to the waterfront location with DJ sets from Emma Champagnequeen, Boris Ross and Ted Langenbach. The event is expected to attract a crowd familiar with Rotterdam’s more alternative nightlife traditions.

A legacy of expressive nightlife

Superbimbo originally gained recognition in the early 2000s during its time at Now&Wow. The event became known for embracing flamboyance and personal expression, setting itself apart with theatrical elements and open dress codes.

“We did it our way,” said DJ and co-organiser Ted Langenbach. “That drew in exactly the kind of people we hoped for: expressive, creative and open. It was never just another club night.”

Superbimbo returns to The Boathouse in Rotterdam on 11 October with house classics, live acts and a bold dress code.

Back to Kralingen with house classics and spectacle

Superbimbo’s recent revival exchanged the industrial setting of Now&Wow for the lakeside intimacy of The Boathouse (Kralingse Plas). October’s edition will again feature nostalgic house sets and live performances throughout the evening. The organisers have issued a playful dress suggestion that encourages over-the-top looks, blending eccentric glamour with retro club aesthetics.

“It’s like coming home to a club world full of freedom and joy,” said creative director Pietra Ligura. “With Show me love we are celebrating the way dancing used to connect people.”

Directions to The Boathouse Kralingen

The Boathouse is located on the north side of the Kralingse Plas, offering views of the lake and surrounded by trees. The area is easily accessible by bike or tram from Rotterdam city centre. Tram lines 7 and 21 stop nearby at ‘Kralingse Plaslaan’ and parking is available in the surrounding area, though limited in the evening.

Historic ship Nao Victoria visits Rotterdam this August

Bryan van Putten Special Events 02 July 2025

HAPPENING 7–10 August 2025 | A historic Spanish replica ship, the Nao Victoria, will dock at Veerhaven this August, offering visitors a glimpse into maritime history. The vessel will be open to the public from 7 to 10 August.

Nao Victoria replica arrives in Rotterdam this August

The Nao Victoria, a replica of the 16th-century vessel that completed the first circumnavigation of the globe, will dock in Rotterdam for the first time during its European tour. The ship, which retraces the maritime legacy of explorer Ferdinand Magellan, will be moored at Veerhaven and open for public visits between 7 and 10 August, from 10:00 to 20:00 each day.

The original Nao Victoria formed part of the Spanish “Spice Fleet” (Specerijenvloot), which departed from Seville in 1519. Commanded by Ferdinand Magellan and later Juan Sebastián Elcano, the expedition marked the first recorded journey around the world. Only one ship — the Nao Victoria — returned to Spain in 1522, with just 18 survivors from the original 243 crew members.

A floating museum of maritime history

The modern replica was constructed in 1991 for the Universal Exposition in Seville and is the only one of its kind to have completed a global voyage, which it undertook from 2004 to 2006. Since then, it has functioned as a travelling museum and ambassador for maritime heritage. The Nao Victoria Foundation, based in Seville, manages the ship and its educational missions.

The vessel measures 26 metres in length and includes four decks with a captain’s cabin and living quarters. It can host up to 100 visitors at a time and has welcomed more than six million people at ports across Europe, the United States, and Spain.

Nao Victoria docks at Veerhaven Rotterdam 6–10 August. Explore this replica of the first ship to sail around the world. Tickets and info available online.

Tickets and access

Tickets for the Rotterdam visit can be purchased either onboard or via tickets.fundacionnaovictoria.org. Prices are set at €8 for adults and €4 for children aged 5–10. Family tickets are available for €20, covering two adults and up to three children. Children under five may enter free when accompanied by an adult.

School groups and associations can arrange guided tours by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Group tickets cost €4 per student, with one teacher admitted free for every ten children. For visitors aged 10 and above, the group rate is €8.

In addition to dockside visits, limited berths are available for those wishing to sail aboard the ship. Reservations for sailing experiences may be made through www.tallshipexperience.com.

How to get there

Veerhaven is located in the Scheepvaartkwartier, one of Rotterdam's most picturesque waterfront areas. This historic harbour is surrounded by monumental buildings and lined with cafés and galleries, offering a fitting backdrop for a ship rooted in naval exploration. Public transport connections via tram and metro are available nearby, and paid parking is available along Westplein and surrounding streets.