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 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 25–26 July 2025 | Every summer the streets of Rotterdam are privy to a spectacle which has no equal anywhere else in The Netherlands: the Rotterdam Summer carnival and more specifically, the street parade.
What is Rotterdam Summer Carnival?
In a nutshell, it's the largest Caribbean street party in the Netherlands. The Summer Carnival in Rotterdam is also part of the intangible cultural heritage of the Netherlands. It is of great importance to the cultural identity and social cohesion of the country. The Rotterdam summer carnival street parade first took place in 1984.
Sure, there's carnival in other parts of the country. Such as the carnival celebrations in Brabant and Limburg. However, the Rotterdam summer carnival has a Caribbean flair. It includes many elements from Dutch-Caribbean carnival traditions and could best be compared to the Nottingham Carnival in Britain.
When is the next Rotterdam Summer Carnival?
Rotterdam Unlimited Carnival 2025 will take place on 25 and 26 July in different locations across the city. The festival is mostly free, with after-parties being the only events you need tickets for at the summer carnival.
This year’s Summer Carnival will be led by Oneal and Celine Rodgers, who were recently crowned King and Queen of Zomercarnaval 2025. The sibling duo earned the title during the official election in Rotterdam and will take centre stage as they lead the iconic parade on 26 July.
Changes in 2025: No concert after the street parade
Rotterdam Unlimited 2024 featured only a street parade, without the usual stage programmes on Friday and Saturday, due to new requirements from the Rotterdam municipality.
The municipality introduced new requirements mandating that stage programmes take place in a secured area with controlled access. Additionally, the street parade was no longer allowed to end at the event location. The need for a secure area added complexity and higher costs, while the restriction on the parade's endpoint disrupted the traditional flow and celebration of the event.
These stipulations complicated the festival’s logistics and planning, making it impossible to organise the stage programmes within the available timeframe. Instead, an extra festive parade took place on 27th July, marking its 40th anniversary and recent UNESCO recognition. Efforts are now focused on planning a full festival for 2025.
Main Rotterdam Summer Carnival dates for 2025
Disclaimer: At present, all we have to go on is that the official dates will be 25 and 26 July 2025. If the Friday events remain on Friday and the Saturday events remain on Saturday, this means the 2025 schedule will likely look as follows:
Friday 25 July: Battle of the drums
After last year’s spectacular anniversary edition at Rotterdam Ahoy, the legendary Battle of Drums is heading back to where it all began—outdoors, on the vibrant Coolsingel! On Friday evening, the city centre will erupt with rhythm, energy and unmistakable Caribbean vibes, as the top three brass bands go head-to-head for the coveted title. Expect an electrifying showdown that only Zomercarnaval can deliver.
Saturday 26 July: Rotterdam summer carnival street parade
The Summer Carnival Street Parade 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, 26th July, from 12:00 to 19:00 in Rotterdam's city centre. The parade starts at 12:00 from Blaak and winds its way along a 5-kilometre route through Rotterdam city centre, ending around 19:00.
This vibrant event features a colourful procession of dancers, music floats, drum bands, and spectacular costumes. Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the parade covers a 5 km route throughout the city.
The Queen and King lead the parade in the first float
This year’s Summer Carnival will be led by Oneal and Celine Rodgers, who were recently crowned King and Queen of Zomercarnaval 2025. The sibling duo earned the title during the official election in Rotterdam and will take centre stage as they lead the iconic parade on 26 July.
Saturday 26 July: Mercado
De Mercado festival market is the culinary heart of Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval. Spread across the city, you'll find a rich mix of world cuisines—ranging from Surinamese, Hindustani-Chinese and Antillean, to street food and nutritious full meals. In addition to food stalls, there will also be stands offering merchandise, clothing and trinkets from various cultures.
De Mercado will take place on Saturday 26 July 2025 from 12:00 to 16:00 on Coolsingel.
Want to book a spot at the Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval festival market? Applications are now open! Click the button below for more information and to sign up.
Saturday 26 July: Rueda de Casino
The spectacular Rueda de Casino has long been a staple of Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval. Everyone is welcome to join—no registration required, and it's completely free!
Rueda de Casino is a Cuban group dance where a minimum of three couples dance salsa or son montuno in a circle, exchanging partners on command. The beauty of it? Absolutely anyone can join!
While there’s no fixed choreography, participants need to know certain routines or figures. The leader calls out or signals moves such as enchufla, adios a la hermana, setenta, and dame. The dance usually begins with the move dile que no, and the music is the same as that of salsa.
Rueda de Casino takes plce on Saturday 26 July from 12:00 to 16:00 in front of Rotterdam Centraal Station.
Rotterdam summer carnival street parade route
In general, this is the route. Every so often it changes a little due to construction along the route, so be sure to double-check before making your final plans. The diagram below is from 2025.
Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival route
P.S. Still not sure if you should attend? Have a look at the Rotterdam Unlimited 2024 aftermovie:
And here's the Battle of the Drums aftermovie from 2024:
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.
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
Bridgerton-inspired classical music and high-tea at Trompenburg
