HAPPENING 23–25 May 2026 | Every year, Rotterdam becomes the concluding point of a unique sporting event – the Roparun. This multi-day, non-stop relay race not only brings together fitness enthusiasts and amateur athletes, but also plays a significant role in contributing to improving the lives of cancer patients.

_{Photo credit: Marco de Swart}

What is the Roparun?

The Roparun is a relay race held annually during the Whitsun weekend. The event has varying starting locations and finishes at the Coolsingel in Rotterdam. A Roparun team consists of approximately 25 people, including a maximum of eight runners who each run an average of about 65 kilometres in relay form, or more than one and a half marathons. The runners are supported by cyclists, caterers, drivers, masseurs, and other team members. The Roparun consists of two routes of more than 500 kilometres each. Participating in the Roparun is not only very enjoyable, but it also creates unforgettable memories. Anyone can participate: families, friends, sports clubs, companies, and associations.

When is the next Roparun?

The next Roparun will take place from Saturday 23 May to Monday 25 May 2026. The 34th edition of Roparun will see 212 teams at the starting line. The organisation announced the final number after the registration period closed. Over the coming months, the teams will raise funds to support people living with cancer. This year, 23 teams are either new or returning after a break.

Teams had the option of choosing between two routes: one from France and another within the Netherlands. The French route begins in Clastres, passing through Belgium and Brabant before reaching Rotterdam. The Dutch route starts at Vliegveld Twenthe in Enschede, going through Coevorden, Gelderland, and the Drechtsteden before arriving in Rotterdam.

All teams will finish on Tweede Pinksterdag (Whit Monday) at Binnenrotte, in the heart of the city. A total of 157 teams have opted for the traditional French route, while 55 teams will follow the Dutch route, which is known for its festive atmosphere and local support.

How to get involved with Roparun

The purpose of the event is to raise funds for cancer patients and their families, helping to make their lives easier and more bearable. If you want to get involved with Roparun, there are a few different ways you can do so. Firstly, you can participate as a runner or cyclist, joining a team and helping to raise funds for the cause. Alternatively, you can volunteer to support the event, helping with logistics, cheering on the participants, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Roparun. Photo credit: Marco de Swart

History of the Roparun

Initiated in 1992, the Roparun (Roparun) is a long-distance, non-stop team relay race that spans over a course of approximately 500 kilometres. The name “Roparun” is a portmanteau of Rotterdam and Paris, the two cities which initially marked the start and finish of the race. Over the years, the race has evolved and now includes other starting points such as Hamburg and Bremen, with all routes converging at the finish line in Rotterdam. 

Year after year, the Roparun resonates with the spirit of camaraderie, resilience, and generosity. Competitors often express how the race's gruelling physical demands are outweighed by the fulfilment derived from contributing to a cause that affects so many lives.

The charitable dimension

What sets the Roparun apart is its philanthropic focus. The event functions as a fundraiser for projects supporting people diagnosed with cancer, making it more than just a sporting event. Participating teams engage in various fundraising activities in the months leading up to the event, with all the proceeds going to organisations providing palliative care to cancer patients.

You can also donate to Roparun and help to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. To find out more about how to get involved, visit the Roparun website at https://www.roparun.nl/en/. Here, you can also make a donation to the cause and support the incredible work that they do.

Visiting the Roparun

The atmosphere in Rotterdam during the Roparun is electric, with the Coolsingel boulevard coming alive to cheer on the participants as they cross the finish line. Visitors can also join in the festivities by taking part in the various events organised around the race. Details on how to reach the finish line of the Roparun can be found in the map below:

HAPPENING 2 July 2025 – A historic bluegrass film will receive its European premiere in Rotterdam this July. The screening will be followed by a live performance and Q&A with the film’s director.

Bluegrass Country Soul premieres in Rotterdam ahead of summer festival

In the lead-up to this summer’s Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, an event has been announced that highlights the roots of the genre and the film that helped shape the festival itself. The 1971 American documentary Bluegrass Country Soul will be screened for the first time in a European cinema on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, at KINO Rotterdam.

The film is considered by organisers to be a foundational inspiration for the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival. Festival director Guido de Groot has previously cited the documentary as the original spark for the event that now annually transforms Noordplein into a bluegrass hotspot.

Screening to include live performance and director Q&A

The event at KINO will not only include the screening of the restored documentary but also a post-film discussion with director Albert Ihde and producer Ellen Pasternack, who will be travelling from the United States to attend.

Following the Q&A session, guests will be treated to a live bluegrass performance in the cinema foyer. The identity of the performing act has not yet been announced.

A glimpse into bluegrass history

Bluegrass Country Soul captures a 1971 bluegrass festival held in Virginia, USA, and features iconic performances from musicians including Earl Scruggs, The Country Gentlemen and Jimmy Martin. The film also marks early appearances by The Bluegrass 45 and a young Tony Rice, performing with J.D. Crowe in what would become The New South.

The documentary is often cited as a pivotal record of bluegrass’ evolution and the rise of the ‘New Grass’ movement (Nieuwe Bluegrass-stijl). It offers insights into both the cultural impact and the community surrounding the genre.

Part of a wider festival experience

The screening serves as a precursor to the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, which takes place on 4, 5 and 6 July 2025 at Noordplein. The festival has grown into a fixture on the city’s cultural calendar, offering a mix of traditional bluegrass, contemporary acoustic music, and family-friendly programming.

How to get to KINO Rotterdam

KINO is located in the heart of Rotterdam at Gouvernestraat 129-133. The cinema is easily accessible via public transport, with nearby tram and metro stops at Eendrachtsplein. The area is known for its creative and independent film culture, making it a fitting venue for this niche music documentary.

HAPPENING 17–18 May 2025 | This spring, a weekend plant market will transform Trompenburg Gardens into a hub for greenery, featuring growers, garden décor and eco-conscious inspiration. The event runs on 17 and 18 May and is open to all gardening enthusiasts.

Plant market returns to Trompenburg Gardens

Trompenburg Gardens in Rotterdam will host its seasonal plant market (Plantenmarkt) on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May 2025, inviting visitors to explore a wide range of plants, garden products and outdoor inspiration. The event is set to open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Over two days, visitors will be able to browse market stalls offering herbs, flowering plants, indoor species and gardening-related items. A variety of local and specialist growers will be present, each bringing their own selection of plants and expertise.

Growers and gardening experts

The market will feature several growers including:

• Happy Garden, a hobby nursery known for cultivating hostas, irises, daylilies, poppies and peonies.
• Kwekerij Aaldering – De Stek, a biological nursery offering perennials such as Epimedium and Geranium. This grower also provides social day programmes as part of its operations.
• Krukla Tuinen, a small-scale nursery focusing on perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs and trees. They also offer garden design and sustainable planting advice.
• Botanische tuin Mei Chu, a botanical garden covering three hectares, home to over 80 species of bamboo, along with Asian trees, shrubs and perennials.

More than just plants

In addition to plant stalls, visitors will find garden decoration, honey, and eco-friendly gift items. Seating areas with coffee, cake and light lunch options will be available.

Entry and practical information

Standard Trompenburg Gardens entry fees apply. Visitors with a Museumkaart, Rotterdampas or an annual walking pass for Trompenburg will be granted free access. E-tickets are available online to help reduce waiting time at the entrance.

The organisers advise using public transport or cycling. For those arriving by car, parking is available at Erasmus Plaza garage (entrance via Burgemeester Oudlaan), where exit tickets can be purchased at the garden entrance for €7.50. Excelsior parking is also an option.

Additional tips:

• Bring a reusable bag for purchases.
• Some stalls accept only cash.
• Walking shoes are recommended due to the mixed terrain.
• Wheelchairs and prams are welcome.
• There is no ATM nearby; payment at the café and restaurant is by PIN or credit card only.
• Electric bike batteries cannot be stored at the entrance building.
• Always check that your Rotterdampas or Museumkaart is valid before visiting.

Event location and directions

The plant market takes place at Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum, located in the Kralingen district. The area is known for its leafy surroundings and proximity to Erasmus University. Public transport options include tram and metro lines to nearby stops such as Voorschoterlaan or Kralingse Zoom.

HAPPENING 3–5 JULY 2026 | Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival is an annual music event which takes place at the Noordplein in Rotterdam Noord. The event has grown into one of the best bluegrass festivals in Europe.

Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival is not just about music. There's also a wide range of workshops, exhibitions and jam sessions as well as underground comics. The three-day festival is also a good place to find fresh food and drinks at affordable prices. Get your hot dogs, perfectly golden brown fries, high-quality organic meat, vegan stew, chicken stew and salads from the various stands and food trucks.

Heads up! The information below is from the 2025 edition. This article will be updated soon as new details for 2026 are announced.

Pre-party at Theater Walhalla on 3 July

This year marks the first time an official pre-party is being held as part of the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival (RBF). The gathering at Theater Walhalla, located in one of Rotterdam’s most characterful neighbourhoods, aims to bring the community together in an intimate setting. Be sure to get your tickets beforehand. 

Attendees will be treated to a performance by the festival’s 2025 artists-in-residence, Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves. Hailing from Canada and the United States respectively, the duo are known for their work in the roots and folk music scene. Their performance will take place in the theatre’s small-scale venue, which has been chosen to highlight the acoustic qualities of their music.

Tickets for Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival

If you've been a regular visitor in previous years, please note that the festival is no longer free for adults. This year, a day ticket costs €17 and a festival pass is €45. Children up to the age of 14 enter free if accompanied by an adult. Tickets and detailed information are available here. 

Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival Line-up 2025

Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival features amazing folk artists from Europe and the USA. Artists performing at this year's Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival (so far) include:

The Devil Makes Three (US) // The Brothers Comatose (US) // Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band (US) // Nick Shoulders (US) // Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys (CAN) // Brennen Leigh & Joshua Hedley (US) // Tim Knol & Blue Grass Boogiemen (NL) // Jake Blount (US) // Pert Near Sandstone (US) // Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves (CAN/US) // Angry Zeta (ARG) // Chicken Wire Empire (US) // Daddy Long Legs (US) // Maurice van Hoek & Bertolf (NL) // Addie Levy (US) // Creekbed Carter Hogan (US) // Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs (US) // Yes Ma'am (US) // Bab L’ Bluz (FR/MA) // Pixie and the Partygrass Boys (US) // Radim Zenkl & Ondra Kozák (CZ) // Dom Glynn & His Sunday Best (UK) // Taff Rapids (WAL) // Blue Forest Pickers (NL) // The Vaudevillian (CAN) // The New West (NL) // Renegade Bandits (NL)

Check out the 2025 timetable

Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival timetable for 2025

Have a look at a recap video