HAPPENING 29 May–9 June 2025 | An exciting rooftop slide will be the highlight of this year's Rotterdamse Dakendagen as the Maritime Museum's rooftop becomes a vibrant attraction for visitors.

Rotterdam Rooftop Roetsj to feature giant slide from Maritime Museum

The 10th edition of the Rotterdamse Dakendagen festival will feature a unique rooftop experience with the Rotterdam Rooftop Roetsj, running from 29 May to 9 June 2025 (closed on 2 and 3 June). The event will focus on the rooftop of the Maritime Museum, offering a creative blend of entertainment and urban exploration.

Visitors can explore an elevated exhibition showcasing ideas for the city of the future, enjoy panoramic views over the Coolsingel and Leuvehaven, and make a thrilling descent down a large slide from the museum’s rooftop. For those less adventurous, a staircase will provide a traditional route back to the ground.

The event also extends to the area around the Maritime Museum, where visitors can explore the museum harbour, admire the Jan Gat sculpture by Zadkine, and relax on a nearby terrace while watching others take the daring slide.

Inspiration behind the project

The Maritime Museum building, which dates back to 1986, is scheduled for renovation in the coming years. As part of this process, the municipality is exploring how the building and its surroundings can better reflect the changing cityscape. One idea involves creating a publicly accessible rooftop with views of both the Rotterdam harbour and the Coolsingel.

The Rotterdamse Dakendagen organisers saw this as an opportunity to test the idea of a rooftop space with the public, while adding an engaging and playful element to the experience.

The Maritime Museum's location holds special significance as a crossroads of the city’s four districts (North, East, South, and West), close to the country's busiest metro station. It also marks the point where the Rotte river transitions underground into the Nieuwe Maas. The rooftop exhibition will explore a vision of future cities where the boundaries between architecture, water, and green spaces increasingly blur.

What to expect on the rooftop

The rooftop will host an engaging exhibition showcasing innovative ideas for integrating green spaces, water features, and buildings in urban environments. The exact content of the exhibition is yet to be revealed, but visitors can expect to gain insights into sustainable city design. The rooftop will also provide impressive views over Rotterdam’s skyline, with a “Venster op de Rivier” (Window on the River) viewpoint — a long-awaited addition that has been on Rotterdam’s urban wishlist since the post-war reconstruction period.

Opening dates and ticket information

The Rotterdam Rooftop Roetsj will be open from Thursday 29 May (Ascension Day) to Monday 9 June (Whit Monday). The slide will be closed on Monday 2 June and Tuesday 3 June.

On weekends (31 May + 1 June and 7 + 8 June), additional rooftop events will take place across the city, expanding the festival's activities.

Ticket sales will open in spring 2025, both online and at the location. Admission prices are yet to be confirmed, but organisers expect costs to be comparable to the previous Rotterdam Rooftop Walk (€3.50), with an added fee for using the slide or zipline.

Accessibility and family information

While the rooftop will generally be accessed via stairs, organisers are exploring lift access for visitors who are unable to use the stairs.

The slide is expected to finish on a pontoon in the Leuvehaven, allowing visitors to return to the quay safely on foot. Children are welcome to join the rooftop experience under adult supervision, with age restrictions for the slide and zipline to be announced later.

How to get there

The Maritime Museum is located in central Rotterdam, easily accessible by public transport, bicycle, or on foot. The museum's surroundings include the bustling Leuvehaven and nearby cultural landmarks.

Address:
Maritime Museum
Leuvehaven 1, 3011 EA Rotterdam

Left of the Dial festival line up (2025)

In March 2025 and additional 12 new acts were announced: 

BODY HORROR // CLASSIC TRUCKS // FELLATIO // FRANCES MURRAY // LOW ISLAND // MAX WINTER // SALVIA // SERVO // STAR CITY // THISTLE. // TOMMY BARLOW // TORBA. 

In May 2025 another batch of artists were added: 

Borscht // Brown Horse // Coilguns // Common Holly // Croíthe // Curser // Delivery Service // GAL GO // Gloin // green star // Hank // Honk // Infinity Knives & Brian Ennals // Mock Media // NO FUN // Roscoe Roscoe // Saint Clair // Search Results // Tendertwin // Venus Tropicaux // ZONBI // Zac Lawrence //

About Left of the Dial

What Left of the Dial sounds like:

Check out the Spotify playlist below and have a listen.

HAPPENING 28-29 March 2025 | Rotterdam's cafés transform into theatres as Café Theater Festival returns in March 2025 with diverse performances across the city.

Café Theater Festival returns to Rotterdam in 2025

The Café Theater Festival (CTF) is set to return to Rotterdam on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 March 2025. As part of a three-city festival taking place in Utrecht, Arnhem, and Rotterdam, the event will feature performances from emerging creators in various hospitality venues. This year’s festival will include a wide range of artistic disciplines, offering a unique cultural experience in everyday locations.

Performances in Rotterdam's iconic neighbourhoods

During the Rotterdam edition, performances will take place in approximately 15 cafés and hospitality venues spread across De Kop van Zuid, Katendrecht, and Afrikaanderwijk. These intimate settings will host a variety of short performances, allowing visitors to experience theatre in unexpected places.

Showcasing emerging talent

Out of over 160 applicants, the festival’s artistic team selected 41 promising creators who are currently preparing site-specific performances designed specifically for the festival. These artists are supported both artistically and professionally by the festival, which aims to act as a platform for emerging talent. Previous notable participants include Janneke de Bijl, Club Lam, and Marco Lopes.

Art without barriers

CTF is committed to making theatre accessible to everyone. By removing traditional entry barriers, the festival encourages audiences to discover performances in casual, familiar settings like pubs, coffee shops, and tea houses. Payments are made afterward following the Pay What You Can principle, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the experience.

Directions to the festival

The Rotterdam performances will take place in venues across De Kop van Zuid, Katendrecht, and Afrikaanderwijk. These lively neighbourhoods are easily accessible via public transport, with Metro stations such as Wilhelminaplein, Rijnhaven, and Maashaven nearby.

HAPPENING 12 April 2025 | On Record Store Day, Rotterdam's record stores will come alive with live performances and exclusive vinyl releases at Plaatboef, Plato, and Velvet Music.

What is Record Store Day?

Record Store Day (RSD) is an annual event dedicated to celebrating independent record stores and the culture of vinyl music. Originating in 2008, the event was designed to support small music retailers by encouraging music lovers to visit their local stores. On this day, participating stores release exclusive vinyl records, often featuring rare tracks, special editions, or reissues.

In addition to the exclusive releases, Record Store Day is also known for live performances, artist signings, and other in-store events. It's a day where music enthusiasts gather to explore new sounds, connect with fellow collectors, and celebrate the role of independent stores in sustaining local music scenes.

Live performances across Rotterdam's record stores

Performances at Plaatboef

Plaatboef, located on Nieuwe Binnenweg, will host three live performances:

• 12:00 PM: BUG
• 2:00 PM: FIEP
• 5:00 PM: BOWL

Performances at Plato

Plato, a well-known record store that recently returned to Rotterdam, will feature a full day of performances from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM:

• 10:00 AM: Diggy Dex
• 11:00 AM: Bongloard
• 12:00 PM: Charlot
• 1:00 PM: Hiigo
• 2:00 PM: Isaac Roux
• 3:00 PM: De Kraaien
• 4:00 PM: De Toegift
• 5:00 PM: Anneke van Giersbergen

Performances at Velvet Music (Oude Binnenweg)

Velvet Music’s location on Oude Binnenweg will present two performances:

• 12:00 PM: Dio
• 2:00 PM: WAAN

Performances at Velvet Music (Donner)

Velvet Music's secondary location inside Donner bookshop on Coolsingel will also host two performances:

• 12:00 PM: Sophie van Hasselt
• 2:00 PM: Sven Figee

Exclusive vinyl releases

Record Store Day is celebrated for its exclusive vinyl releases. Fans can expect a selection of special editions available only on the day of the event. Releases include limited-edition albums from artists such as Post Malone, Sixpence None the Richer, and Stone Temple Pilots.

Locations and directions

Plaatboef

Located at Nieuwe Binnenweg 81A, 3014 GE Rotterdam, Plaatboef is easily accessible via tram and bus services. The Nieuwe Binnenweg is a vibrant area filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Plato

Plato is situated at Meent 126, 3011 JS Rotterdam, close to popular shopping streets and eateries.

Velvet Music (Oude Binnenweg)

Velvet Music’s main location is at Oude Binnenweg 121A, 3012 JC Rotterdam. The surrounding area is lively with shops and cafes, ideal for spending a relaxed afternoon.

Velvet Music (Donner)

Velvet Music's secondary location inside Donner bookshop is found at Coolsingel 119, 3012 AG Rotterdam, right in the heart of Rotterdam’s shopping district.