HAPPENING 3 May 2025 – An inclusive music event in Rotterdam’s Lombardijen district will bring together performers with and without disabilities.

Everyone Rocks returns this year to Podium Islemunda (while Baroeg is under reconstruction) with live music, dance, and creative workshops.

Baroeg and Rock Central collaborate on inclusive music event

A collaborative effort between the Vrienden van Baroeg foundation and Baroeg will see the return of Everyone Rocks on Saturday, 3 May 2025. The initiative, which previously drew positive responses from both musicians and attendees, focuses on breaking down barriers through the power of music.

Musicians with disabilities will take the stage alongside support staff from Rock Central, a local music school. Their guidance aims to boost confidence and enable more people to experience performing in a professional setting. The event's motto, “Voelt jouw beperking als een belemmering? Nu niet meer!” (Does your disability feel like a barrier? Not anymore!), encapsulates its mission to create space for inclusive participation.

Dance performance by Misiconi opens the event

The day will begin with a performance titled MORPH by Misiconi, a Rotterdam-based dance company comprised of performers both with and without disabilities. This marks the second time Baroeg and Misiconi have worked together. Both organisations are located in Rotterdam’s Lombardijen neighbourhood and are known for promoting accessible cultural programming.

Live bands and interactive activities

Following the dance segment, the focus will shift to live music. The band DIT, known for blending well-known and lesser-known songs in unconventional ways, will perform. Among its members is Rotterdam cartoonist Robert van der Kroft, co-creator of Sjors en Sjimmie.

Also returning is the Niemand Minder Sessieband, featuring clients of Pameijer. For the third year in a row, the group will present its renditions of rock classics by artists such as KISS, Queen, Johnny Cash, Golden Earring and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Additional activities will include karaoke, music lessons led by Rock Central instructors, and glitter tattoo stations. These elements aim to make the event welcoming for all ages and abilities.

Accessibility and participation

The event encourages people with disabilities to attend and take part. For questions or to express interest, individuals can contact the organisers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Location and directions

Podium Islemunda is located at Herenwaard 17, 3078 AK Rotterdam, adjacent to shopping centre Keizerswaard. The venue is accessible via public transport and offers nearby parking. The event begins at 16:00.

HAPPENING 27–30 November 2025 | When architecture, interior design, and luxury lifestyle converge, the result is the EXCELLENT woonbeurs (home fair). Held in Rotterdam, the event offers a curated experience of refined living, thoughtful design, and sensory inspiration.

A platform for contemporary living

Held from 27 to 30 November at Rotterdam Ahoy, the EXCELLENT woonbeurs is set to present an immersive exhibition of luxury interiors, modern architecture, and lifestyle design. Organised annually, the fair draws both homeowners and professionals seeking to engage with the latest concepts in spatial design, furnishings, and bespoke solutions.

Carefully curated stands will feature everything from kitchens and wellness innovations to art, accessories, and even property abroad. What sets the fair apart is its attention to detail—every presentation is staged to spark ideas and encourage reflection on what home can mean.

The architecture of inspiration

A defining element of the EXCELLENT woonbeurs is the presence of complete, walk-in designer homes. Known as 'design houses', these full-scale spaces are created by leading Dutch architects specifically for the event. Each home is an exercise in storytelling—demonstrating how materials, layout, and atmosphere come together in thoughtful harmony.

Visitors will be able to experience how light travels through a space, how furniture complements function, and how colour creates emotion. These homes are not just showpieces—they are meant to be explored, felt, and reimagined in one’s own way.

Culinary spaces and shared tables

The fair is not limited to visual inspiration. Food and hospitality also play a central role, reflecting how the domestic environment is often defined by taste and togetherness. Visitors can enjoy a range of culinary options—from a casual drink to a refined lunch or dinner. These shared tables create moments to pause and reflect between browsing, rounding out the day with a more social dimension.

Whether visitors come for ideas, information, or indulgence, the experience is designed to be multi-sensory.

Directions to Rotterdam Ahoy

Rotterdam Ahoy is located in the city’s south, in the Charlois district—a part of the city known for its spacious streets and proximity to Zuidplein shopping centre. The venue is easily reached by public transport, with direct metro connections from Rotterdam Central Station. For those travelling by car, the venue offers ample parking on-site.

HAPPENING ON 5 MAY | Every year on the fifth of May, people in the Netherlands celebrate Bevrijdingsdag, marking the end of Nazi occupation during World War II. It is also a nice day to visit one of the 14 official festivals which take place all over the country. 

Dodenherdenking, May 4th (Remembrance Day)

The festive events on May fifth are always preceded by 'Dodenherdenking' on May fourth. On this day, at exactly 20:00, two minutes of silence are observed by media, offices, restaurants and stores in honour of the people who gave and lost their lives during World War II and War in general. Don't be surprised if they suddenly cut the music in a bar or stop tending tables in a café. 

Bevrijdingsdag, May 5th (Liberation Day)

The Netherlands was liberated on May 5th, 1945 when German commander Johannes Blaskowitz agreed to surrender. The official capitulation document was signed the next day at the university auditorium in the city of the Wageningen. This was almost five years to the day after Rotterdam was levelled by Nazi bombers in 1940. 

Liberation Day is a workday for most

Though nobody doubts the importance of the day, it's not a typical national holiday. It is only observed as a public holiday for everyone, including both public and private sectors, once every five years. The next time this will happen is in 2025 when the Netherlands will celebrate the 80th anniversary of its liberation. In between those five-year milestones, Liberation Day is not considered a public holiday for the general population. However, it is still a public holiday for schoolteachers, civil servants and government employees, meaning they will get a day off from work.

Government employees are free from work, but for those in the private sector, it's just a regular workday. Some collective labour agreements specify that employees get one free day every fifth Liberation Day. Schools are usually always closed on Liberation Day. 

Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid Holland celebrated in Rotterdam

Liberation Festival (Bevrijdingsfestival) Rotterdam

On Monday 5 May 2025, Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland returns to Het Park in Rotterdam, set against the backdrop of the Euromast. The festival runs from 12:30 until 23:00 and welcomes visitors to a full day of live music, talks and celebration of freedom. Festival-goers can enter the grounds via the Kievitslaan/Parklaan entrance.

As parking in the area is limited, organisers strongly recommend arriving on foot, by bicycle or via public transport. To mark this day, there are various parades and 14 festivals all across the country. The Liberation Day festival in Rotterdam is actually the official festival for the entire province of South Holland.

This is the official artist line-up for 2025

Erasmuspodium
Antoon // Donnie // Paul Elstak // DOOL // Mr Belt & Wezol // John Coffey // Mell VF // Cho

 Sena Performers Stage
Michel de Hey // Faffi // Hana Fatur // Youngrubbi // BERTHAJU // Sirens of Lesbos // L’orne // The Frequency Club

For more information on the live performances and special events, be sure to check out the official website for Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland. 

Directions to Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland

HAPPENING 18-19 October 2025 | Engines will roar, tyres will screech, and the scent of petrol will linger in the air. At Rotterdam Ahoy, car culture will take centre stage during a weekend dedicated entirely to performance, design, and innovation. From custom-builds to supercars, 100% Auto Live promises a packed programme for every kind of automotive enthusiast.

100% Auto Live returns to Rotterdam Ahoy

The 21st edition of 100% Auto Live (100% Auto Live) is scheduled to take place on 18 and 19 October 2025 at Rotterdam Ahoy. This annual exhibition continues to serve as a broad platform for everything related to cars, from tuning and supercars to classic models and motorcycles. The event has grown into a staple on the automotive calendar, drawing crowds with its mix of showroom polish and raw mechanical performance.

What to expect on the show floor

Across the sprawling halls of Ahoy, visitors will find an eclectic range of vehicles. Custom-built tuning projects share the spotlight with high-end hypercars and lovingly restored classics. Automotive clubs and private collectors will be out in full force, presenting their best machines.

One standout is expected to be the Koenigsegg Jesko 'Plus'—a rare appearance even at events of this scale. Joining it will be two variants of the McLaren Senna, including the track-focused GTR edition. Meanwhile, CCrally and Boring Drive will showcase bespoke builds such as an Audi R8 Performance Parts edition fitted with a roof scoop and other race-inspired upgrades.

Motorcycle enthusiasts will also find plenty to admire. From Aprilia and KTM to Ducati and Kawasaki, two-wheelers will be featured throughout the exhibition halls, many with striking custom finishes.

Live action and guest appearances

The energy at 100% Auto Live extends well beyond static displays. In the Live Action Arena, drift demonstrations will run throughout the weekend, with skilled drivers pushing the limits of traction and control. Nearby, the car catwalk will spotlight select vehicles every hour, with commentary and closer looks at the stories behind the builds.

YouTube personality Enzo Knol is expected to make an appearance on Sunday, accompanied by his heavily modified Lamborghini Urus S. Outfitted with a Mansory body kit, the vehicle is scheduled for display during the 13:00 and 15:00 catwalk shows.

Tickets and admission

Tickets for 100% Auto Live are currently available online. Admission prices are as follows:

• Adults (13+ years): €20

• Children (6–12 years): €10

• Children under 6: Free

Tickets grant entry on either day of the event and include access to all areas of the exhibition and live shows.

How to get there

Rotterdam Ahoy is located at Ahoyweg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam, in the city’s south. The venue is easily accessible via metro (Zuidplein station), several bus lines, and by car. Visitors arriving by train can reach Ahoy in under ten minutes from Rotterdam Centraal via metro line D. Paid parking is available on-site and in nearby garages. The surrounding area features shops, restaurants, and hotels, making it convenient for day trips or overnight stays.