ROTTERDAM, 14 September 2025 – The sixteenth edition of Baroeg Open Air drew 8,500 visitors to Zuiderpark on Saturday. Despite bursts of rain, the free festival delivered a full day of guitar-driven bands, electronic acts and alternative culture.

A diverse programme across four stages

Baroeg Open Air presented 30 acts on four stages, ranging from punk and metal to electronic and experimental music. Highlights included British street punk band Cock Sparrer, Tom G. Warrior’s Triumph of Death revisiting the legacy of Hellhammer, and hardcore innovator N-Vitral with an industrial set.

Other well-received performances came from Lebanon Hannover and Rudeboy ft. DJ DNA, the latter revisiting hits from Urban Dance Squad in a crossover show that bridged genres and generations.

Organisation and atmosphere

The event was supported by 350 volunteers, who helped keep the festival running smoothly despite heavy showers. Large tents across the site ensured that audiences stayed dry and the music continued without interruption.

Festival director Leon van Rijnsbergen noted that the programme has become increasingly diverse over the years:
“Baroeg Open Air is unique not only for Rotterdam but also for the Netherlands. The combination of guitar bands and electronic acts makes the festival distinctive and attracts a wide audience, from young to old.”

More than just music

For the first time, Baroeg Open Air added a children’s corner, offering face painting, crafts and a photobooth for young visitors. A podcast programme featured throughout the day, while roaming performers such as Beb & Toos and the family Van Krooswijk provided unexpected entertainment, even near the toilets.

By the end of the night, the tents were still full, with audiences singing along and dancing to the closing acts. The festival organisation expressed pride in the day’s outcome and gratitude to all bands, volunteers, visitors and partners.

Practical information

• Event: Baroeg Open Air 2025
• Date: Saturday 13 September 2025
• Location: Zuiderpark, Rotterdam
• Visitors: 8,500
• Acts: 30 performances across four stages

ROTTERDAM, 27 April 2025 — On 25 April 2025, Audio Obscura and Marlon Hoffstadt hosted an exclusive Kingsnight event at the Van Nelle Fabriek in Rotterdam. Set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage site, the night brought together music, architecture and cultural heritage. View the full photo gallery below.

ROTTERDAM, 8 September 2025 – The 48th edition of the World Port Days has concluded. Over 400,000 visitors gathered along the city’s waterfront during the three-day maritime event.

World Port Days draws large crowds to the waterfront

The 48th edition of the Wereldhavendagen (World Port Days) came to a close on Sunday evening in Rotterdam. Spread across three days, the annual event once again drew substantial interest from both locals and visitors. According to the organisers, an estimated 400,000 people attended the festivities, which were centred around the Erasmus Bridge and extended along the city’s river quays.

Mild late-summer weather and a diverse programme contributed to consistent foot traffic. The busiest moments were observed over the weekend, with particularly large crowds turning out on Saturday evening for the ship parade, an evening show and a fireworks display over the river.

Maritime and cultural activities across the city

Despite high temperatures on Sunday, visitors continued to arrive steadily throughout the day. Attendees participated in boat tours, behind-the-scenes harbour excursions and exhibitions showcasing future innovations in maritime technology along the so-called ‘Innovatiekade’ (innovation quay).

The Royal Netherlands Navy offered demonstrations of maritime safety procedures, while parts of the Rijnhaven were repurposed into public-friendly zones for relaxation and open-air activities. Several museums also contributed to the event by offering educational activities for school children.

Attendance and highlights

The 2025 edition featured the participation of 66 maritime companies and organisations, alongside 34 docked ships open to the public. A total of 33 live shows were held on the water, involving 80 vessels, three drones, three helicopters, two parachutists, one aircraft and five F-35 fighter jets.

Over 17,000 tickets were sold for 447 tours and excursions, many organised in collaboration with 41 port-related businesses. On Friday, more than 1,500 young people and jobseekers from both the Netherlands and abroad attended the MATCH Career Event. Additionally, 800 primary school pupils visited participating museums, and 350 students took part in a hackathon hosted at FENIX Migration Museum.

Food and drink stalls across the event’s hospitality zones reportedly served around 15,000 scoops of ice cream. An estimated 170 volunteers were involved in making the event possible.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond

Next year’s World Port Days is scheduled for 4, 5 and 6 September 2026. Organisers have also confirmed that preparations are already underway for the 50th edition in 2027, which is expected to mark a milestone in the event’s history.

ROTTERDAM, 20 May 2024 – The annual Roparun event concluded as all participants crossed the finish line in Rotterdam. Teams from various regions ran over 500 kilometres to support palliative care for cancer patients.

Roparun participants finish in Rotterdam

On Monday, all participants of the annual Roparun crossed the finish line on the Coolsingel in Rotterdam. After covering over five hundred kilometres, the journey ended for the 210 teams that started on Saturday from Enschede and Clastres, France. The first team to finish around noon was Team 207 - KMA. The final participants to cross the line were from French team 221 – Les P’tits Guerriers.

International participation resumes

This year marked the return of international participation with a starting point in France after a five-year hiatus. In addition to the athletic achievement, teams raised funds throughout the year for palliative care for cancer patients. The funds are donated to charities that aim to improve the quality of life for cancer patients as much as possible. Each participating team consists of approximately twenty-five individuals, including up to eight runners. The teams are also supported by cyclists, drivers, caterers, masseurs, and navigators. Various festivities were organised in cities and towns along the route to support the participants.

Reflections on the event

“We look back on another unforgettable edition,” said director Lesly Wolters. “We witnessed much emotion, effort, and exhaustion during this event. However, it also had a festive element. Of course, there was the return to France, but it was also fantastic to see so many people in the Netherlands coming out to support our event. Now, we look forward to announcing a significant final amount in June. The current tally promises something great, but if you haven't supported our Roparunners yet, please do so! This achievement always deserves more support.”

Fundraising for palliative care

The Roparun is an event where teams raise funds for charities, institutions, and projects that improve the lives of cancer patients. Last year, the non-stop relay run raised nearly four million euros. The teams engage in fundraising activities throughout the year, ranging from collecting donations to washing cars and organising mini-Roparuns to delivering Christmas cards. All the money raised by these teams goes towards supportive care for cancer patients. This weekend, the participants gave their all. However, they were not the only ones giving. The Roparun Foundation also made donations along the route, presenting cheques to various charities.

About the Roparun

The Roparun is a non-stop relay race that has been organised for over 30 years. During the event, participants run and cycle in relay form, supported and assisted by drivers, carers, and caterers. The funds raised are used to support various causes in the Netherlands, France, and Belgium, aiming to improve the quality of life for cancer patients as much as possible.