Events

In this section you can see festivals and events in Rotterdam during the year. There are many more festivals, especially in summer, that change dates every year. Throughout the year, we will keep you informed about festivals and other events in Rotterdam.

Here’s a small agenda of Rotterdam’s festivals.

January

International Film Festival (IFFR). The country’s largest film festival that attracts numerous visitors to the city. They organize many activities. In 2024, it will take place from January 25th to February 4th. Visit their website at this link.

TEC ART Rotterdam. Creative Technology festival. In 2024 it will take place between January 31st and February 4th.

February

ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. Renowned tennis players gather in Rotterdam for this tournament. In 2024, it will take place from February 10th to 18th. Visit their website at this link.

Art Rotterdam. Art, design, architecture, fairs, exhibitions, workshops, and shows related to the latest artistic trends. In 2024, it will be held from February 1st to 4th. Visit their website for more information at this link.

Chinese New Year. The city’s Chinese community celebrates their New Year with parades in the city center and various activities. In 2024, it will be celebrated from February 12th to 18th.

March

Museum Night. Most of the city’s museums and galleries open on this night and host special events. In 2024 it will take place of March 2nd.

Mosselfeest. The mussel festival will take place on Saturday 9 March, from 16.00 to 2.00, on the grounds of the Glasfabriek, Buitenhavenweg 142, Schiedam. You can buy a ticket (36 euros adults, 13 euros children) via this link. For it, you will get a starter, main course and dessert, as well as access to the party with concerts.

April

Rotterdam Marathon. Top international runners compete in this event through the city streets. In 2024, it will be held on April 14th. Visit their website at this link.

King’s Day. Markets, concerts, and street parties throughout the country. Dress in orange to blend in. It’s celebrated on June 27th.

May

Bevrijdingsfestival. On May 5th, Liberation Festival takes place in Rotterdam. Numerous bands of all styles present their concerts in a free festival at Het Park.

Festival Trek. Free festival with culinary specialties from around the world and music from the 60s, 70s, blues, and disco. In 2024, it will be held from May 9th to 12th in Vroesenpark. Visit their website at this link.

June

Toffler Festival. Festival featuring the best DJs in house and techno music. In 2024, it will take place on May 1st in Roel Langerakpark. Visit their website at this link.

Rotterdam Architecture Month. A month filled with festivals, exhibitions, conferences, and other events related to architecture. Several iconic buildings in the city open their doors to the public. Visit their website at this link.

Boothstock Festival. Dance music festival featuring various DJs in Kralingen Park. Tickets sell out quickly. In 2024, it will be held on June 15th. Visit their website at this link.

CHIO Rotterdam. If you have an interest in horses, don’t miss attending this competition in Kralingen Bos. It features the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of the Netherlands, the FEI National Cup of classical dressage, and the Longines Grand Prix (show jumping), among others. It will take place from June 19th to June 23rd, 2024. Visit their website using this link.

De Parade. Street theatre festival that takes place in the Museumpark. In 2024 it will be held from June the 21st to the 30th. Visit their website at this lin k.

July

Metropolis. A festival where both national and international bands with great potential showcase their works. It will take place on July 7th, 2024, at Zuiderpark. Visit their website using this link.

NN North Sea Jazz Festival. A festival featuring the best international artists of jazz, soul, hip-hop, blues, and other trends, held at the Ahoy complex. It will be held from July 12th to July 14th, 2024 Visit their website using this link.

Eendrach Festival. A free festival in the Eendrachtplein area and its surroundings, featuring various musical styles on different stages. It will take place on July 18th, 2024. Visit their website.

August

Rollerdam. Every Wednesday in July and August a large group of skateboarders organize themselves for a 15km long tour through the city, with music, dj’s and a final party in Binnenrotte. They start at 8 pm from the Markthal. Visit their page on this link.

Rotterdam Street Culture Week Festival. In 2024 it is celebrated from 23rd to 25th August. Visit their page on this link.

TAPT festival Rotterdam. In 2024 it will be held on August 23rd and 24th. Visit their page on this link.

Dag van de Romantische Muziek. In 2024 it will be held on August 24th. Visit their page on this link.

September

ALL CAPS. Art and graffiti festival. In 2024 it is celebrated from September 1st to 8th. Visit their page on this link.

Wereldhavendagen. Port Days, with exhibitions, events, concerts, demonstrations and visits to places related to port activity. In 2024 it will be held from September 6th to 8th. Visit their page on this link.

Baroeg Open Air. If you like metal, this is your festival. In 2024 it will be held on September 14th. Visit their page on this link.

Cross Comix Festival. Festival around the world of comics. Workshops, performances, exhibitions. In 2024 it is celebrated from September 16th to 21st. Visit their page on this link.

Downtown Festival. Electronic music festival. In 2024 will be held on September 20th and 21st. Visit their page on this l ink.

October

Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam. In 2024 it will be held from October 9th to 13th. Visit their page on this lin k.

November

BIRDfest. Festival with jazz, latin and soul music. In 2024 it is celebrated from November 1st to 3rd. Visit their page on this link.

Sinterklaasintocht. On November 16th, parade through the city to celebrate Sint-Klaas (the Santa Claus of the Dutch children), who according to tradition comes from Spain to bring gifts for children. On December 5th is when this character leaves the gifts at the children’s homes.

December

Het Nationale Vuurwerk. From the Erasmus Bridge the year ends with a fantastic fireworks display.

Other options to go out in Rotterdam