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 2025, it will take place from January 30th to February 9th. Visit their website at this link.

FEBRUARY

ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. Renowned tennis players gather in Rotterdam for this tournament. In 2025, it will be held from February 1st to 9th. Visit their website 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 2025, it will be celebrated from January 29th to February 12th.

MARCH

Museum Night. Most of the city’s museums and galleries open on this night and host special events. In 2025, it will be celebrated on March 1st.

TEC ART Rotterdam. Creative technology festival. In 2025, it will be celebrated from March 28th to 30th. Visit their page at this link.

APRIL

Rotterdam Marathon. Top international runners compete in this event through the city streets. In 2025, it will be held on April 13th. Visit their website at this link.

King’s Day. Markets, concerts, and street parties throughout the country. Dress in orange to blend in. It will be celebrated on April 26th, 2025.

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.

Toffler Festival. Festival featuring the best DJs in house and techno music. In 2025, it will be celebrated on May 31st. in Roel Langerakpark. Visit their website at this link.

JUNE

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. In 2025, it will be held from June 1st to 30th. 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. In 2025, it will take place from June 19th to 22nd. Visit their website using this link.

JULY

Metropolis. A festival where both national and international bands with great potential showcase their works. In 2025, it will take place on July 6th at Zuiderpark. Visit their website using this link.

Boothstock Festival. Dance music festival featuring various DJs in Kralingen Park. Tickets sell out quickly. In 2025, it will take place on July 12th. Visit their website at 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. In 2025, it will be held from July 11th to 13th. 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. In 2025, it will be held on July 17th. Visit their website.

Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival. In 2025, it will take place on July 26th. Visit their page at this link.

AUGUST

CuliNESSE. Feltival with music and food. In 2025, it will be celebrated from August 28th to 30th. Visit their page at this link.

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 2025, it will take place from August 29th to 31st. Visit their page on this link.

SEPTEMBER

Wereldhavendagen. Port Days, with exhibitions, events, concerts, demonstrations and visits to places related to port activity. In 2025, it will be held from September 5th to 7th. Visit their page on this link.

Downtown Festival. Electronic music festival. In 2025, it will be held on September 19th and 20th. 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