Tips
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Istanbul Modern / Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
An exchange with Turkey’s museum of modern art to celebrate 400 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Turkey.
Exhibition, Tip (Things to Do) -
POPPY - Trails of Afgan heroïn / Nederlands Fotomuseum
Antoinette de Jong & Robert Knoth follow the trail of Afghan heroin. They show us through an impressive, but also beautiful, installation the downside of globalization.
Museums, Exhibition -
Magic of Women / Wereldmuseum Rotterdam
Gorgeous Indonesian textiles and gold and silver jewelry indolent with mystic symbolism, on loan from private collectors in Europe and the United States and from the museum’s own celebrated historic collection.
Museums, Exhibition, Mother's Day, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go) -
5th IABR : Making City / several locations
With Making City, the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam will therefore actively engage with ‘city making’ in the form of concrete projects in three cities: Rotterdam, São Paulo and Istanbul.
Architecture, Festivals, Tip (Things to Do) -
The Eyes of War / Kunsthal Rotterdam
For this remarkable series of portraits, Roemers photographed 40 blind war victims from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, England, Russia and Ukraine.
Exhibition -
Shell Eco-marathon / Ahoy Rotterdam
The challenge is simple: to design, build and drive the most fuel-efficient vehicle.
Festivals, Green, Sport, Tip (Things to Do) -
DEAF2012: The Power of Things / V2_
The Dutch Electronic Art Festival (DEAF) is an international and interdisciplinary biennial that focuses on art, technology and society. DEAF presents a wide range of program segments, including, of course, a large exhibition of interactive artworks and installations.
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do) -
Opera Days (Operadagen) Rotterdam / several locations
During this international opera festival, Operadagen Rotterdam will present international premières, opera on location and its own festival productions.
Festivals, Opera, Green, Tip (Things to Do) -
Dunya Festival / Park bij de Euromast
Dunya is the world performing arts festival in the Netherlands. Every year prominent artists-young talents from every corner of the world, big names in world music, as well as storytellers and poets-play and perform at the Dunya Festival.
Festivals, Summer, Tip (Things to Do) -
Roparun / Coolsingel
The longest non-stop relay race in the world: from Rotterdam to Paris. The RoParun is also a fundraisor for people suffering from cancer.
Festivals, Sport, Tip (Things to Do) -
Music Republic / Sidelingepark
This open air dance event is divided into four areas, each with their own style of music and unique design. Over 40 national and international DJs and artists will perform.
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do), Nightlife & Clubbing -
Julian Germain - Classroom Julian Germain, The Future is Ours - Classroom Portraits 2004- 2012 / Nederlands Fotomuseum
British photographer Julian Germain photographed school classes in countries like Britain, Argentina, Brazil and the Netherlands. The photo's, full of details, tell the story of the class, school and location.
Museums, Exhibition, Tip (Things to Do) -
Verborgen Tuinen (Hidden Gardens) / several locations
Dozens of owners open their hidden gardens to the public. Relish the city’s unexpected green nooks, various experiences and ideas, and garden art.
Architecture, Green, Tip (Things to Do), Various -
Now & Wow festival / Maassilo
This new festival is dedicated to electronic music, pop culture, fashion, design, art and theatre performances, bringing back the vibe of the infamous Now&Wow club nights.
Club, Festivals, Tip (Things to Do) -
Summersundays / Park bij de Euromast
Summertime music, delightfully surprising theatre and an extensive children’s programme in the loveliest Park in Rotterdam.
Festivals, Groups, Tip (Things to Do), Do-like-a-local -
Ladiesrun / Ahoy Rotterdam
This race combines competitive running with shopping and good company.
Festivals, Sport, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go) -
Poetry International Festival / Rotterdamse Schouwburg
From 11–17 June 2011, poets from across the world – from Afghanistan to the United States, from Brazil to South Korea, from Sudan to Russia – will gather to attend the 41st annual Poetry International Festival in Rotterdam Schouwburg.
Festivals, Lectures/Debates/Workshops, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go) -
CHIO Rotterdam / Rotterdamsche Manège
CHIO Rotterdam presents its 64trd edition of equestrian top sports involving the world’s best riders. The magnificent Kralingse Bos accommodates jumping and dressage competitions at international, national and regional levels.
Festivals, Sport, Tip (Things to Do) -
Parade / Museumpark
Theatre, music, literature, dance, film and visual arts, plus tasty treats to eat and drink: travelling theatrical festival De Parade tantalises all the senses.
Festivals, Summer, Tip (Things to Do) -
North Sea Round Town / Centrum Rotterdam
Rotterdam warms up for the North Sea Jazz Festival with North Sea Round Town. During the summer this festival will present over 200 jazz related activities at 70 different locations throughout the city.
Festivals, Pop/Jazz/World, Tip (Things to Do) -
De Nieuwe Binnenweg... Lives! / Nieuwe Binnenweg
The street appears to be lined with statues, but a closer look at the row of extraordinary characters reveals that these artworks are alive!
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do) -
Day of Architecture (Dag van de Architectuur) / several locations
Unique buildings and unknown spots are open to the public. There are also guided tours, presentations, talks and excursions.
Architecture, Festivals, Green, Tip (Things to Do) -
Metropolis Festival / Zuiderpark
More than 40 national and international promising live-acts will perform on several stages in Zuiderpark from 1 to 9 pm during the 24rd edition of the free pop festival Metropolis.
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do) -
North Sea Jazz Festival / Ahoy Rotterdam
The North Sea Jazz Festival is the world’s biggest jazz festival! Take your pick: there’s New Orleans jazz, soul, bop and fusion, but also blues, gospel, swing, funk, hip-hop, R&B, world beat and Latin. This year, the festival expects more than a thousand musicians, spread out over 150 performances and thirteen different stages.
Festivals, Pop/Jazz/World, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go) -
Fit For Free Wednesday Night Skate / Binnenrotte
Thousands of skaters traverse the 16.5 km course, suitable for skaters of any age, accessible for quads & inliners. Free after-skate party following the event.
Festivals, Sport, Tip (Things to Do), Do-like-a-local -
Zomercarnaval (Summer Carnival) / Centrum Rotterdam
Experience the largest tropical party in Europe! At least a million visitors visit this two-day Caribbean Carnival every year, dancing to Latin music in the city centre of Rotterdam and looking at the colourful costumes and floats in the massive street parade!
Festivals, Summer, Tip (Things to Do) -
Duizel in het Park / Vroesenpark
In the weekend of 6 & 7 August, the Vroesenpark becomes an oasis of literature, visual art, theatre and music.
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do), Do-like-a-local -
Day of Romantic Music (Dag van de Romantische Muziek) / Park bij de Euromast
Concerts will be held at various stages featuring elegant classic music and popular romantic tunes, gypsy music and arias.
Festivals, Classic, Summer, Tip (Things to Do), Do-like-a-local -
Pleinbioscoop open-air cinema / Museumpark
The biggest open-air cinema under the starry skies screens Hollywood smash hits, famous arthouse films and the highlights of world film.
Festivals, Film, Summer, Tip (Things to Do), Do-like-a-local -
Noordpleinfeesten / Noordplein
For two days, the park is transformed to the best place in Rotterdam to enjoy fabulous music, art, culture, entertainment and food.
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do), Do-like-a-local -
OVG Veerhaven Concert / Veerhaven
A classical open-air concert in Rotterdam’s most charming harbour. Enjoy waterfront performances by the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and others from the quay or in the comfort of your own sloop.
Festivals, Classic, Tip (Things to Do), Do-like-a-local -
City Racing Rotterdam / Centrum Rotterdam
Experience the Formula 1 live on the streets of Rotterdam! This unique racing event in the city centre offers spectacular demonstrations by first-class national and international race cars and drivers.
Festivals, Sport, Summer, Tip (Things to Do) -
Rotterdam Philharmonic Gergiev Festival 2012 / De Doelen a.o. venues
The Rotterdam Philharmonic Gergiev Festival will stage many concerts and events in Rotterdam. This years theme is ‘Sea & You’.
Festivals, Classic, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go) -
World Port Days / Port of Rotterdam
The Wereldhavendagen (World Port Days) is a festive and adventurous opportunity for you to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the largest port of Europe and its industrial area.
Festivals, Summer, Tip (Things to Do), Water -
Shantyfestival / Oude Haven
History will come to life in the oldest harbour area of Rotterdam. Ancient crafts, traditional costumes and historic ships and transport will ensure unique images of a bygone era.
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do) -
Maritime Quarter / Leuvehaven, Wijnhaven en Oude Haven
History comes to live in Rotterdam’s oldest inner harbour. Time-honoured crafts, traditional folkwear and historic ships and vehicles paint a lovely picture.
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do), Water -
De Nacht van de Kaap / Katendrecht
This is your chance to go on a musical pub crawl through Rotterdam’s most notorious neighbourhood. Witness the revival of Katendrecht’s former glory as the sailors quarters of the city during de Nacht van de Kaap.
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do), Do-like-a-local -
The World of Witte de With / Witte de Withstraat
Three days of innovative art and culture on Rotterdam’s Axis of Art. In and around Witte de Withstraat, visual art, drama, photography, film, music, dance, fashion, debate, haute & ordinary cuisine.
Architecture, Festivals, Tip (Things to Do), Do-like-a-local -
24 Hours of Culture / several locations
The new cultural season opens in Rotterdam with theatre, dance, visual arts, music, film, architecture and design.
Architecture, Festivals, Theatres & Venues, Summer, Tip (Things to Do) -
Lewis Hine / Nederlands Fotomuseum
A detailed overview of the work of the famous American photographer Lewis Hine (1874 - 1940) from the collection of the George Eastman House.
Museums, Exhibition, Tip (Things to Do) -
Aristide Maillol / Kunsthal Rotterdam
In 2012 the Kunsthal (in collaboration with the Maillol Museum in Paris) will be presenting for the first time in the Netherlands a comprehensive overview of the world-famous French sculptor, graphic artist and decorative artist Aristide Maillol (1861 - 1944).
Museums, Exhibition, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go) -
The International Choice of the Schouwburg / Rotterdamse Schouwburg
Festival with a selection of international drama or drama with an international allure, which truly adds an extra dimension to the Dutch theatrical scene.
Festivals, Theatres & Venues, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go) -
Baroeg Open Air / Zuiderpark
The best of (heavy) metal, hardrock, gothic and hardcore combined! In the meantime BOA has grown into one of the biggest metal festivals in The Netherlands.
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do) -
The Netherlands Military Tattoo / Ahoy Rotterdam
The Netherlands Military Tattoo is a unique musical show of top-notch military and civilian bands from the Netherlands and abroad, alternating between entertainment, historical awareness and contemplation.
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go) -
Funfair Rotterdam / Lloyd Multiplein, Schiehaven
The annual fair is back on the Lloyd Multiplein in Rotterdam with attractions for every age. From a rollercoaster to a carousel for children and Dutch food stalls.
Tip (Things to Do), Youth, Various -
Buma Rotterdam Beats / several locations
Buma Rotterdam Beats aims to nurture local and international talent while pushing the boundaries of hip hop, r&b, dubstep, soul and reggae. The event features two-days of music conferences, workshops, seminars and a night time music festival, plus a talent program.
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do), Audiovisual, Do-like-a-local, Nightlife & Clubbing -
Jazz International Rotterdam (tbc) / several locations
Enjoy a weekend of great jazz at De Doelen, Grounds (WMDC) & LantarenVenster in Rotterdam during the Jazz International Festival.
Festivals, Pop/Jazz/World, Tip (Things to Do) -
Sinterklaas arrives in Rotterdam / Willemsplein
St. Nicholas & entourage sail into the port of Rotterdam on the good ship De Majesteit. All children are invited to sing to the saint when he arrives at Willemsplein, after which he rides through the city in a festive parade.
Tip (Things to Do), Youth -
Night of the Proms / Ahoy Rotterdam
Night of the Proms takes the audience on a journey through rousing and familiar classical repertoire, timeless pop classics, sing-along tunes and get-up-and-dance music
Pop/Jazz/World, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go) -
Songbird Festival / Concert- en congresgebouw de Doelen
It is the first edition of the event with live music in the genre of young adult contemporary: pop music by relatively young, popular artists. Often singer-songwriters, but with a modern twist.
Festivals, Pop/Jazz/World, Tip (Things to Do) -
European Championship Handball for women 2012 / Ahoy Rotterdam
The European Championship Handball for women 2012. The final is in Ahoy Rotterdam.
Sport, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go) -
Vicks Blue Winterplein (date and location tbc) / Lloyd Multiplein, Schiehaven
Skate to your heart’s content on the covered ice rink in the elegant hall of the former historic post office. Don’t have your own skates with you? Not a problem; skates can be rented at the rink.
Festivals, Sport, Winter, Tip (Things to Do), Youth, Do-like-a-local, Valentine's day -
Bruggenloop Rotterdam (Bridges Run Rotterdam) / De Kuip
A 15 kilometre challenge set in characteristic Rotterdam, offering bridges, skyline and a warm city centre.
Festivals, Sport, Winter, Tip (Things to Do), Do-like-a-local -
National New Year’s Eve (tbc) / Boompjeskade
Celebrate the start of 2012 in the heart of Rotterdam! Every year Rotterdam welcomes the new year with spectacular fireworks near the Erasmus bridge.
Club, Festivals, Winter, Tip (Things to Do), NYE -
Rabobank Six of Rotterdam / Ahoy Rotterdam
Six-day cycling event where top sports meet top entertainment.
Festivals, Sport, Winter, Tip (Things to Do), Various -
42nd International Film Festival Rotterdam / Centrum Rotterdam
Twelve days of films, exhibitions, debates and unforgettable parties! Provocative, touching and important films will fill the various cinemas in Rotterdam during the 41st International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). Various aspects of the programme reveal the very heart of world cinema.
Festivals, Film, Winter, Tip (Things to Do) -
Art Rotterdam / Cruise Terminal Rotterdam
Art Rotterdam is an art fair and an excellent venue for discovering rising stars and tracking the latest trends in visual art. 70 international galleries present their most provocative artists.
Festivals, Markets/Trade Fairs, Design, Tip (Things to Do) -
Raw Art Fair (dates tbc) / Fenixloodsen Katendrecht
RAW distinguishes itself by promoting individual artists, providing opportunities to young and emerging international galleries, and creating an inspiring atmosphere for networking and exhibiting.
Markets/Trade Fairs, Tip (Things to Do), Various -
Object Rotterdam / LP2 in Las Palmas
Object Rotterdam is the international fair for autonomous design. 20 international participants display unique or limited edition objects from the world of contemporary design, crafts and jewellery.
Architecture, Festivals, Markets/Trade Fairs, Design, Tip (Things to Do) -
Chinese New Year Festival (dates tbc) / several locations
Chinese New Year will be celebrated with fireworks, the traditional lion dance and a day programme with performances of Chinese culture, Kung Fu, dance and music.
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do) -
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier - From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk / Kunsthal Rotterdam
In a glittering, multi media show, the Kunsthal Rotterdam presents an abundant overview of Jean Paul Gaultier's fashion designs in the first retrospective of this ‘enfant terrible' of the fashion world.
Museums, Exhibition, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go) -
40th ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament / Ahoy Rotterdam
One of the leading tennis tournaments in the world. World-class tennis players, an impressive VIP area and the activities on Sports Plaza and Tennis Plaza guarantee one of the most exciting events for every sports fan.
Festivals, Sport, Winter, Tip (Things to Do) -
Rotterdam Museum Night / Rotterdamse Museumnacht (Various locaties)
The most inspiring night of the year, when nearly fifty galleries and museums stay open all night long. Offering overwhelming and impressive arts & culture in famous and surprising locations.
Festivals, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go), Do-like-a-local -
European Superpull / Ahoy Rotterdam
It promises to be another spectacular event featuring amazing horsepower. Fireworks, laser shows, and an excellent view of the competition area from all the grandstand seats.
Sport, Tip (Things to Do) -
ABN AMRO Marathon Rotterdam / Centrum Rotterdam
The biggest one-day sporting event in the Netherlands brings the very best athletes in the world to Rotterdam for the fast course and enthusiastic atmosphere. Huge crowds line the course, cheering the runners on towards the finish line on Coolsingel.
Festivals, Sport, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go) -
KNVB Cup Finals / De Kuip
The KNVB Cup Tournament dates back over 100 years; the first finals were played on 7 May 1899.
Sport, Tip (Things to Do), Tip (Places to Go), Easter
World Festival & Event City
Rotterdam has been named World Festival & Event City!
