Major Events & Festivals in Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

Rotterdam, Netherlands, Rotterdam, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

Major Events & Festivals in Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

1. Rotterdam Marathon

Annual running event with scenic routes along the river Maas and through iconic areas like the Erasmus Bridge.
  • Scenic Routes: Runs past beautiful landscapes, historical buildings, and modern architecture.
  • Attractive Participant Perks: Offers benefits like exclusive t-shirts, medals, and post-race refreshments.
  • Various Race Distances: Caters to both professional runners and casual participants with full marathon, half marathon, and relay race options.

2. Rotterdam Film Festival

Celebration of cinematic arts featuring international and local films with a focus on diversity and innovation.
  • International Films: Shows movies from various countries, offering insights into different cultures.
  • Focus on Diversity: Highlights films by and about underrepresented groups to promote inclusion and understanding.
  • Filmmaker Networking Opportunities: Provides a platform for filmmakers to connect, collaborate, and gain exposure in the industry.

3. Havenwerk Festival

Annual music festival held at the historic Ross Sea area, featuring various genres from pop to rock.
  • Historic Venue: Takes place in a unique industrial setting with maritime history and stunning views.
  • Varied Music Lineup: Offers a diverse range of music genres to cater to different tastes.
  • Food Trucks and Market Stalls: Features local food vendors and market stalls selling unique goods, adding to the festival experience.

4. Ketelvieren

Annual carnival event in the neighborhood of Feijenoord, known for its large-scale bonfires and festivities.
  • Community Celebration: Brings together the residents of Feijenoord to share food, drink, and camaraderie.
  • Bonfire Tradition: Includes massive bonfires built from old furniture and discarded items, symbolizing the burning away of the old year.
  • Exciting Performances: Features street performers, live music, and dance shows throughout the neighborhood.

5. Rotterdam Pride

Annual celebration of LGBTQ+ culture with parades, concerts, and workshops.
  • Cultural Awareness: Promotes understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Inclusive Environment: Offers a welcoming atmosphere for people of all ages, backgrounds, and sexual orientations.
  • Support for Local LGBTQ+ Organizations: Raises funds and awareness for local organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.

6. Rotterdam International Jazz Festval

Annual music festival showcasing international jazz artists and emerging talent.
  • International Jazz Artists: Attracts renowned jazz musicians from around the world.
  • Emerging Talent Showcase: Provides a platform for up-and-coming jazz artists to showcase their talent and network with industry professionals.
  • Varied Venues: Takes place in various venues, including concert halls, clubs, and outdoor spaces.

7. Rotterdam Summer Carnival

Annual celebration of Caribbean culture with parades, music, and food.
  • Cultural Exchange: Promotes understanding and appreciation of Caribbean culture among Rotterdam residents.
  • Vibrant Costumes and Music: Features colorful costumes, energetic music, and lively dancing.
  • Delicious Caribbean Cuisine: Offers a variety of traditional Caribbean dishes for visitors to enjoy.

8. Zomercarnaval Rotterdam

Annual summer festival celebrating various cultures with music, food, and dance performances.
  • Cultural Diversity: Represents the rich cultural diversity of Rotterdam.
  • Exciting Performances: Features street performers, live music, and dance shows from various cultures.
  • Delicious Food Stalls: Offers a wide variety of food stalls showcasing dishes from different cultures.

9. Rotterdam Comics Festival

Annual celebration of comics and graphic novels featuring workshops, exhibitions, and guest speakers.
  • Comic Art Appreciation: Encourages appreciation for comic art and the creative process.
  • Meet Industry Professionals: Provides opportunities to meet comic artists, writers, and industry professionals.
  • Workshops for All Ages: Offers workshops for both beginners and experienced comic artists.

10. Rotterdam Unseen Photo Fair

Annual photography fair showcasing works by emerging and established photographers.
  • Photography Discovery: Offers opportunities to discover new photographers and their work.
  • Expert Talks and Workshops: Features expert talks, portfolio reviews, and workshops for photographers.
  • International Participation: Attracts photographers and visitors from around the world.

11. Rotterdam Baroque Music Festival

Annual classical music festival focusing on Baroque music, featuring performances by international ensembles.
  • Baroque Music Appreciation: Encourages appreciation for Baroque music and its historical significance.
  • World-Renowned Ensembles: Features performances by renowned Baroque ensembles from around the world.
  • Historic Venues: Takes place in historic venues, enhancing the concert experience.

12. Rotterdam River Festival

Annual festival celebrating Rotterdam's waterways with boat trips, live music, and food.
  • Waterway Exploration: Provides opportunities to explore Rotterdam's extensive network of waterways.
  • Live Music and Entertainment: Features live music, street performances, and other entertainment options.
  • Taste Local Cuisine: Offers a variety of food trucks and stalls showcasing Rotterdam's local cuisine.

13. Rotterdam Food Festival

Annual festival celebrating Rotterdam's diverse food scene with cooking demonstrations, workshops, and tasting sessions.
  • Culinary Discovery: Offers opportunities to discover new flavors and culinary techniques.
  • Expert Cooking Demonstrations: Features cooking demonstrations by local chefs and food experts.
  • Tasting Sessions and Workshops: Offers tasting sessions and workshops on various cuisines, techniques, and ingredients.

14. Rotterdam Light Festival

Annual festival featuring light installations and artworks illuminating the city's waterfront.
  • Artistic Illumination: Showcases creative and innovative light installations and artworks.
  • Nighttime Exploration: Allows visitors to explore the city's waterfront in a new and unique way at night.
  • Photography Opportunities: Offers numerous photo opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers.

15. Rotterdam New Year's Eve Fireworks

Annual fireworks display over the Erasmus Bridge to welcome the new year.
  • Iconic Setting: Takes place at the iconic Erasmus Bridge, providing a stunning backdrop for the fireworks.
  • Synchronized Music: The fireworks are synchronized with music broadcast on local radio stations.
  • Festival Atmosphere: Creates a festive atmosphere in the city, with music, food stalls, and entertainment before the fireworks show.