Recently I came back from going out and while it was dark, the birds started chirping. That is always a very clear sign for me that spring is around the cornoer.
When the sun starts shining I have so much more energy and the city comes alive again. There’s often a lot going on in Rotterdam, so I’ve made a shortlist of things that I think are very interesting! I myself like second-hand shopping, art, culture and partying; expect a mix of this.
1. De Kunstavond – Fridaynight
Kunstinstituut Melly. Foto door Aad Hoogendoorn.
It’s Kunstavond (Art Night) every Friday night, but that certainly doesn’t make it any less of a good tip. I always find the combination between having a drink and doing something cultural the best. That’s why this art evening is so cool.
During Kunstavond every Friday evening (between 6 and 9 pm) you get free admission at CBK, Showroom MAMA, V2, WORM, Kunstinstituut Melly and TENT Rotterdam. Naturally it’s always a good idea to enjoy Friday afternoon drinks at the Witte de With, there’s plenty to do!
Address
Witte de Withstraat
2. Flea market – March 12
If there’s one thing I really love, it’s flea markets. Strolling along the stalls and digging in mountains of stuff is something that strangely makes me very happy. You never know what cool and unique things you might find, and that for next to nothing. Fortunately, there are quite often markets in and around Rotterdam, large and small. For example, there is a flea market in the South of Rotterdam this weekend. I say go for it!
Address
Pinksterweide, Dordtsestraatweg 315, 3075BB Rotterdam
3. Boekenweek festival – March 17
In March it is always time for book week. I have to admit, I haven’t thought about it since I left school. But, I came across this and I must say it sounds super interesting! Das Mag, Frontaal, Stichting CPNB and Boekhandel Van Gennep are organizing a large reading club festival. This entails that reading clubs take place at various locations around the city.
If you buy a ticket for a certain book club, you will receive the book that you will talk about during that book club at home. Even more amazing, afterwards there is a party in WORM with all reading-clubgoers. Again my favorite combination; a little culture and a little party.
Address
Various locations through Rotterdam
4. Theater Babel speelt Romeo’s & Julia’s – March 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19
This theater piece, Romeo’s & Julia’s has been high on my list for a while. The posters of couples, in all shapes and sizes, were the first thing that caught my eye. These posters alone show that love exists in so many different forms.
This subject is something that is discussed in this contemporary translation. The central question is: can you love who you want to love? The world is of course full of inequality, in this performance you see scenes from Shakespeare alternated with different Romeo & Juliet couples with their own intriguing stories.
Address
Eendrachtsstraat 81, 3012 XH Rotterdam
5. Yardbird – March 11
Step into the world of soul, disco and hip-hop at Yardbird! At Bird you know that you can always dance a night well, but especially at this party. Dance the night away to soul, hip-hop and funk along with all the other fun party peeps!
Address
Raampoortstraat 24, 3032 AH Rotterdam
6. The Subways in Rotown – March 19
I used to be a real indie girl with the looks to match. The Subways was one of the bands that I listened to a lot and thought was super cool. Because I saw the name passing by I went to listen to it again, and honestly, I still think they’re very awesome. Especially the fact that there was also a girl in it appeals to me very much.
I’ve never seen them live before, but I’m sure it’s goíng to be a great concert. Rotown says itself: for fans of The Hives, Babyshambles and Kasabian.
Adsress
Nieuwe Binnenweg 19, 3014 GB Rotterdam
7. Jesus Christ Superstar in the Laurenskerk – March 24
Photo by Iris van den Broek
Musicals are a bit cheesy, but fun. I personally think the real old-fashioned musicals like Hair and Grease are fantastic, and Jesus Christ Superstar fits perfectly in that list. This rock opera has beautiful songs (I even sang one once).
Besides the fact that it is just a real classic film, the setting of the Laurenskerk really sounds fantastic. A good reason to step inside if I say so myself.
Adsress
Grotekerkplein 27, 3011 GC Rotterdam
8. Records, DJ’s & Drinks in Rotown – March 26
I only came across this recently, but every last Sunday of the month there is a record fair in Rotown. You can sell records here very easily, or of course exchange them with other music lovers. This seems like a very great way to discover new music and collect records, without having to spend a lot of money.
Address
Nieuwe Binnenweg 19, 3014 GB Rotterdam
9. Internationaal Community Arts Festival (ICAF) – March 26 – April 2
In March, the largest international community arts festival in the world will come to Rotterdam. What is community art really? Well, that’s art around social issues. I think art is a very good way to reduce the gap between people.
During this festival in March and April you can view this kind of art throughout different places in Rotterdam. Think of theatre, dance, music, film and visual arts. As they say themselves: ‘The ICAF is a unique festival experience: from large-scale performances to intimate film screenings to educational and fun workshops.’
View the entire program here. Also pretty nic: tickets for each part of the program only costs 5 euros.
Address
Various locations through Rotterdam
10. Patricia Piccinini – Methamorphis
I wasn’t really sure how I was supposed to feel when I went to this exhibition, but I was pleasantly surprised. In the exhibition ‘Metamorphisis’ by Patricia Piccinini you will meet all kinds of strange creatures and figures. They are a kind of mix between humans and animals with different roles.
For example, you come across a kind of chimpanzee female with a sad look in her eyes, breastfeeding a baby. Or think of a sloth creature that seems scary, but maybe isn’t? The extraordinary thing is that they look just like the real thing, which is why the ‘distortions’ feel so intense.
I always find it very special when art evokes a strong emotion, and that was definetly the case in this exhibition. It’s not ‘beautiful’ in the traditional sense, but it makes you wonder a lot and more importantly: it makes you feel.
The Kunsthal is an amazing place with many more beautiful exhibitions, read more about it in our article.
These are my tips for this month. Of course I haven’t found all the things by far, so if you have any great tips: let me know! Send an email to julia@weekendsinrotterdam.com.
