It is officially summer in the Netherlands. That means it’s high time to make adventurous plans for an unforgettable summer. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far, because our own little country has more than enough to offer. And the events below in Rotterdam show that all too well.
Below you will find the best summer events in Rotterdam, in chronological order. From open-air cinemas and bustling festivals to lively markets and more.
We keep updating this article regularly, so quickly grab your agenda and start making cool summer plans.
Discover more fun summer activities in Rotterdam.
Fun events in July
Maria & Pepe Pop-up Mexican Restaurant and Bar
Dates: July 19 through August 20 2023
This summer, Maria & Pepe, a pop-up Mexican restaurant and bar, will open its doors at OASE Rotterdam. On the sunny terrace you can enjoy their tasty Mexican dishes for 25 days.
Behind this pop-up is a story of love. The Mexican Maria met the traditional Dutch Joost in the park at the Bergse Voorplas in Hillegersberg Rotterdam. The love for the authentic Mexico spread and Joost became Pepe. Their love for good, healthy food, while also thinking about the planet, is what you experience during this pop-up concept. This pop-up adventure is a perfect test for them to discover if this is what they really want to do!
So, what can you expect? Maria & Pepe bring Mexican cuisine to life, but completely plantbased. They use organic and local ingredients whenever possible and offer a virtually gluten-free menu. The menu includes Aguachile, Tacos, Chilitos y Elotitos, Tamales, Mole, and of course sweet desserts and refreshing cocktails.
Also nice: the profit of this concept is donated to the Heroes Campesinos project in Mexico. Heroes Campesinos is an organization that supports local small farmers.
Visit Maria & Pepe Wednesday through Saturday from 4 PM to late. Sunday from 1 PM to 9 PM.
Location
OASE: Schiehaven 15a, Rotterdam
Eendracht Festival
Date: July 20 2023
This free accessible showcase festival takes place annually in the third weekend of July. It started in 2012 out of frustration that there was nowhere in Rotterdam where talented Rotterdam makers could present themselves.
Eendracht Festival has now grown into a Rotterdam showcase festival that shows a large audience how much talent Rotterdam has in the field of music and art.
This year you can enjoy 58 acts and 11 stages at various locations in the city, including Arminius, Skatepark Westblaak and WORM. The line-up has been announced, check it out here!
Location
Verschillende locaties door de stad
Roffa Mon Amour at Skateland
Date: July 22 2023
For this special screening, Roffa Mon Amour has joined forces with Skateland, Susan Bijl, LantarenVenster and Zomer op Zuid.
Especially for the skate community, Skateland will transform into an open-air cinema, where an iconic skate film will be shown on the big screen. The choice fell on Zombie: The Resurrection of Tim Zom (2014) by Billy Pols.
This compelling documentary sheds light on the complex life of Rotterdam skateboarder Tim Zom and his dark past in Rotterdam South. Skateboarding became his passion and proved to be a life saver, transforming his life completely and he is now recognized as an international skateboarding personality.
Click here to buy tickets.
Location
Skateland: Piekstraat 45, 3071 EL Rotterdam
Amore Night with Minty b2b David Spanish
Date: Friday, July 28 2023
Foto door Fenna de Jong.
Every last Friday of the month, Amore goes that extra mile with Amore Night. It’s an evening when boundaries are allowed to blur and anything is possible.
On Friday, July 28, from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM, another great evening is just around the corner. For this Amore Night they managed to get a unique duo: Minty b2b David Spanish, father and daughter!
Minty recently made her debut and has already played at great locations, such as Amore, Weelde and MONO. In a short time she has acquired a well-known name in Rotterdam, just like her father.
Location
Amore: Tiendplein 1, 3014 BH Rotterdam
Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival
Dates: 28 and 29 July 2023
Foto door Joni Israeli.
This year, more than 2500 dancers, 25 carnival groups and floats will turn the Rotterdam city centre upside down again with the largest Caribbean street party: Summer Carnival Street Parade!
On July 28, the Lighting Parade will start at 10 PM with many luminous carnival costumes on Churchillplein and will travel from here via Coolsingel to Hofplein.
On July 29, the Summer Carnival Street Parade will start at 1:00 PM. Enjoy an explosion of colour, music, party and creativity. From Blaak, the festive cool makes a 5 km journey through Rotterdam Centre. The parade ends at 7 PM, but then the party continues on the Coolsingel until 11 PM.
Visit the Rotterdam Unlimited website for more information.
Location
Different locations in Rotterdam Centre
Reggae Rotterdam Festival
Date: 29 juli 2023
On Saturday 29 July, the 25th edition of Reggae Rotterdam will take place in Ahoy from 13:00 to 23:00. It promises to be an unforgettable day full of epic performances.
The line-up includes big names such as Sean Paul, Stefflon Don, Beenie Man, Trafassi, Mad Professor, DJ Moortje, K-liber and Stylo G. In addition, Julian Marley, son of Bob Marley, will perform a special tribute show together with The Wailers.
In addition, Reggae Rotterdam Festival has managed to capture an absolute sensation: the iconic American singer, rapper and songwriter Ms. Lauryn Hill stars as one of this year’s headliners.
Very special, because Ms. Lauryn Hill is not performing any other show in Europe this year. This is your chance to see this legendary artist shine in an intimate setting.
Nice to know: the festival is free for children up to 12 years old, so bring the whole family for a great day full of music and fun. Be there and enjoy a day full of reggae vibes and unforgettable performances.
Click here to buy tickets.
Location
Ahoy: Ahoyweg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam
Keilemarket
Date: July 30
Keilecafe is located in the M4H area in Rotterdam West. A great place where you can enjoy delicious drinks, traditional wood-fired pizzas and great music with friends. As soon as you step inside, all the hustle and bustle of Rotterdam disappears and you enjoy a casual atmosphere.
It’s not for nothing that Keilecafe calls itself a permanent festival, where you can celebrate life and where day and night merge on the dance floor.
This summer, Keilecafé has something cool in store for you: the Keile Market. This market takes place on several dates, including July 30.
Expect vintage clothing, vinyl records, handmade items and art, unique jewelry, items for your interior and more! There is so much to discover that it is difficult not to leave with full bags.
Location
Keilecafé: Vierhavensstraat 46, 3029 BG Rotterdam
Fun events in August
DÂK
Dates: July 14 through August 12 2023
Foto door Iris van den Broek.
You are still welcome at DÂK until 12 August. Every year they transform an asphalt parking garage into a lush green oasis, where you can enjoy the view of the city.
Play fun games like ping pong, bocce, bowling, and jenga. Enjoy goodies from the barbecue and participate in various activities and parties.
Cool things are also planned in August. More information will follow soon, so keep an eye on this page!
Location
Apcoa Parking Westblaak: Boomgaardsstraat 32a, 3012 XD Rotterdam
Movie on the Beach at the Maaskantine
Dates: July 7 through September 15 2023
You can also watch films on a large open-air screen at the Maaskantine in August. The barbecue is lit in advance and enthusiasts can indulge in juicy smash burgers, tender short ribs, balsamic glazed pulpo and grilled veggies.
In August you can watch the following films during Movie on the Beach at the Maaskantine:
- Dirty Dancing on August 4, 2023.
- Spider-Man (into the spider-verse) on August 11, 2023.
- Friday the 13th on August 18, 2023.
- 500 Days of Summer on August 25, 2023.
There is more, because fun game and quiz nights are also organized with great prizes. For example, take part in the General Knowledge Pub Quiz on August 17.
Location
De Maaskantine: Plantagelaan 2, 3063 NG Rotterdam
DE MAALTUIN
Dates: 10 to 27 August 2023
Also this year pop-up restaurant De Maaltuin returns in a unique way in Trompenburg Tuinen and Arboretum Rotterdam. Visitors can wander through this beautiful garden to enjoy the idyllic spots in different places, and of course a special five-course dinner. During this edition you dive into the rituals of different cultures, all of which are inspired by nature.
Eating in a garden is always the ultimate summer feeling! Especially nice if this is in the garden of a restaurant, because at least you don’t have to do the dishes. The summer edition of the Maaltuin will take place from 10 to 27 August.
For tickets and more information, visit the Maaltuin website.
Discover even more summer pop-ups in Rotterdam.
Location
Trompenburg Tuinen en Arboretum: Honingerdijk 86, 3062 NX Rotterdam
Roffa Mon Amour
Dates: August 16 to August 27 2023
Wednesday 16 August is the kick-off of the 11th edition of Roffa Mon Amour. On opening night they will screen The Face of the Jellyfish, the debut of the talented Argentinian director Melisa Liebenthal.
In the film, Marina wakes up with a completely different face. The film explores the extent to which our facial features determine who we are. Beneath the surface of Marina’s story lurks a deeper message: our identities (based on our facial features) are constantly monitored by artificial intelligence and big data systems that reduce our identities to the positioning of dots on computer screens.
Discover the entire film programme on the Roffa Mon Amour website!
Location
Brutus: Keileweg 10-18, 3029 BS Rotterdam
Midsommar pop-up dinner
Dates: 11 and 12 augustus 2023
For a unique summer evening, we recommend this special dinner.
On 11 and 12 August you and your friends will sit down at a beautifully set table in honour of a Swedish holiday: Midsommar. This holiday celebrates the longest day of the year.
Expect a delicious menu inspired by Swedish cuisine, including a traditional cheese pie and lots of crayfish. This special evening promises to be an unforgettable culinary experience, at a unique location.
Make a reservation via midsommar-2023@outlook.com.
Location
Baanhof Rotterdam: Baan 159, 3011 CA Rotterdam
Blijdorp festival
Date: August 12 2023
Ready to hit a festival this summer? On August 12, you’ll go wild to the beats of great artists such as David Vunk, Horse Giirl and Speedy J & Rod. Goldband is also present, with their unique sound that combines influences from the 80s Dutch pop, disco, electro and trance.
Click here to buy tickets.
Location
Roel Langerakpark: Roel Langerakweg 25B, 3041 JK Rotterdam
Smaak van Rotterdam Festival
Dates: 17 through 20 augustus 2023
Experience the very first edition of Smaak van Rotterdam (Taste of Rotterdam), the four-day festival that celebrates our city’s vibrant and diverse community. Enjoy a spectacular mix of music, entertainment, creative workshops, delicious food and drinks, while at the same time supporting local entrepreneurs.
At Smaak van Rotterdam you will find an extensive selection of food trucks, wines, cocktails and specialty beers. Everything has been carefully selected by local entrepreneurs and suppliers. Each food truck offers a unique menu that will make your mouth water, with an emphasis on the diverse flavors and culinary delights that characterize our city.
Take part in dance lessons, painting workshops and admire performances by local talent. The festival stage comes to life with emerging musicians and bands from Rotterdam, who show and hear the immense talent of our community.
Smaak van Rotterdam has something for everyone. In addition to fascinating performances and workshops, there are special activities for children, so that they too have an unforgettable experience. From face painting to interactive children’s entertainment, the festival offers endless fun for our youngest visitors.
The entrance to Smaak van Rotterdam is completely free, so that everyone can experience the magic of the festival and enjoy all the beauty that our city has to offer!
Location
Vroesenpark
Het Wijn Festijn Rotterdam
Dates: 18 en 19 augustus 2023
Foto door Sean Hitchens.
Are you a wine lover? Then of course you should not skip the Wine Festival!
On 18 and 19 July, the Grotekerkplein will be transformed into a wine festival. More than a hundred different wines are in the spotlight here, perfectly combined with Burgundian delicacies such as cheese boards, charcuterie, vegetarian dishes and more.
In addition to enjoying all the food and drinks, you can participate in fun activities, such as a fun game of jeu de boules.
Good to know for all parents: children have free access to the festival! Non-alcoholic drinks are available.
Buy your tickets for the Wijnfestijn in advance.
Location
Grotekerkplein
Weekend van de Romantische Muziek
Dates: 19 and 20 augustus 2023
The Weekend van de Romantische Muziek (Weekend of the Romantic Music) is the meeting place for lovers of classical and romantic music in Het Park. Starting with the enchanting Moonlight concert on August 19, a fairytale opening salvo.
From 5:30 PM it is possible to eat and drink at one of the many food trucks on the site, after which the support act with New Rotterdam Jazz Orchestra starts at 6:30 PM. At 20:30 PM the main programme kicks off with Club Classique as house ensemble and a selection of internationally renowned soloists from classical to jazz.
On Sunday 20 August it is the Day of Romantic Music. During this event you can enjoy a completely free programme spread over seven stages. Expect classical music with forays into different music streams.
Visit the Weekend van de Romantische Muziek for more information.
Location
Het Park: Kievitslaan 25, 3016 CG Rotterdam
Clementine’s Buitenbioscoop
Dates: 23 to 26 August
In collaboration with Fruitpacking District and produced by Joost Maaskant of Pleinbioscoop, Café Clementine is organizing a fun outdoor cinema. From 23 to 26 August you can take a seat under the starry sky while enjoying a movie from your chair in the grass.
And why not grab a bite to eat as well? Café Clementine offers the possibility to dine in advance. A special cinema package has even been put together, consisting of three or four courses that perfectly match the movie experience.
The following films are scheduled:
- Wednesday 23 August: Kiss the Ground
- Thursday 24 August: Presque
- Friday 25 August: Druk
- Saturday 26 August: The Greatest Showman
Click here to score tickets.
Location
Café Clementine: Spoorlaan 7, 2991 LD Barendrecht
Weelde Festival LOADING 4-NOW
Date: August 26 2023
Foto door Cedric Veldhuis.
It’s time for Weelde Festival again. Let yourself be enchanted during a 12-hour, thunderous festival.
From 11:00 PM to 11:00 AM you will be transported into the colourful diversity of the world called Weelde. During the Weelde Festival you will experience everything Weelde has to offer in an endless adventure.
Let yourself be carried away by the enchanting music, taste the delicious dishes and drinks and be surprised by the great live acts and more. Take an epic journey from the darkest hours of the night, surrounded by uplifting music, and end the experience with a serene morning concert, where even after an exuberant rave, you can completely unwind.
This year the festival is all about transformation and change. It is the last year that Weelde will take place in its current form. The concept and the festival undergo a transformation from this year to next year, just as you, the visitor, transform from the evening hours to the morning hours.
Click here to buy tickets.
Location
Weelde: Marconistraat 39, 3029 AG Rotterdam
Keilemarket
Date: August 27 2023
Keilecafe is located in the M4H area in Rotterdam West. A great place to enjoy drinks, wood oven pizzas and music with friends. There is always a casual vibe, which makes you forget that you are in busy Rotterdam.
Keilecafe rightly calls itself a permanent festival where you can celebrate life; a place where you dance the day and night away.
This summer, Keilecafé is organizing the Keile Market on several dates, including August 27. Here you can buy everything your heart desires. Vintage clothing, vinyl records, handmade items and art, unique jewelry, items for your interior and more! Enough beauty to discover.
Location
Keilecafé: Vierhavensstraat 46, 3029 BG Rotterdam
Fun events in September
MOMO Fabrique Festival 2023
Date: September 2 2023
MOMO Fabrique in 2022. Foto door Rosa Quist
After a successful edition in April, it will be time for the next MOMO experience on September 2. During the MOMO Fabrique Festival, M4H will be conquered with a groundbreaking mix of music, art and performances, both day and night.
This year the festival is all about electronic music, with an epic programme of no less than 13 hours. From 5:00 PM to 6:00 AM there will be live performances and DJs who will entertain the public on various stages at Weelde, Fruitvis and Citrusveiling. The first names in the line-up are known, with DJs from Amsterdam and Rotterdam such as Nedda Sou, JJAQ and Suze Ijò, live performances by Loradeniz, Ishtar Bakhtali and the new project comforter2, founded by Tammo Hesselink, Meetsysteem and M4ry.
This one-day festival brings globally acclaimed producers and DJs to the stages of Weelde: the eclectic HUNEE heats up the event with a set on the beach at the Zandbar, while the colourful beats of Call Super keep the crowd dancing into the wee hours.
But there’s more! MOMO Fabrique also offers a free day programme full of music, art exhibitions, performances, markets and guided tours at special locations in the M4H, including Keilepand, Voedseltuin and Brutus’ garden.
Here you can get your tickets for MOMO Fabrique.
Location
Different locations in M4H
Nacht van de Kaap
Date: September 2 2023
Another fun party on September 2nd is the Nacht van de Kaap (Night of the Cape). From 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM Katendrecht turns into a place where you can dance, sing along and drink on and next to the SS Rotterdam. With countless performances on the various stages, you will be entertained here all evening and night.
Tickets are going fast, so don’t wait too long and buy your ticket via the Nacht van de Kaap website!
Location:
3e Katendrechtse Hoofd 25, 3072 AM Rotterdam
World Port Days
Dates: September 1, 2 and 3 2023
The 46th edition of the World Port Days will take place on 1, 2 and 3 September. The ideal time to fully experience the Maas and the port. Enjoy canal cruises, special ships, excursions and all kinds of other entertainment on the water and the quays.
Click here for more information.
Location
Different locations in Rotterdam
ALL CAPS
Dates: 3 to 10 September
Every year, the leading ALL CAPS festival descends on Rotterdam to bring an abundance of street art to a specific neighbourhood and its inhabitants. In 2023, the festival will return to the Feijenoord district for the third year.
A selected group of international artists leave behind beautiful murals. During the festival it is even possible to see them live at work as they bring their creations to life.
ALL CAPS is about bringing diverse people together through culture. One of the goals of the festival is to make art more accessible. Rotterdam thus becomes an open-air museum without admission fees or closing times.
For more information, visit their website.
Location
Various places in the Feijenoord district.
Arab film festival
Dates: 5 to 10 September 2023
During the Arab Film Festival, the most significant films from the Arab world are presented in our city. Every year, this festival offers a nuanced view of social, cultural and societal life in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Syria and Iraq.
This year there is extra attention for women in the Arab film world with the theme Spotlight on Women in Arab Cinema. Women play an increasingly prominent role in Arab cinema, not only as filmmakers and directors, but also as producers. With a range of films, debates and lectures, the position of women in contemporary Arab cinema is put in the spotlight.
In addition to this theme, there are two other interesting themes: Faces and voices of Refugees and 100 years of Sayed Darwish. The first theme sheds light on the lives of refugees and their stories, while the second pays tribute to composer Sayed Darwish, considered the father of modern Arabic music.
Visit the cinema’s websites for more information and tickets.
Locations
LantarenVenster, Pathé Schouwburgplein en Verhalenhuis Belvédère.
Oase hippie market
Date: 9 September
Dive into the world full of colour, creativity and positive energy during this first edition of the Hippie Market at OASE!
During this cute market you can participate in creative workshops, discover a diverse group of Rotterdam entrepreneurs and shop the most unique products. From jewelry to healthy food products and clothing. There is something for everyone.
Expect dance, Cacao Ceremony, readings, card reading and much more!
The Hippie Market in a collaboration between Ana Collectives and OASE. Entrance is two euros. Payment is possible with pin or cash at the door.
Location
OASE: Schiehaven 15a, Rotterdam
Floating cinema
Date: September 9 2023
Foto door Hester Blankestijn.
Experience a unique outdoor cinema experience on the water!
On Saturday 9 September it is possible to enjoy an open-air cinema from your own boat or from the quay. The big screen will be erected in the middle of the Wijnhaven, on which the film The Shape of Water, awarded with four Oscars, will be shown.
There will be a musical support programme between 6:00 PM and 8:15 PM and the film will start at 8:30 PM.
Click here for more information.
Location
Wijnhaven
Movie on the Beach at the Maaskantine
Dates: July 7 through September 15 2023
Foto door Alexander Santos Lima.
Until mid-September you can visit the Maaskantine for special summer Friday evenings. Watch the best (cult) classics and blockbusters on a large open-air screen from your beach bed. The barbecue is lit in advance and enthusiasts can indulge in juicy smash burgers, tender short ribs, balsamic glazed pulpo and grilled veggies. For those who are very thirsty, pitchers with the famous Maasgarita and sangria can be ordered. In addition, there is an extensive cocktail and drink menu.
In September you can watch the following films during Movie on the Beach at the Maaskantine:
- The Wackness on September 1, 2023.
- Leon on September 8, 2023.
- Don’t be a menace on September 15.
There are also cool game and quiz evenings in September that you can participate in. For example, join The Ultimate Movie Pub Quiz on September 21.
Location
De Maaskantine: Plantagelaan 2, 3063 NG Rotterdam
CLUB PETANQUE
Date: 29 september 2023
Every last Friday of the month, Club Petanque in Beautiful Boules is all about dancing to disco, clubhouse and hits!
The evening starts with fun party games to get in the mood, including beer pong, Jenga XL and table football. But when the clock strikes 10:00 PM, the party really starts.
The party goes on until 02:00 AM, so that you are still fresh and fruity the next day, unless of course you decide to continue the party elsewhere, everything is possible!
Location
Mooie Boules: Vijverhofstraat 45, 3032 SB Rotterdam
Those were the best summer events 2023 for Rotterdam. We will keep updating this article with more great tips, so be sure to check back!
