Our heads are of course already on the weekend. So, what fun things to do in Rotterdam this weekend? Below I recommend fun events, markets, cool new places and fun activities.
There are many free and affordable options out there, so an empty bank account is no excuse for sitting at home doing nothing.
Plan your summer well ahead and check out these summer events in Rotterdam!
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Before Sunset – Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Photo by Ossip van Duivenbode
This summer you are welcome for four weekends on the roof of Depot Boijmans van Beuningen for a unique pop-up experience.
At Before Sunset, enjoy the setting sun and panoramic views of the city skyline while sipping drinks from Williams Cocktails and Brouwerij Noordt. There is also a diverse, changing programme that revolves around the museum’s film collection. Think of film screenings, talks, encounters and performances.
Tickets cost €6.50 and can be purchased on the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen website. Last weekend we visited Before Sunset, check our Instagram reel for an impression!
Location
Depot: Museumpark 24, 3015 CX Rotterdam
AMORE NIGHT – on Friday
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
Salsa party at Maria & Pepe – on Friday
This summer you are welcome until August 20 at Maria & Pepe, a pop-up Mexican restaurant and bar at OASE Rotterdam. You can enjoy their tasty Mexican dishes on the sunny terrace. They also organize cool events.
This weekend, for example, they have a Salsa and Cumbia party from 8:30 PM. First have a bite to eat and then loosen up your hips to Latin American music, played by Latin American music connoisseur and DJ Brecht.
On this evening, the kitchen closes at 21:00, after which the floor is cleared for dancing. The bar stays open all night, until the last partygoer leaves!
For more information, visit their Instagram page.
Location
OASE: Schiehaven 15, 3024 EC Rotterdam
Rotterdam Unlimited – on Friday and Saturday
Photo by 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!
This Friday (July 28) the Lighting Parade starts at 22:00 with many luminous carnival costumes on Churchillplein and travels from here via Coolsingel to Hofplein.
On Saturday (29 July) the Summer Carnival Street Parade starts at 13:00. 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 p.m., but then the party continues on the Coolsingel until 11 p.m.
Go to the website of Rotterdam Unlimited for more information.
Location
Different parts of Rotterdam Centre
DÂK – on Saturday and Sunday
Photo by Iris van den Broek.
The roof will come off again during pop-up roof park DÂK. 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.
This weekend there are a number of cool events planned at DÂK.
- On Saturday July 29: rooftop yoga and breathwork session.
- On Sunday, July 30: Bob Ross painting party for children.
Be quick, because one of the two Bob Ross sessions is already full! Click here for tickets.
Location
Apcoa Parking Westblaak: Boomgaardsstraat 32a, 3012 XD Rotterdam
Keilemarket at Keilecafe – on Sunday
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 this Sunday 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
Discover new hotspots!
New hotspots open so often, it’s hard to keep up. Do you happen to have time this weekend to explore some of them? Then we have a few tips!
machi machi
Pictured above is machi machi, a new bubble tea shop in Rotterdam. On July 25, machi machi officially opened its doors in Rotterdam. machi machi is a world famous Taiwanese bubble tea brand known for their high quality bubble tea and their special panna cotta boba.
The rooftop
Enjoy culinary dishes, refreshing cocktails and the beautiful terrace with a view of the centre of Rotterdam at The Rooftop.
Or participate in fun activities. Play fun arcade games, table football, mini golf and get lost in a life-sized maze. There is also a photobooth to capture all the memories.
Sarang Chicken
Korean cuisine is gaining popularity and Rotterdam is no exception. Discover the newest addition to the Korean restaurants in Rotterdam: Sarang Chicken in Kralingen.
Sarang Chicken for fresh products and own recipes. The focus of the menu is on the Korean Fried Chicken, but they also have Mandu (Korean dumplings), Kimbaps (Korean seaweed rolls) and various sides.
Discover even more new hotspots in Rotterdam!
Other fun summer activities in Rotterdam
Do you feel like doing something unique? Fortunately, there are a lot of great activities to experience in our city. Below you will find three options, which are also possible when it rains.
Cool off during the Splashtour
As a city with a large river, Rotterdam has plenty of fun water activities. The Splashtour is one of them and even though the name suggests otherwise, you will be completely dry during this ride!
This bus tour seems very ordinary, but nothing could be further from the truth. During the Splashtour, the bus literally takes a dip in the Maas. The bus continues and shows you the city from the water.
TIP: Get your ticket for the bus here!
The new Euroscoop
The Euroscoop of the Euromast has been renewed! As you are taken on this exciting ride, you will see the city and its surroundings from all sides. But that’s not all: the brand new, intelligent glass floor goes from matt to transparent. This makes the experience extra special.
We have already taken a ride with the new Euroscoop. Check out our TikTok to see what it was like!
TIP: Get your ticket for the Euromast. The ticket price is higher if you buy entrance tickets on the day of your visit. Don’t forget to click on the option of the Euroscoop tickets!
Eat pancakes on the pancake boat
If you are looking for the real Dutch experience with the family, you should go with the Pannenkoekenboot. In addition to tasting the typical Dutch pancakes, you can explore Rotterdam with a boat trip on the Maas.
A super fun activity for children, but secretly also great fun (and tasty of course) for adults.
Discover more fun summer activities in Rotterdam!
Those were my tips for next weekend in Rotterdam. Have fun!
