What is there to do this weekend in Rotterdam? Plenty! Enjoy open-air cinemas, various parties and markets.
Below you will find the best tips for the upcoming weekend. There are many free and affordable options out there, so an empty bank account is no excuse for sitting at home doing nothing.
Summer isn’t over yet! Check out these summer events in Rotterdam.
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Arab film festival – Tuesday to Sunday
During the Arab Film Festival, which will take place from 5 to 10 September 2023, the most significant films from the Arab world will be 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.
Location
LantarenVenster, Pathé Schouwburgplein en Verhalenhuis Belvédère.
Ferry – on Thursday and Friday
Foto door Roffa Archive.
At Ferry you are welcome for an LGBTQ+ night out, full of great music, a warm and fun atmosphere and the company of great people.
Our blogger Masha previously wrote about parties on Mondays at Ferry. Unlike many clubs in the Netherlands, the bar is also open on Mondays for their weekly drag show Manic Monday. Every week, fabulous queens perform live on Ferry’s stage, showcasing their talents through mesmerizing dance and song.
In addition, there are many other fun parties on the agenda at Ferry during the weekend! The following parties are planned this weekend:
- Thursday September 7: Queens & Karaoke
- Friday, September 8: A Very Fairy Ferry Friday
Click here to buy tickets (often it’s free!)
Location
Westblaak 127, 3012 KJ Rotterdam
Floating outdoor cinema – on Saturdays
Foto door Hester Blankestijn.
Experience a unique outdoor cinema experience on the water!
On Saturday 9 September you have the chance to enjoy a magical open-air cinema from your own boat or from the quay. In the middle of the enchanting atmosphere of the Wijnhaven, the big screen is erected, on which the film The Shape of Water, awarded with four Oscars, shines.
There will be a musical support program between 6:00 PM and 8:15 PM and the film will start at 8:30 PM.
Click here for more information.
Location
Wijnhaven
Oase hippie market – on Saturday
This Saturday you will discover a new market at OASE in Rotterdam West.
During this Hippie Market you 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
Yoga on Schouwburgplein – on Sunday
Foto door Sophia van den Hoek.
Do you want to start your Sunday completely zen? Then join yoga at Schouwburgplein!
From Sunday 16 July to 17 September you can join yoga for free. The lesson takes place every Sunday from 11.00-12.00 at the Schouwburgplein in Rotterdam.
Stay informed via their Instagram account!
Location
Schouwburgplein
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!
Bakkit
From a young age, Mercedes and Melissa cherished the dream of starting a company together. With Bakkit, this dream has come true! You may have already met Mercedes from her participation in Heel Holland Bakt; she took first place in the tenth season.
In the charming building on the Zwaanhals, Bakkit offers a delicious assortment of baked treats, accompanied by an excellent cup of coffee to enjoy on the spot or to take away.
It is also possible to take your own baking skills to a higher level through workshops and masterclasses.
Morgan & Mees
Morgan & Mees is a new hotel, housed in a beautiful historic building on the Mathenesserlaan. Just like in their first hotel in Amsterdam, guests here are treated to an unforgettable experience with good service, an inspiring environment, good food and comfortable hotel rooms.
The hotel also offers a lot of fun for the people of Rotterdam: a restaurant and bar with an inviting terrace.
You are welcome here seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is diverse and offers something for everyone.
Check out the prices and availability here.
machi machi
machi machi is 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.
Eurobrouwers
For this new hotspot we leave Rotterdam and head to Schiedam, where you will find Eurobrouwers. This is Schiedam’s first brewpub and the largest beer garden in the region with a terrace that covers no less than 2000 m2.
Also good to know: every Sunday Eurobrouwers serves Zeeland oysters for one euro, in combination with game beers. This is a nod to the Rotterdam sister of Eurobrouwers, Café Marseille, where every Sunday is oyster day.
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!
