Jeffrey is mad about parties, Esmeralda is always looking for unusual happenings and Manon loves culture. Every two weeks they give you the best tips for a great day or night out in Rotterdam.
Jeffrey’s tip: Fruithaven King’s night
To start off, a tip for all night owls and party animals who can’t wait until the day of Willem’s actual birthday. Because on Wednesday, 26 April, club Fruithaven is hosting a veritable Fruithaven King’s Night. So you can get a feel for the orange madness before all the daytime people in the most interesting club in Rotterdam. You may not have heard of Fruithaven before, which wouldn’t be surprising seeing as it only officially launches itself on the Rotterdam nightlife scene on Good Friday. The club is unique, refreshing and surprising for very many reasons. But the most unusual is its focus on sustainability and innovation. For example, all the waste is collected and recycled, the interior has been created using the biggest 3D printer in Europe and the club generates energy from leftover food. You couldn’t imagine a more sustainable party. What’s more, you’ll be hard pressed to find a cheaper party either, because this party only costs 8.50 euros.
Wednesday, 26 April // Fruithaven // 8.50 euros
Esmeralda’s tip: Kroon Festival
If I could only recommend one festival on King’s Day, then it would have to be the Kroon Festival on Willemsplein, the square next to Erasmusbrug. I was there with some friends last year and despite the rain, scarves and thick winter coats, I had a fantastic day. The cosy atmosphere of the relatively small festival site means that you could easily party with the people around you: I spontaneously had my photo taken with a girl who later that year invited me to go to the Toffler Indoor Festival with her. Unfortunately, my hero Sam Feldt isn’t on the line-up this year, but Wouter S is definitely a brilliant replacement. Like last year, though, you can still dance to the beats of Cleavage and Benny Rodrigues is obviously a must at a Rotterdam festival. As the icing on the cake, De Sluwe Vos will be next to him this time. For just 12.50 euros, you can dance all day and at night you have a great view of an illuminated Erasmusbrug! What are you waiting for?
Thursday, 27 April // Willemsplein Rotterdam // 12.50 euros
Manon’s tip:Celebrate King’s Day (almost) for free
As you’ve seen above, there’s no end of choice on King’s Day. There are plenty of parties and festivals to entertain you during the day (and night). But for those who are a bit short of cash at the end of the month, I’ve got the perfect tip for spending King’s Day almost for free! From 1.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m., you can go to the Royal Rollerdisco on Deliplein at Katendrecht. Besides a market and live music, there’s free roller-skating at the Rollerdisco. Brilliantly retro, I wouldn’t say no to that. Finished roller-skating? Then catch your breath on one of the terraces on the square or enjoy organic chips and a well-earned drink at the Fenix Food Factory. If you’ve still got some energy left, from 6.00 p.m. you can go to Containerbar Noord. It does mean a trek to the other side of the city, but when you get there, you’ll be served an ice-cold beer or cocktail in an open air bar, made from sea containers. Here you can end the day for free until 11.00 p.m. with a dance and a drink.
Thursday, 27 April // Rotterdam // Free
