Jeffrey is a party animal, Esmeralda likes to uncover unique events, and Manon is a culture enthusiast. Together they provide the best fortnightly tips on a great day or night out in Rotterdam.
Jeffrey tips: Rooftop Summer Party
Most of us are on the final push of cramming. So many of us crave some distraction. STROOM Rotterdam hasn’t forgotten about you, and at 20 euros has the answer! You see, on Saturday, 17 June they will be organising a Rooftop Summer Party, complete with a refreshing gin & tonic bar, cocktails, freshly squeezed orange juice, with a grill and BBQ to boot. This, in combination with a view of the Euromast and the Rotterdam skyline, is reason enough to go, I think. But aside from all these delights making up the perfect summer party, a silent DJ battle will also take place, where seven DJs will go head to head with their best sets. So there’ll be something for everyone in your circle of friends: for the house fans, the cocktail lovers and the food fanatics.
Saturday, 17 June // STROOM Rotterdam // 20 euros
Manon tips: WDKA Graduation Show
The end of the academic year is also in sight for the students at the Willem de Kooning Academy. You know, that art academy on the Blaak where all those hipsters go? Well, around 300 of the hipsters will be exhibiting their graduation projects between 29 June and 2 July at the WDKA Graduation Show. And let me tell you, they’re much prettier on the eye than our dissertations, that’s for sure! From product design to visual art, and from graphic design to photography, for each field the final-year students share their talent with the rest of us. I personally love going to graduation shows as I enjoy discovering what people my age have to offer. Often it proves to be stimulating and totally different to mainstream artists hanging in museums. So come along and support your fellow students!
Thursday, 29 June – Sunday, 2 July // Willem de Kooning Academy // Free admission
Esmeralda tips: Rotterdam Water Weekend
With my eight years of swimming competition experience, I could rightly be called a water baby, so my event choice was an easy one to make. The Rotterdam Water Weekend, which will take place from Friday, 30 June to Sunday, 2 July. Of course I get that you won’t immediately take part in the 010 City Swim where you explore the city with a 1.5-km swim, but luckily there are many others things that are fun to do. Taking part in the dragon boat race (you need to register in advance via this link), attending a SUP (Stand-Up Paddle) clinic, or joining a water pistol fight: it’s all possible on Saturday, 1 July, from 12:00 hrs onwards. The Crooswijksebocht is the place to be on that day, as that’s where the Water Festival will take place. But that said, there’ll be plenty of amusement on the Friday and Saturday, e.g. sailing around in sailor or pirate style, enjoying the various music performances, or hiring a boat. And it’s all free!
Friday, 30 June to Sunday, 2 July // Rotterdam // Free admission
