Be quick and secure a spot for this beautiful spectacle!
Wondering what fun things you can experience in Rotterdam in October? Below we share the best tips to get through autumn in a fun way. You can enjoy fun parties, shows or great shopping experiences both outside and inside.
This year, De Grote Schijn will take place from October 16th to November 2nd, 2025. This year, too, you'll be taken on an enchanting route through the Kralingse Bos, where technology, music, and nature magically merge. Whispering trees, enchanting light projections, and captivating sounds create a magical spectacle.
This year, the audiovisual performance has been completely redesigned, with a different route and surprising scenes. For those who prefer silence, a limited number of whisper walks have been added at the end of the evening. Here, you can enjoy the walk in silence, allowing the atmosphere and effects to truly shine. During these evenings, De Grote Schijn will be open extra late, until 11:30 PM. There will also be extra early time slots during dusk, especially for families with young children.
Afrovibes Festival celebrates its 22nd edition this year! The festival takes place on October 3rd, 4th, and 12th at Maaspodium and Fenix. Afrovibes presents theater, dance, music, and more by contemporary creators and artists from both the African continent and the African diaspora in Europe.
This year, Afrovibes presents a programme centered on the theme of legacy. Within this theme, the artists' performances reflect the current zeitgeist as they experience it. They raise questions about their cultural heritage and how they can learn lessons from the past about courage, ethics, and collective strength. They also explore the tension between ancient African rituals and modern greed. The creators offer ideas on how we can believe and trust in a sustainable and stable future in this time of war and climate change.
Fancy a visit to the Rotterdam fair? You can! Several times a year, the fair opens at Lloyd Multiplein, where you can enjoy all-day entertainment with countless rides and treats.
After a summer break, the fair returns in October. From Friday, October 17th, to Sunday, October 26th, it's a festive atmosphere at Schiehaven. Roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, fun games, and delicious snacks are back.
Want your haircut to not only result in a great look, but also a better world? Following the success of Milan and Rotterdam Art Week, New Store 2.0 is returning to Rotterdam from October 9th to 11th. At New Store 2.0, located in the foyer of the Nieuwe Instituut, you can get your hair cut during Rotterdam Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week. Instead of your hair being thrown away, it's given new life and processed into yarn that can be used in all kinds of textiles.
