October is a great month to explore Rotterdam. From sustainable fashion and autumn-themed treasure hunts to a proper party and fun activities for children, there is plenty going on around the city. Here are a few events to add to your calendar.
Rotterdam Centrum kun je eind oktober helemaal in de Halloweenstemming komen. Stap binnen in het Griezelcircus, laat je verrassen door scare actors in de Koopgoot of doe mee aan een creatieve workshop bij Lush.
From 28 to 31 October, between 12 noon and 5 pm, an empty retail unit next to Superstellar in Central Plaza will be transformed into a Spooky Circus. Guided by the circus ringmaster, you'll make your way past freaky circus performers, deranged maniacs and terrifying clowns. Lighting, smoke and sound effects make the experience even more thrilling.
You can also celebrate Halloween in the Koopgoot. On 28 October, there's a glitter tattoo studio from 1 pm to 5 pm. On 30 October, the glitter tattoos return, while six scare actors create some extra spooky scenes.
Lush in the Koopgoot is also hosting special Halloween activities. On 22 and 23 October, the Shower Gel Witch will help you make your own shower gel. On 30 October, from 2 pm to 6 pm, you can join a Halloween workshop with Dr Frankenstein and try your hand at making a bath product.
From sustainable fashion and creative workshops to fashion shows and pop-up shops, Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week puts sustainable fashion in the spotlight. In Rotterdam, you can discover the latest developments and initiatives in sustainable fashion, with events taking place at locations across the city, including Koopgoot, Binnenwegplein, Zuidplein, Prins Alexanderplein and Lijnbaan. It is a fun way to discover new brands and ideas while learning more about making your wardrobe more sustainable.
From 30 September to 11 October, Donner is celebrating Children’s Book Week. This year’s theme is ‘We’re taking to the stage!’ and is all about performing, telling stories and taking centre stage. During Children’s Book Week, children can dive into stories about performers, music, theatre and everything that comes with being in the spotlight.
There is an extra treat too: when you spend €13.50 on children’s books, you will receive the official Children’s Book Week gift for free.
Got a loose button, a small tear or a piece of clothing that could use a little extra care? In October, you can learn how to repair your clothes yourself at Primark in Rotterdam city centre. On 7, 8 and 9 October, the store is hosting free Repair Workshops where you can learn practical techniques to help you enjoy your favourite clothes for longer.
Head out with Kabouter Tromp and discover autumn in the botanical gardens of Trompenburg. During this treasure hunt, children aged 4 to 12 can explore the gardens, complete different challenges and collect their own autumn finds along the way. At the start, they receive a little linen bag to keep their treasures in. The activities include searching through the woodland, getting active and listening to audio fragments.
Kabouter Tromp’s Autumn Treasure Hunt runs daily from Saturday 10 to Sunday 25 October and costs €4.50 per child.
Fancy a trip to the fair in Rotterdam? You’re in luck! Several times a year, the fair comes to Lloyd Multiplein, offering a full day of rides, games and tasty treats.
After a summer break, the fair returns in October. From Friday 16 to Sunday 25 October, Schiehaven will be filled with all the fun of the fair. Expect rollercoasters, a Ferris wheel, fun games and plenty of tasty snacks.
Fancy beer, music and a healthy dose of Bavarian fun? On Saturday 10 October, the Van Nelle Factory will host a Rotterdam edition of Oktoberfest. The centuries-old tradition from Munich gets a Rotterdam twist, with plenty of beer and live performances by Frans Duijts, Sven Versteeg, Immer Hansi and Otto Wunderbar. The party runs from 6pm to 11pm. Prost!