On one day in July, Rotterdam transforms completely. The Summer Carnival is a street festival with Caribbean roots — in peak years nearly one million visitors attend. The Street Parade passes along the Coolsingel and the Erasmus Bridge.
Free entry — the Street Parade and all open-air celebrations are freely accessible.
How it started
The Summer Carnival started in 1984 as the Antillean Summer Carnival, set up by the Antillean community in Rotterdam to make their culture visible.
What you’ll find
The Street Parade
A kilometre-long procession with thousands of dancers in extravagant costumes of feathers, sequins and tropical colours. Brass bands, steel drums, DJs. Arrive early for a good spot along the Coolsingel.
Music and stages
Stages across the city with reggae, dancehall, Latin pop and afrobeat — all day long.
Mercado
Caribbean and Latin American cuisine — Surinamese bara, Antillean pastechi, Brazilian pão de queijo and much more.
Battle of Drums
A brass band competition that makes the streets vibrate — spectacular and infectious.
Practical info
- Date 2026: Saturday 25 July
- Entry: free
- Location: Rotterdam city centre
- Public transport: Rotterdam Centraal, or metro to Beurs or Blaak
- Info: zomercarnaval.nl