What began as a small festival with one stage, in 25 editions has grown into a major music spectacle where the entire center of Dordrecht celebrates. Big Rivers celebrates its 25th edition, from July 11 to 13, and that certainly does not go unnoticed.
Three days of enjoying more than 150 bands and acts - you want to be there!
Weekend full of music
Big Rivers is one of the largest free festivals in the Netherlands. For three days, the historic center of Dordrecht turns into one big music festival. With over 150 acts on fifteen different stages, there is always something to do. No wonder that every year more than 140,000 visitors find their way to the city to enjoy the atmosphere, the music and the party.
It all started with one stage on the Groothoofd with a few bands on it, and now the event has grown into a true musical feast for the city, for all music lovers. From jazz to Indie and from blues to smartlappen - there is something for everyone at Big Rivers.
Big Rivers continues to surprise!
You don't change a household name musically just like that, but this year the organization is also surprising with a number of new program elements. For example, the entire Friday evening is reserved for artists from Dordrecht, an ode to the local talent this city has to offer.
On Sunday, Statenplein turns into one big musical stage during "Music on the Street. In addition, you can sing along with a musical program for the first time that day at the stage in the Grotekerk Garden - a first for Big Rivers. Of course, there will also be a special anniversary necklace this year!
Program highlights: must-see's
How do you choose highlights from a program full of toppers? We made an attempt and give you a foretaste of what you should not miss: the opening on Friday evening in the Grotekerkstuin. Friday night is all about pride in Dordt. With performances by Jared Grant, Vera & The Sleepover club, The Wanderers, OMG, Mad Dogs & Englishband, Skeftum, Sam Cordes and more. The rest of the weekend also features many Dordt acts. In total there are over forty homegrown acts to admire. To keep abreast of everything, this year there is a brand new app with which you can view the program. Bonus: those who download the app will get first access to the full program!
Festival of connection
Liselotte Gatzen, festival director of organization, is already looking forward to Big Rivers. "The beauty of this event is the connection. You roam the grounds, meet people from the past AND make new friends. That connecting factor is very special about Big Rivers. You are amazed at what you meet and let yourself be amazed by different types of music than you are used to. Add to that the nice, friendly atmosphere and easy accessibility and you have a very special music event." Which can still be offered for free. Liselotte is proud of that. We do everything we can to make sure the event stays afloat. For example, with 'Penny for a Band': people can donate money to contribute to this beautiful musical festival."
Come by bike
If you come to the festival for one of the three days, we recommend you come by public transport or by bike. If you come by bike, use the free, guarded bike racks at Raamstraat (Achterom), Kolfstraat (Drievriendenhof) and Kolfstraat (Statenplein). These are open extra long during Big Rivers.
There are also additional, unguarded stalls at: Bomkade, Sint Suraplein, Maartensgat and Botermarkt. Extra bike racks have also been placed at the UWV, where you can also park your donkey share bikes. With the discount code: BIGRIVERS25 you can get 30 minutes free ride on a donkey!
Or take the Waterbus
On Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July, the Waterbus will sail you home safely after Big Rivers in Dordrecht! The Waterbus sails a modified schedule: the timetable starts later that day and longer in the evenings.
Due to the temporary closure of the Spuihaven parking garage, parking options in the center of Dordrecht are limited. To cope with the expected parking pressure, the municipality has prepared an extra parking lot on the Indofin site (entrance on Weeskinderendijk above) next to the Weeskinderendijk parking lot.
