POING Festival 2026 – Rotterdam, Netherlands
Overview
POING Festival 2026 marks the highly anticipated second edition of the festival, taking over the Shunter venue for a bold exploration of industrial rave culture. Moving from its previous home at Brutus, the festival finds a new “raw playground” in a former Dutch Railways maintenance building in Rotterdam-Zuid. This “concrete cathedral” maintains the tracks that once repaired trains, providing a gritty and authentic backdrop for a multidisciplinary program of music, art, and immersive light design.
The event features four distinct stages, both indoor and outdoor, designed to push the boundaries of the traditional festival experience. From the main stage nestled between active train tracks in the garden to the intimate, sweaty dancefloors inside the industrial warehouses, the festival curates a diverse sonic palette. Expect a high-energy mix of global bass, Latinx core, and hyper-ambient sounds, all delivered through precision-tuned sound systems and cutting-edge scenography that blurs the line between movement and visual expression.
Born from the community surrounding the iconic POING club, the festival is a celebration of inclusivity and unbridled creativity. It acts as a vibrant reflection of Rotterdam’s evolving nightlife, offering countless spaces to explore hidden corridors and playful sculpture gardens. More than just a party, it is a sensory storm that brings together homegrown favorites and international heavyweights for a raw, surprising, and unforgettable summer closing ritual.
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Event Highlights
- Train Track Main Stage: Dance at the massive outdoor stage situated in the Shunter garden, uniquely positioned between industrial rail tracks.
- Multidisciplinary Art Zones: Discover experimental performances and boundary-pushing art installations hidden throughout the old maintenance halls and corridors.
- Immersive Light Scenography: Experience every corner of the venue transformed by hallucinatory light designs that synchronize with the high-intensity musical program.
- Inclusive Community Vibe: Join a crowd celebrated for its diversity and a dedicated awareness team that ensures a safer, respectful space for all attendees.
Why Attend
This festival is the ideal choice for those who crave a raw, non-commercial rave experience in one of the most unique industrial locations in Europe. It is perfect for fans of underground electronic music who want to see artists perform on their own terms, free from the constraints of mainstream festival formats. By attending, you are supporting a vital part of Rotterdam’s independent cultural scene and participating in a project that values social politics and community solidarity as much as the music.
The benefit of attending POING Festival is the discovery of “Shunter,” a new experimental venue that captures the true essence of Rotterdam’s “raw and international” DNA. Whether you are there for the sweaty warehouse energy, the experimental pole performances, or the dreamy chill-out zones, the event offers a full-body experience that is both personal and political. It is a rare opportunity to see world-class international talent alongside the local artists who define the city’s cutting-edge sound.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Event Duration: 11 hours (Doors open at 12:00 PM and the event concludes at 11:00 PM, followed by an official afterparty at a nearby club)
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold online through the official POING website and the WeTicket platform.
- Admission Type: This is a strictly 18+ event; guests must present valid government-issued identification for entry.
- Ticket Pricing: Tickets typically range from $42.00 for early bird releases to $65.00 for final-round festival passes.
- Special Seating Options: There is no formal seating as the venue is an industrial site, but there are various playful sculpture gardens and chill-out zones available for resting.
- VIP Options: POING focuses on a horizontal community structure and does not offer traditional VIP tiers; all ticket holders have access to all public stages and art zones.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Venue Name: Shunter
- Google Maps Address: 2e Rosestraat 10, 3074 JK Rotterdam, Netherlands
Worried about accommodation? Hotels near this event sell out quickly, and prices tend to rise fast. Check out these accommodation options:
Contact Information
- Email: hello@poing-rotterdam.nl
- Phone Number: +31 10 433 2511
- Official Website: www.poing-rotterdam.nl
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.instagram.com/poing_club/
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Rotterdam The Hague Airport is located approximately 6 miles from the venue, accessible by a 20-minute taxi ride.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Rotterdam Zuid Station is the primary rail link, located just a 3-minute walk from the venue entrance.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Multiple RET bus lines serve the Feijenoord district, and the venue is easily reachable by bike from the city center via the Erasmus Bridge.
- Parking Availability: Limited parking is available in the surrounding Feijenoord streets, but attendees are strongly encouraged to use public transport or bicycles.
- Directions by Car: The venue is located in Rotterdam-Zuid and can be reached via the S123 or S125 roads from the A16 motorway.
What is this event?
POING Festival is a multidisciplinary music and arts event born from the legacy of Rotterdam’s famous POING club. It takes over the Shunter industrial complex to present a curated mix of electronic music, performance art, and light installations.
The festival acts as a community-driven playground where different musical genres like techno, bass, and ambient collide. It emphasizes raw creativity and provides a platform for both established international DJs and emerging local performers.
Why is it popular?
The event is popular because it maintains the soulful and inclusive atmosphere of the original POING club, which was a cornerstone of Rotterdam’s queer and underground scenes. Its reputation for diverse and interesting bookings makes it a standout in a city full of commercial events.
Fans are also drawn to the unique “Shunter” venue, as the chance to party in an old train maintenance building with tracks still running through it is a rare experience. The festival’s strong stance on social issues and its dedicated awareness team also make it a favorite for those seeking a respectful and conscious rave environment.
Attendee Experiences
- The energy in the garden stage between the train tracks was like nothing else I have experienced in Rotterdam.
- I loved the light installations in the art warehouses; they made the old industrial space feel like a futuristic dreamland.
- The vibe was so welcoming and the awareness team actually made me feel safe enough to really lose myself in the music.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What should I do if I am arriving at the festival by bicycle?
Rotterdam is a very bike-friendly city, and there will be a designated and supervised bike parking area located near the entrance of the Shunter venue. Cycling is highly recommended as it allows you to avoid potential traffic and parking issues in the Feijenoord district. Please ensure you use a sturdy lock, as the parking area is public and the organizers are not responsible for any lost or stolen property.
Is the Shunter venue accessible for people using wheelchairs?
As Shunter is a raw industrial site and a former train maintenance building, some areas may have uneven surfaces, tracks, or stairs that can be challenging to navigate. The organizers strive to make the main stages as accessible as possible, but it is highly recommended to contact them via email in advance to discuss specific needs. They can provide detailed information on the layout and any temporary ramps or facilities that will be in place for the festival.
Will there be a place to store my bags or jackets during the event?
Yes, lockers will be available for rent on-site where you can safely store your personal belongings, such as jackets and small bags. You can typically purchase a locker token at the venue entrance or sometimes pre-order one online with your festival ticket to save time. It is a good idea to bring only essential items, as the locker sizes are standard and cannot accommodate very large backpacks or luggage.
What is the policy regarding food and drinks from outside the venue?
You are not allowed to bring your own food or alcoholic beverages into the festival area for safety and licensing reasons. There will be multiple bars and a diverse selection of food stalls inside the venue, including vegetarian and vegan options provided by local Rotterdam vendors. Free water points will also be available, and you are permitted to bring one empty plastic water bottle to refill throughout the day.
How does the entry process work and what happens if I arrive late?
The festival gates open at 12:00 PM, and you must have your digital or printed ticket ready for scanning along with a valid photo ID. While there is no strict "last entry" time for the daytime festival, it is recommended to arrive before the peak hours to avoid queues. Please note that once you enter the venue, most tickets do not allow for re-entry, so make sure you have everything you need for the day before you go inside.
