Pasar Malam Istimewa XL 2027 Ahoy dates, hours, tickets

What is Pasar Malam Istimewa XL?

Pasar Malam Istimewa XL is the large indoor edition that Istimewa Events organises in Rotterdam Ahoy. A pasar malam (Indonesian for night market) is, in the Netherlands, an Indisch (Indo-Dutch) fair of food, stalls, music and dance. Istimewa is Indonesian for special.

The organiser calls it the biggest pasar malam in the world, with 16,000 square metres spread over four halls. The XL editions are held in large venues such as Ahoy and the Brabanthallen. The organiser says they always have more than 100 stands and better-known artists and bands than its smaller editions.

When is it in 2027, and what are the hours?

The 2027 edition runs from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 March, the Easter weekend. Thursday and Friday it is open from 13:00 to 23:00, Saturday from 12:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 12:00 to 20:00.

What to expect

The organiser lists four stages, a culture hall called Pasar Budaya, a Bali Beach area and stands from Indonesia itself, next to the food stalls, market stands and live music and dance that every pasar malam has. The 2027 programme and line-up are not out yet and will appear on the organiser's event page.

The house rules say you cannot bring your own food or drink, that alcohol is not for under-18s and that pets are not allowed.

Tickets, early-bird offer and prices

Until 1 January 2027 the organiser runs a Super Early Bird offer for its tenth anniversary: all tickets cost €10. The full price is €15 for a standard ticket and €12.50 for children aged 4 to 11, people aged 65 and over, and students. Children up to and including 3 years get in free without a ticket. A passe-partout for all four days is also on sale at an early-bird rate.

Tickets are sold online and at the door. A ticket bought online lets you skip the ticket queue. Tickets cannot be cancelled; in special cases you can ask the organiser to move one to another day or edition.

Getting there and parking

Rotterdam Ahoy is a 5-minute walk from Zuidplein bus and metro station. Ahoy charges €21 for parking per event day, or €20 if you book online in advance, which also guarantees a space. The cheaper alternative is P+R Slinge, one metro stop from Zuidplein; the free parking there applies if you travel on with an OV-chipkaart.

The whole event is wheelchair friendly: there are disabled parking spaces, adapted toilets and a wheelchair you can borrow at the porter's lodge with ID. A visitor with a disability and a helper each need a ticket. Guide dogs and trained assistance dogs are the only animals allowed.