Events
Drenthe is known for its beautiful nature, expansive landscape and charming villages. There is also plenty to do in terms of events! Throughout the year, numerous fun activities are organised for young and old alike.


C.H. de Wolden international competition
The show has grown into a huge multi-day event and will be held this year from July 16 to 19 and from July 23 to 26 on the show grounds of former international Jan Broek. Visitors can dream away for eight days with the most beautiful horses and enjoy the best equestrian sports. Not the least names are participating in the international classes. The participating riders, amazons and horses come from over thirty different countries.
Thursday Meppelday
On five Thursdays in July and August, the Thursday Meppel Days take place, each with a different theme. Five days packed with music, street performers, fantastic acts and plenty of fun for young and old alike. Regular features of the programme include the square festival with lots of music, the children’s flea market in the Prinsenbuurt, the weekly market, a market organ concert, stand-up paddleboarding, tower climbing, the municipal museum and an exhibition at the printing museum.
The programme for the 2026 Thursday Meppel Days is as follows:
16 July: Meppel Moves
23 July: Farmers’ Day
30 July: Street Theatre Festival
6 August: Mokum in Meppel
13 August: Meppel Dance Event + Parade
Admission to the event is free.
Truckstar
With over 2,200 lorries and around 55,000 visitors, the Truckstar Festival is not only the very biggest, but above all the most enjoyable transport festival in Europe! Trucks, atmosphere and conviviality Forget about everything for a while – the expensive diesel, unfair competition and other hassles; every year at the Truckstar Festival, it’s simply a matter of enjoying more than two thousand trucks. That’s the essence of the Truckstar Festival! Alongside that: a great atmosphere, an entertaining track programme, a convivial atmosphere, food and drink, Dutch Night and loads of enthusiastic visitors. The festival isn’t just for drivers. Even if you’re not into lorries, you really must experience this festival up close at least once. The varied and exciting programme in front of the main grandstand, the stunning show lorries, classic lorries and American lorries in the inner grounds, and the convivial Dutch Evening make this festival an ideal day out for the whole family! We look forward to welcoming you again in 2026 at the TT Circuit in Assen for the Profile Truckstar Festival. It promises to be another spectacular edition with plenty of entertainment in the central area, on the show street and, of course, with all the lorries lining the track. Will you be joining us on 25 and 26 July 2026? See you then!
Oldtimerday Ruinerwold
During Classic Car Day, the village of Ruinerwold is all about stunning classic vehicles: from classic cars and motorbikes to tractors, lorries and mopeds. Admire the gleaming paintwork, listen to the distinctive sound of vintage engines and soak up the unique atmosphere. Every year, a huge number of proud classic car owners flock to Ruinerwold to show off their historic vehicles, and even more enthusiastic visitors come to admire all the beautiful cars on display.


Flowerparade Vollenhove
The most colourful day of the year takes place in Vollenhove every year. For months, the float builders work on the magnificent floral floats, decorated with millions of dahlias. This isn’t the only thing that makes 29 August 2026 so special; there’s much more to do than just watch the parade. The day begins with a Children’s Parade, in which hundreds of children take part every year, whilst the Afternoon Parade and the atmospherically lit Evening Parade are the highlights of the day. There’s a food truck festival (Food & Flowers Festival), street theatre, various food and drink areas, a children’s play area and brass bands to round off the day. Still not had your fill by the end of the Evening Parade? Then pop along to the after-party in the marquee on the event site (not included in the ticket price).
Tickets on sale via: Order your tickets now – Corso Vollenhove


Gondolacruise Giethoorn
One evening a year, the charming village of Giethoorn is transformed into a magical spectacle of light, water, music and creativity. On Saturday 29 August, handcrafted gondolas glide through the village canal like floating works of art. Ahead of this unique spectacle, you can enjoy a variety of music and entertainment boats as they pass by. Along the route, the illuminated thatched houses, characteristic little bridges and charming gardens create a fairytale atmosphere. For the oldest gondola parade in the Netherlands, residents and organising groups have been bringing this annual tradition to life since 1930. With its UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status, the Giethoorn Gondola Parade is an unforgettable summer evening that is not to be missed.
Tickets can be booked via: gondelvaart.giethoorn.com


