Events

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.

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.

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

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