Grachtenfestival Meppel - Meppel - TravBuddy

This free boating festival is held every year, normally during late May/early June. Boats come from all over the country but also from the rest of Europe and moor in Meppel city centre. You will find everything from luxury yachts to old barges. There will be an historic fleet dating back as far as the 19th century! Some boats are for sale if you're looking!
There are activities for young and old, markets, informations stalls, bungy-rowing competitions and music. You will be able to see people doing traditional arts and crafts like clog making, grass matting and more.
There is a lot of music around the city centre. This year there will be fifteen pirate shanty choirs and a djembe show on a boat, and drums and piano shows on the water. The new herring will arrive in Meppel on the Saturday, which is a very important event throughout The Netherlands. There is a floating stage where several bands will play at night. The atmosphere is great and it is a fun festival for everyone.
For the kids there is also a competition to make their own "boats". They have to be able to get from the Tipbrug to the stoombootkade with this. Of course there are prizes available!
On the Sunday the shops will also be open which is a rarity in The Netherlands!
Whether you are into nautical stuff or not, this festival is a lot of fun for everyone.