Western Experience, at The Brabanthallen in ‘s-Hertogenbosch hosts Europe’s largest and most vibrant country and western festival every year. Covering an impressive 7,000 m². The event was established in 1995. In 2025 it was held over two days on January 25-26.
Live music, line dance, horse trials featuring riders from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany and of course shopping and eating.
The ultimate western atmosphere created in the Netherlands.
The visitors take their outfit seriously, not everybody, but the majority is dressed for the occasion.
I think beats the Calgary Stampede in the variety and level of western wear among the visitors.
The horse shows are way less than in Calgary, no chuck wagon races, no bull riding, or rodeo. The two main events are barrel race and pole-bending.
No likely that you’ll see Shania Twain or Keith Urban performing, but there is a nice variety of country singers/bands, on 2-3 stages.
Each stage has a wooden dance floor in front for line dancing.
For those keen to learn line dancing there are classes going on in smaller rooms with DJ music.
I must give it to them it’s a nice two days show with lots of Western themed excitement.
The organizers really pull their weight to present it nicely.
Shopping is nice and extensive, from entry level stuff to cowboy boots, real Stetson hats, it’s all there.
Also some indigenous presentations and dances, with visitor participation.
Parking takes a bit of patience but the parking lots are quite extensive, we had no problem finding a spot around the building.
The two day ticket regular price ran for 45 Euros per person and the parking fee was 15 per day.
Before our visit I got a permit for camera usage, therefore all photos taken with permission of the organizers.
