Druten – Leste Mert with funfair 2026
What to expect
Leste Mert Druten 2026 brings together the traditional livestock and goods market and a funfair on Thursday, 5 November. In the town centre of Druten in Gelderland, market stalls, animals, music and rides are part of a festival that has held a special place in the region for generations. The organiser confirms that the funfair will be open on Thursday from 10:30 to 22:00.
Leste Mert Druten 2026: a market day with a history
The name means “last market” in the local dialect. According to the municipality, the tradition dates back to 1819. The organiser describes the 2026 edition as the 208 Leste Mert. Livestock trading was originally the main focus. Cattle, horses, ponies and small animals are still part of the market day. That makes this more than an ordinary shopping trip: it combines the historic livestock market with a sociable gathering in town.
Funfair at Leste Mert Druten 2026
You can also visit the funfair among the attractions in the town centre. The organiser specifically lists the opening hours on Thursday, 5 November, as 10:30 to 22:00. The checked official information does not fully specify which individual rides 2026 will set up or how much the rides cost. Other funfair dates are being circulated for Friday to Sunday; these additional operating days have not yet been confirmed by a recent official statement from the organiser, so they are not listed here as confirmed opening days.
Goods market, music and animals
The goods market runs through the town centre and is scheduled for Thursday from 08:00 to 16:00. The foundation mentions several hundred stalls. There will also be music at the market from 10:00 to 14:30, including Heavy Hoempa, Willy the Piper and De Liedbakker. If you are visiting with children, the official programme lists an encounter with small animals and ponies from 08:00 to 16:00. A weight-guessing activity and the Postcode-Kanjer-Truck are also scheduled during the same time slot.
A stroll through the town centre
Use the market in the centre of Druten as a guide for your visit. However, the festivities extend to other streets, so the map pin does not show every venue. The municipality explicitly states that the town centre will be closed to traffic. Allow extra time and check the organisers' website for the latest information before travelling. No special parking or shuttle arrangements for 2026 have been officially confirmed.
Important rules and practical information
The foundation has published its own rules for the 208 edition. Follow the instructions of the organisers and security staff. Weapons, drugs and fireworks are prohibited; alcohol will not be served to minors. Regarding the animals, please touch them only with the owners' permission and keep your distance from the bull area. As there is no clear, up-to-date primary source, we cannot make a general claim about whether access to the entire festival site is free or what the ride prices are.
If you want to plan your day, you can find more events in the Kirmestermine calendar. The full daily programme and any last-minute changes are published by the official Leste Mert Druten foundation.
Highlights at a glance
What Leste Mert with funfair has to offer
- Market stalls / traders' market
- Live music / stage programme
- Children's programme
More to experience in Druten
AdvertisingProgramme & dates
- Thu5NovGoods market08:00 – 16:00Druten town centreSeveral hundred stalls; the time refers to the goods market, not the funfair.
- Thu5NovSmall animals and ponies08:00 – 16:00Druten town centreMeet small animals and ponies as part of the livestock market.
- Thu5NovGuess the weight and Postcode-Kanjer-Truck08:00 – 16:00Druten town centreGuess an animal's weight; bingo, music and activities at the truck.
- Thu5NovMusic in the market square10:00 – 14:30Druten marketIncluding Heavy Hoempa, Willy the Piper and De Liedbakker.
Getting there & services
According to the local council, Druten town centre is closed to traffic on market day. The market (6651 BC) is a useful landmark; check the organiser for current traffic arrangements before travelling.
Good to know
- House rules 2026: Follow instructions from the organisers, security staff and emergency services. No weapons, drugs or fireworks. Alcohol only from the age of 18. Only touch animals with the owner's permission; keep your distance from the bull area. Keep emergency exits clear; no smoking in tents.
Frequently asked questions
When is Leste Mert Druten 2026?
The officially confirmed market day is Thursday, 5 November 2026. Further funfair days from 6 to 8 November have not yet been officially verified.
When do the rides open on 5 November?
The foundation lists funfair opening hours of 10:30 to 22:00 on Thursday, 5 November 2026.
When does the market take place?
On Thursday, 5 November 2026, from 08:00 to 16:00 in Druten town centre.
What is on the programme?
The organiser confirms, among other things, a livestock market, music in the market square from 10:00 to 14:30 and children's activities on 5 November.
Where does Leste Mert take place?
In the centre of Druten in Gelderland. The map marker at the market is a useful landmark; the event spans several streets.
Can I drive straight into the town centre?
No, the local council has announced that the centre will be closed to traffic. Check with the organiser in advance for specific parking information.
Are admission and ride prices known?
The checked sources do not provide a current official overview of admission or individual ride prices.
