Ever since the Middle Ages, the
Zuidlaardermarkt a household name. It is the largest horse market in Europe and is held every year on the third Tuesday of October. Apart from the horse market on Tuesday, there is the Zuidlaardernacht on Monday and a fair in the village as early as Friday. People come from far and wide to experience this. Whether you are a horse lover or not, you want to experience the Zuidlaardermarkt and all the events around it!
Where does the Zuidlaardermarkt come from?
The Zuidlaardermarkt is a household name in Drenthe. Since the thirteenth century, every third Tuesday of October has been dedicated to the market. And this date was chosen for a reason. This was the time when farmers finished their autumn work. Following this, the Zuidlaardermarkt was held. And after the market, the stove was allowed to be lit again as a reward and conclusion to all the hard work!
People came from everywhere to buy and sell horses. Walking through the market you would hear whinnying and clapping hands all around you.
The Zuidlaardermarkt, for young and old
Everyone was looking forward to the Zuidlaardermarkt. Children started collecting acorns in time to sell at the market as pig feed, for which the farmers at the market were willing to pay a lot. They could use this money for admission to the fairground attractions, such as the shooting gallery or hover carousel. Sunday was also known as 'couple's Sunday'. On this day, boys made dates with girls.
Traffic jam caused by horses
From 04.00 in the morning, the flow of cattle got underway. The roads were full of horses and wagons, farmers and servants. They had to hurry, because at 06.00 the Zuidlaardermarkt started. Horses were then bought and sold by haggling. Satisfied, the farmers then started their return journey again around 12.00 and the flow of livestock resumed.
Today's Zuidlaarder market
After all these years, the Zuidlaardermarkt is still a resounding success. Still every year, horse traders come from far and wide to buy and sell horses. The events surrounding the market have continued to expand over time.
Zuidlaardernacht
From Monday to Tuesday is the Zuidlaardernacht. This event is all about party. From all over the region, people come to the party. All night long, music sounds from the pubs, there is fun in the streets and people are in a party mood. By the time the first horses arrive at the market, Zuidlaardernacht comes to an end. The whole village is set for this market. All restaurants and pubs have made arrangements, such as a bar outside and music.
This year's Zuidlaardernacht is on Tuesday 21 October 2025.
Night of Zuidlaren
On the Saturday before the Zuidlaardernacht is the Night of Zuidlaren. This night is mainly attended by locals. Then, too, there is a party in Zuidlaren. Music sounds from all the pubs and there is a lot of fun.
Fair in Zuidlaren
Just as was done hundreds of years ago, there is a fair during the week of the Zuidlaardermarkt. In the centre of Zuidlaren, there are all kinds of fairground attractions. This year, the fair falls exactly in the autumn holidays of the Northern Netherlands. Fun to go to with family and friends.
This year's Zuidlaarderkermis opens on 17 October.
Olle Stee and the Zuidlaardermarkt
During the Zuidlaardermarkt and in the days surrounding it, the whole village is dedicated to the horse market. At Olle Stee we also make it a big party!
During the Night of Zuidlaren and the Zuidlaardernacht there will be a DJ where you and your friends can go wild to wrong hits, 90s music and new top music! Meanwhile, order a beer or a Bacardi cola at our outdoor bar.
On Sundays and Tuesdays, you can enjoy live music on our terrace while enjoying a snack and a drink. During the Zuidlaardermarkt, we will have modified opening hours and a modified menu. From Saturday to Tuesday, we will not take dinner reservations. However, it is possible to have lunch with us until 16:00.
Working during the Zuidlaardermarkt
Would you like to earn an extra penny during the Zuidlaardermarkt? Just like the children used to sell acorns, you can earn some extra by working at Olle Stee! Take a look at the page
working at Olle Stee How to apply and read why you really want to work here!
