RBF recommends:
These Are the Best Bluegrass Events Across The Netherlands
Moulin Blues: Friday May 2 and Saturday May 3
The 38th edition of the Moulin Blues Festival will take place on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Ospel, the Netherlands. In the heart of Limburg, you'll be treated to an exceptionally friendly atmosphere and surprised by performances from top international blues and roots artists—both established names and rising stars.
Over the years, numerous big names have graced the Moulin Blues stage: B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples, Joe Bonamassa, Jimmie Vaughan, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, to name just a few. The festival may be small in scale, but it has a big reputation. No-nonsense and authentic—this is a truly enjoyable and laid-back music festival.
Where: At the festival grounds in Ospel, Limburg ([directions available])
When: Friday, May 2 (3:00 PM – 2:00 AM) and Saturday, May 3, 2025 (12:00 PM – 2:00 AM)
Tickets: Available [here] (day tickets from €60.50, weekend passes from €121.50)
More info: Visit the official Moulin Blues website
Pokey LaFarge | Friday, June 6, 2025
Pokey LaFarge is coming to Annabel on Friday, June 6, to present his new album Rhumba Country. With his well-oiled backing band, Pokey delivers an infectious mix of raw country blues, jazz, ragtime, and western swing.
Over his 15+ year career, Pokey has performed regularly in Rotterdam. His music has also been featured in TV shows like Boardwalk Empire, and he even had a role in the Netflix film The Devil All the Time.
Where: Poppodium Annabel, Rotterdam
When: Friday, June 6, 2025, from 8:00 PM
Tickets: Available here, starting at €32.75
More info: Available on the Rotown website
previous events:
Wild Rooster Festival Winter Edition | Saturday, 2025 (further information willl be anounced later)
Every summer, the two-day Wild Rooster Festival takes over The Hague, and in winter, they do it all over again—just a little smaller. On Saturday, February 15, the Grote Markt will be all about good food, beer, and music with the mud still on it.
What mud? Rockabilly, bluegrass, roots, uptempo blues, and rock 'n' roll from the days when rock 'n' roll was still rock 'n' roll!
With performances by: Ragmob, Tornado Beat!, Katja Kruit, The K-Roses, The Shiny Moonlit Boys, The Groovy Gents, and Subterranean Street Society.
Where: Poppodium De Zwarte Ruiter, Wijnbar September, and Hoender en Hop in The Hague
When: Saturday, February 15, from 8:30 PM to 1:30 AM
Tickets: Free entry
More info: Available on the Wild Rooster Festival website
C2C: Country to Country | Saturday, March 8 & Sunday, March 9, 2025
C2C: Country to Country, Europe's biggest touring country festival, returns to Rotterdam on Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9, 2025.
At C2C, the very best of country music comes together—from rising talent from the United States and Europe to the biggest stars in the genre. Over the course of two days, experience performances from 26 different country artists, including Lainey Wilson, Midland, Dasha, and Nate Smith.
Beyond the many performances, there’s plenty more to enjoy at C2C: Country to Country. Browse various stands, meet your favorite artists at signing sessions, and savor delicious barbecue dishes that perfectly complement the festival atmosphere.
Where: RTM Stage, Rotterdam Ahoy
When: Saturday, March 8 & Sunday, March 9, 2025
Tickets: Available here, starting at €69.44
More info: Check out the C2C website
The Dead South | Wednesday, March 12, 2025
The Dead South will be performing at AFAS Live on March 12, 2025. The band's 2024 tour dates sold out so quickly that they decided to plan a new tour.
The Dead South is a bluegrass ensemble with a heavy-metal attitude. Effortlessly shifting from traditional bluegrass to doom metal and everything in between, they remain captivating and relevant.
In 2016, The Dead South released In Hell I’ll Be In Good Company, which became a worldwide YouTube hit. With albums like Illusion & Doubt, Sugar & Joy, and Chains & Stakes, they’ve proven they’re no one-hit wonder.
Where: AFAS Live, Amsterdam
When: Wednesday, March 12, from 6:30 PM
Tickets: Available here for €53.50
More info: Available on this website
Down By The River | Sunday, April 13, 2025
Sunday, April 13, 2025, will be another musical highlight in Venlo as Down By The River returns to Grenswerk!
This is the ninth edition of the intimate festival, organized by Poppodium Grenswerk and Sedate Bookings. By now, it has become a must-attend event for lovers of Americana, folk, roots, and country music.
This year’s headliners are Kitty, Daisy & Lewis and Sam Outlaw. You can also enjoy performances by Heath, Melanie Ryan, Doctor Velvet, Brown Horse, and Jana Mila. Down By The River takes place across multiple stages at Poppodium Grenswerk. For select shows, the festival will move to Joriskerk, just a stone’s throw from Grenswerk.
Where: Poppodium Grenswerk, Venlo
When: Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Tickets: Available here for €35
More info: Available on the Grenswerk website
