Draaimolen

Come for Draaimolen Festival 2026, stay for… everything else?

In less than a week we welcome you to Tilburg: a city that has much up its sleeve. We’re proudly a part of this city’s mesh, owing more to it than we could ever give back. And who better to ask for its current hotspots than two of the hottest local artists gracing this year’s lineup. French II and Annebel take you on a tour.

By all means, do overstay your visit!

1. Antenne / SamSam

F: ‘’By a stroke of luck (and hard work), the coolest record store in The Netherlands happens to be in Tilburg.’’

Here you can stock up on electronic music, from classics like Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada to the most obscure gabber release. Or of course you can pop in for a good techno or dubstep record. And don’t forget the fantastic selections of punk and experimental. On top of that, it's a record store and a fantastically curated vintage clothing shop in one.

A: ‘’The dubstep collection is marvelous, shop as a whole is unmatched!’’

2. De Vijfsprong

F: ‘’It’s the best spot for a beer while you watch some almost-accidents.’’

If you're heading to Antenne / SamSam anyway, swing by De Vijfsprong afterward for a drink at Spaarbank or Steck. The Dutch cycle a lot, and at this five-way junction (as the name says) five roads come together. You’ll have a wonderful time sitting and witnessing the bikes whizzing past each other. There are also loads of nice little bars and shops around the square, the perfect place to soak up Tilburg's vibe.

3. De Nachtzuster

A: ‘’Creative art place where everything is possible, super cute program and a lot of space for experimentation.’’

De Nachtzuster is an inclusive space that brings together all different sorts of mavericks from the Tilburg art scene. How, you ask? By harboring an openly accessible art studio, through online station Radio Smederij, and by hosting exhibitions, sound collectives, workshops, permanently integrated artworks and much more.

4. V39

A: ‘’I’ve both participated and taught lessons there which makes it a special place to me.’’

A hugely important youth center where all young people are welcome to practice their DJ skills and producer skills for free (amongst many other things). It’s a hub for activities right in the city center of Tilburg, keeping the barrier-to-entry as low as it gets. Go support (y)our local youth center! They’re disappearing at alarming rates.

5. Buitenbeentje

F: ‘’Cheap beer, good people, and a wonderfully authentic atmosphere.’’

The best pub in Tilburg, period. This is where Tilburg's artists and musicians hang out. Beer here costs 2.60 euros, talk about the good old days. They also have every drink you could think of, and let's not forget Guinness on tap.

6. Cinecitta

A: ‘’Really cute cinema I love to go to! They have great programming, and it’s a really pretty place!’’

You like your movies just a little bit more art house or C-list? We got you. Cinecitta is a boutique movie theatre that has a surprisingly fresh and hip feel for all of the rich history behind it. At this spot, good moving pictures have blessed the screen for over a 100 years. Your popcorn time’s sorted.

7. STOOM

F: ‘’When the sun's out, it's the best spot to enjoy the terrace.’’

An old train carriage in the Spoorzone where they sell specialty coffee. You can also get natural wine here. It's kind of the gathering spot for young and alternative people in Tilburg. Run by super sweet people.

8. Steck013

A: ‘’Perfect central place to eat a quick meal or drink some hot chocolate!’’

Here’s a no-nonsense spot for you, great to settle in both inside and outside. Drop in for an afternoon that turns into an evening and right into the night, the full experience running its course through accessible dinner and a versatile selection of drinks. Homey, cozy and with great service.

9. Zomerlust

F: ‘’If you're after more of a natural setting, stop by Zomerlust.’’

They have a big selection of tasty local beers, and it borders the beautiful Moerenburg nature area, where you can finally put your gorpcore to use, hiking through the lovely Dutch landscape.

10. La Trappe

‘’mega lekkere bitterballen’’

La Trappe is a trappist beer brewery run by monks on the edge of Tilburg. Here you'll taste the best classic beers in the region, and they have seriously delicious bitterballen (a typical Dutch snack). Located a lovely 15-minute bike ride from the city center, which takes you right into Tilburg’s beautiful countryside.

11. Museum De Pont

Museum De Pont is a contemporary art museum located in a former wool spinning mill in Tilburg. Both their temporary exhibits and permanent collections are of outstanding quality. Good to know: De Pont is free to visit on Thursday evenings from 17:00 until 20:00. Pay them a visit right before the opening concert at 013!

12. Textielmuseum

The Textielmuseum is a wonderful museum for textile art, design and heritage. On top of it, it holds a state of the art production department. Visit to glance at a rich collection of fabrics, garments and weaves, and to see a museum that’s in motion like few others are.