Free local produce festival ‘Taste Your Region’ on 4 October at MECC Maastricht

Following a successful first edition, Proef je Regio returns to MECC Maastricht on Sunday 4 October. Proef je Regio is collaborating on this with Streekproductenplein, the community behind the local food network in the region. As a partner of the festival, Streekproductenplein is bringing together around 25 local producers at the local produce market. The festival will also see the launch of the STREEK platform: a single online hub where orders can be placed with farm shops, producers and short-supply-chain initiatives across the entire region. This means the experience doesn’t end with the festival: even afterwards, visitors can easily buy local produce directly from local producers, from farm to fork. In this way, ‘Proef je Regio’ combines tasting, socialising and ongoing local consumption.

The STREEK Platform, developed by Beter Bij Ons, creates a single online hub where orders can be placed across the entire region with various short-supply-chain initiatives, farm shops and producers. Producers and shops can easily set up their own online shop and sell to both B2C and B2B customers. Anyone can get involved with minimal effort; the focus is on connecting and collaborating. Camiel Absil, Streekproductenplein and STREEK: “The STREEK Platform makes it easier than ever to make a conscious choice to buy products from your own region. ”Taste Your Region’ is therefore the perfect place to introduce the platform in Limburg and give consumers a first-hand experience of the short food supply chain.”

‘Proef je Regio’ focuses on taste, socialising and the experience. Visitors get to meet the people behind the local produce and discover the diversity of the Limburg region. As well as the local produce market, visitors can enjoy inspiring cooking demonstrations featuring local produce and take part in a wine tasting. There’s plenty on offer for our youngest visitors too. They can have their faces painted and meet the animals at the petting zoo. The children’s activities tie in with Animal Day, which is celebrated on 4 October. 

On the Regional Heroes Stage, two special awards will be presented: the Limburg Regional Hero Award 2026 for one of the local producers in attendance who stands out for their exceptional quality, craftsmanship and passion for the region. In addition, the Gastronomic Ambassador will be announced. Last year, this title was awarded to Michelin-starred chef Hans van Wolde, who was named for his exceptional contribution to gastronomy, his creativity and his role as a figurehead for Limburg cuisine. 

Lindsey Duijsings, Exhibition Manager for ‘Proef je Regio’ and the BBB Maastricht hospitality trade fair: “With ”Proef je Regio’, we want to show that locally produced food is not only exceptionally tasty, but also accessible and sustainable. Thanks to our partnership with Streekproductenplein, visitors can continue to build that connection with local producers even after the festival has ended.”

‘Taste Your Region’ will take place on Sunday 4 October 2026 from 12:00 to 16:00 at the MECC Maastricht. Admission is free. Visitors must register in advance via www.proefjeregio.nl