BOLD XXL 2026
Celebrating 10 Years of BOLD Optical Fair
What started as an intimate optical gathering in the Dutch countryside has grown into one of the Netherlands’ largest meeting points for the optical industry.
On 6 & 7 September 2026, BOLD Optical Fair celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special BOLD XXL edition at the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch, bringing together more than 420 participating brands.
From Nijkerk to BOLD XXL
Ten years ago, BOLD began at Landgoed De Salentein in Nijkerk with a clear ambition: to create a fresh meeting place where optical professionals and suppliers could connect in an inspiring and accessible environment.
A decade later, that idea has developed into something considerably larger. For its anniversary edition, BOLD once again joins forces with the names, networks and expertise of BOLD, Centrop and Hall of Frames, bringing a broad cross-section of the optical sector together under one roof.
On Sunday 6 and Monday 7 September, the Brabanthallen will become a major meeting point for the Dutch optical market, with eyewear, lenses, technology, store concepts, services and industry specialists across the show floor.
With more than 420 participating brands, BOLD XXL gives opticians, optometrists and other optical professionals the opportunity to explore a remarkably broad selection of products and ideas within two intensive days.
Ten Years Calls for a Celebration
BOLD is marking its anniversary with more than collections and business meetings.
A special Anniversary Lottery will run throughout the event, allowing both visitors and exhibitors to purchase tickets while supporting two charities: the Oogfonds and Brillenbus.
Two prize draws will take place on each show day, hosted by presenter Bjorn Remmerswaal. Among the main prizes are a complete Carré presentation system from Top Vision Instore and a week of camper rental from Stijkel Campers, alongside a wider selection of prizes supplied by partners of the event.
It adds a playful element to an edition that is, above all, intended to celebrate how far the event — and the community surrounding it — has developed over the past decade.
Knowledge Meets the Show Floor
BOLD XXL is also putting professional development firmly on the programme with the introduction of the Kennisplein, or Knowledge Square.
During a compact series of presentations, industry experts will share current knowledge and insights relevant to opticians, contact lens specialists and optometrists.
The programme gives visitors the opportunity to combine discovering new collections with professional education and, for selected sessions, the possibility of obtaining accreditation points.
Places for the presentations are limited, making advance registration recommended for visitors planning to participate.
It reflects an increasingly important role for modern optical trade fairs. Beyond discovering new frames and products, events such as BOLD have become places where knowledge, retail ideas, technology and professional connections come together.
A Decade of BOLD
Perhaps the strongest measure of BOLD’s development is the distance between its beginnings and where it stands today.
From an event on an estate in Nijkerk to an XXL gathering filling the Brabanthallen, the show has grown alongside the independent optical community it was created to serve.
Ten years later, BOLD remains focused on exactly that community — bringing optical professionals, suppliers, designers and businesses together face-to-face.
And with more than 420 brands preparing for this anniversary edition, there should be plenty to discover.
BOLD XXL takes place on 6 and 7 September 2026 at the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands.
Admission is free for registered optical professionals.
The event is scheduled to open from 09:30 until 18:00 on both days.
About BOLD XXL 2026
BOLD Optical Fair 2026
BOLD XXL Eyewear Trade Show Netherlands
September 6-7, 2026
De Brabanthallen, Den Bosch, The Netherlands
BOLD Optical Fair 2026, also known as BOLD XXL, is the Netherlands’ leading independent eyewear and optics trade show. Hosted at De Brabanthallen in Den Bosch, the fair brings together passionate designers, opticians, and innovators. Known for its creative spirit and welcoming atmosphere, BOLD XXL is the meeting point for independent brands that push the boundaries of design and quality.
Square meters
Brands
Visitors 2024
BOLD Optical Fair 2026 will offer much more than a standard optical trade fair in the Netherlands. This edition will feature a wide selection of independent eyewear brands, exclusive product launches, and inspiring presentations that highlight both creativity and craftsmanship. By bringing together opticians, designers, and international exhibitors, BOLD XXL 2026 in Den Bosch creates a platform where business opportunities meet artistic vision. For professionals eager to explore the latest eyewear trends, it is the event that sets the tone for the coming season.
Key Facts Bold Optical Fair 2026: Dates and Location
-
Dates: September 6-7, 2026
-
Venue: De Brabanthallen, ’s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), Netherlands
-
Focus: Independent eyewear & optics
-
Audience: Opticians, designers, brand owners, eyewear retailers
Why BOLD XXL 2026 is the Place to Be
Every year, BOLD XXL transforms De Brabanthallen into the creative hub of the eyewear world. Unlike mass-market exhibitions, Bold Optical Fair is dedicated to showcasing independent eyewear brands that combine craftsmanship, originality, and passion.
"With so many confirmed brands, new elements, and the trusted BOLD ambiance, BOLD XXL is once again shaping up to be the optical event of the year."
At BOLD Optical Fair 2026, visitors will discover new collections, connect with designers in an intimate setting, and be inspired by the diversity of independent eyewear. This is not just an optical trade fair in the Netherlands; it’s a celebration of the artistry and innovation that define true eyewear culture.
Eyewear Trends at Bold Optical Fair 2025
The fair is a hotspot for spotting upcoming eyewear trends. From bold color statements to minimalist frames, sustainable materials, and avant-garde silhouettes, BOLD XXL has become the stage where tomorrow’s eyewear directions are first revealed. Opticians attending gain valuable insights into trends that will soon reach their own stores.
Networking and Community Spirit
Bold Optical Fair 2025 offers a unique, welcoming atmosphere where professionals connect on a personal level. Whether you are a store owner, designer, or brand representative, the fair provides a space for building collaborations, sharing ideas, and celebrating the independent eyewear community.
Highlights of BOLD Optical Fair 2026 (BOLD XXL)
-
Independent Brands
Meet some of the most creative and disruptive eyewear designers. -
Product Launches
Be the first to see new collections unveiled for the season. -
Networking Opportunities
Intimate setting for meaningful business connections. -
Inspirational Setting
De Brabanthallen offers a spacious, accessible venue in the Netherlands.
Staying Connected with Bold Optical Fair
The conversation continues beyond the fair. With regular updates, digital features, and media coverage by platforms like TEF Magazine, the Bold XXL Optical Fair keeps the independent eyewear community connected all year round.
More news on BOLD
BOLD XXL // A Decade of Doing Things Differently
BOLD XXL 2026 marked ten years of doing things differently, bringing 3,219 optical professionals together at the Brabanthallen for two days of eyewear, innovation, education and connection.
CLUB BIZARRE // The Underground Awaits
TEF Magazine launches the Club Bizarre eyewear exposition, a dark, immersive stage for avant-garde frames, wearable eyewear art and designs that refuse to behave.
BOLD XXL // Ten Years of uniting the Optical Industry
BOLD Optical Fair 2026 marks its tenth anniversary with BOLD XXL at the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch. Bringing together BOLD, Centrop and Hall of Frames, the Dutch optical trade show continues to grow into one of the most important gatherings for independent eyewear and optical professionals in Europe.
Bold Light 2026 // Targeted Purchasing and Networking
Bold Light 2026 in Den Bosch once again proved the value of focused industry gatherings, where opticians can concentrate on targeted purchasing and meaningful networking.
Bold Light 2026 // A Fresh Spring Edition Reimagined
Bold Light 2026 marks a refreshed spring edition of the Bold Optical Fair, bringing a compact format, a newly renovated industrial hall and a strong mix of over one hundred brands. The event focuses on clarity, creativity and efficient buying for opticians preparing their spring collections. With 70 percent already booked, this edition promises renewed energy and a sharp start to the season.
BOLD XXL 2025 // The Benelux Optical Trade Show That Connects the Industry
BOLD XXL 2025 brought the optical industry together in Den Bosch on September 7–8. As the largest optical trade show in the Benelux, it offered inspiration, innovation, and community through spaces like the Luxury Lounge and Ooggezondheidsplein. Independent opticians and global brands alike valued the Bold Optical Fair as the ideal place to network, buy new collections, and strengthen connections.
BOLD XXL 2025 // Bigger, Bolder, Brabanthallen
Join us at BOLD XXL 2025 on September 7–8 in Den Bosch. With over 335 brands and the all-new Eyecare Square for modern optical talks, this vibrant show remains a personal favorite and a must for every independent optician.
Bold Light // A Curated Showcase of Eyewear Excellence
Bold Light is set for March 24, 2025, at the 1931 Congress Centre in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, featuring over 135 brands.
TEFtalkBOLD // FFIN Eyewear
I sit down with the brilliant Anna Lewis, the creative force behind the award-winning independent eyewear brand FFIN, to discuss her latest retro-inspired frame design. Known for pushing the boundaries of eyewear design, Anna shares how she combines vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge materials and technology to create this bold, modern frame that is both stylish and functional.
BOLD XXL // International Allure in the Dutch World of Optics
On 8 and 9 September 2024, the Brabanthallen transformed into the epicenter of the optics world, hosting BOLD XXL, the premier optics trade fair of the Benelux region—and beyond! With over 360 brands and an impressive turnout of 2,772 visitors (including 376 from Germany and 147 from Belgium), this year’s event was nothing short of a triumph.
