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Custom Culture meets Open House
On August 15, our grounds once again became a gathering place for everyone with gasoline running through their veins and a passion for extraordinary vehicles, art, and custom culture. At Rumble & Thunder 2026, old and new faces came together, and there were plenty of special classic cars, artists, bikes, and, of course, plenty of opportunities for conversation.
The weather was mostly summery. With temperatures around 30 degrees and a mix of sun and clouds, it was very pleasant on the grounds. Toward the end, there was a bit of rain, but that’s just part of the experience at an event during the German summer.
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More InformationArtists, Craft and Custom Culture
An integral part of Rumble & Thunder is our Artist Mile. In 2026, once again, many familiar faces were there to showcase just how diverse the custom scene can be.
Chiko has been known for years for his exquisite pinstriping work and has already painted and finished numerous parts for us. This is particularly evident in our Chicanos, such as El Jefe Verde, La Purpura, El Sicario, and Katara. With a steady hand, he creates unique works of art on tanks, sheet metal parts, helmets, and many other surfaces, turning a custom bike into a truly one-of-a-kind piece. At Rumble & Thunder, he once again demonstrated live just how much precision, experience, and attention to detail go into his work.
Jan Meininghaus is the illustrator behind our Rumble & Thunder graphics. His striking illustrations have been a part of our event for several years now and also appear on our popular event T-shirts. The shirts featuring his designs have become a staple of Rumble & Thunder, and of course, they were available for purchase right on-site again this year – and sold out within the first few hours. It’s incredible how well the T-shirts were received by all of you.
Chiko has become an integral part of Rumble & Thunder and once again showcased his pinstriping skills this year.
This year’s Rumble & Thunder artwork was once again created by Jan Meininghaus (left).
The next artists also offered a wide variety of styles. Hang Loose Tattoo brought along his “Wanna Do” designs and tattooed people right there on the spot. Anyone who wanted to get one of his designs could also check out his social media channels in advance.
Benni Radtke was also there as a tattoo artist. Visitors were able to check out his unique designs at his booth and, of course, talk to him directly about possible designs.
Things took a slightly more unusual turn at Juppel’s Kustom Carpets: Jan crafts handmade custom rugs, ranging from simple lettering to detailed designs. Anyone who had been thinking about getting their own rug with a personalized design for a while could take advantage of the opportunity to discuss their desired design directly with him.
Murder Murals provided airbrush and custom painting. Marc Siekmann from Mülheim an der Ruhr has been a part of our events for years and once again showcased his detailed work and unique style.
Wanna Do-Tattoos and vibrant colours with Hang Loose Tattoo at our Rumble & Thunder.
Custom tattoo art and personalized designs with Benni Radtke (right).
Juppel’s Kustom Carpets: Custom carpets made to order. From lettering to intricate one-of-a-kind pieces.
Airbrushing and custom painting by Marc Siekmann of Murder Murals.
At The Barn Ink Co., leather becomes a canvas. Markus uses his tattoo machine to ink custom designs directly onto leather gloves, belts, or bags. In the process, everyday leather items are transformed into truly one-of-a-kind pieces.
Waffle Style, on the other hand, brought a good dose of vintage style. In addition to various small goodies and skateboard decks, Markus mainly had genuine vintage classics from the ’80s on hand. Anyone who loves authentic old-school fashion and unique finds could definitely discover a gem or two here. If you’re into vintage VANS, be sure to stop by Markus’s shop in Bottrop.
Of course, UZEY Tattoo & Art was also a must-see on our Artist Mile. Kai has been part of our show for years and specializes in airbrushing and pinstriping. His work combines precise craftsmanship with a style all his own.
Stefan Knaup Hair Clipper, our event barber, was there again this year and provided fresh haircuts and well-groomed beards on site.
Markus gives leather a very special character through precise tattoo lines.
The Waffle Styles booth featured vintage fashion and old-school classics from several decades.
Airbrushing and pinstriping by Kai – a staple of our show for years.
Our event barber, Stefan Knaup, once again provided fresh hairstyles and well-groomed beards.
In addition to the artists and exhibitors already mentioned, there were, of course, many other creative minds on the grounds.
Carlo’s Engravings was there with its intricate engravings. Among other things, Carlo engraves motorcycle parts, giving them a very personal look.
Rebate Upcycling showed what can still be made from old skateboards. Ralf handcrafts items such as knives, key chains, and unique decorative pieces from used decks.
At RevierLiebe, art, tattoos, and the Ruhr Valley’s custom culture came together. Tim and Heike Schaefer have been active in this scene for over 30 years and brought their diverse body of work to Hamminkeln.
Carlo Engravings (right), known for its extremely detailed engravings on motorcycle parts.
At Rebate Upcycling, old skateboards are transformed into new, handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Over 30 years of the Ruhr region and custom culture in art, tattoos, and many other works at RevierLiebe.
Quiet Rebels – first-time participants
New to Rumble & Thunder were Dikkie and Patty from the Netherlands with their label Quiet Rebels. Their mix of vintage and secondhand clothing, accessories, hand-painted items, and digital art fit perfectly into our artist mile.
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Exhibitor-Gallery
Artistic Treasures from Our Talented Local Artists
Oldschool Bikes meet Classic Cars
Of course, the vehicles took center stage again this year. In addition to numerous bikes, there were plenty of classic American cars to discover.
From the famous ’52 Chevy in “Hot Wheels style” to gorgeous Corvettes, striking Dodge pickups, and other vintage cars, there was plenty to see once again. Together with the old-school bikes and the various custom bikes, the entire grounds featured a pretty diverse mix. It’s precisely this mix that makes Rumble & Thunder so special to us: the focus here isn’t just on a specific type of vehicle, but on the passion behind it.
Open House at Thunderbike
The event reached its peak between about 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. More and more visitors arrived at the venue and took the opportunity not only to view the vehicles and exhibitors, but also to get a behind-the-scenes look at Thunderbike.
At the Open House, our visitors were able to stroll through the showroom, production area, welding shop, and workshop to see where and how our custom bikes are built. Of course, there were also some of our own bikes on display in the showroom and around the premises.
There was plenty going on in terms of food, too. The food court was well-attended throughout the day and offered something for every taste, including bratwurst and pork neck steak in a bun, burgers, and fresh waffles. These were accompanied by cold soft drinks and, of course, the occasional cold beer.
Those who wanted to take it a little easier could settle in at a reserved table while the Roadhouse was open and enjoy à la carte dining.
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What made us especially happy: People of every age group were represented on the grounds. Families, young bikers, longtime regulars, and first-time visitors all spent a relaxing Saturday together.
It’s exactly this mix that makes Rumble & Thunder so special to us. It’s not just about the vehicles – it’s mainly about the people behind them. Throughout the day, we saw many familiar faces, met new people, and had plenty of great conversations.
We’ve also seen your many stories and photos from the event online over the past few days. We’re thrilled that so many of you share our passion and are sharing your experience with us with others.
You were there
Maybe you’ll spot yourselves in one of the photos. Thanks to Jacek, who helped plan the event and with the organization, and also to everyone who came out, chatted with us, ate, laughed, marveled at the vehicles, and brought the venue to life.
Thanks for a great Rumble & Thunder 2026. Hopefully we’ll see you again next year!
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