Festivals and major events in Belgium in 2026

UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. The Gilles parade in traditional costume on Shrove Tuesday with ostrich-feather hats and throw blood oranges into the crowd.

Unmissable contemporary art fair, Tour & Taxis. 175 international galleries. European reference for emerging and established artists.

UNESCO heritage: descent of Saint Waltrude's shrine, Golden Coach procession, and the Lumeçon fight between Saint George and the Dragon.

World music festival at Osseghem Park (near Atomium). Hip-hop, reggae, soul, world. Family and multicultural atmosphere.

Europe's biggest rock/pop festival. 4 days, 5 stages, 88,000 festival-goers/day. 4-day tickets ~ €280.

Legendary electronic music festival. 600,000 festival-goers over 2 weekends. Tickets sold out in minutes in January — pre-registration mandatory.

10-day popular festival in the historic centre. Free concerts, street theatre, gastronomy. 1.5 million visitors.

Belgium's largest funfair, along Avenue du Midi. 5 weeks of rides, attractions, street food. Free entry (pay per attraction).

Military and civilian parade at Royal Park. National ball at Place du Jeu de Balle. Fireworks at 11pm. Free, public holiday, reinforced public transport.

Monumental begonia carpet on the Grand-Place (75 m × 25 m, 1,800 m²). Every 2 years (even years). View from Town Hall balcony (~ €6).

Rock/indie/electro festival in Limburg. 200 artists over 4 days. Younger and more alternative vibe than Werchter.

Brussels Heritage Days. Free access to 100+ usually closed places: embassies, mansions, artist studios.

Haunted trail in the lit citadel. Children's activities. Good alternative to commercial Halloween fair.

240 chalets on Grand-Place, Place Sainte-Catherine, Place de la Monnaie. Ice rink, big wheel, sound-and-light show on Town Hall.

Ice rink on the Markt, chalets on Simon Stevinplein. More intimate and romantic than Brussels.

The « real » Belgian Santa. Presents for children — for most BE families more important than Christmas. Processions and parades in every city.