Events
The events highlighted below comprise the most current popular festivals, processions and happenings that will be taking place in Flanders in the next few months. For a general quick reference guide, the "" pdf provides additional dates at a quick glance. Simply click here to download the pdf now.
For more comprehensive information about top, yearly events select Events 2008 and for Future Events in 2009 and beyond select the menu to the left, where you can also find more details on outstanding exhibitions in Flanders.
If you still don't find specific dates of an event that you are looking for then please contact trade@visitflanders.co.uk
May
Bruges Procession of the Holy Blood
1 May 2008
Held on Ascension Day since 1970, this procession illustrates scenes from the Old and New Testaments in a style that recalls Burgundian rule in the fifteenth century. It also tells of how the relic of the Holy Blood came to Bruges through the mediation of crusader Knight Diederik of Alsace and was venerated here. Future dates: 21 May 2009 and 13 May 2010. More information about this procession can be found at www.holyblood.com and www.brugge.be
1 May 2008
Held on Ascension Day since 1970, this procession illustrates scenes from the Old and New Testaments in a style that recalls Burgundian rule in the fifteenth century. It also tells of how the relic of the Holy Blood came to Bruges through the mediation of crusader Knight Diederik of Alsace and was venerated here. Future dates: 21 May 2009 and 13 May 2010. More information about this procession can be found at www.holyblood.com and www.brugge.be
Leuven In Scenes
10 to 11 May 2008
The biennial, international, open-air theatre festival ‘Leuven In Scenes’ guarantees atmosphere and spectacle in the city. It comprises a number of memorable main acts, performances at international level, plus ‘creators of atmosphere’. In 2006 the festival brought 100,000 visitors to Leuven. The main attraction was the transformed colourful fairy-tale like Town Hall. This Festival is totally free of charge and takes place every 2 years. Future date: 26 and 27 May 2010. For more information about this event call 0032 16 22 70 99.
10 to 11 May 2008
The biennial, international, open-air theatre festival ‘Leuven In Scenes’ guarantees atmosphere and spectacle in the city. It comprises a number of memorable main acts, performances at international level, plus ‘creators of atmosphere’. In 2006 the festival brought 100,000 visitors to Leuven. The main attraction was the transformed colourful fairy-tale like Town Hall. This Festival is totally free of charge and takes place every 2 years. Future date: 26 and 27 May 2010. For more information about this event call 0032 16 22 70 99.
Ostend at Anchor
22 to 25 May 2008
Ostend at Anchor is the number-one maritime event of the spring. The 2006 edition welcomed no fewer than 200,000 visitors, who paid tribute to Ostend’s maritime heritage. Last year celebrated Tin Tin and the one-hundredth anniversary of Hergé’s birth and in 2008 the theme will be Belgians at the South Pole. Visitors can access more than 100 tall ships to view life on board daily from 10.00-12.00 and 13.30-18.00. www.oostendevooranker.be
22 to 25 May 2008
Ostend at Anchor is the number-one maritime event of the spring. The 2006 edition welcomed no fewer than 200,000 visitors, who paid tribute to Ostend’s maritime heritage. Last year celebrated Tin Tin and the one-hundredth anniversary of Hergé’s birth and in 2008 the theme will be Belgians at the South Pole. Visitors can access more than 100 tall ships to view life on board daily from 10.00-12.00 and 13.30-18.00. www.oostendevooranker.be
Brussels Jazz Marathon
23 to 25 May 2008
Brussels, Grand Place, place du Sablon, place Ste-Catherine & place Fernand Cocq. Now in its twelfth edition, the weekend of the Brussels Jazz Marathon has become an annual mecca for enthusiasts of jazz and swinging live music of every description. With more than 450 musicians performing on the main squares in Brussels as well as in 50 venues/clubs/hotels, this three-day event invariably brings music fans flocking. This years edition promises to live up to its great reputation with renowned artists of international fame alongside a new generation of exceptional young talents waiting to be discovered. Access to all concerts is totally FREE! www.brusselsjazzmarathon.be
23 to 25 May 2008
Brussels, Grand Place, place du Sablon, place Ste-Catherine & place Fernand Cocq. Now in its twelfth edition, the weekend of the Brussels Jazz Marathon has become an annual mecca for enthusiasts of jazz and swinging live music of every description. With more than 450 musicians performing on the main squares in Brussels as well as in 50 venues/clubs/hotels, this three-day event invariably brings music fans flocking. This years edition promises to live up to its great reputation with renowned artists of international fame alongside a new generation of exceptional young talents waiting to be discovered. Access to all concerts is totally FREE! www.brusselsjazzmarathon.be
July
Brussels Ommegang
1 and 3 July 2008
The Ommegang always held on the first Tuesday and Thursday in May remains one of the most important historical and cultural events staged in Brussels. No fewer than 1,400 extras dressed in authentic historic costumes, scores of horses, coaches and giants take part in the spectacle. They leave from the Grote Zavel and eventually plunge the magnificent Grote Markt back into history. You can reserve a seat at one of the tribunes on the Grote Markt. Tickets start from €32.50 per person and will be available from 21 June at Brussels International, reservations are possible by fax: 0032 2 548 04 44, email: a.sas@brusselsinternational.be web: www.ommegang.be
1 and 3 July 2008
The Ommegang always held on the first Tuesday and Thursday in May remains one of the most important historical and cultural events staged in Brussels. No fewer than 1,400 extras dressed in authentic historic costumes, scores of horses, coaches and giants take part in the spectacle. They leave from the Grote Zavel and eventually plunge the magnificent Grote Markt back into history. You can reserve a seat at one of the tribunes on the Grote Markt. Tickets start from €32.50 per person and will be available from 21 June at Brussels International, reservations are possible by fax: 0032 2 548 04 44, email: a.sas@brusselsinternational.be web: www.ommegang.be
Bruges Zand Fests
6 July, 3 August & 28 September 2008
Koning Albertpark & ‘t Zand
Held three times throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy perusing one of the largest flea markets in Flanders. Contact: 0032 50 34 17 36
6 July, 3 August & 28 September 2008
Koning Albertpark & ‘t Zand
Held three times throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy perusing one of the largest flea markets in Flanders. Contact: 0032 50 34 17 36
Ghent Festivities
19 to 28 July 2008
Every year this long-established, ten-day cultural event takes over Ghent’s historic city centre. There is free music on all the central squares and hundreds of other activities, plus three international-level festivals! Future Dates: 18-27 July 2009 and 17-26 July 2010. www.gentsefeesten.be
19 to 28 July 2008
Every year this long-established, ten-day cultural event takes over Ghent’s historic city centre. There is free music on all the central squares and hundreds of other activities, plus three international-level festivals! Future Dates: 18-27 July 2009 and 17-26 July 2010. www.gentsefeesten.be
August
Brussels Flower Carpet
14 to 17 August 2008
A million begonias in one carpet…. The famous Flower Carpet gracing the middle of the Grote Markt/Grand-Place in Brussels measures a staggering 300m2! The design is different each time it is created by market gardeners from Ghent, who are world famous for their speciality, the begonia. The colourful carpet can best be admired from the balcony of the Town Hall, which is open to the public for the occasion from 9.00 till 11.00. Tickets for this panoramic visit cost €3. www.brusselsinternational.be, www.flowercarpet.be
14 to 17 August 2008
A million begonias in one carpet…. The famous Flower Carpet gracing the middle of the Grote Markt/Grand-Place in Brussels measures a staggering 300m2! The design is different each time it is created by market gardeners from Ghent, who are world famous for their speciality, the begonia. The colourful carpet can best be admired from the balcony of the Town Hall, which is open to the public for the occasion from 9.00 till 11.00. Tickets for this panoramic visit cost €3. www.brusselsinternational.be, www.flowercarpet.be
Bruges Lace Days
15 to 17 August 2008
Bruges, Walplein & Beguinage quarters
Every year Bruges has an event called the Bruges Lace Days. In 2008 this event will be taking place for the 28th time. During this event you can see a number of lace groups of the Bruges Lace Centre and there will also be groups present from abroad. Contact: 0032 50 33 00 72,
info@kantcentrum.com
www.kantcentrum.com,
www.museabrugge.be
Bruges Canal Festival 2008
15, 16, 18, 20 and 23 August 2008
Bruges, various locations
The triennial Canal Festival recreates the history of the city by means of eight spectacles along the magically lit Canals and on the Burg in the heart of Bruges.
Like the previous editions all activities will start at 21.00. Tickets are already available and cost €13.50 (if you purchase them before 31 July) or €15 (if you purchase them after 31 July).
Contact: 0032 70 22 50 05
15, 16, 18, 20 and 23 August 2008
Bruges, various locations
The triennial Canal Festival recreates the history of the city by means of eight spectacles along the magically lit Canals and on the Burg in the heart of Bruges.
Like the previous editions all activities will start at 21.00. Tickets are already available and cost €13.50 (if you purchase them before 31 July) or €15 (if you purchase them after 31 July).
Contact: 0032 70 22 50 05
Antwerp Taste Festival
22 to 24 August 2008
Antwerp, Groenplaats
In 2007 the first edition of this Festival was an overwhelming success; in fact it turned out to be the most popular culinary festival of Belgium last year. About 20 restaurant holders/caterers have their own little booth on the Groenplaats where visitors can buy several of their specialities. There is no entrance fee for this festival, all that is required is to purchase some tickets to exchange for the food. A ticket cost €1.80 and most of the dishes cost only 1 or 2 tickets per dish. A few more fancy restaurants offer large meals for a maximum of 7 tickets per dish. A great way to sample some Flemish fare. Stalls open on Friday 22 August at 16.00 until 00.00, Saturday & Sunday 12.00 until 00.00. Contact: 0032 497 41 84 58 or office@aproeft.be
22 to 24 August 2008
Antwerp, Groenplaats
In 2007 the first edition of this Festival was an overwhelming success; in fact it turned out to be the most popular culinary festival of Belgium last year. About 20 restaurant holders/caterers have their own little booth on the Groenplaats where visitors can buy several of their specialities. There is no entrance fee for this festival, all that is required is to purchase some tickets to exchange for the food. A ticket cost €1.80 and most of the dishes cost only 1 or 2 tickets per dish. A few more fancy restaurants offer large meals for a maximum of 7 tickets per dish. A great way to sample some Flemish fare. Stalls open on Friday 22 August at 16.00 until 00.00, Saturday & Sunday 12.00 until 00.00. Contact: 0032 497 41 84 58 or office@aproeft.be
Guide
The "" Guide provides an overview of events, processions, exhibitions and happenings in Flanders which can be used as a quick reference guide to find out what's taking place in particular cities or at certain months of the year.
Download What’s On pdf
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