Belgium, a culturally rich country, is a part of Western Europe and is known to be home to many medieval monuments.
It is a small country that hosts many grand festivals and events throughout the year. In fact, this diverse country is known to host some of the most vibrant and joyful festivals in the world that attract people from all over the world! Anyone who gets a chance to witness these festivals in Belgium will surely come back next year.
Check out the many vibrant festivals and celebrations that take place in this small country that shape our culture and give off such joyful vibes!
1. Boomball Fest
The Bumble Festival is the most popular folk dance festival in Belgium. Traditional folk music written by the best local songwriters in Belgium is presented here.
The Bumble Festival has a number of stalls that serve up some great vegetarian dishes from local cuisines. Folk lovers from all over the world flock here to witness this incredible performance of traditional folk music and dance.
During the festival, the entire place is lit up with colorful lights and people gather around bonfires.
Bumble Festival Dates: 20-23 August 2021
2. Rock Virtor
Rock Werchter was awarded the Arthur Award in 2015 as the best music festival.
It is one of the grandest events in Belgium where many talented Belgian musicians showcase their love for rock music.
It started in 1974 and remains one of the best music festivals in Belgium.
Many famous and well-known artists have performed here, including Iggy Pop, U2, Muse, Eurythmics, Ramstein, Florence + The Machine, Red Hot Chill Peppers and Metallica.
Rock Werchter Date: 2-5 July 2021
3. Carnival de Binche
The Carnival de Binche, which started in the 14th century, is Belgium’s most beloved traditional festival.
It’s a three-day festival with confetti spread streets, harlequins, peasants and pirouettes that parade the routes.
The central male figure of the festival throws blood oranges towards the crowd. At the conclusion of the event, the sky is lit up with firecrackers.
Carnival de Binche Dates: 23-25 February 2021
4. Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland Festival in Belgium is the best music and dance festival which is visited by people from every corner or the world.
This festival is a must for every electronic music fan. It started in 2005 and has been an annual event since then.
Tomorrowland Belgium 2021 will be held in a park in Flanders to showcase some of the best musicians and artists from around the world in a comfortable setting. Thousands of people are seen dancing and swaying to the melodious tunes played here.
Tomorrowland Date: 24th-26th July 2021
5. Salon Du Chocolat Brussels
Belgium has always been popular for offering an assortment of Belgian chocolates. Some of the best and tastiest chocolates in this country can be found in various shops.
Salon du Chocolat Brussels is Belgium’s best chocolate festival and a must visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Experience interactive sessions with some of the best chocolate makers at this chocolate festival in Belgium.
A must-visit is the Chic and Chocolate Gourmet Walk, a 500-metre path filled with chocolate goodies and treats.
Salon du Chocolat Brussels Date: 14-16 February 2021
6. Bruges Beer Festival
Also known as the Kerstbierfestival, the Bruges Beer Festival is held annually over the Christmas weekend in the Essen region.
The festival features the best spicy, unique flavored and blended beers that are freshly brewed during the winter season.
This is one of Belgium’s most awaited festivals that offers an excellent opportunity to taste a range of excellent beers from across Europe.
Dates of Bruges Beer Festival: 31 January to 2 February 2021
7. Brussels Animation Film Festival
It is commonly known as Anima Festival and is held every year in the month of February. Every year, thousands of people, especially animation makers eagerly wait for this festival.
The main objective of the festival is to encourage talented people to create computer generated films and clips. The festival showcases a variety of short and long animated films.
Animated film fans gather during this festival to discuss new upcoming animated films.
Brussels Animation Film Festival Dates: 21 February – 1 March 2021
8. Flower Carpet Festival
This Belgium Flower Festival is one of the most unique festivals in Brussels. The road leading to the famous Grand Palace is covered with millions of colorful flowers in the form of a magnificent woven carpet.
These beautiful flower arrangements never fail to surprise and amaze the audience. Every year flowers are decorated according to a specific theme.
Flower Carpet Festival Date: 13-16 August 2021
9. Ghent Light Festival
This light festival in Belgium is celebrated every three years in Ghent. During the festival you can enjoy the spectacular views of the city of Ghent for free.
Many talented and professional lighting artists from all over the world come here to showcase their talent at this grand event.
Many performances and amazing light-based events are showcased here. The illuminated city looks spectacular during this festival and offers breathtaking views of the entire city.
Ghent Light Festival date: January 2021
10. Brussels Food Truck Festival
In the last few years, the street food culture in Europe has taken on a completely new shape.
Many food truck festivals are being held across Europe and Brussels is bucking the trend by hosting a massive food truck festival of its own.
More than 100 trucks come together every year to serve the best of local food from several cuisines. This is a must-see event for food lovers in Belgium.
Brussels Food Truck Festival Date: June 2021 (tentative)
11. Elrow Town Summer Festival
Born in Spain, Elro Town is a legendary party concept now coming to Antwerp for the first time! What will it all be? Well, we can tell you that it’s going to be an absolute blast roshow with mind-blowing performances, throbbing bass-lines, dazzling cast, stunts by trapeze artists from around the world, select props and toys and stilt walkers. About to put on the craziest show ever!
Produced and hosted by the best show people, it’s going to be a festive night where you can dance the night away while you’re not watching a performance or two.
There will be multiple stage setups and performances or live music gigs by over 20 international artists. Book tickets to your dreamland for 2021 now!
Aloe Town Summer Festival Date: June 2021
12. Away Fest
This is a quirky multi-genre festival that has been entertaining people in the Belgian countryside since 1989. A testament to his success, the crowds keep growing every year and this year too, he’s sure to be a smash! Door Festival has been tearing up the best talent on stage for over two decades and won’t be slowing down in 2021.
It was once a one-day event attended by around a thousand people from Belgium, and now you’ll see over 225,000 attendees as well as hundreds of artists from around the world joining in the fun.
To match the expectation level of this huge crowd, the festival now lasts for 5 days and is one of the most lit festivals in Belgium with a wide variety of music from mainstream rock, electronic, pop.
Away Celebration Date: July 2021