Discovering Belgium
Events
in Belgium
Are Calling
An overview of several annual events in Belgium, be sure to visit them when you are in the region.
Staying in Tongeren offers a great base for exploring the surrounding cities, each of which hosts major events that attract tourists throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in cultural festivals, music performances, or seasonal markets, here are some of the most notable events in Liège, Antwerp, Brussels, and other major cities in Belgium and beyond that you can visit during your stay in Tongeren:
Where to go in
Brussels
- Brussels Jazz Marathon (May)
- A weekend event where the streets of Brussels come alive with jazz performances in a variety of locations, from concert halls to public squares. It’s a free festival with performances from both local and international jazz artists.
- Brussels Flower Carpet (August, every two years)
- This biennial event is a stunning sight. The Grand Place is covered with a massive, colorful flower carpet made from thousands of begonias. It’s one of the most beautiful and unique floral displays in Europe.
- Ommegang (July)
- A traditional medieval pageant held in the heart of Brussels, the Ommegang brings history to life with parades, costumed performers, music, and ancient rituals. It celebrates Brussels’ royal history and is a fun and immersive event.
- Brussels Christmas Market (December)
- Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d’Hiver) is one of Brussels’ most famous Christmas markets, with a magical atmosphere, a large ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and more than 200 stalls offering festive foods, drinks, and unique gifts.
Where to go in
Antwerp
Antwerp
Fashion Week
Antwerp Fashion Week is a platform where brands and showrooms show their newest collections to retailers. During the Antwerp Fashion Week, Antwerp transforms into a dynamic fashion hub with fashion shows, open showrooms and pop up events all over the city.
- Antwerp Fashion Week (February)
- Known as the fashion capital of Belgium, Antwerp hosts a fashion week showcasing the latest collections from local and international designers. This is a must-visit for those with an interest in fashion and style.
- Antwerp Summer Festival (August)
- A lively celebration of music, theater, and dance that takes over the streets of Antwerp in the summer. Expect performances in open-air venues, live music, and interactive art installations across the city.
- Antwerp’s Christmas Market (December)
- The city’s holiday market is famous for its charm, with beautifully decorated stalls offering seasonal food, unique gifts, and handcrafted goods. The market also features an ice skating rink and plenty of cozy spots to relax with a warm drink.
Where to go in
Liège
Things To Do
Festival di Wallonia
Romance in Winter
Christmas Market Liege
- Liège-Guillemins Music Festival – Fête de la Musique (June)
- Held in the stunning Liège-Guillemins railway station and it continues on in the streets of the city, this annual festival celebrates classical and contemporary music. Performances are held in unique spaces within the station, making it a memorable experience for music lovers. Musicians of all kinds perform for free in public spaces, bringing the city alive with sound and energy.
- Festival of Wallonia (July-August)
- This summer festival celebrates the cultural heritage of the Wallonia region with concerts, theater, and art installations in various locations around Liège. It’s a fantastic way to experience local culture and entertainment.
- The Christmas Market (Liège Noël) (December)
- One of the largest and most atmospheric Christmas markets in Belgium, this event transforms the city center into a winter wonderland with Christmas stalls, festive decorations, and entertainment.
Where to go in
Other Nearby Cities
- Gentse Feesten (Ghent, July)
- The Gentse Feesten is one of Belgium’s largest cultural festivals, attracting over a million visitors each year. The event features a diverse range of music, theater, and street performances, and transforms the city of Ghent into a vibrant festival hub.
- Tomorrowland (Boom, July)
- For electronic music fans, Tomorrowland in Boom, near Antwerp, is a world-renowned music festival that attracts top DJs from around the world. It’s one of the biggest EDM festivals globally and offers a truly unforgettable experience.
- Keukenhof Flower Festival (Lisse, Netherlands – April-May)
- Just a short drive from Tongeren, the Keukenhof in the Netherlands hosts one of the world’s most famous flower festivals, featuring millions of tulips in bloom. It’s a must-see for garden enthusiasts and those looking to experience spring in all its floral beauty.
- Maastricht Carnival (Maastricht, Netherlands – February)
- One of the oldest and largest carnivals in the Netherlands, the Maastricht Carnival offers colorful parades, street parties, and a lively atmosphere. It’s an exciting event for those who enjoy vibrant celebrations.
- Luxembourg City Film Festival (Luxembourg City, February-March)
- A short drive from Tongeren, the Luxembourg City Film Festival showcases independent films from around the world. It’s a great event for cinema lovers looking to explore global cinema and meet filmmakers.
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