Ghent Events and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium)

For the very latest in the way of events, festivals and things to do in Ghent, be sure to pick up your free copy of the 'Week Up', which contains useful listings of cinemas, theatres and more, and is available both from the tourist office and from cafes around the city. Those with an interest in classical music should also look out for Ghent's 'Muziek in de Stad' pamphlet.

The summer is always a good time for festivals in Belgium and many of the best take place close by, within the country's capital city of Brussels. However, don't overlook the offerings in Ghent, with events such as the Gentse Feesten (Ghent Fests), which lasts around ten days and runs from the end of July and into the beginning of August.


Many musical events, open-air rock rigs, classical music concerts and jazz performances can be expected during the Gentse Feesten, along with some smaller related festivals and endless street entertainment. The Gentse Feesten is one of Belgium's oldest festivals and first took place as long ago as 1832. Today, more than one million people head to Ghent to enjoy these annual summer festivities.

Held each year at the Flanders Expo Centre in Ghent in November, the 'I Love Techno' event regularly sells out and is always a crowd-puller, as is the '10 Days Off' festival in July, where a series of lively concerts are staged at the Vooruit building and attracts some 20,000 people.

Also, be sure not to overlook the Flanders International Film Festival Ghent each October, where if you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of some famous movie stars and celebrities. With almost 150 different concerts around Ghent city centre, the International Festival of Flanders (Internationaal Festival van Vlaanderen Gent) is an absolute must for many in September and October, and has recently celebrated its 50th birthday.

Ghent National Public Holidays

• New Year's Day - January 1st
• Easter - March / April
• Labour Day - May 1st
• Ascension Day - 40th day following Easter
• Whit Monday - seventh Monday following Easter
• Luxembourg National Day - June 23rd
• Festival of the Flemish Community - July 11th (Flanders only)
• National Belgium Day - July 21st
• Assumption - August 15th
• Walloon Community - September 27th
• All Saints' Day - November 1st
• Armistice Day - November 11th
• Christmas Day - December 25th