Antwerp Events and Festivals

(Antwerp, Antwerpen, Flanders, Belgium)

Belgium is very into its festivals and the city of Antwerp is no exception to this, with an array of traditional events and things to choose from. Throughout the year in Antwerp there are many jazz festivals, large concerts, religious parades and film extravaganzas to choose from, particularly in the summer season.

The end of July is a time for music lovers, when many open-air concerts are staged all around the city, particularly around the Grote Markt and the Groenplaats, being completely free of charge and part of the summer festivities. Other popular venues include the Lotto Arena Antwerpen (Sportpaleis), the Stuurboord, and the Stadsschouwburg, known for its enormous capacity and world-class performers.

Antwerp Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• New Year's Day - January 1st, a national holiday throughout Belgium
• Ice Skating - early January, an outdoor ice skating rink on the Grote Markt square, outside of the city hall

February

• There are no significant events in Antwerp during the month of February

March

• There are no significant events in Antwerp during the month of March

April

• Easter Sunday / Monday - early April, religious Christian services and festivities at many of the main churches

May

• May Day / Labour Day - May 1st, a national holiday throughout Belgium
• Ascension Day - late May, known for its 'Little Tree' festival, food stalls and general celebrations

June

• Academy Fashion Show - throughout June, a chance to see the latest creations from the graduates at the fashion department at the Royal Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts. Held at Hangar 29 on the Waagnatie
• Antwerp Beach - June to September, a chance to soak up the Belgian sunshine at the man-made beaches alongside the River Scheldt and also at the docks
• Elfdaagse - late June / early July, lasting eleven days and celebrating European unity and remembering previous battles, with various events taking place across the Flanders region of Belgium

July

• Summer in Antwerp (Zomer van Antwerpen) - July to October, boasting a programme of cultural events, live music and theatrical productions
• National Independence Day - July 11th, a national holiday in the Flanders area, remembering the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302
• Free Summer Concerts - late July, held at the Grote Markt during the very last week of July each year
• Tallships Race - sailing ships race to Antwerp and create an exciting atmosphere, with crowds gathering around the waterfront

August

• Navigaytion - mid-August, a huge celebration for the city's thriving gay community, with parades, drag queens, colourful costumes and crowds of some 15,000. Many of these events are based around the Willemdok yacht harbour
• Rubensmarkt (Rubens Market) - August 15th, Antwerp's beloved painter, Peter Paul Rubens, is remembered at the Rubensmarkt festival, which takes place each year on August 15th, around the Grote Markt. This event consists of a host of market stalls from the past, recreating the atmosphere and appearance of the time when Rubens was walking the streets of Antwerp. Expect traditional costumes, lots of music and some rather noisy market traders, competing to sell their wares
• Cultuurmarkt van Vlaanderen - last Sunday of August, a party atmosphere fills central Antwerp as a range of events commence around the Grote Markt, including theatrical performances, street entertainment and live music. This fun-filled festival is free for all and known to attract many international artists and performers

September

• Festival of the Wallonia Community - September 27th, a national holiday for some French-speaking area's of Belgium

October

• Boekenbeurs Antwerpen (Antwerp Book Show) - late October / early November, taking place in the Bouwcentrum trade hall on the Jan van Rijswijcklaanand attracting more than 100 publishers from throughout Europe. Various events take place during the Book Show, including readings and discussions, which are often extremely enjoyable, although a little busy

November

• Remembrance Day - November 11th, often referred to as the 1918 Armistice Day

December

• Christmas in Antwerp - early December to December 24th, various Yultide events take place around the newly decorated Old Town centre
• Ice Skating - late December / early January, an ice skating rink is provided by the local council, residing outside of the city hall on the Grote Markt, becoming a popular modern-day annual tradition
• New Year's Eve - December 31st, known for its spectacular fireworks display next to the banks of the River Scheldt