The Best Festivals in Ghent

Ghent is one of Belgium’s oldest cities, and has been a major tourist hotspot for decades. Every year, the city hosts countless events, festivals, and concerts. While some of the festivals are the same year after year, Ghent also hosts a variety of special ‘one-off’ festivals, making it a great place to visit throughout the year. If you’re looking for a fun and cultural experience, Ghent is the perfect place. Here, we’ll take a look at some of Ghent’s most popular festivals and events.

Gentse Feesten

Undoubtedly Ghent’s largest and most popular event, Gentse Feesten takes place every July for an incredibly vibrant two weeks. During this period, the city becomes alive with activities and attractions for all ages. Located in the historical centre of Ghent, the famous Bijloke Park hosts live music performances, theatre shows, and literary evenings. There’s also a fantastic range of delicious food stalls, and plenty of fun activities for children.

Dranouter Festival

Dranouter is an annual four-day music and culture festival held in August in Ghent’s outskirts. It celebrates and marks the start of the harvest in the rural parts of Flanders. This lively festival hosts performances from some of the biggest names in folk, world and indie music.

Kuumba Festival

Also known as the African Summer Festival, Kuumba is a relaxing three-day summer event hosted every July in Ghent. This unique festival focuses on African music, dance and art, mostly within a spiritual context. Kuumba Festival consists of several activities throughout the day and ends with a massive after-party each night.

Stadsfeestzaal

Looking for a vibrant clubbing experience? Ghent is home to the Stadsfeestzaal nightclub, which is one of North-West Europe’s most legendary venues. Located in the city centre near Sint-Baafskathedral, this immersive club plays host to all sorts of musical genres including rock, pop, art rock and electro.

Film Fest Gent

Held annually over ten days in October, Film Fest Gent is one of Europe’s larger and more popular film festivals. It features screenings from around the world and showcases some of modern cinema’s best films. This is a great event for film lovers that want to find out about all sorts of different cultures through their shared love of film.

Gentse Winterfeesten

Ghent Winterfeesten is an annual February celebration hosted on the city’s main square, the Grote Markt. This stunning square becomes alive with a traditional winter market selling festive delicacies, warm drinks, handcrafted presents and decorations, providing a genuine festive experience. Concerts are also held throughout the festival with performances from all sorts of artists. Exploring a country via its various festivals can be an interesting and enjoyable way of finding out more about its culture and people. For travellers looking for a multifaceted experience, Ghent has something to offer every month of the year – something unique for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re into music, theatre, or simply want to explore Ghent’s unique culture, you should definitely check out one of these top festivals this year! For more information about each event and their exact dates you can visit Ghent official tourism website: https://visit.gent.be/en/festivals.

The Best Festivals in Ghent: An Insider’s Guide

Ghent, the stunning Flemish city in Belgium, is known for its medieval architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. It’s a city that never fails to impress its visitors, and during festival seasons, Ghent turns into an even more exciting destination to explore. From music, art to food festivals, Ghent has something for everyone to enjoy. This insider’s guide will help you navigate through the top festivals in Ghent, along with some local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Top Festivals in Ghent

1. Gentse Feesten: The biggest and most famous festival in Ghent, Gentse Feesten, takes place every July. It’s a ten-day celebration of music, street theater, and food. There are over 1800 events across the city, including music performances, theater shows, and open-air parties. The festival takes place in the historic center of the city, and it’s free for everyone to attend.

2. Light Festival: Ghent’s Light Festival is an illuminated showcase of the city’s architecture and art. It takes place every three years in February, and it features more than 40 light installations across the city. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world and is an incredible way to experience the city in a whole new light.

3. Ghent Jazz Festival: This annual festival takes place every July and is a must-visit for jazz lovers. The festival features performances by jazz artists from all over the world and takes place in stunning venues like the Bijloke Music Centre.

Local Attractions

1. Gravensteen Castle: This stunning 12th-century castle is located in the center of Ghent and is a must-visit attraction. You can explore the castle’s towers, halls, and courtyards and learn about its intriguing history.

2. Ghent Altarpiece: Also known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, the Ghent Altarpiece is a beautifully crafted religious painting by Jan van Eyck. It’s considered one of the masterpieces of Flemish art and is displayed in Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent.

3. St. Nicholas’ Church: This stunning gothic style church is located in the heart of the city and is a must-visit attraction for its impressive architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Dining Spots

1. Hopduvel: If you’re a beer lover, Hopduvel is the perfect place for you. This cozy bar offers over 500 different types of beer, along with some delicious local snacks.

2. Stoverij: This local restaurant offers some of Ghent’s best traditional Flemish cuisine. Their specialty, stoverij, is a hearty beef stew that’s typically served with fries and a cold beer.

3. LOF Restaurant: If you’re looking for a fancy dining spot, then LOF Restaurant is the perfect choice. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its excellent service and exquisite dishes.

Cultural Experiences

1. Museum of Fine Arts: This museum is home to an extensive collection of Flemish art, including works by Van Eyck, Rubens, and Magritte.

2. Ghent City Museum: This museum tells the story of Ghent’s rich history through various exhibits and collections.

3. The Design Museum: This museum features an impressive collection of design from the 20th and 21st centuries, including industrial design, graphics, and fashion.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Graslei and Korenlei: These two quays along the river are the perfect place to relax and soak in the city’s atmosphere. They offer stunning views of Ghent’s medieval architecture and are a popular spot for locals to gather during the summer months.

2. Beguinages: Ghent has three beautiful beguinages, which are historic communities of women who lived a religious life without taking vows. These beguinages offer an insight into the women’s way of life in the Middle Ages and are a great place to escape the crowds.

3. De Paradijsvogel: This quirky bar is located in the heart of Ghent and offers an unusual selection of drinks like absinthe, Japanese whiskey, and Italian amaro.

In conclusion, Ghent is a city that is rich in history and culture, and festival season adds a whole new level of excitement to the already vibrant city. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or culture lover, Ghent has something for everyone to enjoy. Use this insider’s guide to explore the city’s top festivals, attractions, dining spots, and off-the-beaten-path activities, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable vacation.