The Best Beer Festivals In Belgium

True epicureans are no stranger to Belgian beer, but the country’s dedicated brewing culture makes sure there’s always a new gem on the horizon. There are no better places to start looking and tasting than at these 10 jovial festivals, each with their own distinct character and traditions.

Bruges Beer Festival

The 10th anniversary of Bruges’ popular beer festival is fast approaching, and the BAB (Bruges’ Autonomous Beer Tasters) is celebrating its first major milestone by taking 70 stalls out of its usual digs (the giant Beurshal) and planting them smack dab in the medieval city center. In this very special edition, half of the booths get a place underneath a huge tent set up at the Markt, and in a special twist, the other half will adorn the halls of the towering Belfry. Expect a great overview of Belgian beers and an international crowd making their Bruges’ getaway that much more gourmet.
2017 date: Saturday, February 4th – Sunday, February 5th

Markt and Belfry, Bruges, Belgium

The Night of Great Thirst

The main asset of The Night of Great Thirst (besides its killer name) is its sole focus on Gueuze and Lambic beers – quintessentially Belgian brews that are made exclusively in the Senne Valley and the Pajottenland. Here, true traditional microbreweries produce them amidst the rolling hills and farmlands that have always provided for neighboring capital Brussels. Beer connoisseurs from far and wide are expected to show up at the eighth edition of the biennial festival, a night that promises to be particularly colourful as the organizing Gueuze Society is asking every visitor to bring his or her country’s flag. Starting at 7 pm, it’s one for all, and all for the Gueuze.
2018 date: TBH

In front of Itterbeek Church, Dilbeek, Belgium

Bollekesfeest

The Bollekesfeest, shows how the Antwerpenaars’ love for their ultimate regional beer has grown into a citywide culinary feast. The star of the proceedings: the Bolleke, hailed by its brewery De Koninck (part of our must-visit Belgian breweries list) as “Antwerp in a bottle.” A staple on Antwerp café menus, the Bolleke – a loose translation would be “chubby,” for the rotund form of its accompanying glass – has a slightly malty and hoppy aroma, with notes of caramel and cinnamon rounding out the flavour. During the festival, markets selling all sorts of other regional produce join the beloved brewski, and local bands perform throughout the four days. The whole thing is swimming in couleur locale.
2017 date: Thursday, August 17th – Sunday, August 20th

Antwerp’s historical center, including the Grote Markt, Handschoenmarkt, Groenplaats, Suikerrui, etc.

1. Ghent Beer Festival

Bar, Belgian

Ghent Beer Festival | Courtesy of Gentse Biervereniging

Brimming with East Flemish hospitality, the one-day Ghent Beer Festival regularly features a guest of honour. 2016’s edition served special UK brewskis in addition to the regular national and local beers, and a theme bar – 2016’s focus was “brettanomyces,” a so-called “wild yeast” typically used in Belgian beers from the Pajottenland – gives further meaning to the festivals “dare to taste” motto. All of the adventurous tastings happen in the relaxed environment of a city garden while meat sizzles on the communal barbecue.
2017 date: Saturday, August 19th from noon onwards

Poperinge Beer and Hop Festival

The village of Poperinge – famed for its welcoming nature (much appreciated by the British Allied soldiers during the Great War, who came to call it “little Paris”) and for being the only hop-producing region in Belgium – is a natural fit for the popular Beer and Hop Festival. The Poperingenaars only organize their folky celebrations every three years, and 2017 is one of the lucky ones. If in Belgium, don’t miss the coronation of the Hop Queen, the chance to try an elusive Westvleteren 12 Trappist, and the Oktoberfest-style feast on long wooden benches.
2017 date: Friday, September 15th – Sunday, September 17th

Poperinge’s city center: Hop Museum, Paardenmarkt, etc.