Belgium's busiest festival weekend of the summer offers 18 different locations for music
While Tomorrowland and Gentse Feesten have wrapped for the year, Belgium is never short on summer festivals. This weekend will prove to be the busiest of the summer, with 18 music festivals to choose from across the country.
Nestled in the scenic West Flemish Heuvelland, at the foot of Kemmelberg, the Dranouter Festival kicks off this weekend, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Known for its eclectic mix of music, this year's sold-out event promises performances from Portland, Froukje and Brihang, drawing 50,000 attendees eager to partake in the festivities.
In Genk, the AFF (Absolutely Free Festival) offers free admission in exchange for used batteries, contributing to environmental sustainability. Set in the vibrant C-Mine, the festival features artists like Ashley Morgan, Ghostwoman and the Irish punk band Gurriers.
For a blend of atmosphere and entertainment, head to Paal. With acts like AtmoZ Retro, Zornik, Regi Live and Laura Tesoro, this festival offers a lively experience on the former football fields of Flandria Paal.
The cornfields in Damme set the scene for Campo Solar, which was voted the most beautiful festival spot by Studio Brussel listeners. This year introduces Campo Lunar, an exclusive campsite extending the festival's ambience. Enjoy performances by t Hof van Commerce, Bart Peeters, Equal Idiots and Dr. Lektroluv, along with activities like yoga, beach volleyball, and poolside relaxation.
©Campo Solar
On Zeebrugge Beach, WECANDANCE combines music with an immersive experience under the theme Drop in the Light, Rise in the Dark. With six stages, the festival covers genres from hip-hop to amapiano, featuring acts like Kompass Club and Faisal Selects. Beyond music, enjoy art installations, fashion boutiques and even festival hairdressing.
Step back in time at Trammelant, a Belle Epoque-themed festival in De Haan's villa district. Enjoy scenes from the early 1900s, complete with vintage cars, bicycles and historic tram rides. The inaugural Most Beautiful Belle-Epoque Moustache contest adds a fun twist to the festivities.
Stretching beyond this weekend, the Lokerse Feesten is set to host an exhilarating ten-day festival showcasing a diverse lineup of exceptional artists. Festival-goers can look forward to performances by an array of renowned acts, including 2manydjs, Clouseau, De La Soul, Froukje, Future Islands, Joost, Arbeid Adelt, Nas, Oscar and The Wolf, Paul Kalkbrenner, Pommelien Thijs, Pixies, Massive Attack, Novastar and The Roots. Although the combi tickets have sold out, day tickets are still available for most of the festival days, offering fans a chance to experience the vibrant musical celebration.
Belgium has something for everyone this weekend. These are the remaining 11 festivals:
Dioniss, Ghent
Bruudruuster Rock, Ghent
Bermuda Festival, Ghent
Katste Feesten, Zelzate
Dance D-Vision, Zottegem
Mini Rock, Haaltert
Suikerrock, Tienen
Summer Sessions, Turnhout
Reggae Geel, Geel
Donkvrienden, Lier
Brakrock, Duffel
Lokerse Feesten ©BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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