Events in Bruges

Klinkende kroegen
Klinkende kroegen is a unique series of summer performances at/in pubs in the centre of Bruges. The performances take place from 19:00 to 23:30 every Wednesday in July and August.

Cactusfestival - Dance festival
Cactusfestival presents itself as a music festival with an antenna on the wide world of music. The Minnewater Park will be the crossroads of musical styles and cultures: a meeting point of internationally renowned artists, musical newcomers with a future and a musically open-minded audience.

Beer festival 
Around 60 breweries and beer companies will be represented. They will bring an estimated 400 beers to taste to the modern venue on the Beursplein.

Heilig Bloedprocessie
The Heilig Bloedprocessie, originating in 1304 as an expression of gratitude and faith, has been an integral part of Bruges' history. It is listed as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Held annually on Ascension Day, the procession features over 1,800 participants who sing, dance, and perform, reflecting the city's medieval guilds and brotherhoods. The procession, divided into four thematic parts, tells the Biblical story of Jesus' suffering, the arrival of the Holy Blood relic in Bruges, and ends with the procession of the relic itself. The event is a key part of Bruges' identity, attracting over 40,000 spectators each year.

Benenwerk - Dance festival
Live bands and DJs will take you in tow for a dance marathon along 14 stages spread across Bruges city centre.

Elfstedenronde
The West Flanders cycling race was given its symbolic name because of its passage through 11 cities. Iconic names like Rik Van Steenbergen, Rik Van Looy and Freddy Maertens show off on the list of honours. But despite the passage of great celebrities, the race disappeared from the calendar.

In 2017, the Elfstedenronde was pulled from under the dust after an absence of almost 30 years, and immediately with success. This wind and cobbled race, with start and finish in Bruges, was an instant hit with a haunting duel between Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel. With Tim Merlier, Fabio Jakobsen and Jasper Philipsen, it is clear that in recent years the fast guns in the peloton have been partying every time.

Meifoor
Meifoor Brugge is a folk festival that dates back as far as the year 1200. Indeed, in that year an International Annual Fair was organised in Bruges for the first time. Meifoor Brugge takes place in the city centre at locations including Koning Albert I-Park and ‘t Zand. As a result, a considerable part of the historic city centre is dominated by funfairs for weeks on end.

Christmas special

Christmas and winter market
The Bruges Christmas and winter market will be located on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein, in the cosy city centre. There will be a good range of stalls offering all kinds of delicious local food and drinks. Home-made hot chocolate, ice-cold jenever, spiced glühwein... along with Belgian beers, cheeses and hearty dishes. There’s something for everyone. The Bruges winter market is also a great place to shop for an original Christmas gift. You’ll find a wide range of attractive, original and handmade Christmas presents. And choral concerts are planned for you to enjoy.

Winter Glow
Discover Bruges during “Winter Glow”, a new celebration of the year’s end, with a variety of Christmas and winter activities. Enjoy a magical illuminated walk in the historical heart of the city, or take to the ice on the artificial skating rink on the Minnewater.The atmospherically decorated Christmas trees and illuminated streets make a unique setting for enjoyable hours of shopping and convivial meetings in and around the Christmas and winter market, or at the winter bar.

Artificial skating rink and winter bar
This winter, the enchanting Minnewater will be transformed with an environmentally-friendly artificial skating rink on the water and a winter bar with terrace covering nearly 300m². Young and old alike can skate to their heart’s content on the Minnewater (Lake of Love), on a unique sustainable rink made of synthetic ice. There’s a cosy Winter Bar nearby, with a delicious selection of local winter snacks and drinks.