Gentse Feesten is an annual cultural festival held in Ghent, Belgium. It is one of the largest and most vibrant cultural festivals in Europe, lasting for ten days. The festival features a diverse range of activities, including music performances, theater, dance, street art, and comedy. Both local and international artists participate, and various venues around the city host performances, including open-air stages and intimate settings. Gentse Feesten is a celebration of creativity and community, drawing thousands of visitors who enjoy the lively atmosphere, cultural diversity, and the beautiful medieval backdrop of Ghent.
Start with a quick trip form. Weekend in Ghent or a Flanders route—we’ll plan concert stages & street theatre, lively parades & late-night shows, smart timing & tram routes, and a walkable stay near the Graslei/Korenmarkt.
Prefer to talk it through? Book a free intro call.
DATES & TIMES
• Festival dates (2026): Friday–Sunday, 17–26 July 2026 (10 days). Visit Gent.
• Program rhythm: Free stages and activities from afternoon into late night across the city center; the opening ceremony is held on the first Friday evening (times publish in the official program). Check the program.
LOCATION
• Where: Historic center of Ghent — the Festivity Zone covers squares and riversides such as Korenmarkt, Sint‑Baafsplein, Vrijdagmarkt, Baudelopark, and Graslei/Korenlei.
• Download the Festivity Zone map (PDF) · Open in Google Maps (Korenmarkt).
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Free public festival across most locations; some indoor shows or partner events may be ticketed—book via the listing on the official program. Browse events.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Getting around: Public transport is the easiest way—trams and buses are reinforced during the Festivities. Public transport info.
• Traffic & parking: Check live parking and access updates before you go. Traffic dashboard.
• Low‑Emission Zone (LEZ): Driving into the centre? Vehicles with foreign number plates (except Dutch) must register. LEZ basics · Register your vehicle.
• Accessibility: Ghent publishes detailed accessibility info and maps. Download the brochure (PDF).
Tell us your dates, who’s coming, and what else you’d like to see. We’ll suggest a Flanders route that includes the Gentse Feesten at the right moment, with realistic travel days and comfortable home bases.
Prefer to start with a call? Book a free intro call.