Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festivities) takes over Ghent, Belgium each July with a sprawling, mostly free celebration of the city’s culture—music, theater, comedy, street arts, and late-night revelry across the historic center. Follow the buzz between Korenmarkt, Bij Sint-Jacobs, and riverside squares for nonstop live concerts, street theater, and buskers, then refuel with Belgian beer and local bites. It’s Ghent’s signature city party: walkable, high-energy, and built for wandering and discovery.
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).