Belgium is one of the best European countries for music festivals, boasting stellar line-ups of some of the world’s biggest artists. With dozens of major festivals to chose from between June and August, we have compiled a list of some of the ones not to miss out on if you are travelling to Belgium this summer.
1. Rock Werchter
What? Rock Werchter is one of Belgium’s biggest festivals of rock and indie music, attracting around 150,000 festival goers over 4 days of music. Last years’ edition was crowned ‘Best Major Festival 2016’ by the European Festival Awards.
When? 29th June – 2nd July 2017
Where? Werchter, near Leuven, Flemish Brabant
Who? Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Blink 182, System Of A Down, Linkin Park, Kings of Leon, Foo Fighters
How much? Day tickets €100. Weekend tickets €236 (without camping)
Camping? Yes
2. Tomorrowland
What? Since its beginning in 2005, Tomorrowland has grown to be the biggest and one of the most commercially successful electronic music festivals worldwide. The festival is so popular that is has been extended over 2 weekends. Chartered Tomorrowland planes bring people from every corner of the globe to witness top DJ’s and artists at one of the most colourful and visually appealing events music has to offer.
When? Weekend 1: 21st – 23rd July. Weekend 2: 28th – 30th July 2017
Where? Boom, Antwerp
Who? David Guetta, Eric Prydz, Tiësto, Netsky, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Afrojac
How much? Day tickets €100+. Weekend tickets €280+
Camping? Yes
3. Gent Jazz
What? The name says it all! The historical city of Ghent hosts its international annual jazz festival offering a mix of well-known and up-and-coming artists.
When? 6th – 15th July 2017
Where? Ghent, East Flanders
Who? Only 3 days have been announced so far: Norah Jones, Fire!, Herbie Hancock, Christian McBride’s New Jawn, Archive
How much? Day tickets €37+. 10 day ticket not yet announced.
Camping? No, but Ghent has many accommodation options to suit any budget.
4. Dour
What? Dour is the biggest festival in Wallonia, the French speaking region of the country. The previous edition welcomed 225,000 festival goers. The festival prides itself on having an extensive line-up of electro, drum & bass and rap music although there is a stage for rock and punk music. It is certainly one for the party and rave lovers.
When? 12th – 16th July 2017
Where? Dour, Hainaut
Who? Die Antwoord, Chase and Status, Justice, NAS, Two Door Cinema Club, Metronomy
How much? Day tickets €65. Weekend tickets €155
Camping? Yes
5. Les Ardentes
What? Les Ardentes is one of the country’s more diverse festivals, featuring artists from all genres of mainstream music. The festival takes place in the green surroundings of Astrid Park, in the city of Liege.
When? 6th – 9th July 2017
Where? Liege, Wallonia
Who? Placebo, Sean Pall, Tyler The Creator, Liam Gallagher, Tyga, La Femme
How much? Day tickets €55. Weekend tickets €120
Camping? Yes
6. Pukkelpop
What? Pukkelpop, like Rock Werchter, offers an impressive line-up of indie, rock and dance artists but also prides itself on finding the best up-and-coming artists. If you are going, don’t forget the famous Boiler Party night on the eve of the festival. Many fans arrive at the campsite on Wednesday and get in the festival mood with guest DJ’s playing a variety of music during the 9 hour party.
When? 16th – 19th August 2017
Where? Hasselt, Limburg
Who? Editors, Mumford & Sons, Bastille, The XX, PJ Harvey, Chance The Rapper
How much? Day tickets €100+. Weekend tickets €280+
Camping? Yes
7. Graspop Metal Meeting
What? One for the headbanging and mosh-pit enthusiasts. Graspop Metal Meeting is the festival for metal, hard rock and punk music. Don’t let the fact that it is a metal festival scare you, it has a reputation of being one of the friendliest festivals in Belgium.
When? 16th – 18th June 2017
Where? Dessel, Antwerp
Who? Deep Purple, Rammstein, Evanescence, Mastadon, Five Finger Death Punch, Rob Zombie
How much? Day tickets €95. Weekend tickets €195
Camping? Yes
8. Lokerse Feesten
What? Lokerse Feesten is a 10 day music festival held across 2 stages. Each night, a headline act is supported by similar artists to create a 10 day line-up that is appealing for all. Due to its rather small capacity the 15,000 tickets sell fast, so don’t wait too long before buying!
When? 4th – 13th August 2017
Where? Lokeren, East Flanders
Who? Pixies, The Offspring, Marilyn Manson, Alice Cooper, Megadeath, Anouk
How much? Day tickets €39+. 10 day ticket not yet announced
Camping? Yes
9. Dranouter
What? Dranouter began as a folk festival but has recently added more variety to its line-up. Even though you see more mainstream artists there these days, the atmosphere hasn’t changed much. Dranouter is the perfect festival for children due to its friendly and laid-back style. Although very popular, there is always plenty of room around the site to sit and enjoy the bands as well as the green scenery of the local countryside.
When? 4th – 6th August 2017
Where? Dranouter, West Flanders
Who? Gregory Porter, Warhaus, Bazart, Het Zesde Metaal, CC Smugglers, Les Poules A Colin
How much? Day tickets €70+. Weekend tickets €135+
Camping? Yes
10. Cactus Festival
What? Cactus Festival is held in the medieval city of Bruges in the lovely surroundings of the city’s Minnewaterpark. The festival is one of the most accessible for tourists, due to it being a short walking distance from the city centre. Expect to see a combination of rock, indie and pop artists on the line-up.
When? 7th – 9th July 2017
Where? Bruges, West Flanders
Who? Goose, Kaiser Chiefs, Richard Ashcroft, Explosions in the Sky, Jamie Lidell, Michael Kiwanuka
How much? Day tickets €57. Weekend tickets €117
Camping? Yes
11. Ronquières Festival
What? Ronquières Festival offers one of the most bizarre locations for a festival site, situated alongside a canal with the water separating the campsite from the festival area. The canal has an inclined plane, a sort of lift that carries boats 67 metres up the steep hill, a weird site to see when at a music festival. Ronquières offers more local talent than international artists, so expect to see a high percentage of French-speaking artists on the bill.
When? 5th – 6th August 2017
Where Ronquières, Hainaut
Who? Bigflo & Oli, Archive, Kid Noize, Julien Dore, Vianney, Tom Odell
How much? Day tickets €37. Weekend tickets (2 days) €60
Camping? Yes
