Ghent - Festivals

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Festivals

Ghent

Provided by: Stad Gent/Visit Gent

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Overview

Festivals The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

During the ten-day Ghent Festivities in July, the city centre is transformed into one giant festival. The Ghent Jazz Festival and the Festival of Flanders earned Ghent the title of UNESCO Creative City of Music. In October, film lovers and stars flock to the Ghent Film Festival. See what’s on!

Copacobana Festival

Copacobana Festival

Every year the Sint-Baafskouterpark hosts the Copacobana Festival, a free festival at the park for all ages. Come and enjoy music, theatre and dance workshops and much, much more.

Gent Jazz Festival

Gent Jazz Festival

Every year in July jazz enthusiasts can have a great time during the Gent Jazz Festival. Renowned artists from Belgium and abroad make up the programme. Head to Restaurant Lof to enjoy lunch concerts.

The Ghent Festivities

The Ghent Festivities

A sparkling cultural popular festival with numerous performances of various national and international artists: a unique event in Europe, thanks to the varied and free offer of (music) performances, (street)theatre, exhibitions, animation for children, fairs, parades and so much more!

Jazz in the Park

Jazz in the Park

Jazz in the Park (Jazz in ’t Park) presents Belgian contemporary jazz to a large audience by organising free concerts. Discover established names and local talent, bringing light-digestible jazz as well as the more complicated genre.

Ghent Festival of Flanders

Ghent Festival of Flanders

Ghent Festival of Flanders is an international music festival where diversity, creativity and top quality are essential. Discover classical and world music in a surprising artistic way, at different exclusive locations in and around the city of Ghent. Every year you can find at least 180 concerts listed on the program, where more than 1500 national and international artists are participating. Original concepts like OdeGand and Parklife make sure that the festival attracts above 60 000 visitors yearly and leave an unforgettable experience for young and old. Go to the website to view the full programme

Film Fest Gent

Film Fest Gent

The Film Fest Gent has become a not-to-be-missed event on the Flemish and international cultural scene. It owes its success to events that keep making their return: dozens of quality films, major film music concerts by top composers and extraordinary exhibitions in the margin of film.

The six-days bicycle race

The six-days bicycle race

Every year in November, the very best track racing cyclists compete for the victory in the legendary ‘Kuipke’ cycling stadium. Every day you can watch the race for points, the team race, the elimination race, the time trial, the super sprint and the derny. Don’t miss this spectacle!

Winter Festivities

Winter Festivities

At the beginning of December, it feels as though Ghent is getting all dressed up and making a beeline for Christmas and New Year. The historic centre gradually metamorphoses into a winter landscape, from Sint-Baafsplein to the St.-Veerleplein. Wander past the stalls of the Christmas Market selling snacks and drinks, fancy trinkets and authentic crafts. The scent of pine resin and mulled wine make the experience complete. Emile Braunplein looks like a tableau from a Brueghel painting: warmly wrapped-up skaters whirl around in a mediaeval setting.

The Light Festival

The Light Festival

Every three years, Ghent is set ablaze with lights during the free Ghent Light Festival. This festival lights up the city with works by international light artists. The city’s nights will become the backdrop for a surprising spectacle, ingenious installations, spectacular performances and beautiful events, all based on light. Get ready to discover Ghent’s historic sites and monuments from a different angle. The Light Festival puts the internationally acclaimed Ghent lighting plan in the spotlight and gives you the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Ghent’s unique hidden charm after sunset.

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