Below, you'll find our selection of the finest events in Ostend and the surrounding region. Especially in the summer, there are almost daily festivities, ranging from markets and folklore to music performances and sporting events. Yet, even outside the summer season, there's plenty to enjoy in terms of varied activities.
Funfair in Bredene
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The Easter Funfair in Bredene, also known as the Easter Fair, is a festive annual event held during the Easter period. This traditional fair brings together young and old for a lively and cheerful funfair experience on the Belgian coast. What can you expect at the Easter Funfair in Bredene? - Cosy Funfair Atmosphere: This ...
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Carnival Parade in Bredene
Every year, on the Saturday before Easter, the festivities kick off in Bredene with the colourful and lively Carnival Parade. This spectacle brings music, dance, and joy to the streets of the coastal town, attracting countless spectators. What can you expect at the Carnival Parade in Bredene? - Festive Procession: At ...
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Ferris Wheel in Nieuwpoort
If you're visiting Nieuwpoort-Bad this spring or summer, a ride on the Ferris wheel The View is a must. This impressive attraction stands 55 metres tall and is temporarily located on the Loodswezenplein, making it a true eye-catcher along the coast.
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Ostend at Anchor
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Dive into the world of maritime history and culture at Ostend at Anchor, Ostend's largest maritime event. Each year, more than 100 classic sailing ships gather here, making the festival a must-see for sea lovers and historical ships enthusiasts. What can you expect at d'Ostend at Anchor? - Impressive Fleet: Admire more ...
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Beach Jumping in Middelkerke
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Once a year, the beach of Middelkerke is transformed into a spectacular setting for Beach Jumping — a four-day equestrian event that draws thousands of visitors to the Belgian coast each spring. What can you expect during Beach Jumping Middelkerke? - Unique Show Jumping Competition: During low tide, a professional ...
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Ostend Fashion Fair
The Ostend Fashion Fair is THE annual fashion event in Ostend you simply can't miss. This glamorous day full of style and fun takes place in the charming Lijnbaanstraat, just around the corner from the Kapellestraat and surrounded by greenery. What can you expect at the Ostend Fashion Fair? - Spectacular Fashion Shows: Be ...
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Streetmart in Westende
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The Streetmart in Westende is the ultimate summer event where nostalgia, atmosphere, and fun come together! This vibrant weekend brings a unique mix of a Volkswagen Bus Meeting, a Kite Festival, and an exciting Flower Power Weekend. A celebration for all ages on the Belgian coast! What can you expect at Streetmart ...
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Maatjes Festival
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The Maatjes Festival on the Vissersplein in Ostend is an annual tradition in June and an absolute must for lovers of fish, atmosphere, and Ostend’s unique charm. During this multi-day event, the arrival of the Hollandse Nieuwe (young Dutch herring) is celebrated in style. What can you expect during the Maatjes Festival ...
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Beer by the sea
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Experience the unique combination of Belgian hospitality and beer culture at Beer by the sea in Middelkerke, formerly known as the Beer Weekend. This event, famous for having the longest bar in Belgium, invites you to a weekend full of flavor and conviviality. What to Expect at Beer by the sea? - The Longest Bar in ...
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Ostendaise
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The annual Ostendaise – North Sea Food Fest is the ultimate culinary festival in Ostend, celebrating the flavours of the North Sea. This two-day event brings together top chefs from Ostend to prepare the most delicious dishes using freshly caught North Sea fish and local ingredients. What can you expect at Ostendaise? - ...
Het Summerlove festival in Oostende is een jaarlijks terugkerend tweedaags dancefestival aan het prachtige Klein Strand. Met zijn relaxte vibes, goede muziek en geweldige locatie aan zee is het een absolute must voor liefhebbers van elektronische muziek en zonovergoten feestdagen. Wat kun je verwachten op het Summerlove ...
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Flanders Sings
Experience a unique singing event at the Sint-Petrus-en-Paulusplein in Ostend during the annual Flanders Sings event. This free event invites everyone to sing along and enjoy a wide range of songs that are part of our collective memory. What to Expect at Flanders Sings in d'Ostend? - Central Audience: At Flanders Sings, ...
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Fireworks
Looking for a spectacular way to end your summer day by the sea? Come to the annual Fireworks in Middelkerke, where an impressive Fireworks display will complete your evening. What can you expect from the Fireworks in Middelkerke? - Beautiful Fireworks from the Beach: Enjoy the spectacular Fireworks launched from the ...
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Ostend Beach Dance Festival
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The Ostend Beach Dance Festival is the ultimate summer electronic music festival on the Belgian coast. Every July, the idyllic Klein Strand in Ostend transforms into a tropical dance paradise where beats, sun, and sea come together for an unforgettable experience. What can you expect at the Ostend Beach Dance Festival? - ...
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HAP Food Truck Festival in Middelkerke
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The HAP Food Festival is a culinary summer event that takes place annually in the atmospheric Normandpark on Normandlaan in Middelkerke. Visiting the Belgian coast this summer? Then you won’t want to miss this cosy and flavour-packed festival! What can you expect at the HAP Food Festival in Middelkerke? - A Feast for ...
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Cirque du Soleil - Alegría
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This summer, the world-famous Cirque du Soleil arrives in Knokke-Heist with the spectacular show "Alegría – In A New Light". From 25 July to 24 August 2025, immerse yourself in a world of magic, poetry, and breathtaking acrobatics. What can you expect from Alegría – In A New Light? - A timeless story: "Alegría" ...
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Theater by the Sea
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Theater aan Zee (TAZ) is the ten-day arts festival in the Belgian coastal city of Oostende. Every year, this vibrant event attracts thousands of visitors with a unique mix of performing arts, music, literature, and visual arts. The festival takes place at the most extraordinary locations in Oostende and provides a platform ...
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Paulus Festival
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Every summer, Ostend transforms into a vibrant festival ground during the Paulus Festival. Since 1972, this free city festival has grown into one of the most beloved events on the Belgian coast, featuring a programme filled with music, art, and spectacle. What can you expect at the Paulus Festival in Ostend? - A Week of ...
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Fireworks
Looking for a spectacular way to end your summer day by the sea? Come to the annual Fireworks in Middelkerke, where an impressive Fireworks display will complete your evening. What can you expect from the Fireworks in Middelkerke? - Beautiful Fireworks from the Beach: Enjoy the spectacular Fireworks launched from the ...
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North Sea Torchlight Procession and Fireworks
Every summer, the Belgian seaside resort of Westende transforms into a fairytale world during the annual North Sea Torchlight Procession and the stunning fireworks display. This unique coastal event is an experience you don't want to miss! What can you expect during this magical evening? - Colourful Parade: The evening ...
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ManiFiesta
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ManiFiesta is the annual two-day festival on the Belgian coast that takes place in September. With a mix of music, debates, literature, film, and sports activities, ManiFiesta offers an inspiring and unifying weekend. What can you expect at ManiFiesta? - Music with a Message: Enjoy performances by national and ...
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Agriculture Weekend
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Middelkerke is not only famous for its sea and beach but also for the rich polder landscape that surrounds the region. During the annual Agriculture Weekend, agriculture comes to life in the heart of the coastal town. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience one of the most authentic events of the year! What can ...
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Champagne Festival in Bredene
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The annual Champagne Festival in Bredene is the perfect destination for lovers of bubbles and refined flavours. This three-day event brings together champagne producers and gourmets in a festive setting filled with sparkling conviviality, culinary indulgences, and musical entertainment. What can you expect at the ...
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Oktoberfoor - Funfair in Oostende
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As autumn arrives and the leaves change colour, Ostend transforms into a vibrant funfair paradise. The Oktoberfoor, also known as the October Fair, is one of the most popular events on the Belgian coast. What can you expect at the Oktoberfoor in Ostend? - More than 70 attractions: From thrilling rollercoasters and bumper ...
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Champagne Weekend
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Are you looking for a weekend full of luxury, refinement, and delicious bubbles? Then the Champagne Weekend in the Belgian seaside resort of Middelkerke is just what you're looking for! This four-day event is a celebration of bubbles, music, and entertainment. What can you expect during the Champagne Weekend? - Tastings ...
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Christmas Market & ice rink
Come and experience an unforgettable outing in our magical world in the Leopoldpark. Besides the ice rink on the pond, you'll also find over a dozen Christmas chalets with delicacies from all over the world. Or are you just coming for the delightful hot chocolate?
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2026
New Year's plunge
Begin januari
It all began in 1987 when a polar bear club from Deinze requested an exception to the winter swimming ban in Ostend. What started as a modest event has now evolved into an iconic tradition: the New Year's Dip. As the country's largest polar bear plunge, it annually attracts over 6000 eager participants. Freeze and ...
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Film Festival Ostend
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Every winter, Ostend transforms into a vibrant film haven during the Film Festival Ostend (FFO), one of Belgium’s largest film festivals. This unique festival combines a high-quality Flemish film programme with an inclusive and immersive experience for both film professionals and enthusiasts. What can you expect at Film ...
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Crocus Fair
The Crocus Fair, also known as the Krokusfoor, is an annual tradition in Ostend that takes place during the spring half-term break. Held on the cosy Wapenplein, right in the city centre and surrounded by lovely cafés and eateries, this small-scale fair offers fun for all ages. What can you expect at the Crocus Fair in ...
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Funfair in Bredene
The Easter Funfair in Bredene, also known as the Easter Fair, is a festive annual event held during the Easter period. This traditional fair brings together young and old for a lively and cheerful funfair experience on the Belgian coast. What can you expect at the Easter Funfair in Bredene? - Cosy Funfair Atmosphere: This ...
Read more
Carnival Parade in Bredene
Every year, on the Saturday before Easter, the festivities kick off in Bredene with the colourful and lively Carnival Parade. This spectacle brings music, dance, and joy to the streets of the coastal town, attracting countless spectators. What can you expect at the Carnival Parade in Bredene? - Festive Procession: At ...