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.
Theater by the Sea
Begin augustus
Theater by the Sea is a ten-day theater and music festival in the Belgian seaside town of Ostend. This festival takes place every year The festival presents ten days of performing arts (theater, dance, performance) in a quirky combination of music, literature, ...
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Paulusfeesten
–
Every year since 1972, Ostend transforms around the St Peter and Paul Church during the Paulusfeesten. These celebrations are not just any event, but a symbol of tradition, community spirit, and cultural diversity. ...
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Agricultural Weekend
Eind september
Middelkerke has much more to offer than just its sea and beach. The flat, 'bare' polderland is an agricultural region par excellence. During the Agricultural Weekend, our farmers come down to the coast for once, with all their gear, with machines and animals, with fresh products and a lot of enthusiasm. You have to have ...
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Oktoberfoor - Funfair in Oostende
October
Every year since 1972, Ostend transforms around the Sint Petrus and Paulus Church during the Paulusfeesten. These festivities are not just an event but symbolise tradition, community spirit, and cultural diversity. ...
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Champagne Weekend
–
Champagne by the North Sea, that can only be in Middelkerke. For years, a strong delegation of artisanal champagne farmers from the Epernay region has been heading to De Branding. This year too, several restaurants will offer ...
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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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2025
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 ...
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Ostend at Anchor
Eind mei
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 ...
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Beer by the sea
Weekend in juni
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 ...
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Flanders Sings in Ostend
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 ...
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Ostend Beach Dance Festival
Dive into the invigorating summer vibes of the Ostend Beach Dance Festival, situated on the idyllic Klein strand of Ostend. This unique outdoor music event, centrally located in the city and just a stone's throw from the train station, transforms the beach into ...