As a tourist it can be very gratifying to take part in cultural or other events in the city you visit. Bruges has many great cultural events throughout the year, that are primarily organised for locals but can also accommodate or interest visiting tourists. Theatre can be difficult because not everyone speaks Dutch. But concerts, flea markets or sport events are not limited by language barriers. For some events you might need to buy tickets and knowing about it in advance can help avoid disappointments when the event sells out. Knowing the correct dates helps tourists plan certain events into their trip to Bruges. So here comes a list with all events in Bruges for the year 2023! Events will be added as they are being announced, so come back later for more news!!
All year (Concertgebouw)
Concertgebouw Circuit: You can visit the Concertgebouw and its (sound) art collection on Saturdays and Sundays via the Visitors’ Trail, with surprising additions, such as a huge sound model of the building and a musical postcard. (12 euro for adults, 6 euro for under 26 years old, free under 6)
September 19th, 2022 – February 3rd, 2023 (entrance theatre Biekorf)
Curiosity Killed The Cat (but satisfaction brought it back: An exhibition by artist in residence of the cultural centre of Bruges, Alice Vanderschoot. At the entrance of the theatre Biekorf, we find the installation ‘Out of Office’. Monday till Friday 1-5PM.
October 28th, 2022 – February 5th, 2023 (Old Saint John’s hospital)
Face to Face with Death. Hugo van der Goes, old masters and new interpretations: ‘The Death of the Virgin’ is one of the most important works in Musea Brugge’s world famous collection of Flemish Primitive art. Between 2018 and 2022, the painting was subjected to an extensive and intensive process of restoration, the results of which are truly magnificent. From autumn 2022, this masterpiece will feature both literally and figuratively as the central point in this outstanding exhibition in the Sint-Janshospitaal. After this exhibition the Old Saint John’s hospital will be closed for 6 months.
December 9th, 2021 – October 27th, 2023 ( attic of the Gruuthusemuseum)
Tales from the underground. Bruges in the year 1000: The golden age of Bruges – the Venice of the North, the New York of the North Sea – was during the Late Middle Ages. But the city’s great success was more than just coincidence. Archaeologists and historians now see the year 1000 as a key moment in Bruges’ development. This exhibition takes you back to that crucial but often forgotten period. The history of Bruges through the eyes of archeologists who together with the visitors try to get answers to many of the unsolved questions and remaining mysteries.
January 19th – March 12th, 2023 (Poortersloge)
All that glitters: Exhibition by artist in residence Alice Vanderschoot, who makes sculptures and installations around symbols in today’s visual communication and media. The sculptures in soft pastel colours are inspired on daily objects and signs found in today’s capitalist society. ‘All that glitters is not gold!’.
January 17 to 22, 2023 (Concertgebouw)
Bach Academy: During this thirteenth we discover Bach’s rich diversity with, among others, piano star Angela Hewitt and the Flemish Radio Choir. If Bach’s contemporaries were united behind one idea, it was that this life here on earth was but a brief, tribulation-filled pause on the path to heaven. Prayers, good works and certainly Bach’s music all revolved around one thing: seeking redemption, with Jesus as the faithful guide. Collegium Vocale Gent echo this idea of deliverance with some beautiful Bach cantatas, to which Philippe Herreweghe this year adds Graupner.
February 11th, 2023, 6 till 10 PM (Biekorf)
Project Grow 3.0: Street artist Jamz makes an in situ contemporary work of art on the walls of the entrance of theater Biekorf on the live music of Grazzhoppa. Come and see how the work comes to live. The work of art will be on view till June 9th, 2023
March 8th to 11th, 2023 (Concertgebouw)
Bits of Dance: During (B)its of Dance, the three Dance in Bruges partners (Concertgebouw Brugge, Cultuurcentrum Brugge and KAAP) join forces to present contemporary dance performances. They also invite Flemish choreographers and dancers to share their knowledge and expertise during a ‘Makers Day’. There is naturally a lot of innovative new work to discover.
March 30th to April 8th, 2023 (Concertgebouw)
Masterpiece Bach: a festival around the the St John and the St Matthew Passion by Bach.
April 1st, 2023 (Markt)
Ronde van Vlaanderen: on the evening before the start of the Tour of Flandres, the most important cycling tour in Belgium, open air concerts are hosted on the main square of Bruges, to celebrate this event.
April 2nd, 2023 ( Bruges centre)
Ronde van Vlaanderen: This year the start of the most important cycling tour in Belgium comes back to Bruges. The start of the tour is on the main square, most of the city centre will be traffic free.
April 2nd to 28th, 2023 (Concertgebouw)
All Arias: is the start of a new tradition: a biennial festival of domestic and foreign music theatre, in which cultural partners from Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent join forces to present a compelling and varied programme. This first edition focuses on literary classics and great stories from different continents. They tell us about exploitation and inequality, but at the same time sing about a universal quest for freedom and justice. The festival features a range of music theatre productions by composers such as Bushra El-Turk, Huang Ruo and Lieselot De Wilde.
April 19th – 30th, 2023 (Lumière cinema)
Mooov festival: Film festival where films are shown with artistic content in a broad social context. Shows films from all over the world around a yearly changing theme.
April 7th – May 28th, 2023 (Poortersloge)
Air Biekorf 7.0: an art exhibition of works by several artists who formulated an answer on the work ‘Out of office’ by Alice Vanderschoot at the entrance of the theatre Biekorf. (free of charge)
Sunday April 23rd, 2023 (city centre)
Erfgoeddag – Heritage day : Yearly recurring event, where you can visit monuments and historical sites organised around a theme. This year the theme is ‘Beastly’. (free of charge)
April 28th to May 21st, 2023 (’t Zand)
Meifoor – May fun fair: Yearly city fair that goes back to 1200 when the first yearly international fair was organised in Bruges. Fair with loads of attractions for all ages.
May 19th to 21st, 2023 (Concertgebouw)
Budapest Festival: In next to no time ‘founding father’ Iván Fischer conducted his Budapest Festival Orchestra into the world top ten of orchestras. Although these Hungarian musicians are equally at home in all styles, it is mainly in the late-Romantic and early-Modern repertoire that they have won their spurs. Time and again this Budapest-based orchestra surprises and delights us with its stylistic sincerity.
Thursday, May 18th, 2022, 2:30 PM (city centre – start Dijver)
The Procession of the Holy Blood: The Procession of the Holy Blood takes place every year on Ascension Day. The biblical and historic evocation is well known as the religious procession which originated as a purely religious expression at the end of the thirteenth century. It has formed part of the city of Bruges’ rich history since that time. The Procession of the Holy Blood is included on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (free event, you only have to pay for a seat on the tribune at the Central square)
May 18th till May 29th, 2023 (Old harbour quarter Bruges)
Belmundo: New city festival in the medieval harbour quarter of Bruges around music, art, society and the world. Program follows later.
May 28th, 2023 (Zand)
Discover Thailand: discover more about Thai culture and food.
June 10 and 11, 2023 (Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre)
Bruges Beer Festival BBF23: Fifteenth edition of the beer festival, the second year on a new location, where you can taste a broad range of Belgian beers, from well known classic beers to brand new beers, from large producers to micro brewery beers. The festival every beer lover wants to attend.
June 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2023 (Zand)
Barrio Cantino: Food truck festival in the centre of Bruges where you find food from all over the world, music and animation.
June 24th, 2023 (Minnewater park)
Feest in ’t park, Festival in the park: A small scale music festival organised by NGO’ s working in aid and development, promoting solidarity, human rights, fair trade and world peace. The different organisations promote their activities and projects. Lots of activities for children. (free entrance)
Mid June to Mid September 2023 (inner courtyard Belfry)
Carillon concerts: The carillon is played every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 12 pm. During the summer there are concerts on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. These summer concerts attract a lot of listeners to the inner courtyard of the Belfry. The dates for the opening concert and final concert follow later.
June – August , 2023 (Canal Coupure – Predikherenrei)
Swimming in the Coupure: Just like the previous years one can swim outdoors in one of the canals of Bruges, every afternoon from 1 PM till 9 PM. Showers and toilets are available, but there are no changing rooms, so don’t forget to already put on your swimsuit! There are pool rescuers on site. Free of charge.
July 5th – August 30rd, 2023 (different cafés and pubs in the city centre)
Klinkende kroegen: Every Wednesday evening there are three free concerts in different pubs in the city centre, between 7 PM and midnight.
July 2nd, August 6th and September 24th, 2023 (on and around Het Zand)
The Zandfeesten: The largest open air antique and flea market in Belgium, organised every year in the summer on three Sundays, from dusk till dawn. The Zandfeesten attract hundreds of vendors, and thousand of bargain-hunters from far and wide. (free entrance)
July 7th, 8th and 9th, 2023 (Minnewater park)
Cactusfestival: An outdoor music festival in the cosy Minnewater park. It is one of the smaller scale music festival in this festival craze country Belgium. The festival also attracts families with children since it is very child friendly. The atmosphere is very relaxed. (exact program follows later)
Fridays in from July 7th till August 25th, 2023 (Vismarkt)
Summer at the fishmarket: Every Friday you can drink and eat something from 4 PM to 10 PM with some live musical animation.
Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in July and August, 2023
Dancing on the Fishmarket and Zand: folklore dance on Friday, Salsa on Saturdays and Tango on Sundays between 6 PM and 10 PM, everyone can join. (free entrance)
July 9-10-11th, 2023 (Burg)
Flemish national day: On July 11th the Flemish part of Belgium celebrates its national day. On the weekend of 9 and 10 July festivities will take place in the centre of Bruges. (Programme follows later)
July 9th, 2023 (Burg)
Burgrock: Free festival that celebrated its 15th birthday in 2019. Free concerts starting at 3:30 Pm on the Burg. Young bands compete to win the Rock Rally trophee. ( date and programme follow later)
July 19th to 21st, 2023 (Markt)
Brugge Tripel Dagen: concerts on the main square on the occasion of the Belgian national holiday on July 21st.
July 20th – 23rd, 2023 (Grootseminarie Brugge)
Cirque Plus: Free Circus festival hosting national and international circus artists. You will find lots of humor, acrobats, large emotions and a cosy summer terrace with lots of summer vibes. Great to visit with kids!
July – August , 2023 (city centre)
Moods: Summer music festival in the historic centre of Bruges. On several concert nights it brings music from different corners of the world. (some concerts are free, for others you need to buy an entrance ticket)
August 4th- August 13th, 2023 (Concertgebouw) (music festival)
MA-Festival: Musica Antiqua Bruges is a festival of ancient music and historically informed performances. The program includes concerts, master classes, conferences, visits in the region, exhibitions, instrument market and international competitions that concentrates in a three-year cycle on organ, harpsichord, pianoforte and other period instruments, vocals, and baroque ensembles.
August 5-6-12-13, 2023 ( beach Zeebrugge) (music festival)
We Can Dance: Electronic Beach Festival, International musical talent on 5 stages and one livestage. Total of six stages exploring hip hop, techno, house & disco, all-round, slow dance and live music.
July 2nd, August 6th and September 24th, 2023 (on and around Het Zand)
The Zandfeesten: The largest open air antique and flea market in Belgium, organised every year in the summer on three Sundays, from dusk till dawn. The Zandfeesten attract hundreds of vendors, and thousand of bargain-hunters from far and wide. (free entrance)
August , 2023 (start Concertgebouw)
Vélo Baroque: Musical cycling route around Bruges.
August 13th, 2023 (city centre on different locations)
Benenwerk – Ballroom Brugeoise: Different indoor and open-air ballrooms in the centre of Bruges, with different music and dance styles: from salsa over tango, break dance, swing, boogie, musette, jive, folk, charleston or modern dance. (free entrance) (exact program with locations follows later)
August 15th, 2023 (city centre) (morning)
Procession Brugse Belofte or Blindekens procession: A yearly procession going out ever since 1304 on Assumption day of Mary. In yearly remembrance of the safe homecoming of the guilds men from the battle at Mons-en-Pévèle in 1304 against the French knights, a large candle is brought by in procession from the church of Saint Mary of the Blinds to the Church of the Potterie.
August 18th and 19th, 2023 (centre Lissewege)
Lichtfeest Lissewege: Light festival in a beautiful white village North of Bruges.(9 till 11 PM)
August 18th – 20th, 2023 (different locations city centre)
Reiefeesten: The Reiefestival is a triennial interdisciplinary arts festival that connects heritage and history with contemporary performing arts. The festival takes place in August 2023 at various open-air locations on and around the Bruges canals and will run over several days. It focuses on new creations.
August 25th and 26th, 2023 (Beach Zeebrugge)
Bomboclat music festival: Tropical Afrobeats- and Dancehallfestival. With a kidsvillage where children are looked after by professional entertainers.
September 3rd, 2023 (Zand)
Cheesemarket
September 9th – 10th, 2023 (city centre)
Open Monumentendag – Heritage day Flanders: Yearly recurring event, in which cities and towns open their monuments. Hundreds of heritage sites throughout Flanders are open to visitors, free of charge, on the 2nd Sunday in September. (free of charge)
Sunday September 17th, 2023 (city centre)
Carfree day: Yearly day when cars are banned from most city centres in Belgium. Bruges organises lots of activities in the centre for pedestrian and bikers, music and theatre in the streets, flea markets, activities for children… From 11 AM till 9 PM.
July 2nd, August 6th and September 24th, 2023 (on and around Het Zand)
The Zandfeesten: The largest open air antique and flea market in Belgium, organised every year in the summer on three Sundays, from dusk till dawn. The Zandfeesten attract hundreds of vendors, and thousand of bargain-hunters from far and wide. (free entrance)
October , 2023 (Concertgebouw)
Iedereen klassiek: Everyone classic: A veritable feast of classical music. The Concertgebouw is putting together a lavish celebration, with offshoots all over the inner city. As always, we warm up with Crazy about Bach and close with the wonderful Brussels Philharmonic, this time performing some well-known classics. (entrance free ) (date and programme follows later)
November 24th, 2023 – January 7th, 2024 (Central market square and Simon Stevinplein)
Wintergloed – Winterglow: Winter Glow consists of a new Light trail, ice skating with unique decor on the Minnewater (Lake of love), a cosy winter bar, three Christmas markets, shopping fun during the many shopping days and a lovely walking trail to wander through the historic centre with its beautiful atmospheric lighting and Christmas decorations. In the centre of Bruges and abundance of Christmas trees and decoration will create a warm atmosphere in these dark and cold days. (dates follow later)
December 2023 (Concertgebouw)
December Dance: International Dance Festival: Every year another curator chooses international dance performances resulting in an exciting program featuring mostly modern dance. (dates and programme follow later)
December 2023 ( Balstraat; museum of Folk Life, Lace Museum and Adornes Domain)
Midwinter Festival: Christmas craft market with traditional products in an authentic quiet part of Bruges. You will find nice trinkets and (Christmas) gifts and you can enjoy a snack or a drink. The Volkskundemuseum is accessible free of charge for the occasion: an ideal family outing! The Lace Museum and the Adornesdomein across the street will also open their doors. (Free, 10 AM to 6 PM) (dates and programme follow later)
December 2023 (start: 14:30 and end: Oude Zak 38, Bruges)
Procession of the Christmas Star: Folklore procession proceeding through the festive streets of Bruges. The Christmas Story is depicted in a folkloristic, yet atmospheric, procession. During the parade you can make a small contribution to a local charity. (start 2:30PM)
December 31st, 2023, 10:45 PM to 1 AM (Het Zand)
New Years Eve – Bruges sings: Bruges is painting the town red. Bruges welcomes the new year with a songfest featuring the most popular hits of recent years. The repertoire consists of the biggest sing-along songs of pop music, complemented by some Christmas and winter classics (32 songs in total). These songs are a mix of all languages, so do not hesitate to sing along. Followed by fireworks or light show at midnight.
Live music – when the bars can fully open again:
Every Wednesday evening in July and August 2023
Klinkende Kroegen – Free live music performances in three bars every Wednesday from 8 PM to midnight (free entrance) (program with dates and locations follows later)
27B Flat: Jazz bar. Deep in the tourist heart of Bruges lies hidden 27Bflat: a jazz & blues club where music and cosiness take centre stage with weekly live performances, jam sessions… from well-established artists to up-and-coming musical talent.
Sunday evenings – 9PM
Bistro Zwart huis: Monthly live performances on Sunday evenings (small entrance fee) Check their website because the place changed owners February 2019!
Markets:
Every Wednesday morning on the Markt and every Saturday morning on ’t Zand. (8 AM to 1:30 PM) Weekly fresh food and flower market, on Saturday you can also find clothes and utensils.
Every Saturday, Sunday and holiday from March 15th to November 15th, and every Friday from June to September on De Dijver (in front of the Groeningemuseum) and on the Fishmarket – 10 AM to 6 PM Antique and flea market– Folklore market
Every week from Wednesday to Saturday from 8 AM to 1:30 PM on the Fishmarket on the Fishmarket: fresh fish and seafood.
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