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 organized 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 2025! Events, dates and programs 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 and during school holidays 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)
From December 16th, 2023 – ongoing (Saint John’s hospital Museum)
The new Saint Johns’ hospital Museum: The museum in one of the oldest preserved hospitals in Europa was closed for almost a year but had reopened with a whole new exhibition that focuses on the history of 900 years of care and hospitality and also houses the second largest collection of painting by the Flemish primitive painter Hans Memling. Pieces from the old collection are placed in dialogue with contemporary art by Patricia Piccinini, Berlinde de Bruyckere, Lahouari Mohammed Bakir, Gregory Crewdson and Klaas Rommelaere. In the magnificent attic, whose roof structure made from oak beams is among the oldest and most monumental in Europe, you feel like you’ve stepped into another universe. The Closer to Memling Experience brings the wonderful works of Memling to life with hands-on tables, music and light. The interactive, audiovisual experience playfully brings children – and adults – closer to the world-famous master.Open every day from 9:30 AM till 5 PM, closed on Monday
January 21st to 26th, 2025 (Concertgebouw)
Bach Academy: Authentic? As far as Johann Sebastian Bach is concerned, that can mean a variety of things. It isn’t limited to style or instruments. Bach composed with authentic religious conviction: in his cantatas and passions he points the way to divine trust and surrender and there is no better ambassador for these emotions than Collegium Vocale Gent and Philippe Herreweghe. As a born musician, Bach also embodies the authentic joy of performance. With Bach that requires a fair degree of flexibility. Le Consort demonstrate that with harpsichord concertos that were originally scored for organ or violin, and with compositions by Bach’s predecessors that the master reworked. Today, musicians such as Joachim Badenhorst or Thibaut Garcia tackle Bach’s music with the same creativity.
April 4th till October 7th, 2025 ( Groeningemuseum)
Pride and Solace: Medieval books of hours and their readers: This collection presentation of the Bruges Public Library gathers together never-before-seen medieval books of hours, paintings and objects. Little books full of fervent prayers and breathtaking miniatures; books of hours were more precious than jewels to people of medieval times. They served as a powerful tool to ward off calamity and disease and to prepare a favourable fate in the afterlife. Today, they offer us an intimate look into the desires and fears of our ancestors. (closed on Wednesdays)
April 25th, 2025 (Concertgebouw)
Night of Bits: Night of Bits is the sequel to the previous festival Bits of Dance in which the Concertgebouw and KAAP give innovative and leading dance talent a stage. During this first Nights of Bits, dance and sound merge into an intense experience in two adventurous performances. GIMME A BREAK!!! is a duet with speakers. For this, Baptiste Cazaux borrows elements from rave music, meditation and headbanging. In no lemons no melon, Inga Hul Hákonardóttir and Yanne Leguay make sound visible and silence audible.
April 24th – May 4th, 2025 (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.
Sunday April 27th, 2025 (city centre)
Erfgoeddag – Heritage day : Yearly recurring event, where you can visit monuments and historical sites organized around a theme. This year the theme is ‘Game On’. (free of charge)
May 9th till June 1st, 2025 (’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.
Thursday, May 29th, 2025, 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 17th till 12th, 2025 (Concertgebouw)
Too many keys: Five pianists will immerse you in a delightful musical trance during this special concert evening. An ode to minimalism, and to the piano.
May 17th – June 15th, 2025 (Poortersloge)
Air Biekorf 8.0:Trespassers Assembly: an art exhibition of works by several artists who formulated an answer on the work ‘Trespassers Assembly’ by artist in residence Diego Latruwe . Thursday till Sunday 1 till 5 PM (free of charge)
May 16th till 18th, 2025 ( several locations city centre)
Dansstorm Bruges: From May 16 to 18, 2025, we will transform Bruges into a vibrant dance city with our festival DANSSTORM. For three days we will immerse the city in a storm of dance in all its forms. Discover our programme full of existing and new dance performances, workshops, initiations and surprising show moments. Get carried away by the rhythms, taste, feel, look, breathe and experience dance in every corner of the city. And of course, most of all, participate yourself and dance with us!
May 16th till 25th, 2025 (Queen Astridpark)
Mirage: Open air festival with all kinds of performances in the queen Astridpark, theatre, dance, music, circus, comedy, literature and art inspired by the city and her stories brought by international artists.
May 21st till 26th, 2025 (Provincial Palace)
Flax DNA Expo: From 21 May to 26 May 2025, the Provincial Court in Bruges will open its doors for the FLAX DNA Expo, a unique exhibition that will take you on a fascinating journey from raw material to finished product. The expo offers an in-depth look at the story of flax and its transformation into the iconic textile product linen.It will be a fascinating voyage of discovery through time: from artisanal techniques of the past to today’s innovative production methods.
May 22th to 24th, 2025 (Concertgebouw)
Budapest Festival: Iván Fischer and his Budapest Festival Orchestra are well known to Bruges audiences. Over the past years, their name has been a guarantee for extremely dedicated and exciting interpretations of the great orchestral repertoire. This visit they are focussing on the music of Mahler, a composer with whom Fischer has a special bond, as evidenced by his multi-award-winning recordings of several Mahler symphonies. For us Fischer and his orchestra will be performing Mahler’s colossal Second Symphony and his extremely emotional Fifth.
May 24 and 25, 2025 (Queen Astridpark)
(H)eerlijk Brugge: Come and enjoy a delicious sustainable weekend full of inspiration, conviviality and taste! This year, (H)eerlijk Brugge puts urban agriculture in the spotlight. Meet local farmers and producers who supply the city with fresh, sustainable products. Be surprised by fascinating speakers, creative workshops, and culinary delights during breakfast, lunch and dinner. (10 AM-6PM)
June 6th till September 28th ( in and around the beguinage)
Sauvegarde: Celebrating 800 years of Beguinage: The city of Brugge lets the Beguinage shine with a varied cultural program that brings to life the soul of this special place. Free exhibits, inspiring lectures and atmospheric concerts in the Beguinage Church immerse you in the rich history and heritage of this centuries-old community of women. Come along and discover the unique atmosphere, traditions and values of the Beguinage right in the heart of Bruges. Link to program. Opening weekend June 6-8, 2025.
June 8th, 2025 (’t Zand)
Discover Thailand: discover more about Thai culture and food. Savor delicious dishes from the various food stalls and immerse yourself in the Thai atmosphere with traditional music and dance, all while enjoying a refreshing Thai drink.
June 20th till 22th, 2025 (Zand)
Barrio Cantina: Food truck festival in the centre of Bruges where you find food from all over the world, music and animation.
June 18th, to September 15th, 2025 (inner courtyard Belfry)
Carillon concerts: The carillon is played every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 12 pm. During the summer months, enjoy the sounds of the carillon within the fairytale setting of the inner courtyard of the city halls. An oasis of calm in the lively city centre. Besides the weekly carillon performances on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 11am, there are evening concerts on Monday and Wednesday in summer between8 and 9 PM. Behind the carillon keyboard, in addition to our own city carillonneur and deputy city carillonneurs, are guest carillonneurs from home and abroad. Dive into the programme of summer carillon concerts.
June 28th – August 31st, 2025 (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 12:30 PM till 6 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.
June 28th, 2025 (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)
July 1st till 11th, 2025 ( Belfry)
The belfry tells its story: To celebrate the Flanders national day on July 11th there will be a unique light spectacle on the belfry that explores the different facets of Bruges and Flemish history, as well as the role Bruges has played in Flanders, both economically and internationally. Before the Belfry is restored, we will let this iconic monument tell its story for 11 evenings and 22 performances. From Tuesday, July 1 to Friday, July 11, at 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM each evening. (free of charge)
July 2nd – August 27th, 2025 (different cafés and pubs in the city centre)
Klinkende kroegen: Every Wednesday evening there are free concerts in different pubs in the city centre, between 7 PM and midnight.
July 5, 2025 (Burg square)
Taptoe: In its modern version, a taptoe is a musical show where the various show bands present themselves to the public. A taptoe is a musical spectacle composed of light, sound and colour.
Following the English example, the taptoe has evolved into a musical spectacle in which the participating bands give the best of themselves. Whereas the taptoe was originally a purely military affair, this is no longer the case. Its performance by civilian music bands has increased hand-over-hand in recent years. (8-10:30 PM)
July 6th, August 3rd and September 28th, 2025 (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. The Bruges Sand Festival enjoys fame in Belgium and in many other countries in Europe for its huge range of quality items.Antiques, brocante as well as many other curiosities are offered here in a summery atmosphere.This, combined with a bite to eat and a drink on one of the catering terraces, make a visit to the Bruges Sand Festival an absolute must.On the first Sunday of July, the first of August and the fourth of September, stalls are set up from the railway station to ‘t Zand and the surrounding area. The Sand Festivals can be visited from about 06h00 in the morning until 18h00 in the afternoon.(free entrance)
July 11th, 13th and 13th, 2025 (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.
Saturday in July and August, 2025 (Fishmarket)
Fiesto Latino: Summer atmosphere every Saturday night in the courtyard of our city of Bruges. Salsa de Brujas provides a different DJ every week. Each time a different atmosphere of Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and Merengue.
Fridays in July and August, 2025 (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, 2025
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 11th, 2025 (Burg)
Flemish national day: On July 11th the Flemish part of Belgium celebrates its national day. Festivities will take place in the centre of Bruges. (Program follows later)
July 20th and 21st, 2025 (Markt)
Belgian national holiday on July 21st. Brugse Bavik Dagen: a two day music festival on the main square of Bruges to celebrate Belgian’s national holiday. Music performances on both days are free of charge. There are food and drink trucks and toilets available. The concert on the 21st is a sing-along concert. Starts at 7 PM on the 20th and at 8:30 Pm on the 21st.
July 25th – 27th, 2025 (Grootseminarie Brugge)
Cirque Plus: Free Circus festival hosting national and international circus acts. You will find lots of humor, acrobats, large emotions and a cosy summer terrace with lots of summer vibes. Great to visit with kids! (Program follows later)
August 1st till 10th, 2025 (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 3rd, 2025 (start Concertgebouw)
Vélo Baroque: Musical cycling route around Bruges.
July 6th, August 3rd and September 28th, 2025 (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. The Bruges Sand Festival enjoys fame in Belgium and in many other countries in Europe for its huge range of quality items.Antiques, brocante as well as many other curiosities are offered here in a summery atmosphere.This, combined with a bite to eat and a drink on one of the catering terraces, make a visit to the Bruges Sand Festival an absolute must.On the first Sunday of July, the first of August and the fourth of September, stalls are set up from the railway station to ‘t Zand and the surrounding area. The Sand Festivals can be visited from about 06h00 in the morning until 18h00 in the afternoon.(free entrance)
August 9th, 2025 (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 15 till 17, 2025 ( 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.
August 15th, 2025 (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 21 to 23 and 28 to 30, 2025 ( Het Entrepot)
DORP: is a summer DIY festival where you get the chance to organize, make or do something yourself. In August we transform Het Entrepot into a festival area with music, performances, parties, expos, food stalls, workshops, games, … completely free!
August 22nd and 23rd, 2025 (centre Lissewege)
Lichtfeest Lissewege: Light festival in a beautiful white village North of Bruges.(9 till 11 PM)
August 29 and 30, 2025 (Beach Zeebrugge)
Bomboclat music festival: Tropical Afrobeats- and Dancehallfestival. With a kidsvillage where children are looked after by professional entertainers.
September 7th, 2025 (Zand)
Cheesemarket: VLAMO is organizing a Day of the Brass Bands at the Cheese Market in Bruges.Three brass bands will each bring their own unique style to create a lively and festive atmosphere at the market. The names of the participating bands and their performance times will be announced later.
September 13th – 14th, 20245 (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)
September 13 and 14, 2025 (Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre)
Bruges Beer Festival: Fifteenth edition of the beer festival, the third 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.
Sunday September 21st, 2025 (city centre)
Carfree day: Yearly day when cars are banned from most city centers in Belgium. Bruges organizes 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.
September 26-28th ( in and around the beguinage)
Sauvegarde: Celebrating 800 years of Beguinage: The city of Brugge lets the Beguinage shine with a varied cultural program that brings to life the soul of this special place. Free exhibits, inspiring lectures and atmospheric concerts in the Beguinage Church immerse you in the rich history and heritage of this centuries-old community of women. Come along and discover the unique atmosphere, traditions and values of the Beguinage right in the heart of Bruges. Link to program. Closing weekend on September 26-28th, 2025.
July 6th, August 3rd and September 28th, 2025 (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. The Bruges Sand Festival enjoys fame in Belgium and in many other countries in Europe for its huge range of quality items.Antiques, brocante as well as many other curiosities are offered here in a summery atmosphere.This, combined with a bite to eat and a drink on one of the catering terraces, make a visit to the Bruges Sand Festival an absolute must.On the first Sunday of July, the first of August and the fourth of September, stalls are set up from the railway station to ‘t Zand and the surrounding area. The Sand Festivals can be visited from about 06h00 in the morning until 18h00 in the afternoon.(free entrance)
October 16, 2025 (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 ) (program follows later)
November 21, 2025 January 4, 2025
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 and program follow later)
December 3rd till 14th, 2025
December Dance: International Dance Festival: Every year another curator chooses international dance performances resulting in an exciting program featuring mostly modern dance. (program follows later)
December 7, 2025 ( 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, 11 AM to 6 PM) (Dates and program follow later)
December 13 and 14, 2025 (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) (Dates and program follow later)
December 31st, 2025, 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:
Every Wednesday evening in July and August 2025
Klinkende Kroegen – Free live music performances in several bars every Wednesday from 8 PM to midnight (free entrance)
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.
Bistro Zwart huis: Weekly live performances on Friday evenings (entrance fee 7,5 euro) Check their website.
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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