Things to do in Antwerp

Antwerp has an outstanding catalogue of events that take place every year. August is particularly busy with a number of celebrations throughout the city but no matter what time of year you visit this intriguing place you are sure to find something happening somewhere.

Many of the festivals emphasize the things that make Antwerp such an attractive destination in the first place. Fashion, art, music and the history of the city are all celebrated in style with tourists visiting at certain times to ensure their trips coincide with their favourite event.

Top 10 Events in Antwerp by month

June

Fashion Academy Show
Graduates get a chance to present their work at this end of year show. Over 6,000 spectators and international editors gather to see what could be the next big thing in the fashion world.

July

Iron Man Half Triathalon
Over 1000 of the worlds best athletes participate in this triathalon, involving swimming 1900m, cycling 92km and running half a marathon.

E-sports Festival
The gaming industry’s best players descend on Antwerp. The three day event sees teams of players battling it out on popular computer games. You can either enter the competitions or join the spectators to enjoy the fun.

Openluchttheater Rivierenhof Festival
This is one of the biggest summer attractions in the city. Held in the park, you will find a number of top musicians playing on the open-air stage with a programme that includes pop, rock, jazz and cabaret.

August

Museum Night
The city’s museums and churches extend their opening hours so that visitors can enjoy their permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as surprise contents in magical settings.

Rubens Market
In honour of the cities most famous resident, traders dress in traditional costume to sell their goods that turn the Grote Markt into a scene from one of the masters pieces.

Jazz Middelheims
Every year since 1981 organisers have moved jazz from the typical late night bars to the open air of the park. In this stunning setting world-class performers come to celebrate this popular music.

Laus Polyphoniae Festival
An exploration into the music of baroque and polyphonic collections that have been lying dormant for many years in the municipal libraries waiting to be rediscovered.

September

Laundry Day
In bygone days when people hung their laundry out to dry it became a social event as neighbours got together. This celebration recreates this time but in grander surroundings with 13 stages and crowds of revellers, but still lines of colourful clothes hang from lines high above them.

October

Night of the Proms
This is a carnival of sound as pop and classical music collide in a musical extravaganza. The whole family will be able to enjoy this event.

December

Christmas Market
Visitors can buy all manner of Christmas fare or simply enjoy a glass of mulled wine beneath the beautiful Christmas trees, all in the glorious surroundings of the Grote Markt. Stay into the evening and you can join in the carol service that echoes around the square.