Following a couple of years where many events have been cancelled and rescheduled, it’s extra exciting to be able to book visits to festivals and celebrations in 2022. There are plans for some great events in Belgium in 2022, with those in the Flanders region offering something for everyone.
Here, we share what we believe to be some of the top events in Belgium in 2022, including options for families, foodies, and flower fans!
Ghent Floralies 2022
The perfect festival for flower fans, the 36th edition of the Ghent Floralies will take place between the 29th of April and 8th of May 2022. Set in Ghent’s Citadelpark – the largest park in the city – Ghent Floralies 2022 will celebrate the chosen theme of ‘My Paradise: A Global Garden’ through showcasing around 500,000 different plant and flower species. Hosting florists from Belgium and around the world, Ghent Floralies 2022 aims to create a lush, blooming space in a time when city centres are becoming less green.
The inspiration for the 2022 Ghent Floralies started with the Van Eyck brothers’ ‘The Ghent Altarpiece’ and an image of Bishop Triest’s garden. This seamlessly complements the Van Eyck year which Ghent has been celebrating since 2020. In addition to seeing a whole variety of plants and flowers during the event, you’ll have to opportunity to attend workshops and demonstrations, visit concept rooms, and explore pop-ups. Plus, you’ll be able to learn all about flower trends, innovation, and the latest horticultural research too!
Ostend Harbour Festival 2022
The fun-packed Ostend Harbour Festival offers plenty to see and do for the whole family. Set in Belgium’s ‘City by the Sea’, Ostend Harbour Festival 2022 will be held between the 19th and 22nd of May and will give visitors the opportunity to see around 150 different ships of all shapes and sizes. In addition to being able to see multiple ships moored at the quay walls, you’ll be able to enjoy 100 exhibition stands offering everything from food and drink to arts and crafts, and the whole festival will boast a background music from folk ensembles and shanty choirs from a range of different countries.
The Ostend Harbour Festival 2022 is titled ‘Ensor at Sea’ and will celebrate the Belgian painter and printmaker. Ensor has very strong links with Ostend and you’ll be able to learn all about him, his shells and his masks during the festival. Other activities include taking a trip out to sea, having a harbour tour by boat, and visiting the fishmarket where you can learn how to peel grey shrimp fresh from the North Sea.
Bruges Beer Festival 2022
Belgium is known for its excellent beers, and the annual Bruges Beer Festival provides the perfect opportunity to try some of the country’s best beverages for yourself. The festival welcomes around 80 breweries offering hundreds of beers, so you’re sure to find options that you love. Thousands of people visit the Bruges Beer Festival each year which creates a fantastic atmosphere, and some of the city’s restaurants offer beer inspired menus during the festivities too.
Bruges Beer Festival 2022 will take place on the 5th and 6th of February, providing the perfect excuse for a weekend in Bruges. In addition to trying different beers, you can enjoy lectures, debates, and culinary experiences as part of the event. During your time in Bruges there are lots of other beer related activities you can try. For example, you can take an interactive guided beer tour, experience a local beer and chocolate tasting, or enjoy a historical beer and chocolate walking tour.
Now that you know about the top events and things to do in Belgium in 2022, it’s time to start planning your trip! You can be in Belgium in just 40 minutes if you sail into Calais and around an hour if you sail into Rotterdam, making both routes great options! Book your ferry tickets today and find out more about these events on the Visit Flanders website.
