Flanders is a bucket-list destination for music lovers—big bands, unique scenes and tons of genres. With more than 280 festivals each year, there’s plenty to choose from.
Every summer millions of people gather in Flanders—a region full of history. You can enjoy live music in cities such as Antwerp, Ghent, Brugg and Boom as well as historical sites, exquisite food and shopping possibilities.
JAZZ MIDDELHEIM
Jazz Middelheim, founded in the late 1960s, has become an iconic jazz festival. The festival grounds in Antwerp are within walking distance of the famous sculpture park. The green surroundings of the Park den Brandt with a high quality infrastructure, including a playground for children and gourmet catering, attract not only a vast jazz crowd but also families with children who love to linger in the park and enjoy the live music.
GHENT FESTIVALS
After more than 160 years of existence, the Ghent Festivities have become one of the best festivals in Europe. Four international festivals take place there over a period of 10 days, with free music on 10 squares, children’s entertainment at various different locations in the city and hundreds of indoor and outdoor activities.
MAFESTIVAL
One of the oldest classical music festivals with an international reputation takes place in Brugge. Daily concerts, competitions, workshops and lectures focus on the historical performance.
TOMORROWLAND
Yesterday is History, Today is a Gift, Tomorrow is Mystery. What started out in 2005 as a one-day festival has grown into a three-day festival. Two weekends are being organized for the 10th anniversary of Tomorrowland in Boom. Tomorrowland is one of the largest festivals with 360,000 attendees. Tickets sell out in one day for this popular festival.
For more info, go to www.visitflanders.us
European Traveler 