Belgian Beer Festivals

Belgium, Beer Capital of the World

Almost everyone knows about Munich’s Oktoberfest, the king of all beer festivals, however not a lot is publicised about the beer festivals in Belgium. Yet Belgium has a tradition of beer making and produces 450 different varieties of beer, including some world famous brands.

Looking at their annual calendar of events, there’s a major event or festival almost every month of the year and below is just a sampling of them.  Please check dates closer to the event as they may change.

Annual Beer Festivals

Special Beer Festival (Sohier)
February 26 – 28, 2010:  Those who like traditional beers will enjoy Sohier’s 3-day beer festival.  Set in the town of Wellin, Sohier has more than 130 different beers, many of which are from traditional production and also some “exotic” beers.

The Zythos Beer Festival (St. Niklaas)
March 6 – 7, 2010: This great beer festival takes place in Sint Niklaas in eastern Flanders. There are approximately 200 beers from the 60 breweries featured. There is no entry fee and no pre-booking is required.

Beer Festival of Bouillon
April 2010 (tbc): Bouillon shopkeepers display all beer products, including local producers of specialty beers. There are tasting sessions.

Beer Festival of Mons (Mons)
From May 14 – 16, 2010: This is an annual event where the Party Service and tradesmen of the Grand Place organize a weekend dedicated to beer. Visitors can taste traditional beers from the numerous stalls which includes the big brands that made Belgium famous as the World Center of Beer.

Belgian Beer Festival / Beer Collectors’ and Exchange Market
May 25, 2010: This beer event takes place in the town of Lustin (Profondeville) with displays of beer glasses, bottles, labels, coasters, old ads, clocks, mirrors, pints, jugs and other collector’s items. It claims to have available 850 varieties of beer (that’s what they’re claiming!), including meals cooked with beer.

Gambrinus Beer Truck Festival (Philippeville)
July 2010 (tbc): This unique event which celebrates brewery trucks and drivers takes place in Philippeville. The name Gambrinus owes its origin to the Duke of Brabant, Jan Primus, who was known as “the King of Beer” and “King of the Road”. This museum is in former maltings-brewery-farm buildings of the 19th century and its contains some 20 vehicles and 75 themed displays.

Meeting of the Breweries in Belgian Luxembourg
July 18, 2010: The breweries of the province of Luxembourg gather in Hotton for beer tastings, explanation of different brewing methods, music, raffle for a basket with regional products, and street animations.

Festival of 100 Beers (Anvaing)
August 13 – 15, 2010:  This is like a “Beer Games” with all types of bicycle races, culminating in the tasting of 100 beers.

Arch’en Biers (Archennes)
August 13 – 15, 2010: Held in the town of Grez-Doiceau, the aim of this festival is to acquaint people with lesser-known beers in Walloon Brabant. Each year, the organizers endeavour to present new products to visitors and there will be numerous tasting throughout the weekend.

Brussels Beer Weekend (Brussels)
From September 3 – 5, 2010: Brussels’ Grand’Place – Grote Markt hosts a multitude of stands offering the opportunity to discover some of their best Belgian beers. Many small, medium-sized and large Belgian breweries will present their best selections of beers. Entrance is free and beer prices are very reasonable! Entertainment such as jazz bands, brass bands, activities for children will accompany your beer tasting.

Beer, Bread and Cheese Festival (Durbuy)
From September 18 – 19, 2010: An all weekend event when you can go on a sampling trail and discover regional beers, breads and cheese.

Poperinge Hop Festival
September 18 – 20, 2010:  Poperinge is the charming hop metropolis in the southwest of West Flanders and has a triennial hop and beer festival.

Hop Festival in Val de Sambre (Erquelinnes)
From September 10 – 12, 2010: Great hops festivity in the town of Erquelinnes, with amazing entertainment throughout the weekend including music, guided tours of the brewery, hot-air balloon rides, and craft exhibitions.

Oktoberfest – Beer Festival (Etterbeek)
From October 13 – 17, 2010:  Oktoberfest is in Brussels as well, which says a lot about Belgium’s reputation as a beer centre.  This festival follows the tradition of the famous München beer festival.  There’ll be a big marquee with 1500 seats and typical oom-pah-pah music. Beer lovers cannot miss this event!

Brassigaume – The International Festival of Small Breweries (Rulles)
From October 16 – 17, 2010: This takes place in Rulles where you can visit different stands and meet 22 Master-Brewers and taste their products consisting of more than 80 different beers. On the agenda: music, reading with beer historian Mr. Philippe Voluer, and local cuisine made from Belgian beer.

Karakterbier Festival
October 2010 (tbc) – This festival of very special beers is an annual event in Poperinge and features 60 local Flemish beers, mainly brewed in small quantities, but with special aromas.

Christmas Beer Festival (Stembert)
From November 27 – 28, 2010:  Enjoy 70 Belgian beers whilst you look around at the Christmas cribs of about 20 exhibitors.

So, if you love a good brew, Belgium may a good stop for your next holiday itinerary.

So, what is your thought on this? Let me know!

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