What to Experience in Middelkerke: Events & Activities
Below, you'll find our selection of the finest events in Middelkerke and the surrounding region. Especially in the summer, there are almost daily festivities, ranging from markets and folklore to music performances and sporting events. Yet, even outside the summer season, there's plenty to enjoy in terms of varied activities.
Weekly markets on the Belgian coast
–
A weekly market is a great way to experience the Belgian coast. Almost every day there is a market somewhere along the coast, with fresh vegetables, fish, cheese, flowers and clothing. Below you will find the weekly markets in the seaside resorts by day, plus Bruges and Ypres. Markets on Monday - Blankenberge: Grote ...
Read more
Champagne Weekend
–
Are you looking for a weekend full of luxury, refinement, and delicious bubbles? Then the Champagne Weekend in the Belgian seaside resort of Middelkerke is just what you're looking for! This four-day event is a celebration of bubbles, music, and entertainment. What can you expect during the Champagne Weekend? - Tastings ...
Read more
Arrival of Saint Nicholas
Eind november
At the end of November, Saint Nicholas visits Middelkerke. Children welcome him on the Epernayplein and in Silt, the casino on the seafront. What can you expect at the arrival of Saint Nicholas? - Welcome: The Saint arrives in the centre of Middelkerke. - Party in Silt: The visit continues in Silt. Practical ...
Read more
Magical Middelkerke
Experience an enchanting Christmas season on the Belgian coast during Magical Middelkerke! Ice skating fun, winter treats, sparkling lights and magical moments await you during the seaside Christmas holidays. Silt on Ice, Skating on Epernay Square During the festive season, the Epernayplein transforms into a winter ...
Read more
Fireworks
Looking for a spectacular way to end your day by the sea? Then come to the annual Fireworks in Middelkerke, where an impressive fireworks display will complete your evening. What can you expect from the Fireworks in Middelkerke? - Beautiful Fireworks from the Beach: Enjoy the spectacular Fireworks launched from the beach ...
Read more
2027
Fireworks in Westende
Celebrate your day by the sea with a dazzling fireworks spectacle! In Westende, a beautiful fireworks show takes place on the beach. What can you expect from the Fireworks in Westende? - Perfect location: The fireworks are launched from the beach near the Rauschenbergplein, right by the sea. - Coastal atmosphere: Enjoy ...
Read more
Fireworks in Nieuwpoort
Fireworks in Nieuwpoort Nieuwpoort puts on fireworks several times a year. The dates for 2027 will be announced on the Visit Nieuwpoort website. Fireworks in 2026 - 14 February 2026, 7 pm: Valentine’s fireworks @ Zeedijk near Hendrikaplein - 21 July 2026: Fireworks @ Fonteinenplein on the Kaai - 22 August 2026: ...
Read more
Shell Counting Day
Take part in the annual Shell Counting Day and discover just how special the beach really is. What is Shell Counting Day? During this accessible citizen science initiative, you search along the tide line for shells and help researchers gain valuable insights into life in and around the North Sea. - Counting shells ...
Read more
Silt by Night
Since 2026, the annual light festival around the Silt building in Middelkerke has been called Silt by Night (formerly Silt by Light). On a Friday evening during the Easter holidays, the Epernayplein hosts a free sound and light show with a fireworks finale. What can you expect at Silt by Night? - Light show on Silt: The ...
Read more
Funfair
In mei en augustus
Twice a year the funfair sets up on the Marktplein in Middelkerke. A fun outing if you are staying nearby. What can you expect at the funfair? - Sluze Kermesse: The spring fair in May. - Augustuskermis: Ten days of funfair in the first half of August. - Central: Both fairs take place on the Marktplein. Practical ...
Read more
Ferris Wheel in Nieuwpoort
If you're visiting Nieuwpoort-Bad this spring or summer, a ride on the Ferris wheel The View is a must. This impressive attraction stands 55 metres tall and is temporarily located on the Loodswezenplein, making it a true eye-catcher along the coast.
Read more
Kite Festival
The annual Kite Festival in Westende is a spectacular display of colour and movement, taking place on the beach and promenade of Westende. During this two-day festival, the sky and horizon are filled with kites of all shapes and sizes, a mesmerising sight for young and old alike. What can you expect at the Kite Festival ...
Read more
Streetmart in Westende
The Streetmart in Westende is the ultimate summer event where nostalgia, atmosphere, and fun come together! This vibrant weekend brings a unique mix of a Volkswagen Bus Meeting, a Kite Festival, and an exciting Flower Power Weekend. A celebration for all ages on the Belgian coast! What can you expect at Streetmart ...
Read more
Beer by the sea
Weekend in juni
Experience the unique combination of Belgian hospitality and beer culture at Beer by the sea in Middelkerke, formerly known as the Beer Weekend. This event, famous for having the longest bar in Belgium, invites you to a weekend full of flavor and conviviality. What to Expect at Beer by the sea? - The Longest Bar in ...
Read more
Beach Jumping
–
Once a year, the beach of Middelkerke is transformed into a spectacular setting for Beach Jumping, a four-day equestrian event that draws thousands of visitors to the Belgian coast each spring. What can you expect during Beach Jumping Middelkerke? - Unique Show Jumping Competition: During low tide, a professional obstacle ...
Read more
Shrimp Festival and Shrimp Parade in Oostduinkerke
–
Every last weekend of June, Oostduinkerke bursts with festive energy during the Shrimp Festival, a lively tribute to the unique tradition of shrimp fishing on horseback, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2013. What can you expect during the Shrimp Festival? - Folklore Market: Discover traditional ...
Read more
Parkies
Every summer Thursday evening, the Normandpark in Middelkerke transforms into a lively space full of music, atmosphere, and friendly vibes. Locals and tourists come together to enjoy intimate open-air concerts. What can you expect from Parkies in Middelkerke? - Free concerts: For eight summery Thursday evenings, enjoy ...
Read more
JOE Parad’ice Beach in Westende
Every summer, from early July to early August, the beach of Westende turns into a tropical celebration with JOE Parad’ice Beach, the coolest ice cream parlour in the country, right by the sea! The exact dates for 2027 will be announced via the JOE channels. What to expect at JOE Parad’ice Beach? - Live Radio by the ...
Read more
Flanders Sings in Ostend
Experience a unique singing event at the Sint-Petrus-en-Paulusplein in Ostend during the annual Flanders Sings event. This free event invites everyone to sing along and enjoy a wide range of songs that are part of our collective memory. What to Expect at Flanders Sings in d'Ostend? - Central Audience: At Flanders Sings, ...
Read more
Riesenrad in Ostende
Are you spending the coming weeks on the Belgian coast? Then do not miss the spectacular Ferris wheel on the seafront promenade in Oostende! This summer, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the "Queen of Seaside Resorts". What can you expect? - Panoramic view: Take a seat in one of the gondolas and admire the panoramic ...
Read more
Fireworks
Looking for a spectacular way to end your day by the sea? Then come to the annual Fireworks in Middelkerke, where an impressive fireworks display will complete your evening. What can you expect from the Fireworks in Middelkerke? - Beautiful Fireworks from the Beach: Enjoy the spectacular Fireworks launched from the beach ...
Read more
Evening Market
July and August
On a nice summer evening, take a stroll over the Middelkerke market. The weekly summer evening markets in Middelkerke is there during July and August on Mondays from 16:00 hours.
Read more
Kweetniehoeleuk Westende (play festival)
In juli
Bouncy castles, an obstacle course and water attractions: Kweetniehoeleuk is a play festival for children on the Koning Ridderdijk in Westende. What can you expect at Kweetniehoeleuk? - Bouncy castles: Bounce to your heart's content. - Obstacle course: Climb, crawl and run. - Water attractions: To cool off on a summer's ...
Read more
Beach Festival in Nieuwpoort
The annual Beach Festival in Nieuwpoort is the ultimate musical summer rendezvous on the Belgian coast! For two days, visitors can enjoy a mix of feel-good vibes, timeless classics and live performances by top artists, all in a unique seaside setting. What can you expect at the Beach Festival in Nieuwpoort? - Unique ...
Read more
HAP Food Truck Festival
The HAP Food Festival is a culinary summer event that takes place annually in the atmospheric Normandpark on Normandlaan in Middelkerke. Visiting the Belgian coast this summer? Then you won’t want to miss this cosy and flavour-packed festival! What can you expect at the HAP Food Festival in Middelkerke? - A Feast for ...
Read more
Fireworks in Westende
Celebrate your day by the sea with a dazzling fireworks spectacle! In Westende, a beautiful fireworks show takes place on the beach. What can you expect from the Fireworks in Westende? - Perfect location: The fireworks are launched from the beach near the Rauschenbergplein, right by the sea. - Coastal atmosphere: Enjoy ...
Read more
Circus Barones
Every summer, the charming Circus Barones sets up its tents in Middelkerke, a must-see for all ages on the Belgian coast! This family circus guarantees an enchanting show full of tradition, spectacle, and fun. What to expect at Circus Barones? - Breathtaking Acrobatics: International top artists perform thrilling aerial ...
Read more
Circus Barones in Bredene
Circus Barones brings you a traditional circus, with lots of acrobatics. Under the guise of 'Circus like circus should be', you'll be treated to the most amazing acts. Of course Circus Barones goes big as always. You can watch many artists from home and from abroad who sometimes perform horrifying acts, juggle or show ...
Read more
Funfair
In mei en augustus
Twice a year the funfair sets up on the Marktplein in Middelkerke. A fun outing if you are staying nearby. What can you expect at the funfair? - Sluze Kermesse: The spring fair in May. - Augustuskermis: Ten days of funfair in the first half of August. - Central: Both fairs take place on the Marktplein. Practical ...
Read more
Kweetniehoeleuk Middelkerke (play festival)
In augustus
Bouncy castles, an obstacle course and water attractions: Kweetniehoeleuk is a play festival for children in the Normandpark in Middelkerke. What can you expect at Kweetniehoeleuk? - Bouncy castles: Bounce to your heart's content. - Obstacle course: Climb, crawl and run. - Water attractions: To cool off on a summer's ...
Read more
Fireworks
Looking for a spectacular way to end your day by the sea? Then come to the annual Fireworks in Middelkerke, where an impressive fireworks display will complete your evening. What can you expect from the Fireworks in Middelkerke? - Beautiful Fireworks from the Beach: Enjoy the spectacular Fireworks launched from the beach ...
Read more
Fireworks in Ostend
21 juli (nationale feestdag)
On 21 July, Belgium celebrates its national holiday, and Ostend marks the occasion with a spectacular fireworks display on the beach. End your summer day in style with a breathtaking show by the sea. Explosive spectacle on the coast - Date and time: Every year on 21 July at 23:00, in honour of the Belgian National Day. - ...
Read more
Country Festival
–
The Country Festival in Middelkerke is a unique annual event in August, where for three days sun, sea and the relaxed atmosphere of American music culture come together on the Belgian coast. What can you expect during the Country Festival in Middelkerke? - International Top Artists: Enjoy live performances by artists from ...
Read more
North Sea Torchlight Procession and Fireworks
Every summer, the Belgian seaside resort of Westende transforms into a fairytale world during the annual North Sea Torchlight Procession and the stunning fireworks display. This unique coastal event is an experience you don't want to miss! What can you expect during this magical evening? - Colourful Parade: The evening ...
Read more
Tastoe
Tastoe is THE culinary event that takes place annually in Westende. The festival promises a flavoursome journey through the rich Belgian cuisine. Local chefs, food trucks and artisan producers come together to treat both residents and visitors to a gastronomic adventure. Culinary Highlights - Local Delicacies: Sample ...
Read more
ManiFiesta
ManiFiesta is the annual two-day festival on the Belgian coast that takes place in September. With a mix of music, debates, literature, film, and sports activities, ManiFiesta offers an inspiring and unifying weekend. What can you expect at ManiFiesta? - Music with a Message: Enjoy performances by national and ...
Read more
Open Monument Day in Flanders
On the second Sunday of September, monuments across Flanders open their doors, many of which are otherwise closed or hard to visit. Coastal towns take part too, such as Knokke-Heist and Blankenberge. Admission is free. What can you expect on Open Monumentendag? - Hundreds of places: 913 locations took part in 2026. - A ...
Read more
Agriculture Weekend
Eind september
Middelkerke is not only famous for its sea and beach but also for the rich polder landscape that surrounds the region. During the annual Agriculture Weekend, agriculture comes to life in the heart of the coastal town. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience one of the most authentic events of the year! What can ...
