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What's On in Ghent — 2026

Festivals, events, and things happening month by month.

By Flavia VoicanFlavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-11

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Jan 2026
Gentse Carnaval
Small-scale medieval-themed parade through the old town. Arrive by 9am to secure a spot near the Town Hall.
FREE
Feb 2026
Ghent Jazz Festival
Free outdoor stages in the Sint-Pietersplein square with local artists. Reserve seating early for prime spots.
FREE
Mar 2026
Gravensteen Castle Festival
Medieval reenactments and craft markets inside the castle grounds. Skip the morning crowds for better photos.
10 EUR
Apr 2026
Ghent International Film Festival
Premieres at the Kinepolis cinema. Book tickets 2 months ahead for popular screenings.
20-100 EUR
May 2026
Spring Market at Sint-Pieters
Handmade crafts and local food stalls along the canals. Best visit mid-week for fewer crowds.
FREE
Jul 2026
Gentse Feesten
10-day city-wide celebration with free stages across the historic center. Arrive by 3pm to avoid 5pm crowds.
FREE
Aug 2026
Ghent Beer Festival
50+ Belgian breweries serving samples at the St. Pietersplein. Early entry (9am) gets you the best pours.
15 EUR (entry)
Sep 2026
International Film Festival
Special screenings at the Ghent Film Museum. Book early for documentaries.
10-40 EUR
Oct 2026
Halloween in Ghent
Themed pub crawls and ghost tours through the medieval streets. Wear costumes for free entry at some venues.
5-20 EUR
Dec 2026
Ghent Christmas Market
Magical market at the Gravensteen castle with mulled wine stalls. Avoid weekends for quieter shopping.
FREE

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