Belgium’s summer music festivals: A season of sound and celebration
Belgium's summer of 2025 promises a compelling lineup of music festivals, catering to diverse musical tastes and offering unforgettable experiences across the country. From rock and pop to electronic, jazz and reggae, here's a guide to some of the most anticipated festivals.
Couleur Café (27-29 June, Brussels)
Couleur Café brings a vibrant mix of world music, reggae, hip-hop and soul to Brussels. The festival is celebrated for its multicultural atmosphere and diverse lineup, making it a unique experience in the heart of the city.
Paradise City Festival (27-29 June, Steenokkerzeel)
Set against the backdrop of a picturesque castle, Paradise City Festival offers electronic music enthusiasts a sustainable and immersive experience. The festival focuses on eco-friendly practices alongside performances from artists like Chris Stussy and Orbital.
Rock Werchter (3-6 July, Werchter)
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Rock Werchter continues to be a cornerstone of Belgium's music scene. This multi-genre festival boasts a lineup featuring Linkin Park, Green Day, Sam Fender and Olivia Rodrigo. Known for its eclectic mix of established and emerging artists, Rock Werchter offers an exceptional festival atmosphere.
Les Ardentes (3-6 July, Liège)
Set in Liège, Les Ardentes focuses on electro-rock music, featuring artists like Lil Tecca, Peso Pluma, and Young Thug. The festival has grown significantly since its inception in 2006, now attracting large crowds to its multi-stage setup.
Gent Jazz (4-19 July, Ghent)
Spanning over two weeks, Gent Jazz showcases a blend of traditional jazz and related genres like soul and electronic music. It's held at De Bijloke, and this year features performances by renowned artists such as Herbie Hancock, Norah Jones and Branford Marsalis Quartet.
Cactusfestival (11-13 July, Bruges)
In the Minnewaterpark of Bruges, Cactusfestival provides an intimate setting for music lovers. The 2025 lineup includes acts such as 2manydjs, The Black Keys and dEUS, offering a blend of international and local talent.
Dour (16-20 July, Dour)
Over five days, Dour presents more than 230 artists across seven stages. With its eclectic mix of genres and vibrant atmosphere, the festival attracts music enthusiasts from all over.
Tomorrowland (18-20 & 25-27 July, Boom)
One of the world's premier electronic dance music festivals, Tomorrowland returns with its signature two-weekend format. The 2025 edition promises an icy, mythical universe for attendees to explore. Headliners include David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren and Swedish House Mafia.
Gentse Feesten (18-27 July, Ghent)
More than just a music festival, Gentse Feesten is a 10-day cultural celebration encompassing music, theatre, street performances and more. Attracting around 2 million visitors annually, it transforms the city of Ghent into a vibrant hub of artistic expression.
Reggae Geel (1 & 2 August, Geel)
As Europe's oldest reggae festival, Reggae Geel offers a relaxed, non-commercial atmosphere reminiscent of Jamaican festivals. The event features a mix of reggae DJs, sound systems and live performances from artists like Steel Pulse, Protoje & The Indiggnation and Sister Nancy.
Pukkelpop (14–17 August, Kiewit)
Pukkelpop offers a diverse lineup spanning rock, electronic, pop and hip-hop. Held in Kiewit near Hasselt, the festival is known for its progressive and contemporary musical offerings, attracting a wide audience each year.
© BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
Related news
