Marktrock festival returns to Leuven after decade-long absence
Friday evening, Leuven will see the return of a piece of Belgian music history with the revival of Marktrock. The legendary festival is returning to the Flemish city this weekend after a decade-long absence.
Marktrock started in 1982 as a small local festival, and slowly grew into a major summer event attracting over 350,000 visitors. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the festival hosted international stars including Iggy Pop, Joe Cocker, Radiohead, Kanye West, and Natalie Imbruglia, making it one of Belgium’s most celebrated music festivals.
The original organizing association disbanded in 2007. Smaller, free editions continued until 2014, but after a paid revival in 2015 drew only 21,000 visitors, Leuven decided to discontinue Marktrock. The festival was replaced by a summer concept called ‘Half Oogst’, which ended in 2024.
Two stages
Marktrock's comeback is organised by Kat Kerkhofs - daughter of one of the festival's original founders and wife of Belgian footballer Dries Mertens - along with her sister Lyn. It will feature two stages: a ticketed main stage on the city’s historic Oude Markt square and a free DJ stage at the nearby Vismarkt.
Friday’s lineup includes Belgian acts such as Clouseau, Milow, and Emma Bale on the main stage, along with a free DJ set by Mertens himself. Saturday's headliners are Nile Rodgers & Chic and Selah Sue. The festival will also feature food trucks, the Marktrock Bar, free water, and an information stand.
Marktrock's revival edition takes place on 22 and 23 August 2025. Performances will run daily from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday’s main stage shows are sold out, but Saturday and weekend tickets are still available.
Marktrock in 2011. #FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO CHRISTOPHE KETELS
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