Mechelen

Every Thursday, you can sit down in the grass and have fun in the Kruidtuin. The genres vary from Rock to Reggae, Singer song to Flemish hits and Ska to Blues. Enjoy the live music, sun and lively atmosphere.

Every year the Grand Market gets filled with the sound of excited children, the smell of ‘smoutebollen’ (a Belgian treat - verrry greasy) and funfair folk trying to get you on their attraction. It’s the tradition every Belgian city has and always will have: ‘Kermis’. Even though not everyone is too excided about it (some people think it’s cheap and a waist of money), Kermis can be a lot of fun, just don’t think you’ll win that extra large flat screen any time soon.

On our national holiday we Mechelaars party in style with a grand bal in the middle of the ‘Grote Markt’ (main square) and everyone is welcome. Dress up, put on your wedding clothes or birthday suit and dance with us to celebrate the anniversary of our lovely country.

‘Dijlefeesten’ is a blend of music and street theatre. Drop everything you're doing at 18:00 and keep dancing till the early hours. This year artists like Cairo Liberation Front, Pomrad, Jameszoo, Flying Horseman and many more!

‘Maanrock’ is the pride of Mechelaars when it comes to festivals. The city turns into one big festival site and streets fill with people from far and wide. Over three eclectic stages, national and international artists like Basement Jaxx, Starsailor, Safi, André Brasseur and more will make sure that feet move and beer flows.

Let’s not beat around the bushes here. All Belgians know what a Christmas market is... An other excuse to drink, party and sing. At least in the evenings it is. During the day it’s a place to buy Christmas themed presents for double the price they cost anywhere else. You can also eat a lot of unhealthy food, but don’t worry, after your second pancake with chocolate paste you can lose all the weight by ice skating or maybe during a fake snow snowball fight?
Anyhow, have fun and a merry Christmas!