Belgian Beer Weekend 2024 in Brussels

Beer has been produced in Belgium since the Roman era. Currently, there are over 300 breweries in the country, and the Belgian Beer Weekend is a great occasion to see and try the best brews Belgium can offer. Held every first weekend of September in Grand Place (Grote Markt) in the heart of Brussels, the Belgian Beer Weekend offers 500 different beer samples from 50 breweries.

Festival Program

The event, which originated over 20 years ago, showcases some of the best beer producers in the world, demonstrating their beer-making processes and their most acclaimed beers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the vibrant celebration of Saint-Arnould, the patron of brewers, during which the local priest blesses the beer barrel, which marks the beginning of the festivities. The opening of the Belgian Beer Weekend takes place in Brussels’ Town Hall.

After the official part and the brewers' parade, which is one of the most signature parts of the festival, thousands of visitors can approach the stalls and enjoy a wide range of brews from small and large breweries. The event, which is organized by the National Federation of Belgian Brewers and the Knighthood of the Brewer's Mash Staff, boasts a great atmosphere with lots of historical costumes and music all around!

Brewers' & Confraternities Parades

The brewers' parade and brewers' confraternities parade through central Brussels with marching bands, music, brewery wagons, and carts are the highlights of the Belgian Beer Weekend. Both parades are accompanied by the sound of trombones, cheering crowds, and, of course, beer tastings. The brewers' parade takes place on Saturday at 1 pm, while the brewers' confraternities parade is set to begin at 12:15 pm.

Admission & Cost

Entry to the Belgian Beer Weekend is completely free. However, you do need to pay for beer and various brews. Organizers came up with a system of a payment card, which you can recharge throughout the event and pay for the drinks.

Schedule & Hours

Belgian Beer Weekend traditionally takes place on the first weekend of September. The schedule differs depending on the day. On Friday, September 6th, the venue opens at 6 pm and closes at 10:30 pm. On Saturday, the festivities span from 12 pm until 10:30 pm, while on Sunday, you have a chance to taste some delicious brews from noon until 8 pm.

Location & Transportation

All the festivities unfold in the city center, at the Grand-Place, a historic landmark of Brussels. Some activities also take place in Town Hall and the Brewers' House. Getting to the festival grounds is quite convenient by train, since the Brussels-Central station is located half a mile (700 m) from the Grand-Place.