Event Details
Belgian Beer Weekend 2026 – The World's Biggest Belgian Beer Festival at Grand-Place
From 4 to 6 September 2026, the Grand-Place in Brussels transforms into the world's largest Belgian beer bar for the 26th edition of the Belgian Beer Weekend. More than 500 exceptional Belgian beers from over 50 breweries are on offer across three days; ranging from legendary Trappist abbeys to innovative craft microbreweries. Entrance is free on all three days.
Highlights
- 26th edition at the UNESCO World Heritage Grand-Place in Brussels
- Over 500 Belgian beers from more than 50 breweries across Belgium
- Free entrance on all three festival days
- Live music and festive atmosphere in the heart of the city
- Traditional parade with historic horses and wagons
- Direct interaction with brewers and brewery teams at each stand
- Complementary visit to Belgian Beer World in the historic Bourse building nearby
Program & Opening Hours
The festival runs across three days at the Grand-Place. On Friday, 4 September 2026, the stands open from 6:00 PM onwards. On Saturday, 5 September and Sunday, 6 September 2026, the program begins at 11:00 AM. Live music acts perform on the central stage throughout the weekend. The beer selection spans everything from crisp blondes and saisons to rich dubbels, tripels, lambics and modern IPAs.
Beers & Breweries
The Belgian Beer Weekend is organised by the National Federation of Belgian Brewers in collaboration with the City of Brussels and the Knighthood of the Brewers' Mashstaff. Large international names and small regional craft breweries present their beers side by side; often served directly by the brewer or brewmaster. Belgian beer has been recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2016, and this festival is one of the world's most celebrated expressions of that tradition. With over 500 beers available across the weekend, every visit uncovers something new.
Tickets & Payment
Entrance to the Belgian Beer Weekend is completely free. To taste the beers, visitors receive a digital payment card on arrival that can be recharged via QR code or at on-site payment booths. Companies can purchase tokens in advance on invoice. The card system makes payments at all brewery stands quick and cashless.
Getting There
The Grand-Place is located in the centre of Brussels and is easily reachable by public transport. Brussels-Central station is just a few minutes' walk away. Metro lines 1 and 5 (Gare Centrale stop) and several STIB bus routes connect the square to the wider city. The immediate area around the Grand-Place is a pedestrian zone; arriving by car is not recommended.
Visitor Tips
- Friday evening is the quietest time; ideal for a relaxed first visit from 6:00 PM onwards.
- Saturday is the busiest day; arrive early for the best atmosphere and access to all stands.
- Bring a valid ID: the minimum age for beer consumption is 16, and 18 for high-alcohol beers.
- The streets around Grand-Place are packed with Belgian chip shops, waffle stands and restaurants.
- Visit Belgian Beer World in the Bourse building before or after the festival for a deeper dive into Belgian brewing culture.
- Book Brussels accommodation early; the first weekend of September fills up quickly.
