Event Details
Welcome to the Bruges Beer Festival 2026
On 12 and 13 September 2026, the 18th edition of the Bruges Beer Festival takes place at the Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre (BMCC) at Beursplein in Bruges. Organised by the non-profit beer association BAB vzw, around 50 breweries and beer companies will present approximately 350 beers, ranging from timeless Belgian classics to exclusive specials. Admission is free.
The 2026 edition carries a particularly festive character: Flanders is celebrating 10 years of Belgian beer culture as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, with a dedicated focus year on beer tourism. The Bruges Beer Festival is a centrepiece of this celebration, shining a spotlight on the craftsmanship, diversity and sustainability of Flemish and Belgian beer culture.
Highlights
- 18th edition of one of Belgium's most beloved beer festivals
- Around 50 breweries presenting approximately 350 different beers
- Trappist beer stand: Chimay, La Trappe, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren
- Spontaneous fermentation and geuze stand: 3 Fonteinen, Boon, Cantillon, Oud Beersel, Tilquin and more
- International guest breweries from Romania, France and Italy
- Live music on both Saturday and Sunday
- Free admission – tasting packages with BABcoins and glass available
- Untapped Certified Venue
Beer Program
The festival is divided into several stand areas. The Trappist beer stand offers an extensive selection of Belgium's most celebrated monastery beers, including the rare Westvleteren. The spontaneous fermentation and geuze stand features lambic, oude geuze, kriek and other specialities from the finest lambic breweries and blenders in Belgium. International guest breweries include Anagram Brewery from Bucharest and Cambier from Lille. The complete beer list will be published in the week before the festival on the official website.
Tickets and Packages
Entry to the festival is free. To taste the beers, BABcoins are required, available in two packages.
- Big Time – €35.00 (online pre-sale): Includes 10 BABcoins, the official festival booklet and an exclusive 15cl BAB tasting glass. Only the Big Time package is available online and grants fast lane access at the entrance.
- Little Sips – €14.50 (at the venue only): Includes 2 BABcoins and an exclusive 15cl BAB tasting glass. Available on site on the day of the festival.
Packages are non-refundable. A raffle is also held throughout the festival, with prizes including beers, glasses and goodies (raffle ticket: €2.00).
Visitor Tips
- The BMCC is approximately 1 km from Bruges railway station; arriving by train is highly recommended.
- Paid parking is available under 't Zand square and near the railway station.
- Buy the Big Time package online in advance to use the fast lane entrance and avoid queues.
- The full beer list is published shortly before the festival; check the official website closer to the date.
- Food trucks offering hot and cold meals are present on the festival grounds.
- A paid cloakroom with limited capacity is available on site.
- Book accommodation well in advance as Bruges fills up quickly on this weekend.
