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What's On in Antwerp — 2026

Flavia Voican By Flavia Voican · Updated April 14, 2026

What's On in Antwerp

Antwerp hosts over 100 major annual events, with the Antwerp Diamond Jubilee drawing approximately 500,000 visitors in 2023.

Events Calendar — Antwerp 2026

MonthEventTypeCost
JanuaryAntwerp Winter FestivalWinterFREE
FebruaryAntwerp CarnivalFestival€10-€25
MarchAntwerp City RunSport€15
AprilAntwerp Book FairBook€5-€15
MayAntwerp Jazz FestivalMusic€15-€35
JuneAntwerp Diamond JubileeCulturalFREE
JulyAntwerp Open Air CinemaArtsFREE
AugustAntwerp Street Food FestivalFood€5-€10 per dish
SeptemberAntwerp Museum NightArtsFREE
OctoberAntwerp Beer FestivalFood€10-€20
NovemberAntwerp Christmas MarketChristmasFREE
DecemberAntwerp New Year's Eve FireworksEventFREE

Top 3 Events Not to Miss

June
Antwerp Diamond Jubilee
Celebrates Antwerp's diamond industry history with a parade along the Scheldt River from 10 AM to 2 PM. Features diamond-cutting demonstrations at the Diamond Museum and free access to the Antwerp Diamond Centre. Arrive early at the Grote Markt for the best views of the parade route.
May
Antwerp Jazz Festival
Held across five venues including De Roma and the Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum. Features 30+ international jazz acts performing daily from 6 PM to 11 PM. A festival pass costs €35 for all venues, with single-venue tickets at €15. Buy tickets online early as the De Roma venue sells out within 24 hours of launch.
February
Antwerp Carnival
The largest carnival in Belgium with a parade through the historic city center starting at 10 AM. Features 200+ floats and 5,000 costumed participants along the route from Grote Markt to Meir. Entry to the parade route is free, but reserved seats along the route cost €25. The official start time is 10:05 AM; the parade begins immediately after the mayor throws the first bouquet.

Free Events in Antwerp

Antwerp City Run: March 15, 2026, starting at Antwerp Central Station, ending at Deurne Park (10 km route). Antwerp Museum Night: September 26, 2026, all city museums open until midnight, including the MAS and Museum of Contemporary Art. Antwerp Open Air Cinema: July 18-20, 2026, at Deurne Park, showing classic films with free entry and seating on the lawn.

Practical Info

June offers the most significant events, particularly the Diamond Jubilee. Book tickets for the Diamond Jubilee and Jazz Festival 6-12 months in advance. The official event listings are available via the Antwerpen Vast website (antwerpenvast.be) and the Eventbrite Antwerp hub. Public transport is the most efficient way to navigate event locations during peak times.

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