Belgian Beer Weekend: cheers to 25 years!
By Malin Norman | Photo: Belgian Beer Weekend
At the annual celebration of Belgian beer culture, visitors can expect world-class brews and lively festivities. With over 500 beers from more than 50 breweries, the 25th anniversary of Belgian Beer Weekend, taking place at the Grand-Place in Brussels 5-7 September, is set to be a blast.
Belgian brewers and their beers take centre stage at Belgian Beer Weekend, traditionally held during the first weekend of September. For three days, Grand-Place in Brussels, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transforms into a gigantic open-air bar with small and large breweries represented. The organisers promise a vibrant atmosphere with live music and parades, and of course the best of Belgian beers.
“Belgian Beer Weekend brings together breweries from across the country, from family-run microbreweries to famous Trappist producers. There’s a heartwarming, communal and respectful atmosphere of promoting Belgian beer culture, together,” says Jasper Lambrechts, managing partner of Cocomo, organiser of the event. “Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs, rich dubbels, crisp saisons or fruit-forward lambics, there’s a glass with your name on it. Explore old favourites or try something you’ve never heard of, it’s all part of the experience!”
Weekend-long celebration
More than 50 breweries will tempt visitors with over 500 beers – all served in the brewery’s own, unique beer glassware. “On the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, large and small brewers present their beers for tasting in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable,” says beer sommelier and beer judge Paul Davies, who is also founder of AleHunters, which organises brewery tours in the UK and Belgium.
The experienced guide explains that the public opening of the festival is preceded by the solemn inauguration of the beer stands on the Grand-Place by the brewers, the Grand Master of the Knighthood of the Brewers’ Paddle, the Mayor, the aldermen of Brussels, and invited guests.
“Saturday sees a procession of historical brewing carts and beer wagons through the streets of Brussels to the Grand-Place,” he says. “There is also another enthronement ceremony of the Knighthood of the Brewers’ Paddle in the morning before the festival opens its doors again. Sunday sees another parade through the city before the festival opens for the last day.”
At Belgian Beer Weekend, you can devour new release beers, music, and much more. “In addition to the festival, many other events take place across the weekend, including tap takeovers scheduled in various bars throughout Brussels, along with special open days at breweries within the city and its surroundings,” Davies adds. “Quite simply, this is a wonderful weekend celebrating the world of beer.”
2025 is a milestone year
The festival was established in 1998, with the purpose of highlighting the exceptional Belgian beer heritage. As it now celebrates the 25th edition, visitors will be able to try exquisite Belgian beers from the finest breweries.
“The range of flavours is remarkable, and the stunning backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Site makes this event unparalleled,” says Lambrechts. “A highlight is when the sun goes down in the evening and all the lights are turned on at Grand-Place. It’s such a beautiful setting – brewers as well as visitors can really feel the magic.”
Attending the anniversary event is Rudi Ghequire, former head brewer of Rodenbach and now also proud owner of Brouwerij De Kazematten. You will find him on the stand of Swinkels, which owns Palm and Rodenbach, and on the stand of St. Bernardus that represents Brouwerij Kazematten. “I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of friends and beer lovers again,” says Ghequire. When asked what not to miss during the celebration, he simply says; “Try to sip our wonderful Belgian beer culture, that you’ll find reflected in our beers!”
www.belgianbeerweekend.be
Instagram: @belgianbeerweekend
About Belgian Beer Weekend 2025
What: annual celebration of Belgian beer and its brewers
When: 5-7 September 2025
Where: Grand-Place in Brussels
Pricing: entrance is free, but you need to pay for the beers. Upon arrival, you will receive a payment card that you can recharge via a QR code or at the payment booth
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