Antwerp welcomes Bollekesfeest 2023 on 18, 19 & 20 August and Royal de Luxe Giants on 25, 26 & 27 August

Antwerp has planned a busy month of August with Museumnacht (Museum Night) and Antwerp Pride. But after culturos and the gays have conquered the city, there’s more mainstream fun ahead.

Antwerp hosts this year’s Bollekesfeest on 18, 19 and 20 August. During this festive weekend, visitors can be pampered with the best musical acts and lots of goodies.

The main stage will also be on the Grote Markt this year. Here, Bram & Lennert kick off the striker on Friday during the annual summer aperitif between 4 and 5 pm, where the city, in collaboration with the Duvel Moortgat brewery, offers free De Koninck Bollekes and an alcohol-free alternative while supplies last.

Mayorga, Maksim and Aaron Blommaert then warm up the crowd for Omdat Het Kan Soundsystem ft. Average Rob. DJ F.R.A.N.K. bows out Friday with a set which takes everyone back to the great 90s.

On Saturday afternoon, Noonzy, Moody Mae and The Juliets warm up young and old, after which Jaap Reesema lets everyone sing along with his most recent hits, and Sylver sets the square on fire, before blasting off with Kwijt Trek System.

Sunday promises something for everyone, with Samson & Marie capturing the hearts of young and old. Then there are performances by Maxine and a surprise act. Followed by audience favorite Metejoor, with his colleague from ‘Liefde voor muziek‘, Günther Neefs with band, as the closing act.

Anyone who likes to dance is more than welcome at Steenplein. The real foodie can also fully enjoy the trendy food trucks here. This year you can also visit the Groenplaats for the traditional regional products market, in collaboration with vzw Streekproducten, with a pleasant dash of music in the background.

The full programme can be found at www.bollekesfeest.be.

The giants of Royal de Luxe

This summer, the City of Antwerp may again receive a visit from the internationally renowned Royal de Luxe, who will bring some giants to life from 25 to 27 August in a free spectacle for young and old as part of Summer of Antwerp.

The city has had a unique collaboration with Royal de Luxe for 25 years and has already welcomed various spectacles of this company in Antwerp in the past.

In 1998 Antwerp welcomed the Giant and his African friends. In 2006, the Elephant and the Sultan of the Indies walked through the city and in 2010 a real Diver came out of the Kattendijkdok and there was also the Little Giantess (De Kleine Reuzin). Finally, in 2015, Grandma Giant or Oma Reus and De Kleine Reuzin met each other at the Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS).