5 open-air festivals in inspiring spots in Antwerp

A summer jazz festival is held in August among the trees in Den Brandt park, not far from Middelheim sculpture park. Founded back in 1969, Middelheim attracts serious jazz fans from all over Europe. The atmosphere is relaxed, with performers playing under a big tent while fans sit around on the grass drinking chilled white wine.

An inspiring festival that fills the months of July and August, and reaches into the most remote corners of the city. Parties happen in a former gasworks in Zurenborg, now called Zomerfabriek, while Cinema Urbana screens openair films in a disused hangar on the waterfront. But you can also have drinks with friends under the trees at the Zomerbar, or you can find circus acts, street theatre and pop-up hotel rooms that cost next to nothing.

Antwerp’s Arenberg theatre stages magical open-air concerts in the summer months under the trees of the Rivierenhof estate. Hop on a tram or bike to join the relaxed crowd listening to rock, blues, punk, folk and world performers. The programme runs from June to September.

This new festival brings musicians to the beautiful Handelsbeurs hall in the heart of Antwerp. Held over a week in the spring, the festival features an eclectic programme of baroque, piano and fado, as well as family concerts.

The Middenvijverpark on the left bank is the setting for a relaxed three-day summer festival. The programme features international rock bands, indie groups and new Belgian talent. The festival site is just a short walk from Central Antwerp through the Sint-Annatunnel.