Boter- en Kaasfeesten
50e editie van de boter- en kaasfeesten op pinkstermaandag op de Grote Markt.
Celebrate Dutch dairy heritage and local food culture at a 50-year-old butter and cheese festival to drive foot traffic and regional tourism.
- 50 years of tradition: the story behind Europe's longest-running butter & cheese festival
- Farm-to-table spotlight: meet the local producers behind the festival's premium dairy offerings
- Whey to celebrate: exclusive festival recipes and pairing ideas for Dutch butter and cheese
- Plan your pilgrimage: insider tips for navigating the Grote Markt festival experience
On Whit Monday 25 May 2026, Diksmuide celebrates the 50th Boter- en Kaasfeesten, a five-decade tradition bringing visitors together in the "Butter City" for a day of dairy experience, folklore and entertainment. From now through 30 September 2026, visitors can enjoy a unique story via QR-codes at various locations in Diksmuide's centre marking 50 years of the festival.
10:00–16:00 continuous (Main day)
Cheese & butter throws at Stadhuis (10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00 adult; 15:00 children's throw); Dairy market & food stalls on Grote Markt; Farm experience zone with tractor rides, cow milking, children's rides; Artisan markets throughout centre; Street animation
11:15
Knighting ceremony (Orde van de Beuterwaeghe) – traditional taste-test, weighing and knightly accolade on Grote Markt
14:15
Louis Flion concert on main stage (Grote Markt)
Throughout day
50-year anniversary expo walk (Generaal Baron Jacquesstraat) with vintage photos, living statues, oldtimer tractors; Security Village (Schoolplein) with fire brigade & Defence; à-volonté cheese buffet (bookings required); Traditional folk & musical performances
Ongoing May–Sept 2026
QR-code heritage trail & interactive puzzle hunt through city centre (Kaaslicht treasure hunt)
- Legendary cheese and butter throws at 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00, with a special children's throw at 15:00 for under-10s
- Local dairy farmers showcase artisanal cheeses, butter and dairy products on the Grote Markt
- 50-year jubilee expo in Generaal Baron Jacquesstraat with nostalgic photos, living statues and vintage tractors creating immersive heritage experience
- Family farm zone on Grote Markt: hand-milk a cow, tractor rides, vintage carousel and petting farm
- 11:15 traditional knighting ceremony of the "Orde van de Beuterwaeghe" with taste-testing and weighing ritual
- Interactive Security Village with firefighter tools, fire prevention and DOVO/Defence presence
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