Havenfeesten Blankenberge
Folkloric harbour festival filling the Ascension weekend with tall ships, folklore and maritime atmosphere.
ⓘ Recurring event. The 2026 date is the usual window; confirm the exact date closer to the event.
Drive regional tourism and local hospitality bookings by positioning Havenfeesten Blankenberge as a must-see maritime heritage experience during Ascension weekend.
- Tall ships & folklore: Belgium's hidden maritime gem awaits
- Plan your Ascension weekend escape to historic Blankenberge harbour
- Experience authentic harbour traditions and seafaring culture
A four-day maritime festival featuring maritime activities and authentic fishing culture , held during the extended Ascension weekend. The event brings together ships, music, folklore and harbour animation , with a collection of Old Gaffers (traditional sailing vessels) from France, Netherlands and Belgium . The maritime festival has existed for 75 years and remains true to its three core pillars: folklore, historic sailing ships and maritime music .
- Fishing folklore groups and contemporary music groups provide music while visitors stroll between markets featuring fishing crafts, fish-frying demonstrations and fish tastings
- Historic Old Gaffers sailing vessels from France, Netherlands and Belgium gather in the harbour
- Free public activities including authentic ships, maritime walks, rescue demonstrations and music performances
- Large flea market and fairground entertainment
- Demonstrations of folkloristic groups and fishing communities, with traditional fish-frying as a major attraction
- Multiple attractions including antique/brocante market, exhibitions, model-ship demonstrations, Napoleonic camp re-enactment, and special children's activities (maritime salon, face-painting, sailor tattoos)