Palmenmarkt Geel
Historische kermis en jaarmarkt van Geel rond Palmzondag, een van de grootste kermissen van de Kempen.
Leverage Palmenmarkt Geel's historic carnival tradition around Palm Sunday to drive foot traffic and local tourism during one of Kempen's largest annual fairs.
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The Palmenmarkt is the largest kermis (fair) of the Kempen region, with approximately 130 attractions including about 20 major amusement rides, making it a significant public attraction. Running from Friday 27 to Tuesday 31 March 2026 in Geel's city centre, the five-day event features the main fairground plus special programming including a festive opening ceremony, a traditional annual market, a sensory-friendly moment, and a Family Day. The event has deep historical roots, with Geel being an important medieval trading centre with four annual fairs, Palmenmarkt being the most significant.
Friday 27 March
Festive opening 16:00-19:00 (De Waaiburg playground) with dance music, children's entertainment, Mayor's welcome at 17:45, Bellemannen parade with children to fairground 18:00. Fairground hours 18:00-02:00. Fireworks show ~22:00.
Saturday 28 March
Annual Market (Jaarmarkt) 08:00-13:00 in Kollegestraat and Diestseweg. Fairground hours 10:00-02:00.
Sunday 29 March
Fairground hours 13:00-02:00.
Monday 30 March
Sensory-friendly moment 16:00-18:00 (reduced light/sound stimuli). Fairground hours 13:00-00:00.
Tuesday 31 March
Family Day with discounted rides and special offers. Regular Tuesday market relocates to Kollegestraat and Diestseweg. Fairground hours 10:00-00:00 (note: last day extends late).
- Festive opening on Friday 27 March (16-19:00) in De Waaiburg playground with dance music and children's entertainment, with the mayor officially opening Palmenmarkt at 17:45
- Bellemannen (traditional bearers) and children parade to the fairground for free rides on children's attractions
- Annual market (Jaarmarkt) on Saturday 28 March (8-13:00) in Kollegestraat and Diestseweg
- Sensory-friendly moment on Monday 30 March (16-18:00) where light and sound stimuli are reduced, lights dimmed, serving people with ADHD, autism or high sensitivity
- Family Day on Tuesday 31 March with discounted rides and special offers at various attractions
- Opening day fireworks show around 22:00