Patersholfeesten
Sfeervol wijkfeest in de oude middeleeuwse buurt Patershol met eten, drank en muziek in het weekend rond 15 augustus.
Activate local food, beverage, and hospitality businesses during a mid-August neighborhood festival in Ghent's historic Patershol district with authentic medieval charm and community engagement.
- Discover hidden gems in Ghent's oldest neighborhood during Patersholfeesten
- Local food & drink vendors showcase authentic flavors in medieval Patershol
- Weekend festival vibes: music, food, and community in historic Ghent
- Plan your August escape to Patershol's atmospheric neighborhood celebration
Patersholfeesten takes place 14–16 August 2026 in the oldest quarter of Ghent, organizing mini festivities with maximal atmosphere and ambiance. The event is traditionally organized by the Koninklijke Dekenij Patershol together with a large group of volunteers and residents in the weekend around 15 August. After the Ghent Festivities, Patersholfeesten is the best-known festival in Ghent; in its current form, the festival has been organized for 50 years, though its origins date back to the 18th century. [ "Authentic pressed mastellen (sweet bread with brown sugar) made according to a generations-old family recipe", "Street entertainment, performances, and exhibitions across the neighbourhood", "Harmonie opening parade and traditional kaarskensstoet (candlelit procession) finale", "Large flea market on Sunday with antiques and curiosa throughout Patershol's streets", "Community breakfast and Eucharistic service in Sint-Stefanus church", "Two stage music programme on the Kaatsspelplein and De Viersprong" ]
Friday 14 August
Evening opening from 19:00; background music and street entertainment; mastellenstand (pressed bread sales)
Saturday 15 August
From 10:00; Eucharistic service (Sint-Stefanus church); harmonie opening parade; community breakfast; folk dancing; two-stage music programme (Kaatsspelplein & De Viersprong) ending with traditional folk dance; mastellenstand continues
Sunday 16 August
From 09:30; large traditional flea market across streets and squares; acoustic/background music; closing performance by The Original Patershol Ragtimers on evening stage; kaarskensstoet (candlelit procession) finale with community participation