Vredefeesten
Sint-Niklaas' first-September-weekend city festival famous for its hot-air balloon festival rising from the Grote Markt, plus concerts and a world market.
Drive regional tourism and local hospitality bookings by promoting Sint-Niklaas' unique hot-air balloon festival and world market experience during the first September weekend.
- Stunning aerial shots of hot-air balloons rising from Grote Markt—perfect for Instagram/TikTok
- Local food & beverage vendors showcase world market cuisine and craft offerings
- Family-friendly festival guide: concerts, balloon rides, and cultural attractions in one weekend
- Partner with travel influencers to drive hotel/accommodation bookings in Sint-Niklaas
Vredefeesten runs from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September, filling the city with music, balloons, experiences and meetings. This renowned balloon happening features hot-air balloons rising into the air during the first weekend of September and is the only one in the world with an ascent area in a city centre. The festival offers balloons against a bright sky, great concerts, surprising street animation, a world market, the Ballonloop, workshops and more. Dozens of colourful balloons rise from the Grote Markt both mornings (from 7am) and evenings (from 5:30pm), from classic hot-air balloons to playful special shapes, with the Lantaarnballonballet on Friday evening at 10:30pm. Hooverphonic performs Saturday 5 September on the Villa Pace podium at Heymanplein. All concerts are completely free; no reservation needed. Saturday evening at 11pm closes with a silent fireworks display from the Grote Markt. Smells and tastes of the world market stimulate the senses while music guides from park to square. The Ballonloop on Sunday 6 September offers three distances: 1km kidsrun, 5km and 10km.
Part 1
Sunday 6 September