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day · range · Sint-Niklaas (Grote Markt) BE

Vredefeesten / Ballonfestival

78e Vredefeesten met 36 heteluchtballonnen die opstijgen van de vernieuwde Grote Markt, plus wereldmarkt en concerten.

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Marketing angleinferred

Promote the 78th Vredefeesten as a must-see regional spectacle combining hot-air balloon launches, world market shopping, and live concerts to drive tourism and local hospitality bookings.

Relevance 55medium intent
  • 36 hot-air balloons lighting up the sky: capture the visual spectacle for Instagram/TikTok
  • World market + local food vendors: highlight unique shopping and culinary experiences
  • Family-friendly festival weekend: position as a regional destination event for day-trippers and overnight stays
  • Historic 78th edition milestone: emphasize tradition and community gathering appeal
Programme

The Vredefeesten is Sint-Niklaas's flagship city festival held in early September, celebrated annually for its world-renowned Balloon Festival – the oldest hot-air balloon gathering globally (since 1948) and uniquely held in a city centre. The 78th edition (2026) spans four days with hundreds of colourful hot-air balloons, special shapes, concerts from Belgian and international artists, street animations, a world market, carnival rides, and the annual Ballonloop run.

Line-up
Hooverphonic (Saturday 5 September)Levellers, Maksim, Luka, Sergio, Arbeid Adelt!, XinkABBA4U (ABBA tribute band)

Thursday 4 September

Ballonfestival for Kids (school-age children), oldtimer balloons, festival start

Friday 5 September

Morning and evening balloon ascents from Grand Market, Lantaarnballonballet (lantern balloon ballet) at 22:30, Hooverphonic concert at Villa Pace

Saturday 5 September

Morning and evening balloon ascents, concerts across multiple stages, VIP viewing available (17:00 onwards, open bar)

Sunday 6 September

WWII commemoration ceremony, Vredesprijs award ceremony, Ballonloop races (1/5/10 km starting at Grand Market), evening balloon ascents, concert finale

  • "Dozens of colourful balloons in all types and sizes rise from the Grand Market, both mornings (from 7 am) and evenings (from 5:30 pm)"
  • Lantaarnballonballet (lantern balloon ballet) on Friday evening at 22:30, a spectacular show with gas burners illuminating to music
  • Multiple stages featuring Levellers, Maksim, Luka, Sergio, Arbeid Adelt!, and Xink
  • Hooverphonic as a key headliner on Saturday 5 September at Villa Pace on Heymanplein
  • Special-shaped balloons including a Race Car, giant Cornetto, Château de Balleroy, and vintage OO-SAX
  • The Ballonloop road race on Sunday 6 September with three distances: 1 km kids run, 5 km, and 10 km
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