Vredefeesten Sint-Niklaas
Gratis stadsfestival met wereldmarkt, concerten (headliner Hooverphonic) en het iconische ballonfestival boven de grootste markt van Belgie.
Leverage a free, multi-day urban festival with international market appeal, live music, and iconic balloon spectacle to drive foot traffic and local tourism during peak season.
- Countdown to Europe's largest market + balloon festival spectacle
- Behind-the-scenes of Hooverphonic headliner performance
- World market vendor spotlights: food, crafts, and cultural experiences
- Family-friendly festival itinerary: concerts, balloons, and street food
The Vredefeesten (Peace Festivities) are the top event in Sint-Niklaas. Every year in the first weekend of September, numerous colourful hot-air balloons in all manner of shapes and sizes rise into the air. This renowned balloon happening is the only one in the world with an ascent area in a city centre! It is organized in commemoration of the liberation in early September 1944 at the end of World War II. Unique world-renowned balloon festival with ascent area in city centre (Grote Markt) All concerts entirely free – no reservations needed Mix of local talent, national top acts and international artists across multiple stages World market with international cuisine, different music styles on 6 stages (Villa Pace), spectacular fireworks, nostalgic fairground and street animation Meet-and-greet with hot-air balloons for children on Friday 4 September Car-free zone with accessibility via parking and public transport
Part 1
Friday 4 September
Part 2
Children's meet-and-greet with hot-air balloons (learn how balloons work, up-close viewing). Workshop hosted by karrewiet-reporter Jelle Mels
Part 3
Saturday 5 September
Part 4
Hooverphonic headliner at Villa Pace (Heymanplein)
Part 5
additional concerts, balloon festival activities, world market, street animation across multiple stages and locations
Part 6
Sunday 6 September
Part 7
Commemorative ceremony at city monuments honouring the origins of Vredefeesten
Part 8
balloon flights continue
Part 9
full programme of concerts, world market, Ballonloop, fireworks