Overview and Experience:
Stepping into the Belgian Beer Weekend feels like walking into a celebration of history, tradition, and the world’s finest beer. Held in Brussels’ Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the festival showcases Belgium’s incredible beer culture. The event typically takes place in early September, transforming the iconic square into a beer lover’s paradise, with tents from over 50 Belgian breweries offering hundreds of different brews.
The Grand Place, with its stunning Gothic architecture and rich history, provides a breathtaking backdrop for this festival. The cobbled streets and medieval buildings transport you to another time, and the aroma of malt, hops, and brewing yeast fills the air. From the smallest artisanal brewers to world-famous Trappist monasteries, Belgium’s brewing heritage is on full display.
Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual beer drinker, Belgian Beer Weekend offers a chance to taste the full spectrum of Belgium’s brewing styles. The atmosphere is festive but laid-back, with live music, parades, and traditional games adding to the fun. It’s not just a beer festival—it’s a cultural event that draws visitors from around the world.
The Beer Experience:
Belgium is home to some of the most revered beer styles in the world, and the Belgian Beer Weekend is your opportunity to sample them all. The beers you’ll encounter here are not just drinks—they’re works of art, crafted by brewers who have spent centuries perfecting their craft. Some of the most iconic Belgian beer styles include:
Trappist Beers: Brewed by monks within the walls of Trappist monasteries, these beers are often strong, complex, and steeped in tradition. Look out for famous names like Westmalle, Chimay, and Orval. Trappist ales typically include:
Dubbel: A dark, malty beer with rich flavors of caramel, raisins, and dark fruit.
Tripel: A pale, strong ale with a higher alcohol content and fruity, spicy notes.
Quadrupel: The strongest of the Trappist ales, with a deep, rich flavor and a high ABV (usually above 10%).
Lambics and Gueuze: These wild, spontaneously fermented beers are unique to Belgium. Lambics are often aged in wooden barrels and can be blended to create gueuze, a sparkling beer with a tart, sour character. Look for:
Kriek: A cherry-infused lambic, which balances the beer’s natural sourness with a fruity sweetness.
Framboise: A raspberry lambic with a refreshing, tart flavor profile.
Saisons: Originally brewed by farmers in Wallonia to refresh workers during the harvest season, these beers are dry, fruity, and lightly spiced. Saisons typically have a low-to-moderate ABV and are perfect for sipping on a warm day in the Grand Place.
Belgian Pale Ale: Balanced and easy-drinking, Belgian pale ales have a malt-forward flavor with subtle hop bitterness. They’re often lighter than other Belgian beers, making them a great option for an afternoon of tasting.
Witbier: A Belgian-style wheat beer brewed with spices like coriander and orange peel. Light, hazy, and refreshing, witbiers are ideal for a sunny day.At the festival, you’ll find beers from both small craft brewers and larger, more established names. Don’t miss the chance to try beers from breweries like Duvel, known for its strong golden ale, and Rodenbach, famous for its sour Flemish red ales.
The Food Experience:
Belgium is as famous for its food as it is for its beer, and the Belgian Beer Weekend offers plenty of opportunities to sample traditional Belgian fare. As you sip on your beer, you can enjoy classic dishes that complement the rich flavors of the brews on offer.
Moules-frites: A quintessential Belgian dish of mussels steamed in white wine and herbs, served with a generous portion of crispy fries. The salty, savory flavors of the mussels pair beautifully with a crisp Belgian pale ale or witbier.
Carbonnade Flamande: A hearty beef stew made with dark Belgian beer, onions, and spices, often served with mashed potatoes or fries. This rich, savory dish is perfect alongside a dubbel or quadrupel.
Belgian Waffles: For dessert, nothing beats a warm, freshly made Belgian waffle. Topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit, these waffles are light, fluffy, and perfect for pairing with a fruity lambic or a rich stout.
Cheese Plates: Belgium is home to some excellent cheeses, and many vendors at the festival offer cheese plates that pair perfectly with your beer. Try a creamy Chimay cheese with a robust trappist ale or a tangy blue cheese with a sour gueuze.Why Belgian Beer Weekend is Unique:
The Belgian Beer Weekend is a celebration of both beer and heritage. What sets it apart from other beer festivals is the sheer depth and variety of Belgium’s brewing tradition. This isn’t just a place to drink beer—it’s a chance to explore centuries of brewing history and to appreciate the artistry and dedication that goes into every bottle. The festival is a true showcase of the country’s diverse beer culture, with styles ranging from the funky and sour to the rich and complex.
The setting in the Grand Place adds another layer of magic to the experience. As you sip your beer and take in the sights of Brussels, you’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful and historic architecture in Europe. It’s hard not to feel like you’re part of something special when you’re standing in the heart of one of the world’s great cities, enjoying some of the best beer on Earth.
Pro Tips for First-Time Attendees:
Start slow: Many Belgian beers are high in alcohol content, so it’s important to pace yourself. Begin with lighter styles like witbier or saison, and gradually work your way up to stronger beers like tripels and quadrupels.
Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to mix different beer styles throughout the day. Belgian beer is known for its versatility, and you’ll find that many styles complement each other beautifully.
Talk to the brewers: One of the best things about Belgian Beer Weekend is the opportunity to meet the brewers behind the beers. Many of the smaller breweries are happy to chat about their brewing process, and they’ll often have great recommendations for what to try next.
Explore beyond the beer: While the beer is the star of the show, don’t forget to enjoy the other aspects of the festival. Watch the traditional parades, listen to live music, and take part in the games and activities scattered throughout the square.The Belgian Beer Weekend is a must-visit for any beer enthusiast. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the depth and complexity of Belgian brewing, all while surrounded by the beauty and history of Brussels’ Grand Place. Whether you’re a fan of fruity lambics, strong ales, or something in between, you’ll find plenty to love at this festival. With its unique blend of tradition, innovation, and celebration, Belgian Beer Weekend is an experience you’ll remember long after your glass is empty.
