Brussels, Belgium – The Belgian Beer Weekend concluded on Sunday with an impressive turnout of around 62,000 people at Brussels’ iconic Grand Place.
Despite the rain dampening the opening day’s festivities, the three-day event showcased the country’s rich brewing tradition with a focus on promoting responsible drinking.
Hosted by the Belgian Brewers Federation, the annual festival brought together 50 breweries from across Belgium, offering nearly 500 different beers for visitors to sample.
Of these, almost 10% were low or non-alcoholic, reflecting a growing trend towards mindful consumption. The Federation has been increasingly emphasizing moderation, and this year’s festival reinforced that message.
Krishan Maudgal, Director of the Belgian Brewers Federation, expressed satisfaction with the event’s success despite challenging weather conditions.
“The goal is not to sell the most beer. We call for moderate consumption in tasting glasses. We are here for the public to savour the product and discover Belgian beer culture,” Maudgal said.
The Federation reported that around 72,000 drinks were sold throughout the weekend, which Maudgal viewed as a positive indicator of the success of their approach.
The Federation has been active in promoting responsible consumption and announced that stronger measures to regulate alcohol advertising are in the works.
Maudgal hinted that these new regulations could be rolled out in the coming weeks as part of a broader effort to ensure that beer remains a part of Belgian culture without contributing to harmful consumption patterns.
Beyond the Grand Place, beer enthusiasts had additional options to explore, as the Brussels Beer Project (BBP) hosted its own beer festival, Wanderlust, in the nearby Sainte Catherine district. Featuring around 15 craft breweries, both Belgian and international, Wanderlust Festival attracted 4,000 visitors.
BBP co-founder Sébastien Morvan was thrilled with the turnout, noting that this ninth edition of Wanderlust could break attendance records for the event.
“We are proud to showcase not only Belgian craft beer but also bring in breweries from other countries to enrich the experience. The diversity of beers and the festive atmosphere make this a unique event,” Morvan said.
As one of Belgium’s most cherished cultural celebrations, the Belgian Beer Weekend continues to highlight the importance of preserving the country’s brewing heritage while adapting to contemporary trends.
The balance between enjoyment and moderation was a clear theme this year, as both the Belgian Brewers Federation and other festival organisers embraced a more mindful approach to beer consumption.
For many attendees, the event was a chance to rediscover Belgium’s brewing excellence after a few years of pandemic-related restrictions.
Visitors could sample everything from traditional abbey beers to innovative craft brews, all while soaking in the festive atmosphere of the historic Grand Place.
As the Belgian Brewers Federation prepares to roll out its new advertising regulations, the success of this year’s festival offers hope that beer culture in Belgium can continue to thrive while promoting responsible and enjoyable consumption for all.
