Brussels, Belgium – As beer enthusiasts descend upon the Belgian capital this weekend, Brussels is preparing for a bumper celebration of its rich beer heritage.
From the grandiose setting of the iconic Grand Place to the atmospheric former Fish Market in Saint Catherine, beer lovers are in for a treat as two major beer festivals unfold simultaneously, promising a weekend brimming with brews, culture, and world record attempts.
Belgian Beer Weekend: A Celebration of Tradition and Innovation
At the heart of the festivities is the highly anticipated Belgian Beer Weekend, now in its 24th year. From September 6th to 8th, the Grand Place will transform into a sea of stalls representing the best of Belgium’s brewing tradition.
Organized by the Belgian Brewers Association, the festival is expected to draw around 60,000 visitors, eager to sample the diverse offerings of Belgian beers, from internationally renowned brands to artisanal microbreweries.
With around 50 breweries participating, the event highlights the vast array of beer styles that Belgium has to offer. Of the more than 100 members of the Belgian Brewers Association, 47 breweries will be present, offering visitors a chance to taste everything from crisp lagers to rich Trappist ales.
The prestigious Trappist breweries of Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, and Westvleteren will be among the star attractions, offering their world-renowned brews made by monks in centuries-old monasteries.
The festival provides an excellent opportunity for lesser-known breweries to make their mark. Brewmine Tap from Hasselt, Glazen Toren from Aalst, and Rulles from the Gaume region will be among the many breweries showcasing their innovative craft beers.
Notably, Brussels-based brewers are underrepresented this year, with only Brasserie de la Senne flying the flag for the capital’s craft beer scene.
The Belgian Beer Weekend is not just about the beer; it’s a celebration of the craftsmanship, history, and passion that make Belgium a global leader in brewing.
The event is free to enter, and visitors can purchase tasting glasses of 15 cl by loading a payment card at the entrance.
The festival will run from 18:00 to 22:30 on Friday, from 12:00 to 22:30 on Saturday, and from 12:00 to 20:00 on Sunday. For those who don’t manage to use all their tokens, refunds will be available until September 30th, subject to a €1 administration fee.
Trappist Treasures and Hidden Gems
Belgium’s Trappist beers are among the most celebrated in the world, and their presence at the festival underscores the country’s proud brewing heritage.
Trappist breweries are unique in that they are operated by monks within the confines of monasteries, and their beers must be brewed under strict conditions to earn the Trappist label.
The five Belgian Trappist breweries – Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, and Westvleteren – are globally revered for their traditional brewing methods and high-quality ales.
However, the Belgian Beer Weekend is not just a showcase for established giants. Smaller, up-and-coming breweries like Brewmine Tap and Rulles are also making waves in the industry, pushing the boundaries of Belgian beer with experimental brews and innovative flavors.
These smaller operators often bring fresh perspectives to the scene, blending traditional techniques with modern creativity.
Brussels’ own beer scene, however, appears less prominently this year, with only Brasserie de la Senne representing the capital.
Known for its flavorful and unfiltered beers, Brasserie de la Senne has been a key player in Brussels’ craft beer revival and remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Wanderlust: A World Record in the Making
While the Belgian Beer Weekend takes center stage at the Grand Place, another beer festival is brewing across town.
Wanderlust, organized by Brussels Beer Project, is bringing a more international flavor to the weekend.
Taking place at Place du Vismet (the former Fish Market), Wanderlust will feature 14 artisanal breweries from across Europe, including Belgium, Spain, France, and Ukraine.
Running on Saturday, September 7th, from 14:00 to 22:00, and Sunday, September 8th, from 13:00 to 21:00, Wanderlust promises a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere where visitors can explore a variety of craft beers from different regions.
One of the main attractions of the festival is an attempt to break the world record for the largest beer tasting ever organized.
The current record, set in Mexico City in 2019, saw 714 people simultaneously tasting beer. Brussels Beer Project is confident that their attempt will draw enough participants to set a new world record, adding an extra layer of excitement to the weekend.
Tickets for Wanderlust start at €14, which includes at least three tasting-sized glasses of beer (12.5 cl) and a commemorative Wanderlust glass. The festival organizers anticipate around 3,000 visitors, making it a more intimate affair compared to the crowds expected at the Grand Place.
Despite the overlap with the Belgian Beer Weekend, Wanderlust organizers emphasize that the timing of the two festivals is purely coincidental.
In fact, Brussels Beer Project recently joined the Belgian Brewers Association and hopes to participate in the Belgian Beer Weekend in the future.
The Wanderlust festival offers a unique alternative for beer lovers looking to explore the wider world of craft brewing beyond Belgium’s borders.
Beer, Culture, and History
This weekend also marks the first anniversary of the Belgian Beer Experience Centre at Bourse, which opened after a three-year, €99-million renovation of the historic stock exchange building.
The center has become a key attraction for both locals and tourists, offering an immersive journey through the history and culture of Belgian beer.
The Belgian Beer Weekend serves as the perfect opportunity to celebrate the success of this new addition to Brussels’ cultural landscape.
Belgium’s beer culture was recognized by UNESCO in 2016 as an intangible cultural heritage, and events like the Belgian Beer Weekend and Wanderlust continue to promote this rich tradition on the global stage.
From the centuries-old Trappist breweries to the modern craft beer movement, Belgium’s brewing scene is as diverse as it is storied, and these festivals offer a glimpse into the country’s passion for beer.
A United Celebration of Beer
Though different in scale and focus, both the Belgian Beer Weekend and Wanderlust share a common goal: to celebrate the art of brewing and the community it fosters.
Whether you’re savoring a classic Trappist ale at the Grand Place or discovering new flavors from a Ukrainian microbrewery at Place du Vismet, this weekend in Brussels promises to be a celebration of beer in all its forms.
As the Belgian Beer Weekend continues to draw thousands of visitors from around the world, it remains a testament to Belgium’s enduring influence in the global beer industry.
Meanwhile, Wanderlust offers a fresh, international perspective, showcasing the creativity and innovation that define today’s craft beer scene.
For the beer lovers lucky enough to be in Brussels this weekend, the choices are plentiful, the beers are exceptional, and the memories are sure to be unforgettable.
Event Details at a Glance:
- Belgian Beer Weekend:
- Location: Grand Place, Brussels
- Dates: September 6-8, 2024
- Entry: Free (15 cl tasting glasses available for purchase with payment card)
- Times:
- Friday: 18:00-22:30
- Saturday: 12:00-22:30
- Sunday: 12:00-20:00
- Wanderlust Festival:
- Location: Place du Vismet (Fish Market), Brussels
- Dates: September 7-8, 2024
- Tickets: Starting at €14 (includes three tasting-sized glasses and a Wanderlust glass)
- Times:
- Saturday: 14:00-22:00
- Sunday: 13:00-21:00
As Brussels raises a glass to its brewing legacy, this weekend is set to become a memorable chapter in the city’s ongoing love affair with beer.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the Belgian Beer Weekend and Wanderlust Festival offer something for everyone. Cheers!
