Must-see entertainment in Northwest Belgium

  • Concertgebouw

    Bruges

    Bruges’ stunning 21st-century concert hall is the work of architects Paul Robbrecht and Hilde Daem. It takes its design cues from the city’s three famous…

  • Vooruit

    Ghent

    A visionary architectural premonition of art deco, the 1912 Vooruit building is a prominent venue for dance, rock concerts, film and visiting theatre…

  • Cactus Muziekcentrum

    Bruges

    Though small, this is the city’s top venue for contemporary and world music, hosting both live bands and international DJs. It also organises festivals…

  • De Bijloke Muziekcentrum

    Ghent

    You'll find a wonderful selection of classical music concerts (some outdoors) at this repurposed historical site that was once an abbey and then a…

  • Koninklijke Stadsschouwburg

    Bruges

    Cultuurcentrum Brugge coordinates theatrical and concert events at several venues, including this majestic 1869 theatre. Opera, classical concerts,…

  • Retsin’s Lucifernum

    Bruges

    A former Masonic lodge owned by a self-proclaimed vampire. Ring the bell on a Sunday night, pass the voodoo temple and hope you’re invited inside, where…

  • Cultuurcentrum Brugge

    Bruges

    This cultural group organises theatre productions, events and concerts and coordinates performances at the Koninklijke Stadsschouwburg and Magdalenazaal…

  • Muzikantenhuis

    Ghent

    Ropes, horse harnesses and the sayings of Rumi on the walls give this very inexpensive café a slightly cheesy atmosphere, but the free traditional Turkish…

  • NT Gent Schouwburg

    Ghent

    Home to Ghent’s premier theatre company. It also offers interesting ‘open rehearsals’ and workshops, but naturally almost everything’s in Dutch. Its cafe…

  • Cinema Lumière

    Bruges

    Just a couple of blocks back from the Markt, this art-house cinema screens a well-chosen program of foreign films in their original languages.

  • Damberd

    Ghent

    This local institution has been a pub since the 18th century and a jazz club of sorts for more than 30 years. There are regular live performances across…

  • De Centrale

    Ghent

    Multicultural centre offering a range of world music concerts and dance performances (flamenco, Turkish, North African, Asian).

  • De Vlaamse Opera

    Ghent

    Ghent’s 1840 opera hall boasts horseshoe-shaped tiered balconies and elegant salons.

  • Handelsbeurs

    Ghent

    Historical central concert hall for anything from classical music to Latin and blues.

  • Hot Club Gent

    Ghent

    Hidden down the tiny alley behind ’t Dreupelkot jenever (gin) bar, this is a great place to seek out live acoustic music. Be it jazz, gypsy, blues or…

  • Café Trefpunt

    Ghent

    On Monday evenings, when most other places close, Trefpunt has jam sessions or live concerts. Standards tend to be high as performers want to impress the…

  • Charlatan

    Ghent

    At perennial favourite Charlatan you might find live music in virtually any genre (from 10pm), sometimes with a cover charge. It generally opens long…

  • Casino

    Ostend

    While it's hardly the Bellagio, Ostend's seaside casino still brings visitors to town. Its location in the iconic Kursaal building helps, as do visiting…

  • Flanders Expo

    Ghent

    Though primarily used for trade fairs, Flanders Expo also hosts occasional big-name rock concerts. It’s at the southern terminus for tram 1, 4km beyond…

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