Summer in Knokke-Heist

Summer is finally around the corner!

Going to the beach is fun, of course, but a summer holiday in Knokke-Heist goes way beyond that. Our seaside resort provides an extensive and varied range of activities every year. Find out more here and plan your summer holiday in advance!

EDWARD Burtynsky - water

The photo exhibition WATER explores the controversial relationship between humanity and water: basic component of our bodies, essential resource for our lives as well as those of our planet. Indispensable and vital. That makes water the most precious liquid; the new gold. The expo shows impressive images that touch you. Walking between the large photos, you experience the tension between man and nature. We shape the world out of self-interest. However, the earth is exhausted and cries out for help, also through the art of photography.

The photo exhibition WATER explores the controversial relationship between humanity and water: basic component of our bodies, essential resource for our lives as well as those of our planet. Indispensable and vital. That makes water the most precious liquid; the new gold. The expo shows impressive images that touch you. Walking between the large photos, you experience the tension between man and nature. We shape the world out of self-interest. However, the earth is exhausted and cries out for help, also through the art of photography.

Where? Cultural Centre Scharpoord
When? 7 June to 29 September
More information: www.dedonkerekamer.com

 

kh summercamp

Ready for an unforgettable beach experience and the most beautiful sunsets? This summer, KH Summer Camp welcomes you to the event beach in Duinbergen.

Get ready for a diverse and vibrant programme in a unique location surrounded by the dunes and the sea. From various sports activities and kids' days to parties with international DJs. Don't miss this top summer experience!

Where? Event Beach Duinbergen
When? 17 June to 18 August 2024
Info and tickets: khsummercamp.be

 

zwin natuur park

During the summer holidays, come and fully enjoy the fauna and flora in the Zwin Nature Park. Along the hut trail and in the Zwin Plain, you will meet various Zwin guides on your path. 
Enjoy a beautiful nature reserve with all kinds of activities for nature lovers. 

Where? The Zwin Nature Park 
When? 29 June to 1 September
Info and tickets: Zwin.be

lumière aan zee

'Lumière by the sea' returns! Another whole summer of film in Knokke-Heist! From 2 July, Lumière takes over the CC Scharpoord theatre again with the pop-up cinema 'Lumière aan zee'. 
Expect a varied programme of blockbusters, family films, arthouse films, classics and the favourites of some fascinating guests. We will provide you with a not-to-be-missed film summer by the sea.

Where? CC Scharpoord 
When? 2 July to 25 August 2024 (Closed on Mondays)
Info and tickets: lumiereaanzee.be

workshop beach flowers

Making and selling beach flowers is a tradition on the Belgian coast and was declared intangible heritage in 2021. It is a fantastically fun activity to do with your kids. You can go looking for couteaux (saws) on the beach and buy the most beautiful flowers in one of the many flower shops on the beach. Or... You can sign up for a beach flower-making workshop and thus start a shop with your own unique specimens. Madame crepe paper will be happy to explain how to do it. For just €15 per person, you'll get to work for an hour and then return home with a beautiful bunch of beach flowers. At the HEY Museum, they complete the beach experience and treat you to another Boule de Berlin.

Take a workshop in tourism Knokke? Register here.
Take a workshop at the HEY Museum (Flowers and boules)? Buy your tickets here.

 

Flowers & boules

Discover the history and fun traditions of beach life at the HEY Museum

In the HEY Museum you will discover everything about the then, now and later of Knokke-Heist. Naturally, the beach scene also has its place there. Not only will you discover how tourism came to exist in Knokke-Heist, but all the special places along the coastline are also highlighted. Moreover, it introduces you to some fun beach traditions. Because it's even more fun if you can discover it yourself, Madame Crêpepapier will drop by every Thursday from mid-July to mid-August to teach you how to make the most beautiful paper beach flowers. Afterwards, you will be treated to a delicious Boule de Berlin. That will make your beach experience complete! Participation is possible from 6 years and costs 15 euros. The workshop takes place in the special setting of the classroom at the HEY Museum itself and lasts one hour. Start at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm, 2.15pm or 3.30pm. A visit to the museum is included in this price.

Where? Museum HEY (Pannenstraat 138)
When? Every Thursday (mid-July to mid-August). Start at 10, 11.15, 13, 14.15 or 15.30.
Tickets: bloemenenboules

cartoonfestival

Knokke-Heist will once again be the cradle of cartoons in the summer of 2024. With three exhibitions, the Cartoon Festival will once again take over the coastal town and show the best work of Belgian and international cartoonists for the 63rd time. This year's Cartoon Festival will be held at various locations in Heist, with Ravelingen as its main venue, and will take place from 6 July to 1 September 2024. Entry is completely free.

Where? Various locations in Heist, with main venue Ravelingen. 
When? 6 July to 1 September 2024
More info: cartoonfestival
Entrance is free.

 

grand show: folie royale

The breathtaking, international show brings dazzling choreography, extravagant costumes, musical highlights performed by top voices, amazing intimate moments and special surprises.
Experience a sensational world in the rich tradition of the Grand Casino Knokke.

An ode to great world stars and the artists who performed at the Casino, such as René Magritte and Keith Haring, Frank Sinatra, Edith Piaf and Elton John.

There will be almost daily performances at the Grand Casino Knokke-Heist from 11 July to 4 August 2024, at 8.30pm each time. Doors open at 7.30pm.
On Sundays, there are matinee performances at 2.30pm. Doors then open at 1.30pm.

Where? Grand Casino Knokke
When? 11 July to 4 August 
Info and tickets: www.grandshow.be

world press photo

World Press Photo showcases the best and most important photojournalism and documentary photography of the past year. Discover the haunting photos and stories from all corners of the world at this free open-air exhibition.

Where? Garden Cultural Centre Scharpoord 
When? 18 July to 16 August

kneistival

Kneistival is a free music festival at Heldenplein. Near the beautiful beach, you can enjoy a crazy atmosphere and vibrant concerts by local, national and international bands. You are welcome from Friday 19 July to Sunday 21 July, starting at 7pm each time. 

Where? Heldenplein
When? 19 to 21 July from 7 p.m.
More info: kneistival.be
Entry is free.

 

klassiek leeft meesterlijk

Music lovers can enjoy top international musicians again this summer at the 'Klassiek Leeft Meesterlijk' music festival. All concerts will take place in the Dominican Church and only the final concert will take place in the Margaret Church.

Where? Dominican Church and closing concert Margaretakerk
When? 23, 25, 27 and 30 July & 1 and 3 August
Info and tickets: klassiekleeftmeesterlijk

nacht van het zoute

On Friday 2 August 2024 from 5 pm, the Zoute Committee will once again organise their famous Night Of Het Zoute. In the Kustlaan and on the Zeedijk, as well as in the side streets of this fashionable commercial district, you can enjoy numerous fashion shows, receptions and events.

Traders, jewellers and art gallery owners offer their loyal customers a glass of champagne and festively present their latest exclusive collections. The Night of the Salt is therefore indisputably the most glamorous fair in the country where the beau monde traditionally rendezvous.

Where? Albertplein, Kustlaan, Zeedijk and its side streets.
When? 2 August from 5 p.m.

down by the sea

Down by the Sea brings a weekend of live music to the beautiful beach of Knokke-Heist. From Friday 2 August to Sunday 4 August, visitors can enjoy two live acts per day, culminating in the headliner performing on the beach at sunset.

This unique festival combines music, nature and an idyllic setting for an unforgettable experience on the Belgian coast.

Where? Event beach Duinbergen
When? 2, 3 and 4 August 2024
Info and tickets: downbythesea.be

belfius zoute sandcastle challenge

In August 2024, the River Woods Beach Club in Knokke-Heist will once again be the setting for the legendary sandcastle competition 'Zoute Challenge'. 

Take part in this competition with the family or some friends and experience an unforgettable day.

Where? On the beach near River Woods Beach Club.
When? 4 August, 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Info and tickets: zoutesandcastlechallenge.be

BMW PRESENTS: INTERNATIONAAL VUURWERKFESTIVAL

The International Fireworks Festival Knokke-Heist takes place annually on the beach off Meerlaan in Knokke-Heist on 16, 18, 20 and 22 August at 10pm. Four different countries present a story with fireworks and music in a sizzling show. On 24 August, Knokke-Heist will close the festival and the winner will be announced. 

Where. On the beach at Zeedijk-Alberstrand 480
When. 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 August at 10 p.m.
Participants: Lithuania (16.08), Philippines (18.08), Spain (20.08), Denmark (22.08) and Knokke-Heist (24.08)

zoute beach flower festival

Just how great the love for beach flowers is in Knokke-Heist is proven by a brand new initiative: the Zoute Beach Flower Festival, a beach flower competition initiated by Compagnie Het Zoute. On Saturday 17 August, the beach in front of the Albertplein, also known as the 'Place m'as-tu vu', will transform into a veritable marketplace of paper flowers. That day, countless children will compete for the most original beach flower shop and the most creative flower of the year. Participants will receive a box with materials and tutorials to build the most original beach shop possible. By the way, the festival goes far beyond a competition. Besides the competition, a lot of extra activities will be provided on the beach. The Zoute Beach Flower Festival will thus become a real family event, immersing Knokke-Heist in the unique tradition of paper beach flowers for a whole day.

Where. Beach in front of the Albertplein
When. Saturday 17 August
Info and tickets: Zoutebeachflowerfestival

We also like to highlight the annual events in our summer programme.

Every week, you can enjoy aperitif concerts (Sundays), Parkies (Mondays), children’s entertainment (Wednesdays) and the Folklore Market (Thursdays from 20 July to 10 August). Find amazing bargains at our flea markets, which are held at various locations across the resort. The sports beaches also guarantee a wide range of free sporting activities.