Cape Town residents will get the chance to experience a taste of Belgium without leaving the city when the popular A Taste of Belgium festival returns to Newlands for its 15th edition this November.
The annual cultural event will take place on Saturday, 14 November 2026, from 10:00 to 17:00 at the Belgian Residence in Newlands. Entry is free, with the organisers inviting locals and visitors to spend the day exploring Belgian food, music, crafts and family entertainment.
Hosted by the Belgian Chamber of Commerce in South Africa (BCCSA) in partnership with the Consulate General of Belgium in Cape Town, this year’s celebration marks an important milestone for an event that has grown from a gathering for the Belgian community into a cultural exchange event on Cape Town’s calendar.
More than just Belgian chocolate and beer
While Belgian chocolate and beer are familiar favourites, the festival aims to introduce visitors to the country’s wider cultural heritage and traditions.
Under the theme ‘Belgium. More than you think’, the 2026 edition will highlight the diversity of Belgian culture while giving visitors an opportunity to support Belgian businesses and independent artisans operating locally.
Food will be among the main attractions, with traditional Belgian dishes, freshly made waffles, gourmet frites and wine tastings on offer. Visitors can also enjoy the open-air beer garden, which will feature a selection of speciality brews.
The programme will extend beyond food and drink, with live musical performances, interactive cultural displays and activities suitable for families. A special appearance by Smurf Cosplay is also planned.
Local Belgian businesses, entrepreneurs and craft market vendors will have stalls at the event, offering another way for visitors to discover what the Belgian community contributes to Cape Town.
A festival built on friendship and cultural exchange
Reaching its 15th edition is a significant moment for the organisers, who say the event has developed into more than an annual celebration of Belgian food and traditions.
Consul General of Belgium in Cape Town Nicolas Fierens Gevaert said the festival had become a cherished tradition that helps strengthen the relationship between Belgium, South Africa and Cape Town.
He also highlighted the importance of the event in bringing communities together through years of friendship and cultural exchange since the first edition in 2014.
BCCSA Vice President Jo Serekonyane reflected on the festival’s growth, from a small gathering where Belgians could connect with their community away from home to an established cultural event on the Cape Town calendar.
The organisers also acknowledged the contributions of everyone who has helped make the previous 14 editions possible.
Everything you need to know about A Taste of Belgium 2026
Those planning to attend can find the event details below:
- Date: Saturday, 14 November 2026
- Time: 10:00 to 17:00
- Venue: Belgian Residence, 29 Boshof Avenue, Newlands
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Designated off-site parking will be available.
- Shuttle service: Complimentary regular shuttles will transport visitors to the venue.
Visitors attending the festival are reminded to drink responsibly.
Who is supporting the event?
The 15th edition is organised by the Consulate General of Belgium in Cape Town and the Belgian Chamber of Commerce in South Africa.
Official sponsors include Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lotus Biscoff, Duvel, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Nedbank Private Wealth, Reynaers Aluminium and Tradewinds Parasols.
For Cape Town residents looking for a different way to spend a November Saturday, A Taste of Belgium offers an opportunity to experience Belgian culture, discover local businesses and enjoy a day of food, entertainment and community connection.
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Picture: Supplied
