Every year, Vilvoorde as a “city by the water” celebrates the start of the tourist boating season with the Water Festival. On Sunday, May 14, you are welcome between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. for a day of entertainment and activities for young and old!

Pure Life Fotografie

During the Water Festivals, I am also present in my studio. In fact, I lovingly organize Mother’s Day photo shoots there! More information & registration can be found on this page. These photo shoots will continue from 10am-12pm. From 12pm – 3pm I open the doors of the photo studio so you can pop in, schedule a photo shoot or have a chat!

Location

The Water Festival will take place on Steenkaai (from De Kruitfabriek to Broekplein) and on Broekplein itself.

Guided biking and hiking tours

  • Domain Three Fountains and Japanese Garden – start at 11 a.m.: an absolute must for lovers of nature and history. This 4-kilometer walk takes you into a 5-acre oasis of peace and greenery.
  • Street Art bike tour – start at 2 p.m.: discover the story behind Vilvoord’s pearls. The 10-kilometer bike ride is a great way to discover the diversity of these works of art.
  • Vilvoords Water – start at 3 p.m.: a trail through the city and its green spaces. Learn more in this 5-kilometer walk on Vilvoorde’s waterfront and be surprised by fascinating stories along the way.

Registration is recommended. If there is still room, you can join on the spot.

Click
here
 to register.

Departure: Broekplein at the Visit Vilvoorde tourist booth.

Activities Stone Quay

  • Open Factory Day The Powder Factory: take a look at the studios of the partners of this vibrant cultural place where art, music and creativity come together. Hop inside Circolito or take a look at bike repair place Mobyspot and Pure Life photo studio.
  • Rivertours boat tours including a guide on board: a 45-minute boat tour past the Parmentier shed with nice views of the cooling towers. Upon returning, you sail past park Three Fountains with a view of the Buda Bridge.

Attention: the boat leaves opposite Broek Square, at the beginning of the Salangaan Bridge punctually at 10, 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16 hours.

  • Historic ships at the wharf

The Steenkaai is the setting for a special event. Historic ships dock as part of the sailing heritage. The ships are Brabo 3, Maria Magdalena, Lady Nele, M4, Peace. Admire these ships and sailboats from the wharf.

  • Kinderboot Rösli

Event ship Rösli is transformed into a children’s boat. Have your children painted in a variety of figures, from pirate to mermaid. Or maybe they choose glitter tattoo?

  • Jumble sale

A must-visit for anyone who loves browsing and browsing! The flea market features a wide range of items, from retro clothing and books to vintage jewelry.

Activities Broekplein

  • Market of Taste – Straffe Streek

Broekplein will be an exclusive market of smells, colors and tastes with a strong local character. Snoop past various booths, sample local delicacies and immerse yourself in our Straffe Streek. About thirty punishing regional and farm producers will tell you more about their craft and passion for their product. In addition, there are plenty of picnic benches to enjoy the atmosphere and local delicacies in peace.

  • Aperitif concert Tram 58 and live radio

Music group Tram 58 is known for their unique blend of covers with a Flemish-Brabant touch. They perform diverse music, from classics to contemporary hits, and add their own twist. In addition, Radio Moetoen is broadcasting live from the Water Festival.

Streetcar 58 plays music from noon to 2 p.m.

  • Children’s area with bouncy castles

A special children’s area is provided with bouncy castles! This is the perfect place for kids to expend their energy while parents take a breather.

Feast on a delicious Visit Vilvoorde basket at the Water Festival

Fancy an apéro, brunch, tapas or pastry basket filled by our local merchants? Order your basket from one of the 5 participating merchants of your choice and we will deliver them at the Water Festival. Settle down along the waterfront with the Visit Vilvoorde picnic basket and enjoy the view.

Order the basket at least 48 hours in advance. Learn more at www.vilvoorde.be/picknickmand.

Accessibility

We recommend coming by public transportation, bicycle or on foot as much as possible. The Steenkaai is located 1.5 kilometers from the Vilvoorde train station.

Are you coming by car? Take a look at www.vilvoorde.be/parkeerbeleid for more info on where to park.