Pukkelpop

Pukkelpop is a major annual music festival held in Kiewit, near Hasselt, Belgium, each August. Known for its wide-ranging alternative lineup, it draws tens of thousands of music lovers for several days of performances across multiple stages.

• Held in Kiewit near Hasselt, Belgium since 1991
• Features rock, pop, electronic, hip hop, punk, and metal
• Attendance has reached over 100,000 across the event
• Camping and free public transport included with tickets
• Multiple stages host both global stars and new talent

What it is

Pukkelpop is one of Belgium’s largest and most diverse music festivals, celebrated each August in the fields and woodlands of Kiewit, just north of Hasselt. The festival is renowned for its adventurous programming, bringing together rock, pop, electronic, hip hop, punk, heavy metal, and dance acts from around the world. For many, Pukkelpop is a place to discover new music, see legendary performers, and experience the energy of a crowd united by a love of live music. The festival’s progressive spirit and open atmosphere make it a highlight of the European summer festival season.

Where it comes from

Founded in 1985 by the Humanistic Youth of Leopoldsburg, Pukkelpop began as a small, single-day event in Leopoldsburg, Belgium. Its first edition drew 3,000 people and featured seven acts. Over the years, the festival moved locations—first to Hechtel-Eksel, then to its current home in Kiewit in 1991. As it grew, Pukkelpop expanded its duration, stages, and musical scope, evolving into a multi-day event with a reputation for booking both emerging and iconic artists. Despite challenges, including severe weather in 2011 and cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pukkelpop has remained a beloved fixture in Belgium’s cultural calendar.

How it is celebrated

Festival-goers at Pukkelpop can expect a vibrant, multi-stage experience, with performances from a broad spectrum of genres. The site is set up with several indoor and outdoor stages, each hosting a mix of international stars and up-and-coming acts. Attendees often camp nearby, with facilities provided for the duration of the festival. The atmosphere is lively and communal, with music running from afternoon into the early hours. Food stalls, art installations, and chill-out zones add to the festival’s appeal, while free public transport and shuttle buses make access easy. Whether you’re there for a single day or the full event, Pukkelpop offers a packed schedule and a welcoming crowd.

Joining in

Visitors can join Pukkelpop by heading to Kiewit, just outside Hasselt in Belgium. The main celebrations take place in a large, enclosed site surrounded by fields and woodland. Camping is available for those staying the full festival, and tickets can be purchased for individual days or the entire event. Expect a friendly, international crowd, diverse food options, and a packed program of music across multiple stages. Free shuttle buses connect the festival site with Hasselt train station, making it easy to arrive by public transport.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Pukkelpop, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Pukkelpop on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.