Antwerpen Gitaarfestival

Antwerpen Gitaarfestival takes place in Antwerp, Belgium. It is held every year, usually in November.

Location

Antwerp, Belgium

Type

Festival

Most recent edition

7 November 2025 – 9 November 2025

Next edition

Usually each November — dates to be announced

Frequency

annual

Venue

De Klap Deurne

Tickets

Some events require tickets, others are free (e.g., Guitar & Luthier Speed Dating). Free places can be reserved via info@antwerpengitaarfestival.be.

Programme & line-up

Zsofia Boros; Marco Del Greco; Guitar & Luthier Speed Dating with Jan Depreter; Florian Palier; Grisha Goryachev; Sönke Meinen; Yamandu Costa with Guitar Heroes Orchestra

Workshops & masterclasses you can join

Masterclasses can be booked with festival artists via info@antwerpengitaarfestival.be

Official website

http://antwerpengitaarfestival.be/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Antwerp

Antwerp, a city where rich history meets modern dynamism, offers a captivating backdrop for the annual Antwerpen Gitaarfestival. Known globally for its diamond trade and as a major European port, this Flemish port city blends historical architecture with a vibrant contemporary arts scene, making it an ideal destination for a classical guitar enthusiast seeking both culture and music. Antwerp's blend of old and new, combined with the friendliness of its people and an innate penchant for good food, creates a desirable and relaxing place to visit.

Getting there

Antwerp is well-connected for international arrivals. The small Antwerp Airport (ANR) primarily caters to leisure and private travelers, with quick procedures; a bus runs to the city center, or a taxi costs about €10. For wider connections, Brussels Airport (BRU) is easily reached by hourly direct trains to Antwerpen Centraal station, a journey of approximately 25 minutes (45 minutes on weekends and public holidays) for €11.30. A direct bus also connects Brussels Airport to Antwerp, stopping at Hotel Crowne Plaza and Franklin Rooseveltplaats, for €10. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) offers several train options: a semi-high-speed EuroCity Direct train connects directly in about 1 hour 13 minutes, with tickets ranging from €21 to €51 depending on booking time. The high-speed Eurostar also stops at Antwerpen Centraal, taking about 1 hour 3 minutes, though at a higher price and requiring reservations. Within Belgium, the extensive rail network makes trains the best option for intercity travel, with Antwerpen Centraal serving as a monumental hub.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Antwerp on Omio →

Belgium runs on Type E sockets, standard across most of Europe, so you will only need a travel adapter if you are coming from the UK, Ireland, or beyond Europe.

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Where to stay

Antwerp is a city that invites exploration on foot, so basing yourself centrally ensures easy access to both festival venues and major sights. The city's blend of historical buildings and modern life means a diverse range of accommodations, from boutique hotels in the old town to more contemporary options near the river Scheldt. Staying within walking distance of the Grote Markt or the areas around the central station allows you to experience Antwerp's low-stress lifestyle and its innate charm, with countless trendy bars and shops nearby.

What you'll hear

The Antwerpen Gitaarfestival brings together guitarists and enthusiasts for a weekend dedicated to the instrument. While specific details on the competition rounds, masterclasses, or featured artists evolve each year, the festival provides a platform for both emerging talent and established performers, showcasing a wide range of repertoire for the classical guitar. Attendees can expect a program rich in recitals and perhaps even orchestral collaborations, set against the backdrop of one of Belgium's most dynamic cities.

While no single classical guitar giant hails directly from Antwerp, the city's long history as a crossroads of trade and culture has fostered a vibrant artistic environment. It attracts artists, writers, and intellectuals, ensuring a dynamic contemporary arts scene where music thrives in many forms. This rich cultural tapestry provides a fitting context for the festival, connecting its modern performances to the city's enduring legacy of innovation and artistic expression.

The local table

Antwerp, like much of Belgium, takes its food seriously, combining a penchant for good living with a low-stress lifestyle. You will find classic Belgian fare readily available throughout the city. Look for crisp, golden frieten, often served with a variety of sauces, and fresh mosselen prepared in different styles, a beloved national dish. The city's many cafes and restaurants also offer a wide selection of Belgian beers, from Trappist ales to refreshing lambics, reflecting a deep brewing tradition that is an integral part of the local culinary experience.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Antwerp →

While you're there

Between concerts, Antwerp offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. Begin at the Grote Markt, the city's main market square, where you will find the iconic Brabo statue, commemorating the folklore origin of Antwerp's name. Explore Het Steen, the city's oldest building, a castle originating in the Carolingian period, offering views over the Scheldt river. The city is also a global diamond trade hub, and its Diamond Quarter is a fascinating area to explore. Visit one of Antwerp's numerous museums, reflecting its rich history and status as a cultural center. For a day trip, Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is only about 40 km away and easily accessible by train, offering its own array of historical sites, museums, and culinary delights, including the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Antwerp →

More guitar events in Belgium: Brussels International Guitar Festival and Competition · Printemps de la Guitare

Also in November: Alhambra Junior International Guitar Competition (CIGAJ) · Certamen Internacional Andrés Segovia · Dani Klasične Gitare (Classical Guitar Days) · Hamburger Guitar Festival · Pleven Guitar Festival

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

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