Bonheidansfestival is a traditional folk festival hosted by De Krekels in Bonheiden, Belgium. Every summer we celebrate the rich diversity of traditional dance and music with groups from all over the world.

50th Bonheidansfestival 2026

This year, we organise our 50th Bonheidansfestival from 20 to 23 August 2026. Find all information about it on the dedicated webpage.

About the festival

Bonheiden is a village next to Mechelen, in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium between Brussels and Antwerp.

The first edition of this festival was organised in November 1975 with our first guest group from the Netherlands. The festival now takes place over four days in the second half of August. In 2026 we celebrate the 50th edition.

Our guest groups stay with host families during the festival, which promotes friendship and the exchange of culture. This is why we refer to it as a festival with a heart.

Over the years we have welcomed groups from the following countries:
Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bali, Basque Country, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Curaçao, Czechia, Ecuador, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hawaii, Hungary, Ile de la Réunion, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Macedonia, Martinique, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Cyprus, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Sakha, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Siberia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Yugoslavia and Zaire.

Contact us at festival@dekrekels.example.becom for inquiries about participating in our festival.