Bruges' festival season runs from June to September, with something happening almost every weekend.

Cactus Festival (early July) is the big one — three days of music in the Minnewaterpark. It's eclectic: rock, world music, electronic, hip-hop. Past headliners have included Radiohead, Massive Attack, and Björk. Tickets sell out months in advance, but the atmosphere in the park — even outside the gates — is festive.

Musica Antiqua (August) is the opposite — a festival of early music, held in historic venues throughout the city. Baroque, Renaissance, and medieval music performed in churches and concert halls. It's internationally renowned and draws serious music lovers.

The Bruges Beer Festival (February, technically not summer, but worth mentioning) brings together dozens of Belgian breweries in the Beurs building. You buy tokens and taste your way through hundreds of beers.

MONDO BRUGES (summer) is a free outdoor music series with concerts in various squares and parks. The quality varies but the price is right.

The Praalstoet van de Gouden Boom (Pageant of the Golden Tree) happens every five years — next in 2027. It's a medieval reenactment with hundreds of performers, horses, and floats. The whole city participates.

For the latest schedule, check the Visit Bruges website or ask at the tourist office on the Markt.