
Pukkelpop is a major music festival held annually in Hasselt, Belgium, known for its diverse lineup, lively atmosphere, and long history as one of Europe’s premier music events. It began in 1985 as a small, local event and has since grown into a massive festival, attracting over 180,000 attendees across four days. The festival’s rich history and evolution have cemented its status as a key event on the European festival calendar, drawing an eclectic mix of big-name artists and emerging talent.
The festival is celebrated for its wide-ranging and alternative musical program. Attendees can expect to hear a variety of genres across numerous stages, including rock, indie, electronic/dance, pop, hip-hop, punk, and metal. While maintaining its alternative edge, the festival has featured legendary bands like Nirvana and Foo Fighters alongside mainstream and underground pop and hip-hop acts, creating a truly inclusive musical experience.
Pukkelpop typically draws a large crowd, with daily attendance figures of around 66,000 people. The audience is primarily young, with many attendees between the ages of 18 and 35, and they come from all over Belgium, as well as neighboring countries. The festival’s atmosphere is known for being vibrant and energetic, yet also laid-back and inclusive. It’s more than just a music festival; it’s a complete cultural experience, offering a wide range of activities beyond concerts, such as street theatre, performance art, and a variety of food options. This combination of great music, diverse activities, and a strong sense of community makes Pukkelpop a unique and memorable event.

Kiewit is a village located just northeast of Hasselt, the capital of the Belgian province of Limburg. Originally an area of open heathland, Kiewit has evolved into a significant part of the Hasselt community, known for its natural beauty, recreational spaces, and as the host of the renowned Pukkelpop festival.
The heart of Kiewit is the Domein Kiewit Nature Reserve, a sprawling 130-hectare public park. This tranquil green space offers a diverse mix of grasslands, fens, and ponds, providing a peaceful escape from city life. It’s a popular destination for families, featuring a children’s farm with various animals and well-maintained paths for walking and cycling. The reserve also serves as a starting point for several marked trails that connect to the wider region.
However, Kiewit is perhaps most famous for being the permanent home of Pukkelpop, one of Europe’s largest alternative music festivals. The festival uses the area’s open fields to create a massive, temporary “city” for music lovers, complete with multiple stages, food vendors, and camping facilities. The presence of Pukkelpop has made the name Kiewit synonymous with music and culture throughout Belgium and beyond. The area is also well-connected, with the Kiewit train station providing easy access for both residents and the tens of thousands of festival-goers who visit each year.






