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Summer in Mechelen

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Haverwerf

The sun is shining, the terraces are full and the festivals provide a splash of music. During the summer months, the city centre is buzzing just that little bit more and the Dyle and the greenery in and around the city provide the necessary cooling. No better time than the summer for a trip to Mechelen.

Events with a great vibe

Go to De Zomer is van Mechelen website, your guide to all the great summer festivals that Mechelen has to offer. Take a look at a selection of what’s on offer below.

Nauwstraat Terras Zomer

Terraces and summer bars to enjoy

During the summer months, Mechelen is bustling with outdoor life. Cozy summer bars and atmospheric terraces pop up all over the city where the music plays softly and the holiday feeling is never far away. 

Summer bars in Mechelen

Discover our Spring and Summer Brochure

Curious about what there is to experience in Mechelen during the summer? Be sure to take a look at our spring and summer brochure. You will find a handy overview of activities, events and excursions for young and old. From festivals to walks, from workshops to open-air shows, everything is neatly arranged in a calendar so you don’t have to miss a thing. 

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE HERE

Or you can pick up the free brochure at the Visit Mechelen information office.

Water fun

Je ziet een breed pad in het Vrijbroekpark. Aan de linkerkant staan veel rode bloemen. Overal om je heen zie je groen gras en hoge bomen.

Picnic spots in nature

Nothing beats a well-stocked picnic basket, a blanket and a beautiful piece of nature. Around Mechelen you will find many green oases: from quiet, hidden gardens to extensive parks. We’ve collected together the most beautiful places for a relaxing picnic moment.

Discover the most beautiful picnic spots

Walking and cycling in the summer

You can cool down not only on the water but also in nature. Discover the charm of the city’s green spaces or cycle through vast landscapes full of lush greenery.

Shoppen

Shopping in Mechelen

Mechelen has a surprisingly extensive range of shops. From 1 to 31 July 2026, you can get yourself a bargain during the summer sales. The shops are also open every first Sunday of the month on Sundays from 1 pm to 6 pm (7 June, 5 July and 2 August, 6 September 2026). 

SHOPPING IN MECHELEN

Relive the Mechelen glory days

Relive the Burgundian glory days of 500 years ago with the listening walk ‘If walls could talk’, a tour of Museum Hof van Busleyden or a visit to the former palace of Margaret of Austria.

Culture under the sun

Climb the pride of Mechelen, St Rumbold’s Tower, and enjoy the beautiful view on the skywalk. Discover the hidden art nouveau stained-glass dome in the Winter Garden or take a moment to reflect on the past in Kazerne Dossin.

More culture and heritage in Mechelen

Summer fun for kids

In Mechelen, there’s a summer of fun for children to experience. Families can visit museums, playgrounds and attractions where play, discovery and wonder are central.

Discover the full range for families

Plan your visit