Ostend on the Belgian Coast hosts the Rainbow Festival Oostende 2026 on Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May. The three-day event takes place on Sint-Petrus-en-Paulusplein.
This community concert is free and celebrates its fifth year. Danny Fabry, DJ Kat and Sam Gooris are amongst the artists booked for the concert(s).
A beacon of inclusion: Ostend’s Rainbow Festival against LGBTQIA+ hate
The Rainbow Festival Ostend (RFO), organised by the non-profit Rainbow Festival Organisation (RFO), is a free annual event held in the lead-up to the International Day Against Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOT). Its core mission is to raise awareness for the LGBTQIA+ community and to foster a society free from all forms of violence and discrimination.
A volunteer-driven movement
RFO is powered entirely by volunteers who are passionate about creating a more tolerant world. Through a variety of activities, ncluding the flagship Rainbow Festival Ostend, travesty shows, and themed parties, the organisation seeks to promote Ostend as a welcoming destination for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies. Their goal is to attract visitors from local, regional, national, and international communities, positioning Ostend as a beacon of inclusivity.
A call for solidarity
At its heart, RFO’s vision is simple: a society where LGBTQIA+ hate has no place. The festival, held at St Peter and Paul Square, serves as both a celebration and a statement, inviting everyone to stand against prejudice and violence. The organisation continues to welcome new volunteers to join their cause, ensuring that the message of acceptance and equality grows ever stronger.
The latest on LGBTQIA+ events such as prides in Belgium
- Antwerp Pride 2026 adopts ‘Fearless’ theme amid call for resilience and visibility.
- Pride Express links Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp to WorldPride Amsterdam on 1 and 2 August 2026.
- 16 MAY 2026 | 30 years of Brussels Pride: “When times get darker, we shine brighter”.
- Queer March Ghent returns in March 2026.
- BRUGES | Prisma Queer Arts Festival on 16, 17 and 18 January 2026.
- HAPPY NEW QUEER 2026 | Bruges on 17 January and Leuven on 23 January.
- PROGRAMME | Pinx 2026 LGBTQIA+ film festival in Ghent and Antwerp from 27 January to 1 February.
- Beyond Darklands 2026 programme highlights.
- EuroGames 2028 in Frankfurt: will Antwerp aim for 2029 or 2030?.
- Limburg Pride 2026 remains in Hasselt and places every family at the centre.
- LEUVEN PRIDE 2025 | Kinkday at Rumba on Saturday 27 September.
- Pride Museum pop-up draws 4,000 visitors and strengthens case for permanent queer space in Brussels.
- Mechelen to organise a Pride Week from 2026?.
- Bruges Pride Parade 2025 on Saturday 14 June.
- Mons Pride 2025 on Saturday 31 May.
- NAMUR PRIDE 2025 | Pride Day, Solidarity March and community celebration.
- Pride Express links Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp to Pride Amsterdam on Saturday 2 August 2025.
- Belgium to host Eurovision Song Contest 2026? But in which city?.
- ANTWERP 2025-2030 | City government agreement supports bid for EuroGames in Antwerp in 2028.
- Liège Pride 2025 on Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August.
- CHARLEROI PRIDE | Three days of inclusivity and festivities.
