Antwerp is preparing for a new three-day event combining shopping, food, nightlife and entertainment. AAAntwerp will take place from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 October 2026, bringing together shops, cafés, restaurants and other businesses in the city centre under the themes Ambiance, Ambacht, and Allure – atmosphere, craftsmanship, and style.
Rather than being presented as a conventional shopping weekend, AAAntwerp aims to showcase the city through experiences and local businesses. Visitors are invited to discover new addresses, taste food and drinks, take part in activities and workshops, and explore Antwerp’s shopping streets. The event is an initiative of Beleef Antwerpen.
Three days, three A’s: Each of the three days has its own character
Thursday 15 October is Ambiance. The opening day centres on a large pub quiz involving 21 cafés across the historic city centre. Teams of four start at Antwerp City Hall between 16:00 and 20:00 before making their way on foot between participating cafés, collecting points through quiz questions and challenges.
Teams do not have to visit every location, with additional venues offering more opportunities to score points. The evening ends with a final at 22:00 at Grand Café du Nord on the Grote Markt. Participation costs €17.50 per person and includes five drinks, including a portion of chips.
Friday 16 October is dedicated to Ambacht – craftsmanship. Restaurants, bars, specialist shops and other businesses will put the emphasis on food, drink, making and discovery, with tastings, workshops, demonstrations and other experiences. The organisers describe the day as an opportunity to discover both new places and the craftsmanship behind Antwerp’s independent businesses.
Saturday 17 October brings Allure. This is the most explicitly shopping-focused day, with shops showcasing new collections, promotions and workshops. Activities and entertainment will also take place outside the shops, turning the city centre into a broader shopping and leisure experience.
The organisers are positioning AAAntwerp as a way of experiencing the city rather than simply buying things. Its programme combines the city’s cafés and restaurants with independent shops, culinary addresses, entertainment and unexpected activities.
The Boerentoren gets a giant tie
The event is already visible in Antwerp’s skyline. The Boerentoren or Farmers’ Tower has been dressed up with a gigantic tie measuring 52 metres long and 10 metres wide. The unusual installation was conceived and put in place under the direction of creative producer Phil Blondé, known among other things for the Antwerp On Air outdoor festival.
Blondé said the intention was to do something unexpected with one of Antwerp’s most recognisable buildings. The giant tie will remain attached to the Boerentoren until Monday 19 October, two days after AAAntwerp ends.
AAAntwerp takes place throughout the Antwerp city centre from 15 to 17 October 2026. The full programme and participating businesses are available through the AAAntwerp website.
