Belgium’s Antwerp will transform into a craft beer capital in November when the Billies Craft Beer Fest 2025 takes over the historic Waagnatie venue. This fascinating beer festival is where you get to see 60 of the finest breweries of the world gather to pour around 240+ exceptional beers across 2 days.
This guide helps you to learn about everything that the Antwerp Beer festival has in store. Simply grab a Belgium Schengen Visa from UK to secure your chance of taking part in this wonderful beer extravaganza!
Quick Summary – Billie’s Craft Beer Fest returns to Antwerp on 7–8 November 2025, taking over the riverside Waagnatie for 2-day six-hour tasting marathons. Sixty standout breweries drawn from fifteen nations will rotate more than 240 rare and the experimental beers, all poured under a simple all-inclusive ticket. The set-up is refreshingly hassle-free: pick up your tasting glass, wander between the stands, refill your water bottle and refuel at a food court packed with the burgers, cheeses and the wood-fired pizza!
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates of Billies Craft Beer Fest in 2025 | 7–8 November 2025, two sessions each day: 16:00–19:00 and 19:00–22:00 (Foodcourt from 14:30, CET) |
| Where will the Billies Craft Beer Festival Take Place? | Waagnatie Hall 1 + Hall 2, Rijnkaai 150, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium |
| Billies Craft Beer Fest opening hours | Festival pours beer from 16:00–22:00; Foodcourt opens around 14:30 for the pre-session meetups and bottle sharing, where permitted |
| Top attractions | All-in tasting with hundreds of rotating beers across two days; 60 world-class breweries; expanded seating and side-hall space for comfort |
| Interesting fact about Billies Craft Beer Fest | Repeated winner of “Best Belgian Beer Festival” at #BADF Awards (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021) |
Billies Craft Beer Fest is the premier international craft beer festival of Belgium. It transforms the charming city of Antwerp into a paradise for the beer enthusiasts each November. The event is a carefully curation celebration where, about 50-60 of the world’s finest breweries gather under one roof for 2 spectacular days.
This craft beer festival in Belgium was inspired by Billie, a French Bulldog. In fact, it was the mascot and owner of the Billie’s Bier Kafétaria in Antwerp. The festival aims to be a special place where craft beer lovers and brewers can come together to celebrate and enjoy the unique beers. This is why, the festival is held annually over two days. And, all you need to do is book a Belgium visa appointment from UK to get started on your Belgium trip!
Did you know? The Billies Craft Beer Festival will feature around 240-300 beers crafted by 50 to 60 of the best craft beer brewers in the world!
About sixty of the world’s top breweries from around 15 countries will converge for the 2025 festival. In fact, when you look at the line-up, you will feel as if you are going on a global beer adventure. Here are the brewers that will take part in the Craft Beer Fest in Belgium:
Naturally, Belgium’s breweries will feature in this incredible beer extravaganza. Expect to see some local representatives like:
Apart from this, you can also check out other brewers like the Misery Beer Co., La Source Beer Co., Uncharted Brew Co. and others. They will offer brew variants that are distinctly Belgian, yet refreshingly modern!
The American contingent features the famous brewers and their beers that enthusiasts travel from across the world to taste. Make sure to check out the “Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.” from Iowa. They consistently rank amongst the world’s best breweries. Additionally, you can taste beers crafted by Ghost Town Brewing, Kane Brewing Company, Moksa Brewing Company and others.
British Craft Beer lovers will recognise the “Verdant Brewing Co.” from Cornwall. They are quite famous for their India Pale Ales (IPAs) that are usually characterised by a cloudy appearance and the flavourful hops. The quality and the unique style of brewing gave these beers and the brewery a legendary status. Apart from these, there are some newcomer brands like the Newbarns Brewery, Low Key Barrel Project, Track Brewing Co. and Wylam Brewery!
The European selection of beers spans from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean:
You will also get to see breweries from France, Portugal, Sweden, Austria, and Slovakia who bring their own unique take on the craft beers!
The local food vendors bring a carefully selected range of dishes that are designed to complement the extensive beer selection. That is why you will find everything from the classic Belgian favourites to the international street food options. Make sure to try the following culinary delights:
Head over to the place where this festival actually originated. In fact, this gem opened its doors back in December 2013 and boast about 180 carefully selected Belgian and international craft beers.
The craft beer scene of Antwerp extends well beyond just the Billie’s. Simply head over to the city centre which hosts the numerous excellent beer bars. These typically showcase the brewing heritage of Belgium alongside the contemporary beer experiences. In fact, some of these places also let you buy rare beers so that you can take them back home!
The festival weekend offers you some brilliant opportunities to check out the beer culture along with the rich sightseeing experiences of Antwerp.
Start your adventure by visiting the historic city centre. It is located very close to the festival venue, featuring:
On Friday morning, you can explore the old town before heading to the food court in the afternoon . Then, on the Saturday morning, you can take some out to visit the famous MAS museum. Alternatively, you can wander through the delightful diamond district of Antwerp.
| Ticket Type | Price (EUR) | What’s Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Ticket | €97 | Access for one day, tasting glass, unlimited beer tastings from an incredible range of over 240 beers, and a refillable water bottle | Perfect for a quick yet immersive experience |
| Combi Ticket | €185 | Full weekend access with the same “All-In Formula” benefits each day | Ideal for those who want to soak up the entire festival atmosphere |
The better option would be the “All-In Formula” ticket. It covers everything once you are inside. In fact, you do not have to take any additional tokens or bear the extra charges. This way, you will have a lot of time on your hands to go on an endless discovery of the world-class craft beers!
Where to buy tickets for Billies Craft Beer Fest? Visit the official website of the Billies Craft Beer Festival (https://www.billiescraftbeerfest.com) to book the tickets!
1). Arrive early to avoid the crowds – try to reach the festival venue, which opens at about 2.30 pm. This will give you enough time to enjoy some delicious food and claim a decent spot. Later, when the beer sessions start at 4 pm, you do not have to worry about finding a place to sip on lip-smacking beers.
2). Pace yourself during Beer Tastings – You get 6 hours each day and about 240+ beers to explore. So, slow down and take small tastings during the Antwerp beer events. This way, you can try out many of the beers rather than going all in with one beer variant.
3). Wear Comfortable Dresses – Please note that you will stand for many hours and will also move between the brewery stands. So, make sure to wear the comfortable shows and the layered clothes.
4). Plan your return to your stay in advance – Book a taxi or arrange a lift before you arrive at the festival venue. This way, you will not have to scramble for transport in the evening!
Billie’s Craft Beer Fest 2025 stands as one of the most celebrated beer festivals of the Belgium. With 240+ beers from 60+ breweries, coupled with a magical ambience built on the genuine passion for beer, this festival offers something truly special.
Worried that you may not be able to secure a Belgium Schengen Visa Appointment from UK on time? Couldn’t find any slots for the appointment?
With SCHENGEN VISA HELP, obtaining an appointment for a Schengen visa is as easy as taking a walk in the park. Simply fill out the online application, and a visa specialist will book a fast-track appointment for you. This will allow you to easily complete the visa process and obtain the Belgium Schengen Visa in no time!
So, do not hold yourself back? Book the appointment now to enjoy a memorable beer festival experience in Antwerp at Billie’s Craft Beer Festival!
Try to reach the festival venue at around 2.30 pm. This is when the food court opens. This way, you can enjoy some food, get a good spot for the beer tasting sessions that start from 4 pm.
Yes, you can meet the brewers from the 60 participating breweries that attend the festival. This will give you a rare chance to chat directly with the master brewers, learn about their brewing processes and ask for any specific beer recommendations!
The venue of the beer festival, Waagnatie is located along the River Scheldt at the Rijnkaai 150. You can easily reach it with the help of public transport from the Antwerp Central Station. Trams and the bus lines usually serve the area and the venue is within the walking distance from the city centre!
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