Family-friendly festivals in and around Luxembourg, part I

Throughout the entire summer, an abundance of festivals awaits in and around Luxembourg. To help you make the most of this delightful season with your loved ones, TravelmatKanner has curated a selection of family-friendly events that promise endless enjoyment for both young and old alike.

1. Summer in the City, Luxembourg City

This summer, Luxembourg City is bringing back one of its favorite festivals with an exciting program. Get ready for a series of incredible events, including concerts, the Jazz Rallye, a beach at Place du Theatre, reading workshops, and a Kiermes at the Gare.

Whether you're young or old, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout the summer.For the detailed program, please visit their website.

2. Festival de Wiltz, Luxembourg

Date: 30 June to 15 July 2023

The Festival of Wiltz has gained immense popularity in Luxembourg, offering a diverse range of shows, a musical for kids and families, concerts, a food village, and the chance to visit the castle. You can conveniently reach the festival by public transport, such as the train.

Read also: Celebrating 70 years of music and theatre in the charming north of Luxembourg

To find out more about the festival and its program, visit their website.

3. Nuit des Legendes, Esch Sur Sure, Luxembourg

Date: 1 July 2023

Experience the "Nuit des Legendes", a fantastic blend of theater, acrobatics, magic, storytelling, workshops, concerts, and captivating light and fire shows. There's even a unique shadow show to enchant the audience.

For more information about this event, visit their website.

4. Nuit des Merveilles in Bettembourg, Luxembourg

A must-do event of the Luxembourg Summer.

I have fond memories of visiting this festival every year with my children and partner, and it never failed to create an amazing experience for us.

Stepping into Nuit des Merveilles feels like entering a fairy tale, with captivating performances, a picturesque location, and a touch of magic. While it can get crowded, you can enhance your overall experience by using public transportation (the train station is just a 2-minute walk from the venue).

This year's lineup features spectacular artists showcasing fire shows, acrobatics, theater, and more. Let the power of art ignite your imagination during this enchanting event, which takes place on July 7th and 8th, 2023.

For all the details, visit their website here.

5. Fraistival, Wepion, Belgium

Recently, TravelmatKanner visited Wepion near Namur, Belgium, renowned for its strawberries and the strawberry museum. This charming riverside location hosts a dedicated festival for strawberries on Sunday, 6th August. The festival includes free visits to the museum, guided tours of the small garden, conferences, storytelling, and more.

The interactive museum is a great attraction for children, and there's an additional activity for primary school students that makes the visit even more interesting.

You can find all the information about the festival here.

6. Festivals de Wallonie, Belgium

Numerous festivals take place throughout Wallonia during the summer and the rest of the year. I am absolutely in awe of their website because it compiles all these beautiful art, music, theater offerings, and more in a user-friendly manner.

Don't miss out on checking it out!

7. Kaboom Animation Festival, Utrecht and Amsterdam, Netherlands

While I may be a little late for this year's festival, it's definitely worth keeping an eye on for next year.

The Kaboom Animation Festival takes place both physically and virtually, with locations in Utrecht and Amsterdam. The festival aims to promote the art of moving images and provides children and adults with opportunities to learn more about this form of art.

They also offer educational programs, but you can simply enjoy the festival as a spectator, either online or in person. The recommended minimum age is 3 years old.

You can find more information here.

8. International Kids Art Festival, The Hague, Netherlands

Date: Friday 13th until Saturday 21st October 2023

Considered one of the best kids' art festivals in the neighborhood, this festival takes place in The Hague during autumn.

The program for the next edition will be announced around the beginning of September. However, I wanted to include this festival on the list because of its amazing feature: it is inclusive to all children, including those who are hearing impaired, handicapped, or sensitive to over-stimulation. It's a wonderful celebration of acceptance and inclusion.

9. World Marionette Festival in Charleville-Mezieres, France

Dates: September 16th to 24th, 2023

I must confess, I'm a huge fan of the art of puppetry myself...

Puppetry is a challenging and captivating art form, creating a unique bond between the puppet and its creator, as well as forging a special connection with the audience. It transports us to dreamy and realistic worlds, encompassing elements of comedy and tragedy. The World Marionette Festival has been celebrating this art form since 1961 and remains the largest puppet theater festival in the world.

Even if you're unable to attend the festival itself, you can still experience the magic through the Barionettes. These shows, performed by artists in various city bars throughout the year, keep the spirit of puppetry alive.

For all the necessary information, including ticket details and the festival program (to be announced this month, June), follow the link here.

10. Festival Hip Hop in Metz, France

Dates: July 7th to 16th, 2023

Get ready to groove at the Hip Hop Festival taking place on the streets of Metz this summer. While the full program has not been announced yet, this vibrant festival promises an incredible celebration of hip hop culture. Best of all, entry to the festival is free!

Immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere as talented artists showcase their skills in various hip hop elements. From music and dance to graffiti and spoken word, the festival is set to be a dynamic showcase of urban creativity.

Stay tuned for more details about the program as they are announced. In the meantime, you can find initial information about the festival here.

Head to part II for more events and start planning your calendar for the coming months with this fantastic selection of family-friendly festivals!

Bonus from the Editorial Desk: Siren's Call Festival

Date: June 24, 2023

Looking for a celebration of international and local music and culture in a picturesque Luxembourgish setting?

This one-day music festival is a family favourite, with free admission for children 12 and under and designated kid-friendly activities!

The best part? Siren's call takes place at Neimënster in Luxembourg City, so you won't have to travel too far for a fun family day out!

For all necessary information, including ticket details and artist line-up visit the festival page here and make sure to tune in to Today Radio for updates on all things music in and around Luxembourg!