Lively music filled October 30 Square in Ha Long Ward on the evening of October 2, as thousands of people gathered around tables made from wooden barrels to sample European dishes including flammkuchen, sausages and beef stew.

Visitors stopped to take photos with Belgian cultural symbols and joined interactive games, while Belgian Ambassador to Vietnam Pieter Leenknegt, local officials and organisers opened the festival with a fireworks display.

B.Fest 2026 is jointly organised by the Embassy of Belgium in Vietnam, the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (BeluxCham) and DEEP C Industrial Zones. After five editions in Hai Phong, the festival has come to Quang Ninh for the first time this year.

Held under the theme “Heritage within heritage”, this year's festival highlights the connection between Belgium's beer culture, recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, and Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

Belgian Ambassador to Vietnam Pieter Leenknegt said he was particularly proud to attend the first B.Fest held in Quang Ninh, which was also his first experience of the festival.

Visiting Quang Ninh for the first time, he said the province's scenery and pace of economic development gave him confidence in its future. As Belgium's ambassador to Vietnam, he pledged to contribute further to the strong cooperation between the two countries.

Vietnamese artists and DJs brought different musical styles together on the main stage, while visitors embarked on a “Passport Journey”, taking part in interactive games, exploring food and joining creative workshops.

A highlight of the festival was The Iconic Ship, a boat inspired by the familiar red sails of Ha Long Bay. Organisers also introduced a collection of Belgian beer-themed mascots, bringing stories of Belgian culture closer to younger audiences.

Koen Soenens, General Sales and Marketing Director of DEEP C Industrial Zones, said bringing the festival to Quang Ninh was partly intended as a gesture of appreciation to local residents and authorities, where the company is implementing a major investment project.

Soenens added the festival also offered an opportunity to give Vietnamese people a better understanding of Belgian identity by showcasing one of the country's best-known products, beer.

“Many Vietnamese people may have heard of Belgium and Europe, but may not have a clear sense of what Belgian identity is. One of the best ways to share that identity is through a product we are particularly known for – beer,” Soenens said. “Through different beer flavours, we want to share part of our culture, history and way of life.”

B.Fest 2026 runs through October 3, offering residents and visitors opportunities to experience European culture at the site of a world heritage landmark.

B.Fest 2026 to bring Belgian culture and cuisine to Quang Ninh

The Belgian Culture and Food Festival, B.Fest 2026, will take place in the northeastern city of Quảng Ninh on October 2-3, bringing Belgian culture, cuisine and entertainment to the coast.