Ghent (Brusels Morning Newspaper) – The Ghent Floralies, held since 1809, returns May 1–10, 2026, at Floraliënhal, Kuipke, Botanical Garden; expects 70,000 visitors, youth tickets, interactive exhibits, Garden Lab, and organisers Pieter Toebaert and Wendy Droesbeke.
As VRT News reported, the Ghent Floralies, a flower event, is preparing to welcome a younger audience in its next edition. Every 4 years, the event is renowned for its tradition and flower displays. To make the event more accessible, organisers will provide discounted tickets for younger attendees.
According to Pieter Toebaert of the Floralien, the goal is to enable youth to experience and appreciate the festival. The theme for this year is “Connection” and focuses on the relationships between people, nature, and the urban environment.
“Yet, we also need to be ready for the future,” Toebaert emphasises.
What’s new at Ghent Floralies 2026 and who will attend?
The Floralies are also adding new features. A Garden Lab will give teenagers hands-on experiences with plants and gardens. Children can enjoy activity books that guide them through the displays in a fun and educational way.
“We’re strongly committed to participation. An artist will build a moss artwork that takes shape based on the input. It will continue to evolve throughout the event,” Toebaert said.
The organisers launched a contest asking people to explore the theme in creative ways. They mentioned that this is part of a larger plan to make the festival more interactive and engaging for visitors. The Floralies will also act as a showcase for events related to nature, including workshops and exhibitions.
Pieter Toebaert said the organisers encourage other event planners to participate. “We want to be a showcase for activities linked to the theme,” he said. “Our goal is to make people more interested in nature and flowers.”
“I created a large floral heart growing from the earth. It’s a universal symbol of love and connection,” says designer Wendy Droesbeke.
The next Floralien festival will be held from Friday, May 1, to Sunday, May 10, 2026. The event will take place at 3 main locations in Ghent: the Floraliënhal, the Kuipke, and the Botanical Garden. Organisers expect up to 70,000 visitors over the 10 days.
The Ghent Floralies began in 1809 when the Royal Society for Agriculture and Botany held its first flower and plant exhibition in Ghent. The event was held annually at first and became a biennial exhibition in 1839. By 1873, it was officially called the Floralies and gained international attention for showcasing the region’s horticultural heritage.
In 1913, the Floralies Palace was built in Citadelpark for the World’s Fair, giving the event a large venue. The festival stayed there until 1990 before moving to Flanders Expo. In 2016, it returned to the city centre to reconnect with the public. Since 2020, the Ghent Floralies have been recognised as a Flemish intangible cultural heritage.
