The Hesbaye Historic Festival is shaping up to be Belgium's classic-car weekend of the summer
Clear your calendar for the last weekend of August
If you love old cars, motorbikes and the smell of vintage petrol, Belgium has a treat coming. In less than six weeks, on 22 and 23 August, the Kasteel van Veulen plays host to the Hesbaye Historic Festival, a two-day celebration of motoring history that is pulling out all the stops for what promises to be its best edition yet.
A packed two days
This is not a static line-up of cars behind ropes. The festival is built around action, with road runs, motorcycle ride-outs, a rally stage, pre-war races, off-road demonstrations, workshops, live music and plenty of children's entertainment. At its heart is the national meeting of the BEHVA, the Belgian Historic Vehicle Association, whose past gatherings have brought thousands of classics together under one shared passion.
Rally legends and a new junior trophy
For rally fans, the Saturday is a highlight. The Rally Revival, run with VGT Race & Rally Collectables and Autosportwereld, brings a grid of rally cars and lookalikes celebrating the glory days of Belgian rallying, complete with roadbooks, photos and stories from the region's classic events. Belgian legends including Robert Droogmans, Patrick Snijers, Bruno Thiry and Stéphane Prévot have already confirmed their attendance. There is also the newly announced Autosport Hesbaye Junior Trophy, which will support a young rally talent at the Rally van Haspengouw.
Pre-war machines and American muscle
History runs deep here. In partnership with Prewar Days, the festival expects more than 100 vehicles built before 1940, with the oldest registered machine dating all the way back to the 19th century. The Where is Anna run by HD-Classic adds a spectacle of pre-1931 motorcycles, grass sprinters, oval racers and hotrods. For something completely different, the USA Village, headlined by Europe's biggest Mustang Museum, brings muscle cars, pickups, Harley and Indian motorcycles, music and burgers.
Partners, Porsches and expert advice
The partner list is impressive. Elferspot, the world's largest Porsche platform, is bringing its stand to Belgium, while KBC Private Banking looks after guests in the Drivers Club. Circuit Zolder is offering combi-tickets covering both its Historic Grand Prix on 2 August and the festival on 22-23 August, with an oldtimer parade on the circuit as the cherry on top. There are also daily workshops on classic-car valuation and buying advice with Oldtimerexpertise.be, The Roadshow's vintage enduro demos, and the fun Pilota Best Dressed Award for period-correct outfits.
Recognised world heritage
Thanks to the combination of rolling and built heritage, the setting of the Kasteel van Veulen included, the Hesbaye Historic Festival is recognised by FIVA, the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens, which forms part of UNESCO. It is a fitting stamp of approval for an event that takes preserving motoring history seriously.
Practical info and tickets
The Hesbaye Historic Festival runs on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August 2026 at the Kasteel van Veulen. You can book tickets, sign up for activities or become a partner via the official website. Full details on all the partners, activities and timings are available at hesbayehistoric.be.
AutoNext Take
We have a real soft spot for events like this, and Hesbaye has quietly become one of the most charming classic-car weekends on the Belgian calendar. The mix of pre-war rarities, rally heroes, American muscle and hands-on workshops means there really is something for everyone, whether you are a die-hard enthusiast or just fancy a fun family day out surrounded by beautiful old machinery.
Our media partner Gocar.be will be there covering the festival, so keep an eye on their coverage too. And if you can make it to the Kasteel van Veulen on 22 or 23 August, we would thoroughly recommend it. See you there.
