On the weekend of September 12 -14, the small Limburg town of Bilzen, roughly halfway between Hasselt and Maastricht, will be hosting its 38th Scottish Weekend (Schotsweekend): a three-day festival celebrating all things Hibernian including music, dance, food and drink, and much more. So, dust off your kilt and get down there!

The first event, a one-day pipe band competition, was organised in 1986 by a few enthusiasts in Bokrijk in Genk. This was a great success attracting some 17 bands to participate.

Over the years the event often moved location but found its base in Bilzen in 1994. And the programme has greatly expanded too. From the initial pipe band competition, a solo competition was added and then Highland Games and Highland Dancing. The concept of a full Scottish Weekend was born in 1989.

With the addition of folk performances, the Scottish market, children's activities and other attractions, the Schots Weekend is a family-friendly, atmospheric festival celebrating Celtic culture and enjoyed by young and old!

Find more details about the event and the 2025 programme here.