Butter and Cheese Festival | Monday May 25, 2026 (Whit Monday)
50th Butter and Cheese Festival
Half a century of flavour and tradition
On Whit Monday, 25 May 2026, Diksmuide celebrates a special milestone: the 50th edition of the Butter and Cheese Festival. For five decades this popular event has brought visitors together in our famous “Butter Town”. Enjoy a full day of dairy experiences, folklore and entertainment.
Butter and Cheese Market – Market Square
Discover local dairy products
At the heart of the event on the Market Square, local dairy farmers present their delicious cheeses, butter and other dairy specialities. Taste the flavours and enjoy the lively atmosphere in the shadow of the historic city hall.
The Intronisation Ceremony
Tradition and folklore
At 11:15 am, the Order of the Beuterwaeghe continues a long-standing tradition by knighting new members. After a tasting and weighing ceremony, the new knights receive their title before parading through the city centre in traditional costume.
The Cheese Toss
A legendary tradition
Try to catch your own piece of cheese or butter during the famous cheese and butter toss in front of the city hall at 10 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm.
A special toss for children under 10 takes place at 3 pm.
Children’s Farm Fun
Farm experiences and play
Children can enjoy hands-on farm experiences: milking a cow, driving a small tractor or playing farm-themed games. There is also a nostalgic carousel and a petting zoo with farm animals.
Street Art and Exhibition
A journey through 50 years of tradition
In Generaal Baron Jacquesstraat, an exhibition tells the story of 50 years of Butter and Cheese Festivals through photos and fun facts. Along the way you will encounter living statues and vintage tractors.
Safety Village XL
Discover emergency services and safety demonstrations at the interactive Safety Village on Schoolplein.
Shopping and festive atmosphere
Experience Diksmuide at its best
The entire city centre comes alive with music, street entertainment, terraces, market stalls, a braderie and a flea market in Kiekenstraat. Local shops open their doors and welcome visitors.
Programme
Butter and Cheese Festival – At a glance
Ongoing activities – 9 am to 5 pm
| Activity | Location |
|---|---|
| Butter and Cheese Market | Market Square |
| Petting farm and farm experience zone | Market Square |
| Exhibition and vintage tractors | Generaal Baron Jacquesstraat |
| Living statues | Generaal Baron Jacquesstraat |
| Safety Village XL | Schoolplein |
| Youth service chill zone | Schoolplein (near Polderpand) |
Activities in the city centre
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 / 11:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 | Cheese toss | In front of the city hall |
| 15:00 | Children’s cheese toss | In front of the city hall |
| 10:30 – 12:30 | Kaasbollenfanfare parade | City centre streets |
| 14:15 – 16:00 | Kaasbollenfanfare parade | City centre streets |
Main stage programme – Market Square (city hall)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 – 09:10 | Dance performance – El Sanscha Dance School |
| 09:15 – 10:00 | Carillon concert |
| 10:15 – 11:00 | Concert – KH Burgerskring |
| 11:15 – 12:00 | Intronisation ceremony – Order of the Beuterwaeghe |
| 13:00 – 13:10 | Dance performance – El Sanscha Dance School |
| 13:45 – 13:55 | Dance performance – El Sanscha Dance School |
| 14:15 – 15:00 | Performance |
| 16:15 – 17:30 | Concert – ABBA4U Tribute Band |
___________
Cheese Buffet
Enjoy a wide selection of cheeses at the all-you-can-eat cheese buffet between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
Registration required before 18 May – €20 per person.
Parking
The city centre is closed to car traffic during the event.
🚲 Bicycle parking: Reuzemolenstraat
🚗 Park-and-walk parking areas:
- railway station parking
- Beerstblotestraat
- industrial zone Fabriekstraat
Extra parking available at the Esenweg commercial area.
When?
Monday, May 25, 2026.
Where?
City center of Diksmuide.
