COAST
After yesterday’s stampede, it promises to be another busy, summer day at the seaside. With events such as the Port Oostende Charity Run and thousands of walkers for the Two-Day Pedestrian Tour in Blankenberge, the coastline is quickly filling up again. The Ostend police warn of large crowds in the city center. But we should also keep an eye on the weather: locally, fierce thunderstorms may erupt later today. Follow the goings on at sea here.
Bjorn van Bergen, Rani Aertgeerts, Femke Peeters
LOOK. It is busy everywhere, except in the cold sea
liveblog
LOOK. Various bands fill Ostend streets with music
The streets of Ostend are filled with music on Saturday afternoon. Various bands walked through the city center and occasionally stopped to play a few songs. It is certainly very busy in Ostend, but the spectators thoroughly enjoy the musical intermezzos. Check it out here.
No surprise in Blankenberge today: “They scared people off with all those bad weather forecasts”
‘Burlesque 2’ in Het Witte Paard runs until May 10
Anyone who wants to see Witte Paard Productions’ most spicy show should be quick. This weekend there will be performances on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon and next weekend ‘Burlesque 2’ will be performed three more times. “We are very satisfied. We received many positive reactions from the audience. Now we are counting down to our 90th anniversary with the summer shows in Blankenberge and Middelkerke. In between there are a few Dinner shows and performances of ‘Cosmino’ in the Colisee Theater,” says Frédéric Loots of WP Hotels & Events.
Fancy a trip at sea? In Nieuwpoort, volunteers have restored the lifeboat 2 Watson. The vessel is already back in the water and from May to September everyone is welcome on board for a trip on the North Sea.
The flower and plant market attracts many visitors in Blankenberge
Festivities started in the center of Ostend
The parade in the center of Ostend has started. The Port Oostende Charity Run will also take place in the port area. The combination of these two events makes the city very busy.
Pleasantly busy on terraces in Blankenberge
No surprises on the Zeedijk in Blankenberge
It is pleasantly busy today on the Zeedijk in Blankenberge. Yesterday’s surprise does not materialize.
Ideal weather for an aperitif
“We are enjoying a weekend here in Blankenberge. And that includes an aperitif with the family. I heard that it was already raining this morning in Denderleeuw and Roosdaal, where some of us live. The weather is always nice by the sea and we are going to drink one,” laughs Jozef Desmedt.
160,000 day trippers
The sunny holiday attracted a lot of people yesterday. There were a total of about 160,000 day trippers on the coast.
Busy in Kerkstraat in Blankenberge
Bachelor party in Blankenberge
These German friends are celebrating Jasmine’s (32) bachelor party. She will tie the knot in May. “Yesterday we went to the beach. In the evening we had a party in the lounge bar The Bisous and tasted many cocktails. Today we are going shopping,” it sounds. “And we definitely want to eat a Belgian waffle and fries. We stay in an apartment until Sunday. “
Thousands of participants for the Two-Day Pedestrian Tour
Saturday and Sunday the Two-day hike place. Various youth movements are also participating among the participants. “For us this is an annual tradition. The older groups choose the 24 kilometers and today we are doing the 24 kilometers with our youngest members. 15 kilometers. We hope to arrive again within 5 hours,” says Aurélie (19), leader at Scouts De Haan.
Police warn of crowds in Ostend
The Ostend police warns about the crowds in Ostend this afternoon. After all, a parade is planned through the center of the city between 2 and 4 p.m. in honor of the 75th anniversary of Show Corps WIK. At the same time, the Port Oostende Charity Run will also take place in the port area. “So keep this in mind if you come to Ostend today. Leave on time and, if possible, come by public transport or bicycle. Still by car? Use the peripheral car parks, for example Mariakerke Strand or Oosteroever. From Oosteroever you can take the free ferry to the center, easy and fun.” All information about mobility and parking can be found here visitoostende.be.
Hungry?
Are you still unsure where to have a bite to eat this afternoon? Last week we visited Caricole restaurant in Oostduinkerke and fell for the solid Flemish cuisine and the hospitality of An and team. You can find more culinary tips in the file.
Would you also like to visit a market during your stay at the seaside? During the ‘Market Month’ we visited various market vendors in West Flanders and wrote down their stories. From a fish cart that goes viral in Nieuwpoort to a catering owner who makes a career change in De Haan at the age of 45: you can read it here.
De Panne is adjusting its parking policy
A new parking policy has come into effect in De Panne since this long weekend. Some things are changing for tourists, residents and second home owners.
Krokodille Kermesse is in its second day
The 24th edition of Krokodille Kermesse in Middelkerke officially started on Friday morning at 11 am. Thanks to the sunny weather, many people descended on the area around Logierlaan, Kousestraat and Duinenweg. There are also many activities planned on Saturday and Sunday and you can discover the new summer bar Pitstop.
‘Floating mountains’ above the North Sea near Nieuwpoort appear to be a rare mirage
Port Oostende Charity Run returns on Saturday, May 2
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, Port Oostende will organize the Port Oostende Charity Run for the fourth time. The event has attracted many participants in recent years.
