Behind the scenes at the Belgian Beer Weekend: St-Feuillien passion in action

Every year, the first weekend of September sees Brussels’ Grand-Place transform into a temple to the art of Belgian brewing for a few days. Surrounded by the historic facades of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, dozens of breweries come together to celebrate their skill, which has made Belgium world-famous.

Brasserie St-Feuillien has had a stand here since the event began. Twenty-five years of commitment, meetings and meticulous planning, driven by a single ambition: to share the elegance of a beer from a great tradition, in a stunning setting.

Planning starts in the spring

Before the festival can begin, the well-oiled machine that organizes it eases into motion in March. Given the setting, spaces for stands on the Grand-Place are limited, so the participants should register quickly (there will be 57 breweries present in 2025 for the festival’s 25th year). Well in advance, our team manages the practical organisation of the event, so that we can give visitors from all over the world the best possible welcome and offer them our finest beers.

«The Belgian Beer Weekend, is a logistical challenge every year… but above all, it is great fun,” says Denis Cornelis, Head of Logistics. “Transporting the equipment, setting up the stand in record time, dealing with contingencies… all part of the adventure. All our work is done behind the scenes, but when we see the first visitors arrive, raise a glass and smile, we know why we do it.”

Setting up a stand in the heart of a heritage site

Setting up a stand on the Grand-Place requires careful planning. Access is restricted, assembly times tight and each brewery must make the most of a position allocated through a random draw – a tradition that builds suspense until the announcement is made, usually in July.

But irrespective of the location or how close the stand is to the podium: the team are happy to take up the challenge. Especially as so much care is now taken in designing the look of the stand. Wooden frontage, golden barrels, stencilled glasses, graphic elements in the brewery’s colours… Nothing is left to chance in a bid to convey the elegance and traditional character of St-Feuillien beers at a glance.

An experience centred on people

In Brussels, St-Feuillien staff become “team players”, a group of 6 to 8 people, including members of the sales and marketing departments, master brewers and other colleagues keen to experience the event first hand. The Belgian Beer Weekend is an intense, but highly enjoyable break from the norm, bringing together and, above all, inspiring employees.

“It’s one of the few times of the year when you get to see the delighted faces of the fans of our beers in the flesh,” explains Patrick Parot, Sector Manager. “I love hearing tasting memories or seeing someone discover St-Feuillien for the first time.”

The atmosphere buzzes from Friday evening. Visitors arrive relaxed, laughing and chatting, clinking glasses. Many attendees come from abroad, sometimes coming back year after year to experience this unique atmosphere for one weekend. By Sunday lunchtime, everything has calmed down slightly, just in time for one of the highlights of the weekend: the “Brewers’ Confraternities Parade”. Keep an eye out for the Confrérie Saint‑Feuillien, who come from Rœulx to promote the history of our founding abbey.

Manneken Pis and living tradition

Another Brussels icon, the famous Manneken-Pis celebrates the Belgian Beer Weekend by wearing the colours of the Confrérie Saint-Feuillien. . The costume is made by the statue’s official dresser and is unveiled to the public in a joyful ceremony – sometimes with an extra surprise, when the fountain starts pouring out St-Feuillien Triple!

This symbolic gesture perfectly illustrates the spirit of the event: a coming-together of heritage, brewing tradition and Belgian hospitality.

This year, we’ll be serving: Grand Cru, special editions and new discoveries

The entire St-Feuillien range is in the spotlight on our stand. From our unmissable abbey beers to more recent creations, including special vintages, everything is designed to help you explore the many facets of Brasserie St-Feuillien. Special mention this year goes to St-Feuillien Grand Cru, which is finally available on draught, and to the Collector’s Edition bottles celebrating 900 years since St-Feuillien Abbey was founded. Not to forget the magnums which will, of course, join the festivities, in their stylish bottles perfect for sharing.

Would you like to meet us? How to make the most of the festival

When is the Belgian Beer Weekend 2025?

The Belgian Beer Weekend 2025 will be held from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 September on the Grand-Place in Brussels. It is an unmissable event for lovers of Belgian beers, with dozens of breweries coming together in this prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where can I find the Brasserie St-Feuillien stand during the festival?

This year, Brasserie St-Feuillien will be at stand 19 on the Grand-Place.
Look out for our wooden frontage and golden barrels – our team are looking forward to meeting you.

Which St-Feuillien beers can I taste at the Belgian Beer Weekend?

We will be serving the full range of St-Feuillien beers, including Blonde, Brune, Triple, Quadruple, Saison, Grisette Bio, IPA, Five, Fruit and Grand Cru. The Grand Cru will have a starring role in kegs, alongside special editions such as bottles marking the abbey’s 900th anniversary, magnums and large formats. You will also have the opportunity to taste the St-Feuillien Cuvée de Noël 2025 edition, with a surprise this year!

Will we be able to meet St-Feuillien brewers during the event?

Yes, of course. St-Feuillien’s master brewers will be on hand to answer questions about our brewing methods, ingredients and suggested beer pairings. This is one of the few times visitors can speak to them directly.

What is the role of the Confrérie Saint-Feuillien during the festival?

The Confrérie Saint-Feuillien will take part in the traditional parade on Sunday at 12 pm, wearing the colours of the town of Le Roeulx. At the same time, the Manneken Pis will be unveiled wearing the official costume of the Confrérie and the fountain will flow with St-Feuillien Triple!

Come and meet us! !

So much more than a commercial event, the Belgian Beer Weekend is a festival of flavour, fun and friendship. We’re looking forward to seeing you there.
See you soon on the Grand-Place in Brussels!