Ooidonk Art Festival 2026: a summery total experience of art, nature and gastronomy

Looking for an inspiring day trip this summer? Het Ooidonk Art Festival returns in 2026 with a particularly refined and surprising edition. From June 18 to August 30, the beautiful Goed te Réables estate, near the castle of Ooidonk in Deinze, will once again be transformed into a unique place where contemporary art, nature, and gastronomy harmoniously come together. What makes this festival so special is the way everything flows into one another. Not a classic exhibition, but an experience where you walk through the landscape at your own pace and discover art along the way that is subtly integrated into the environment. This year's theme, the relationship between art and nature, forms the common thread throughout the route. Expect works that respond to the landscape, use materials from nature, or just change your view of the environment a little bit. With 34 artists , this edition offers a nice mix of established names and young talent. Think of impressive work by, among others, Dirk Braeckman, Johan Creten, Wim Delvoye, and Koen Vanmechelen, supplemented by fresh voices such as François Genicot, Fran Van Coppenolle, and Senne Wettinck. The festival also gains a broader dimension internationally, with artists from the Netherlands and France who each bring their own view of nature and context. New this year is the extensive walking route that stretches across the surrounding meadows. This creates an even more spacious, relaxing journey through the landscape, with room for larger installations and surprising perspectives. Ideal for slowing down for a moment and completely immersing yourself in the surroundings. And there is more: you can also enjoy the culinary side. The cozy summer bar and the pop-up restaurant Hay provide a tasty break in the middle of the greenery. Whether you come for a light lunch, a refreshing drink, or an atmospheric dinner, gastronomy is also an integral part of the experience. Het Ooidonk Art Festival is therefore the perfect destination for a stylish day trip: start with lunch, discover the route at your leisure, and finish with dinner in a unique setting. Practical 📍 Location: Goed te Réables, Ooidonkdreef 5, Deinze 📅 From June 18 to August 30, 2026 🕒 Open from Thursday to Sunday, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM