Dour Festival

Dour Festival is the international multi-style festival in Hainaut, held annually over 5 days in July since 1989. With 60,000+ visitors, it is one of the largest Walloon festivals and known for its diverse musical line-up — from hip-hop and electronic music to rock and world music.

The accessibility facilities are substantially developed. The accessibility platform is on the Main Stage and La Cabane (the two main stages) with a good view of the stage. Adapted sanitary facilities are spread across the festival grounds, with a spacious larger toilet at the info desk where you have extra room for transfers. The wristband system works as at other Belgian festivals: order a regular ticket + email with disability attestation for a free companion ticket.

The registration for the accessibility package goes via dourfestival.eu/contact — the organisation usually replies within 2 weeks for confirmation. So plan 2 months in advance for certainty. On arrival you check in at a separate info desk for the wristband.

Camping is technically accessible but the rural Hainaut hill landscape makes it less comfortable for most wheelchair users — a hotel stay in Mons or Tournai (within 30 minutes' drive) is more practical. The accessible parking is right at the adapted entrance.

For those wanting to combine the visit with cultural tourism: a Mons city trip or visit to Bois du Cazier (UNESCO mining heritage) makes a Dour weekend a richer experience. For the musical vibes and Walloon character, Dour is a striking alternative to the Flemish festivals in the same week.