The Belgian Beer Weekend (Belgisch Bierweekend) is held every year during the first weekend of September, in the prestigious setting of the Grand Marché in Brussels. It is staged by the National Federation of Belgian Brewers, an organisation counting over 70 members – including most of the country's large and medium-sized breweries.
As well as plenty of beer, the Belgian Beer Weekend also plays host to a number of award ceremonies. It usually sees several notable Belgian beer ambassadors ‘knighted’, a means of recognising that they've earned their spurs in promoting Belgian beer.

Recipients of the Knighthood can include beer exporters, cooks, sommeliers and journalists. But there's no risk of a misplaced sword during the 'be-knighting'. The ceremony is conducted by the Knighthood of the Brewers’ Mash Staff.

The official opening of the weekend is marked in Brussels’ Town Hall with a number of speeches. A parade of historic beer carts also forms part of the proceedings. The local fanfare company, kitted out in historic costumes, help to give the proceedings a lively musical touch. It is but a small step from the Belgian Beer Weekend to the world of the brewers’ guild.