Music will ring through the centre of Bergen op Zoom on Sunday 27 September during the Bergs Krabbefestival. Various dweilbands will make themselves heard at multiple locations and compete against each other in a musical battle. The prize? The Stadhouder challenge trophy.

The Bergs Krabbefestival is an annual event where various orchestras and bands come to Bergen op Zoom. Scattered across the town centre, they are given the opportunity to present themselves to the public and a jury.

Music in different locations

The festival was first organised in 2004 by L.O. De Leutige Krabben. The Bergen dweilband put on twenty editions of the musical event. After those twenty editions, the Bergs Krabbefestival continued under a different organisation.

Characteristic of the festival are the performances spread across the city centre. As a result, visitors can encounter live music in various places while taking a stroll through the centre.

Battle for the trophy

The participating bands do not only play for the audience. During the Bergs Krabbefestival, they also compete for first place and the accompanying Stadhouder challenge trophy. The performances are judged for this by a jury.

Anyone who loves dweilmuziek or is curious about the various participating bands can come to the centre of Bergen op Zoom on Sunday 27 September. Admission to the festival is free. A programme listing the participating bands and exact performance locations for the 2026 edition has not yet been published.

Date Sunday 27 September 2026
Location: various locations in the centre of Bergen op Zoom
Starter free