Nelson Mandelaplein in Kortrijk will transform into a vibrant festival ground on Thursday, October 1st for the 25th edition of Student Welcome. Over 7,000 students are anticipated for an evening of music and celebration. The city council will treat all attendees to a drink in honor of the anniversary.
The evening begins at 6:00 PM with the winner of the DJ Contest 2026, chosen from student submissions. Performances will follow by artists including Prinses Papa, Nine2Five, Charline, DINO, Henok D ft. DJ Ano Niem, Nina Black, and Lies Zhara until 2:00 AM.
Mayor Ruth Vandenberghe highlights Kortrijk's growth as a student city and the tradition of Student Welcome. "We are delighted to welcome so many young people to our city for the 25th time. That's why we are treating all attending students to a drink, and the entire college will be behind the taps themselves," the mayor stated.
Hannelore Vanhoenacker, alderwoman for Education, adds that the event aims to make students feel welcome from day one. The lineup is strong again, and the organization thanks partners and volunteers for this jubilee edition.
Student Welcome, founded in 2001 by Stad Kortrijk in collaboration with music club De Kreun and local educational institutions, has become a firm tradition and one of the first large-scale student events in Flanders. It is now organized by Kortrijk Studentenstad vzw.
The festival is known for combining local talent with established names. Artists such as Goose, 't Hof van Commerce, Daan, and Balthazar have previously performed on its stage.
In addition to musical performances, there will be fireworks and enhanced experiential elements. The entire college of aldermen will serve five kegs of beer, including non-alcoholic options, starting at 9:00 PM.
Tickets cost only 1 euro and can be paid in cash or cashless at the entrance (near the LAGO swimming pool). The event concludes at 2:00 AM.
Thomas Vanhoutte from the Student Welcome working group emphasizes the continuous renewal of the offering to attract students, including musical diversity and enhanced experiences.
Simon Clinckemaillie of Kortrijk Studentenstad VZW notes that the collaboration between institutions and the city is crucial for positioning Kortrijk as a top student city.
