Nord Magnétic
Living arts festival in public spaces in Flanders
About Nord Magnétic
Nord Magnétic is a living arts festival that takes over the streets, gardens, squares, and public spaces of Bailleul, Hazebrouck, and surrounding towns. Created in 2013 by the Department of the North, this biennial festival brings together dozens of European companies offering over 100 performances of street arts, circus, theater, dance, music, and visual installations. Free and open to all, it closely involves residents in artistic creation and celebrates the cultural richness of inland Flanders.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Nord Magnétic at the best price.
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Nord Magnétic: Living Arts Take Over Flanders
Nord Magnétic is the first street arts festival supported by the Department of the North. Created in 2013 for the 300th anniversary of the Treaty of Utrecht, which established the borders between France and the Netherlands, it celebrates the cross-border dimension of this territory by welcoming artists from all over Europe.
A multidisciplinary program in public spaces
The festival takes over the towns of Bailleul and Hazebrouck, as well as neighboring municipalities, with a program mixing street arts, contemporary circus, theater, dance, music, visual installations, and documentary. More than 45 companies offer over 100 performances spread over four days, transforming public spaces into ephemeral stages.
Residents at the heart of the project
One of Nord Magnétic's unique features is the active participation of residents in the event. Some participate in collective performances, others host installations in their gardens, or contribute to participatory creations. This civic involvement gives the festival a human and warm dimension, true to Flemish hospitality.
A free and accessible festival
All shows and activities of Nord Magnétic are offered free of charge and open access, with some requiring prior booking. This free access reflects the Department of the North's commitment to making culture accessible to all audiences, including those far from major urban centers.
European reach
Nord Magnétic is part of a European network of street arts festivals and benefits from partnerships with Belgian cultural organizations, particularly in Poperinge. With a budget of 2 million euros and an estimated attendance of 50,000 people, the festival has gained recognition that extends far beyond the borders of inland Flanders.
Nord Magnétic — edition 2026
Nord Magnétic returns in May 2026 to Bailleul and Hazebrouck for a new edition of this public space living arts festival.
2026 Edition
The Nord Magnétic festival will return in May 2026 to Bailleul, Hazebrouck, and surrounding towns. Specific program and dates to come.
Prices Nord Magnétic 2026
Practical information — Nord Magnétic
Practical Information
Locations
Nord Magnétic's shows and installations take place in the streets, squares, parks, gardens, and public buildings of Bailleul and Hazebrouck, as well as in neighboring towns and in Poperinge (Belgium). Some creations are specifically designed for the spaces in which they are presented: a disused factory, a private garden, a gymnasium. The precise locations are communicated in the program for each edition, distributed in advance and available online.
Access and transport
By train: Bailleul and Hazebrouck stations are served by TER trains from Lille-Flandres (30-40 min, frequent trains). The town centers are a few minutes' walk from the stations. Shuttles may be set up between the different festival sites.
By car: A25 motorway from Lille, exit Bailleul (30 min) or Hazebrouck (40 min). Free parking at the entrance of both towns and near the festival sites. Poperinge (Belgium) is 15 minutes from Bailleul.
Dates and frequency
Nord Magnétic is a biennial festival (every two years) held over 4 days in May. Shows run from morning to evening, with performances during the day and at night. Check the Department of the North's website and social media for the dates of the next edition.
Prices
All shows and activities are offered free of charge and open access. Some shows in enclosed spaces (gymnasium, hall) require prior booking due to limited capacity. Booking can be done online on the festival's website.
For whom?
Nord Magnétic is a family-friendly and intergenerational festival. The shows are aimed at all audiences, from families with young children to contemporary art enthusiasts. Some creations are specifically designed for young audiences.
Accommodation
Bailleul and Hazebrouck have hotels, bed and breakfasts, and gites. Inland Flanders offers a pleasant rural setting for a longer stay. Book in advance during the festival period.
Practical tips
- Consult the program online and plan your route in advance – shows are spread across several towns.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking between different sites.
- Some shows are outdoors: bring rain gear.
- Book shows with limited capacity as soon as ticketing opens.
Contact
Department of the North - Culture Department. More information on the festival's Facebook page: Festival Nord Magnétic
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Nord Magnétic at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Nord Magnétic
Espaces publics de Bailleul et Hazebrouck