Houtem Jaarmarkt 2026: Cattle return to the livestock market

Houtem Jaarmarkt 2026 is getting an important part of its tradition back: cattle can be shown and sold at this year's livestock market after the enforced pause 2025. The municipality of Sint-Lievens-Houtem confirmed this in an official statement on 23 October 2026. This is special news for visitors, as livestock trading has shaped this traditional fair for generations. However, the return is initially limited and subject to strict requirements.

Houtem Jaarmarkt 2026: Cattle are back

On Wednesday, 11 November, and Thursday, 12 November 2026, Veehandel Baele will present its cattle at the market. The long-standing trader is the only cattle supplier approved for this year's event. According to the municipality, you can view the animals on site; they will also be offered for sale. This decision does not yet mean a full return of the large cattle market of the past.

Last year, the municipality could not admit any cattle because of the IBR animal disease. Risks remain in 2026 as well. The organisers therefore worked with the relevant authorities to develop a limited solution. The approval applies to one trader under special conditions. The press release does not describe in detail the individual requirements for transporting the animals.

Why this decision matters for the market tradition

Houtem Jaarmarkt is more than a funfair with market stalls. It brings together trade, agriculture, animal breeding and a fair in an event shaped by history. The fair tradition is part of the UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage. The return of cattle is therefore significant for the organisers.

Alongside cattle, the announced range of animals 2026 will continue to include horses and smaller farm animals, including sheep and goats, poultry and rodents. This means that the diversity of agriculture will remain on show, even if the cattle section is initially smaller than before. The municipality describes the limited approval as a step towards securing the traditional livestock market in the long term.

Houtem Jaarmarkt 2026: Programme overview

The fair runs from Tuesday, 10, to Thursday, 12 November. On Tuesday, the festivities begin in the evening with the opening, the Thailand market and various parties. Wednesday's programme includes a breeding horse inspection from 8:30 to 17:00. There will also be activities for children and young people, street entertainment and music.

The traditional livestock market takes place on Thursday from 8:00 to 17:00 at Marktplein. A traders' market, an agricultural machinery market and an area for small animals and poultry are also planned. You can find the full programme, including times and venues, on the official programme page. Individual programme items may still change before the fair begins.

How to plan your visit

If you are travelling specifically to see the cattle return, plan your visit for the confirmed livestock market days, 11 and 12 November. The different markets are spread across several areas around the centre of Sint-Lievens-Houtem, so it is worth checking the exact locations in advance. You will also need to plan your journey: free shuttle buses are announced for Wednesday and Thursday.

We have brought together all the information about dates, admission, travel and other programme items in the event listing for Houtem Jaarmarkt 2026. This will help you plan your visit without mistaking the return of cattle for unrestricted approval for all the traders who took part in the past.

Source: Press release from the municipality of Sint-Lievens-Houtem dated 23.10.2026: “Opnieuw koeien op Houtem Jaarmarkt 2026”; supplemented by the programme announcement dated 23.10.2026. Featured image: existing AI-generated illustration, not an original photo.