Festival International Nature Namur 2026 – Wildlife Festival Belgium

What to expect in 2026

Festival International Nature Namur 2026 returns to Namur, Belgium, for its 32nd edition with a broad programme dedicated to wildlife, photography, nature films, biodiversity, environmental awareness and outdoor discovery. The festival combines professional and amateur films, photography exhibitions, conferences, guided nature activities, children’s programming, workshops and a large Village Nature at the Citadel of Namur. The official programme describes the event as a meeting place built around films, exhibitions and encounters with the natural world.

The 2026 edition takes place from October 10 to 18, 2026. Visitors can move between the Delta in central Namur, which serves as the main film venue, and the Citadel, where the Village Nature and major photography exhibitions are located. Additional activities extend into Namur and the wider province through nature walks and festival-related activities.

One of the major attractions is the Village Nature, where visitors can meet nature organizations, photographic equipment specialists, travel agencies, photographers, artists and other exhibitors. The 2026 Village Nature also includes conferences, exhibitions, activities, games and opportunities to talk directly with people working in nature, photography and environmental education.

The film programme is equally important. Professional films compete in themed sessions, while amateur films provide another perspective on wildlife and nature filmmaking. The festival also includes children’s cinema, environmental-focused screenings and discussions, school activities and special gala events.

Photography is represented through both indoor and outdoor exhibitions. The 2026 official photography programme features 21 exhibitors and a range of approaches including wildlife photography, landscapes, sculpture, watercolour and cyanotype art. The Citadel also hosts a major outdoor photographic trail featuring six exhibitions.

Event dates

October 10 to 18, 2026

Festival International Nature Namur 2026 is the 32nd edition of the event. The official programme includes professional and amateur film competitions, photography exhibitions, the Village Nature, environmental discussions, children’s cinema, conferences, nature walks, photography and watercolour introductions, special activities and closing events.

The main programme is spread across multiple locations, so visitors planning a full festival visit should check the official daily schedule before travelling. The organizer publishes a digital programme as well as programme information for individual activities and venues.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

The Delta, at Avenue Fernand Golenvaux 18 in central Namur, is the festival’s main film venue. It hosts professional and amateur film screenings, meetings with filmmakers and the cinema-focused part of the programme. The Delta is accessible by public transport, is approximately a 20-minute walk from Namur railway station and has bicycle parking nearby.

The Citadel of Namur at Route Merveilleuse 64 is the principal photography and Village Nature site. The Citadel becomes the centre of the festival’s outdoor exhibitions, nature activities, stands, conferences and workshops. The Village Nature provides an informal environment where visitors can meet exhibitors and discover nature-related organizations and products.

The Citadel also provides an extensive outdoor photographic route. Six exhibitions are planned for 2026, including the Festival’s main photography competition, AgriNature, the Young Photographer Scholarship exhibition and invited exhibitions from other photography festivals and tourism organizations.

Other festival activities take place around Namur and elsewhere in the province through guided walks and Festival Nature stopovers. This allows the event to extend beyond cinema and exhibition halls into real natural environments.

Full event programme

The 2026 programme combines several major strands:

• Professional nature films
• Amateur nature films
• Children’s cinema
• Opening and closing galas
• Nature photography exhibitions
• Outdoor photographic exhibitions
• Village Nature
• Nature associations and environmental organizations
• Photography and video equipment exhibitors
• Nature travel agencies
• Conferences and discussions
• Environmental focus sessions
• Guided nature walks
• Photography and watercolour introductions
• Family activities
• Nature storytelling
• Sensory trails
• School programmes
• Department of Nature and Forests conference
• Awarded-film screenings

The professional film competition presents films in themed sessions designed to create an immersive viewing experience. Films are also submitted to the public vote, with the Public Prize announced during the festival’s gala programme.

The Village Nature adds a more interactive dimension. Conferences are held throughout the day, with the official 2026 programme offering free talks at regular intervals and time afterward for visitors to speak with presenters.

Featured companies & exhibitors

Festival International Nature Namur is not a conventional commercial trade fair, but its Village Nature brings together a range of organizations, associations and specialist exhibitors connected with nature, photography and outdoor discovery.

The official exhibitor programme includes categories such as:

• Nature associations: Organizations working in biodiversity, wildlife protection and environmental education.
• Photography and video equipment: Specialist companies offering equipment and accessories for wildlife photography, filming, observation and sound recording.
• Nature travel agencies: Organizations promoting nature-focused travel and wildlife experiences.
• Photographers and artists: Exhibitors presenting wildlife photography, landscapes, illustration, sculpture, watercolour and other forms of nature-inspired art.
• Bookshops and specialist retailers: Nature-related books, publications and products.
• Educational organizations: Groups offering activities, identification games, guided experiences and nature education.

JAMA is among the specialist exhibitors listed for 2026, presenting photography, wildlife video, observation and sound-recording equipment. The Cercles des Naturalistes de Belgique also participate with nature guides, educational activities, identification games and workshops. Nature et Terroir provides a travel-focused perspective on natural destinations.

The festival’s exhibitor programme also encourages exhibitors to offer approximately one-hour public encounters, such as conferences, presentations or discussions related to nature, photography or video, subject to selection.

Agriculture & environmental sectors

Agriculture and environmental themes are represented particularly strongly through the AgriNature photography competition and exhibition. The competition focuses on biodiversity in agricultural environments, Walloon landscapes and the relationship between people, farming and wildlife.

The 2026 AgriNature competition includes a new category focused on a century of agricultural gestures, traditions, skills and landscapes. Another category addresses sustainable agriculture and highlights farming practices that can preserve or strengthen biodiversity in cultivated areas, meadows and orchards.

AgriNature is supported by organizations including SPW Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Natagriwal and the Libramont Agricultural Fair. Its selected photographs are displayed as part of the Festival Nature programme, including the outdoor exhibition at the Citadel.

Environmental themes also appear in the festival’s dedicated Focus Environment programme, which combines film screenings with discussions around major environmental issues. School activities similarly use film, environmental education and outdoor experiences to introduce younger visitors to water, biodiversity and protection of natural environments.

Products, technologies & innovations

The Village Nature provides visitors with an opportunity to discover specialist equipment and services used for observing, photographing and documenting wildlife.

Photography and nature-filming technology can include:

• Wildlife cameras
• Telephoto photography equipment
• Binoculars and observation equipment
• Nature sound-recording equipment
• Video equipment
• Photography accessories
• Outdoor observation products
• Educational materials
• Nature books and publications

JAMA’s participation illustrates the specialist nature of this part of the festival. The company focuses on equipment and accessories for photography, wildlife video, observation and sound recording and promotes products that have been selected and tested for outdoor use.

Technology is also represented indirectly through the photographic competition itself. The 2026 Festival Photography Competition includes a new camera-trap category, emphasizing photographic approaches that allow wildlife to be observed with minimal disturbance.

Demonstrations & workshops

The festival provides a mixture of educational activities, practical introductions and interactive nature experiences.

Photography and watercolour initiation sessions give visitors the opportunity to develop creative skills while learning how to observe natural subjects. Some photography introductions are hosted independently, meaning prices can vary according to the organizer. The published 2026 range is approximately $29.25 to $70.20.

The Village Nature also includes educational activities organized by nature associations. The Cercles des Naturalistes de Belgique offer recognition games, nature guidance and educational activities designed for both adults and children.

Family programming can include storytelling, sensory activities and nature-based discovery experiences. The festival also offers guided walks in Namur and elsewhere in the province, allowing participants to learn about habitats and local biodiversity directly in the field.

Ticket types & registration

Festival Nature Namur uses a mixture of free activities and ticketed events. The majority of activities are free, including entry to the Village Nature, indoor and outdoor exhibitions, conferences and most nature walks.

Nature Pass: Approximately $46.80 for six selected film sessions, excluding galas and conferences. The pass can also be used for selected festival replay and closing activities according to the published conditions.

Standard film session: Approximately $9.36 for adults, with each session containing two films.

Child film ticket: Approximately $4.68 for eligible children’s admission.

Article 27 ticket: Approximately $1.46 for eligible visitors.

Family session: Approximately $4.68, with advance reservation required.

School activities: Approximately $4.68 or $7.02 per student depending on the selected formula.

Gala: Approximately $21.06, including the screening and dinner cocktail. Gala admission is separate from the Nature Pass.

Photography initiation: Approximately $29.25 to $70.20, depending on the activity organizer.

Most nature walks are free, although selected activities may have their own charges. Reservations are required for walks even when no admission fee applies.

Professional & trade visitor access

Festival Nature Namur is primarily a public cultural and educational festival rather than a business-to-business exhibition. Nevertheless, professionals from wildlife filmmaking, photography, environmental organizations, tourism, education and nature conservation can find dedicated opportunities for networking and exchange.

The festival provides press and professional resources, including press imagery, film information, photography materials and accreditation arrangements. Professional filmmakers and photographers also participate through the official competitions and exhibitions.

Exhibitors at the Village Nature can interact directly with visitors through presentations, conferences and informal discussions. This creates opportunities for specialist organizations to demonstrate their work and explain their services to an audience already interested in nature and wildlife.

Exhibition halls & floor plan

The festival does not use a conventional exhibition-hall floor plan. Instead, the programme is distributed between several distinct cultural and outdoor zones.

Delta: Main film and cinema venue, including professional and amateur screenings and filmmaker meetings.

Village Nature: Located at the Citadel and dedicated to stands, exhibitors, conferences, activities and encounters.

Indoor photography exhibitions: Photography is displayed at the Citadel and in associated festival exhibition spaces.

Outdoor photographic trail: The Citadel contains six outdoor exhibitions spread across different areas, including the Festival Photo Competition, AgriNature, Young Photographer Scholarship and invited exhibitions.

Nature activity areas: Walks, sensory activities and outdoor workshops extend beyond the exhibition zones.

Visitors should consult the official programme map and daily schedule because the festival’s layout is distributed across the Citadel rather than organized into numbered commercial halls.

Sustainability & environmental initiatives

Environmental awareness is central to the identity of Festival International Nature Namur. Rather than treating sustainability as a separate commercial theme, the festival integrates biodiversity and environmental education into its films, exhibitions, conferences and outdoor activities.

The AgriNature competition specifically examines biodiversity in agricultural environments and sustainable farming practices. Its themes encourage photographers to document coexistence between farming landscapes and wildlife.

The Focus Environment programme uses films and discussions to explore contemporary environmental issues. School activities also address water, biodiversity and protection of natural environments through educational experiences.

The festival’s nature walks and educational activities provide another practical approach to environmental awareness. Visitors are encouraged to observe local habitats, understand biodiversity and develop a closer relationship with the natural environment.

The outdoor photographic exhibitions further support this mission by bringing images of wildlife and landscapes into public spaces and allowing visitors to encounter environmental themes while walking through the Citadel.

Event rules

Visitors should follow the rules of the festival, individual venues and participating activity organizers.

Advance reservation: Many film sessions, special activities and nature walks require advance booking, even when the activity itself is free.

Electronic tickets: Tickets and passes can be displayed on a smartphone, so printing is not required.

Programme changes: Visitors should check the official website before attending because schedules can change and some activities may have limited capacity.

Nature activities: Participants should follow the instructions of guides and respect wildlife, habitats and private areas during outdoor activities.

Photography: Visitors should respect exhibitors, artists and other guests when photographing or recording festival content.

Citadel access: Visitors attending outdoor exhibitions should remain within designated public areas and follow Citadel regulations.

How to get there

Namur is well connected by rail and road, making it practical for visitors from Brussels, Liège, Charleroi and other Belgian cities.

By train: Namur railway station is the main rail gateway to the city. The Delta is approximately a 20-minute walk from the station.

By bus: TEC buses serve central Namur. The Delta can be reached through the Pont de France and Place d’Armes stops.

By bicycle: Bicycle parking is available near the Delta, making cycling a practical option for visitors staying in central Namur.

By car: Drivers can use central Namur parking facilities and then continue to the festival locations by foot or festival shuttle.

Public transport & parking

Festival Nature Namur provides a free shuttle service connecting major festival locations. The 2026 shuttle network includes the Delta, Pont de France, Parfumerie Delforge, the Citadel Esplanade and Terra Nova.

The shuttle system is particularly useful because the festival’s main film and photography sites are located in different parts of Namur. Visitors can therefore leave their car in a central parking facility and use the shuttle to reach the Citadel.

Festival shuttle: Free transportation between selected festival stops.

Citadel parking: The Esplanade parking area at the Citadel is listed as free for visitors.

City parking: Interparking facilities in central Namur provide another option for visitors arriving by car.

Citadel cable car: Festival visitors with a projection ticket can access a special cable-car fare of approximately $5.85 return or $4.10 one way. Weather conditions can affect cable-car operation.

Accommodation areas

Central Namur is the most practical accommodation area for visitors attending multiple festival activities. Staying near the Delta provides convenient access to film screenings, while accommodation closer to the Citadel can reduce travel time for Village Nature and photography activities.

The festival’s accommodation guidance recommends considering hotels and other lodging options near the Delta and Citadel. The organizer also directs visitors toward the Namur tourism office and Visit Wallonia for additional accommodation choices.

Accommodation types in and around Namur include:

• City hotels
• Boutique hotels
• Bed-and-breakfast properties
• Guesthouses
• Apartments
• Budget accommodation
• Short-term rentals

Visitors are encouraged to reserve early because accommodation can become more limited during the festival period.

Accessibility

Festival accessibility varies according to venue and activity. The Delta is located in central Namur and can be reached by public transport, bicycle or on foot from the railway station. The Citadel is accessible by shuttle, cable car or on foot.

Because the Citadel includes both indoor exhibitions and outdoor photographic trails, visitors with reduced mobility should consider the specific terrain and location of each activity.

The free festival shuttle can help reduce the physical effort involved in moving between the city centre and Citadel. Visitors should confirm individual venue arrangements when booking activities with specific access requirements.

For assistance with festival arrangements, visitors can contact the festival team at info@festivalnaturenamur.be or by telephone.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous edition demonstrated the scale and variety of Festival International Nature Namur. The 2025 programme combined films, photography, galas, nature walks, family activities, exhibitions and the Village Nature. The Citadel hosted 18 exhibitors from Belgium, France and Spain, representing wildlife photography, astrophotography, painting, illustration and other artistic approaches to nature.

The Village Nature also brought together approximately 20 partner organizations and associations, including nature reserves, photography equipment companies, environmental groups, national parks and educational organizations.

The 2025 professional film competition produced several notable award-winning productions. The Grand Prix went to “Jaguar Beach,” while other awards recognized films covering environmental subjects, animal behaviour and cinematography.

The 2025 photography competition also showcased different ways of interpreting the natural world. Award-winning categories included wildlife observation, movement and light, demonstrating the festival’s combination of artistic photography and natural-history storytelling.

These previous highlights provide useful context for the 2026 edition, which continues the same broad combination of nature films, photography, environmental education, outdoor exhibitions and public encounters.

Official tickets & registration

The official 2026 ticketing system provides online reservations for film sessions, passes, galas and selected special activities. The festival recommends online booking because some sessions can reach capacity quickly.

The majority of Village Nature activities, exhibitions and conferences are free. Ticketed film sessions and special events should be booked through the official ticketing platform.

Online tickets: Visitors can purchase tickets and passes through the festival’s secure online ticketing platform and receive electronic tickets by email.

Physical ticketing: The festival also operates a physical ticket office at the Delta during the festival period. Cash and bank-card payments are accepted.

Village Nature: Entry to the Village Nature and its exhibitions is free.

Official contact: Festival International Nature Namur can be contacted at +32 81 43 24 19 and info@festivalnaturenamur.be.

Official Festival Nature Namur website (https://www.festivalnaturenamur.be/) and official ticketing information (https://www.festivalnaturenamur.be/tarifsetbilletteries).