From 1 March 2026, the Belgian government will introduce new VAT rates for several sectors, including hospitality, culture and events. The most important change for live event organisers: VAT on admission tickets will increase from 6% to 12%. The increase was originally planned for 1 January, but has been postponed to give organisers more time to prepare.

What’s changing exactly?

These are the key updates:

• VAT on admission to festivals, concerts and similar events will increase
• The rate goes from 6% to 12%
• The new rate applies from 1 March 2026

At the time of writing, there is no official confirmation whether the increase applies only to pop and rock concerts, as some media reports suggested. It’s also not yet fully clear whether VAT will be based on the event date or the ticket sale date. Keep this uncertainty in mind when planning your ticket sales.

What does this mean for your event?

If you don’t adjust your ticket prices, your net revenue per ticket will decrease. That’s why many organisers are rethinking their pricing strategy. Presales, service fees and bundle pricing are all being reviewed to absorb or offset the impact.

How does this affect other revenue streams?

The change doesn’t stop at tickets. Here’s what else is affected:

• VAT on hotel stays, camping tickets and sports events also increases to 12%
• Takeaway food falls under the new rate (with some exceptions)
• Non-alcoholic drinks in cafés and restaurants drop from 21% to 12%
• Cultural events such as theatre and classical music remain (for now) at 6% VAT

Can VAT rates differ within the same festival?

Yes. Different rules may apply to camping, food, drinks and merchandise. The distinction between on-site consumption and takeaway also matters. For complex setups, we strongly recommend checking with your accountant or a tax specialist.

What can you do now?

1. Recalculate your ticket prices

Review what the VAT increase means for your margins and total revenue per sales phase.

2. Adjust your pricing strategy

Decide whether to increase prices, absorb the cost, or explore other options such as bundles or upsells.

3. Communicate clearly

If you change prices, explain why. Clear communication helps prevent confusion and frustration among visitors.

4. Use your ticketing software

With Weeztix, you can easily adjust prices or duplicate existing tickets with new settings. VAT is always clearly shown in your payout documentation, so you know exactly what you’re earning.

Why insight matters more than ever

With rising costs and new regulations, understanding your numbers is essential. The more insight you have into revenue per ticket type, phase or audience segment, the faster you can adapt without unpleasant surprises.

Feel free to contact our Customer Success team via chat or at info@weeztix.com.