As the number of summer weekends winds down, the number of area kermiss events for you to enjoy ticks upward.

A kermis is an annual festival with Belgian roots that not only celebrate the harvest but also to raise money for charitable causes. More than a half dozen kermis events are hosted throughout Door County every year, including this Sunday at the Belgian Heritage Center in Brussels. The event features various raffles and a silent auction to accompany live music, kids' activities, and tours of the center’s historic structures. All proceeds from the event support the mission of the Belgian Heritage Center, which helps tell the stories of one of the state’s most significant settlements of Belgians. 

President Joe Alexander says he is proud that even though kermisses look different than they did years ago, their overarching purpose remains.

The 2025 Belgian Heritage Center Kermiss is free to attend and runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Area churches will also host their own kermis celebrations throughout the late summer and early fall.

Picture courtesy of the Belgian Heritage Center