At the centre of the local cultural activities is without doubt the active special-interest group life in East Belgium. In all communities there are music, singing and theatre clubs and dancing groups. In total East Belgium has around 200 clubs and groups with which the local residents strongly identify. Almost 50 clubs are devoted to keeping traditions alive, most of them have committed to participating in the carnival. In line with the Rhineland tradition, the carnival in East Belgium is colourful, lively and down to earth.

Alongside the vibrant life of special-interest groups, many professional artists and cultural organisations are based in East Belgium - such as arsVitha, the Agora Theatre, Irene K. or Chudoscnik Sunergia. They facilitate a varied programme of events with concerts of all genres, art exhibitions, dance or theatre festivals.