January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
- Christmas Market and Brussels On
Ice
Christmas festivals are a tradition in Europe, but this one only started a few years ago. It now regularly attracts more than 2 million visitors every year between early December and early January. Apart from the food stands, the fixtures are the Christmas tree and the light show on the Grand Place, and the ice rink and the Ferry's Wheel on Place Sainte Catherine.
Site: Tourist Info - Gay and Lesbian Film
Festival
The first film festival of the many film festivals organized each year in Brussels, the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is organized at the Botanique in January, with screenings of films and documentaries, as well as various painting exhibitions.
Site: Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - Antiques Fair
Anyone who has strolled on a Sunday afternoon at the Sablon and in the Marolles will know that Brussels is in love with antiques. The annual antiques fair is now hosted at Tour & Taxis and hosts many dealers from Belgium and abroad.
Site: Antiques Fair - Europalia
Every other year this massive cultural festival showcases the culture of a particular country or theme through various exhibitions, concerts and events. Between October and February.
Site: Europalia
- Europalia
Every other year this massive cultural festival showcases the culture of a particular country or theme through various exhibitions, concerts and events. Between October and February.
Site: Europalia - Brussels for Lovers bike
ride
Provelo is a very active not-for-profit organization that has been promoting the use of bicycles for innercity transportation for many years. Their latest creation is the Brussels for Lovers Bike Ride, which takes place around Valentine's Day.
Site: Provelo - The Holiday, Tourism and Leisure
Fair
A holiday fair organized by travel agents. Allows you to compare and plan your vacation easily. Surprisingly successful, the event typically attracts more than 100,000 visitors each February.
Site: Vos Vacances - Anima
There are film and jazz festivals almost every month in Brussels. The Anima festival is a cartoons festival organized at Flagey every February.
Site: Anima
- Book Fair
A very important event in the city's cultural life, this fair never fails to attract huge crowds in quest for the latest books and fashionable authors. The Foire du Livre has grown so big that is has moved out to the Tour & Taxis site. Every March.
Site: Book Fair - Jazz Spring
Sessions
Since 1998 the VW Spring Sessions attract popular jazz artists. In recent years the festival branched out to latino, Afro-cuban and pop music. Most events in Brussels are hosted at the Bozar and Ancienne Belgique.
Site: VW Spring Sessions - Clown Festival
Not content to host a good circus school, Brussels is also host to an annual clown festival every March at the Espace Catastrophe in Saint-Gilles. Kids welcome.
Site: Espace Catastrophe - Ars Musica
One of the more established classical music festivals, Ars Musica focuses on contemporary music. Typically split across different venues such as the Palais des Beaux Arts and La Monnaie.
Site: Ars Musica - Eurantica
A competitor to the Antique Fair held earlier in the year, Eurantica is a massive show held in March and April at Brussels expo. Anyone who has spent a Sunday at the Sablon or in the Marolles and seen the crowds flocking to the antique shops will understand that Eurantica is a well-attended show.
Site: Artexis
- Eurantica
A competitor to the Antique Fair held earlier in the year, Eurantica is a massive show held in March and April at Brussels expo. Anyone who has spent a Sunday at the Sablon or in the Marolles and seen the crowds flocking to the antique shops will understand that Eurantica is a well-attended show.
Site: Artexis - Jazz Spring
Sessions
Since 1998 the VW Spring Sessions attract popular jazz artists. In recent years the festival branched out to latino, Afro-cuban and pop music. Most events in Brussels are hosted at the Bozar and Ancienne Belgique.
Site: VW Spring Sessions - Bruxelles Babel
Bruxelles Babel is a theatre festival showcasing the various cultures which coexist in Brussels. Organized at the Théâtre Marni every April, the event is mainly suited for kids.
Site: Bruxelles Babel - International Festival of
Fantastic Film
One of the oldest film festivals in Brussels, organized every April at the Passage 44. Yet another proof that Brussels is in love with films.
Site: BIFF - Art Brussels
Organized since 1968, Art Brussels is a large international contemporary art fair organized every April at Brussels Expo.
Site: Art Brussels - Printemps Baroque du
Sablon
Classical music festival centering around Baroque music. Organized in April in various places around the Sablon area, mainly at the Music Conservatory on Rue de la Régence.
Site: Sablon - Shot Films Festival
The Festival du Court Métrage is held every April and May at the Vendôme movie theater and showcases short films.
Site: Short Films Festival - Royal Greenhouses Open to
the Public
Each year during a two week period spanning from April into May the wonderful Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are accessible to the public. We recommend an evening visit, during which the greenhouses have a magical atmosphere.
Site: Visit Belgium
- Queen Elisabeth International Music
Competition
A music competition for young virtuosos which never fails to attract a huge crowd. Alternates annually between piano, violin and voice.
Site: Concours Reine Elisabeth - Jazz Spring
Sessions
Since 1998 the VW Spring Sessions attract popular jazz artists. In recent years the festival branched out to latino, Afro-cuban and pop music. Most events in Brussels are hosted at the Bozar and Ancienne Belgique.
Site: VW Spring Sessions - Neighbors day - Immeubles en
fête
Created in 2002 on the model of what was done in Paris, Immeubles en Fête has now become another traditional May event in Brussels. It is a great success, perhaps because the event matches the Brussels ethos quite well: the idea is very simple, with neighbors organizing a "neighborhood party" for which they get some help and sponsoring from the municipalities and sponsors.
Site: Immeubles en Fête -
Kunstenfestivaldesarts
This is a festival dedicated to new creations, intended for artists with a personal outlook on the world and spectators willing to question their own views.
Site: KFDA - Brussels Jazz Marathon
Every year at the end of May Brussels hosts the Jazz Marathon music festival. This two day festival was created in 1995 and has been a success ever since. There are typically more than a hundred concerts held throughout the city, with the largest stage on the Grand Place. Most concerts are free, although some years the festival attracts big stars who charge a small fee. There are free buses throughout the night bringing you to the different places.
Site: Jazz Marathon - Brussels 20 km
race
This 20 km run through the city is so popular that entrance tickets are being auctioned every year. For amateur and professional runners.
Site: 20KM - I Love May
A festival featuring swing, rock, dub, reggae and funk music taking place at the Place Sainte-Catherine during Brussels' annual I Love May celebrations. - Shot Films
Festival
The Festival du Court Métrage is held every April and May at the Vendôme movie theater and showcases short films.
Site: Short Films Festival - Les Nuits Botaniques
The summer Nuits Botaniques festival is co-hosted by The Botanique and the Cirque Royal. Lots of concerts covering the whole musical spectrum from rock to jazz, electronica and reggae.
Site: Botanique - Gay Pride
The Gay Pride is taking Brussels' center by storm every May.
Site: Belgian Gay and Lesbian Pride - Zinneke Parade
"Zinneke" is the name for the true Brussels long-time resident, who starts a sentence in French and finishes it in Dutch. No wonder that the name is being used for the biennial parade sensed to showcase Brussels' cultural diversity. Held in May.
Site: Zinneke - Port Festival
One day festival at Brussels' port on the canal.
Site: Fête du Port - Royal Greenhouses Open to the
Public
Each year during a two week period spanning from April into May the wonderful Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are accessible to the public. We recommend an evening visit, during which the greenhouses have a magical atmosphere.
Site: Visit Belgium
- La Cambre Models
Fresh graduates of the prestigious La Cambre fashion academy release their end-of-year creations onto the catwalks.
Site: modobruxellae - Queen Elisabeth
International Music Competition
A music competition for young virtuosos which never fails to attract a huge crowd. Alternates annually between piano, violin and voice.
Site: Concours Reine Elisabeth - Fête de la Musique
The annual summer Fête de la Musique takes place on June 21 every year. Most years lots of concerts are organized throughout the town, although the concerts on Grand Place are always the highlight of the day.
Site: Fête de la Musique - Jazz Spring
Sessions
Since 1998 the VW Spring Sessions attract popular jazz artists. In recent years the festival branched out to latino, Afro-cuban and pop music. Most events in Brussels are hosted at the Bozar and Ancienne Belgique.
Site: VW Spring Sessions - Balsamine Danse Festival
Contemporary dance festival held at the Balsamine theater.
Site: Balsamine - Couleur Café
Originately a world music festival, Couleur Café is now a potpourri of various musical styles in a very relaxed atmosphere where exotic food and dance abound.
Site: Couleur Café - European Film Festival
Now held at Flagey, one of the most popular film festivals in Brussels. A lot of atmosphere with DJ's and music well into the night.
Site: FFFB - Ecran Total film
festival
A summer-long festival of films held at the Arenberg Galleries movie theater.
Site: Arenberg - Drive-In Movies
From the end of June till the end of August, a weekly selection of movies shown in open air at the Cinquantenaire. Old-timers pay half price.
Site: Drive-In Movies - Brussels Rollers
This is an incredibly fun event to participate in: every Friday from early June through the end of September, rollerbladers take it to the streets of Brussels after 9pm. A lot of music and drinks, and a great success every year.
Site: Belgium Rollers - Euroferia Andaluza
Every year in June the large Spanish community organizes the largest feria in Europe outside of Spain. Lots of colorful cultural activities, dances, drink and food. A great way to start the summer.
Site: Euroferia
- Brussels Rollers
This is an incredibly fun event to participate in: every Friday from early June through the end of September, rollerbladers take it to the streets of Brussels after 9pm. A lot of music and drinks, and a great success every year.
Site: Belgium Rollers - Ommegang
A huge procession on Grand Place with origins from the 15th century. Now devoid of any religions connotations, it is a great show for Bruxellois and visitors alike: giants, life-sized chess game, dances.
Site: Ommegang - Couleur Café
Originately a world music festival, Couleur Café is now a potpourri of various musical styles in a very relaxed atmosphere where exotic food and dance abound.
Site: Couleur Café - European Film Festival
Now held at Flagey, one of the most popular film festivals in Brussels. A lot of atmosphere with DJ's and music well into the night.
Site: FFFB - Brosella Folk & Jazz
Festival
Held in the open-air Théâtre de Verdure at the footsteps of the atomium, this low-key jazz and folk festival attracts a local crowd. Great summertime activity when the sun is shining.
Site: Brosella - National Day on the 21st
The national day celebrations typically involve large open-air fairs in the Rue de la Régence and the Royal Park, followed by the inevitable fireworks.
Site: Tourist info - Recyclart
Held in the little Brussels-Chapelle train station, this art festival showcases artistic creations made out of recycled materials.
Site: Recyclart - Bruxelles Les Bains
On the banks of the canal, this temporary resort hosts a number of Summer activities, sporting events, concerts and food stalls.
Site: Bruxelles Les Bains - Foire du Midi
A very old tradition in Brussels: from mid-July to mid-August, countless attractions are set on the boulevards leading to the Midi train station.
Site: Tourist Info - Ecran Total film festival
A summer-long festival of films held at the Arenberg Galleries movie theater.
Site: Arenberg - Midi-Minimes music
festival
Yet another summertime music festival in Brussels: the Eglise des Minimes hosts lunchtime concerts of jazz and classical music.
Site: Midi-Minimes - Drive-In Movies
From the end of June till the end of August, a weekly selection of movies shown in open air at the Cinquantenaire. Old-timers pay half price.
Site: Drive-In Movies - Visit the Royal
Palace
The Royal Palace in the centre of the city is open to visitors during the summer, between the National Day (July 21) and early September.
Site: Belgian Monarchy
- Recyclart
Held in the little Brussels-Chapelle train station, this art festival showcases artistic creations made out of recycled materials.
Site: Recyclart - Ommegang
A huge procession on Grand Place with origins from the 15th century. Now devoid of any religions connotations, it is a great show for Bruxellois and visitors alike: giants, life-sized chess game, dances.
Site: Ommegang - Meyboom
The oldest procession in town consists in the planting of a "tree of joy" at the intersection of the rue du Marais and rue des Sables. This procession was allowed to proceed as a reward of a feat of arms in the 14th century. To read more about the intense rivalry between Leuven and Brussels about this procession, which lives up to this day, make sure to visit the website.
Site: Meyboom - Bruxelles Les Bains
On the banks of the canal, this temporary resort hosts a number of Summer activities, sporting events, concerts and food stalls.
Site: Bruxelles Les Bains - Foire du Midi
A very old tradition in Brussels: from mid-July to mid-August, countless attractions are set on the boulevards leading to the Midi train station.
Site: Tourist Info - Eu'ritmix music festival
Yet another summertime music festival held in various squares of central Brussels. This festival showcases various musical styles from all around Europe.
Site: Eu'ritmix - Fiesta Latina
The Fiesta Latina is really an incredible event. Two days of latin fever in the Châtelain area, with Cuban dances and a lot of exotic food and drinks. Great summertime event.
Site: Fiesta Latina - Ecran Total film festival
A summer-long festival of films held at the Arenberg Galleries movie theater.
Site: Arenberg - Midi-Minimes music
festival
Yet another summertime music festival in Brussels: the Eglise des Minimes hosts lunchtime concerts of jazz and classical music.
Site: Midi-Minimes - Drive-In Movies
From the end of June till the end of August, a weekly selection of movies shown in open air at the Cinquantenaire. Old-timers pay half price.
Site: Drive-In Movies - Flower Carpet on Grand
Place
Every other year (during even-numbered years) an impressive flower carpet is laid out on Brussels' Grand Place. It is made out of more than a million petals of begonias.
Site: Tapis de Fleurs - Visit the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in the centre of the city is open to visitors during the summer, between the National Day (July 21) and early September.
Site: Belgian Monarchy - Beer weekend
It's beer weekend in Brussels every week of the year, but there is a special beer event on the Grand Place during the last weekend of August every year.
Site: Beer Weekend - Bellone-Brigittines Dance
Festival
An annual showcase of contemporary dance at the old Bellone house and in the old Brigittines chapel. The festival is held at the end of August and in early September.
Site: Bellone - Brussels Rollers
This is an incredibly fun event to participate in: every Friday from early June through the end of September, rollerbladers take it to the streets of Brussels after 9pm. A lot of music and drinks, and a great success every year.
Site: Belgium Rollers
- Audi Jazz
Festival
Competing with the VW Spring Sessions, this jazz and folk festival runs from September through December. The main focus is on jazz music, but the festival is becoming more eclectic in recent years.
Site: Audi Jazz Festival - Visit the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in the centre of the city is open to visitors during the summer, between the National Day (July 21) and early September.
Site: Belgian Monarchy - Bellone-Brigittines Dance
Festival
An annual showcase of contemporary dance at the old Bellone house and in the old Brigittines chapel. The festival is held at the end of August and in early September.
Site: Bellone - Memorial Van Damme Athletics
Meeting
One of the Golden League track and field events, the Van Damme meeting is host to the stars of the discipline every year in mid-September.
Site: Memorial Van Damme - Klara classical music
festival
A classical music festival held annually in the first half of September.
Site: Klara - Designers' weekend
Mainly focusing on interior design and furniture, this is a rather commercial event. Held in mid-September.
Site: Designers' weekend - Heritage days - journées
du patrimoine
An event not to miss in Brussels: during the Journées du Patrimoine you will have access to a number of beautiful buildings normally closed to the general public. Not only public buildings such as the beautiful Cour des Comptes but also many private and corporate buildings in the city open their doors to the public. Typically held during a weekend in mid-September.
Site: Brussels Monuments - International Antique Book
Fair
Pitched to serious bibliophiles and professionals, this annual book fair is held at the Palais des Beaux Arts (nowadays rechristened as "Bozar") in mid-September.
Site: Antique Book Fair - Annual waiter
race
A bit anecdotical but always fun to watch: the annual waiters' race at the Cinquantenaire, typically held during the third weekend in September.
Site: Pineau Club - Car free Sunday
Liked by some and loathed by many, it is now a tradition in Brussels on the third Sunday of September not to allow any private motor vehicle on the streets. It is actually quite fun when the weather is nice and thousands of bikes take it to the streets.
Site: Dimanche sans voiture - Brussels Rollers
This is an incredibly fun event to participate in: every Friday from early June through the end of September, rollerbladers take it to the streets of Brussels after 9pm. A lot of music and drinks, and a great success every year.
Site: Belgium Rollers - Flanders' Festival
As the capital city of Flanders Brussels cannot stay away from one of Europe's major classical music festivals. Lots of concerts organized throughout the town in September and October.
Site: Flanders' Festival
- Audi Jazz Festival
Competing with the VW Spring Sessions, this jazz and folk festival runs from September through December. The main focus is on jazz music, but the festival is becoming more eclectic in recent years.
Site: Audi Jazz Festival - Brussels
Marathon
A nice 42 kilometers stroll through the city. For seasoned runners only! Typically held in mid-October.
Site: Sport.be - Nuit des Publivores
A fixture of the October scene since the 1980's, the event invites you to spend the night in a very festive atmosphere watching ads. Typically held in mid-October.
Site: Nuit des Publivores - Flanders'
Festival
As the capital city of Flanders Brussels cannot stay away from one of Europe's major classical music festivals. Lots of concerts organized throughout the town in September and October.
Site: Flanders' Festival - Salon de l'alimentation
Belgians love their food. This low-key annual fair always enjoys large turnouts at Brussels-Expo. Held in the middle of October.
Site: Salon de l'alimentation - Europalia
Every other year this massive cultural festival showcases the culture of a particular country or theme through various exhibitions, concerts and events. Between October and February.
Site: Europalia
- Audi Jazz Festival
Competing with the VW Spring Sessions, this jazz and folk festival runs from September through December. The main focus is on jazz music, but the festival is becoming more eclectic in recent years.
Site: Audi Jazz Festival - Saint Verhaegen Students
Day
Every year on or around November 20 the Students of Brussels' Free Universities celebrate in their own (and mainly drunken) fashion the creation of their university by Théodore Verhaegen. The day is dubbed "Saint Verhaegen" in reference to the Free Universities' historic staunch anti-clericalism.
Site: Free University of Brussels - Freedom Film Festival
Brussels' love with film is shown by yet another festival: the Festival des Libertés, a cultural festival featuring film screenings and many debates about human rights. Held during the first part of November.
Site: Festival des Libertés - Bronks Festival
Annual theatre festival for children and young people, mainly in French and Dutch. Events are held at the Palais des Beaux Arts throughout November.
Site: Bronks Festival - Cocoon
Cocoon is an annual interior design fair held every November. Expect large crowds given the love of Belgians for everything that relates to the home.
Site: Artexis - Eureka Fair
As the name suggests, this is a fair showcasing inventions and technical developments, most often presented by amateur inventors. Held at the Brussels Expo at the end of November.
Site: Eureka Fair - Truc-Troc
Another very original concept, this event exhibits contemporary artists who show their art in the Palais des Beaux Arts. The originality of the event resides in the fact that visitors can write a note or leave their telephone number next to the piece of art and propose objects or services in exchange of the piece. This is pure barter, and no money is being exchanged. A daily DJ set is organised to strengthen the artsy atmosphere of the event, held in November.
Site: Truc Troc - Nocturnes du
Sablon
Every year during the last weekend of November and the first days of December the Place du Sablon hosts a series of chic events, with shops open late at night to host many private and semi-public events. The event has been rejuvenated in recent years with the addition of stands and attractions on the square.
Site: Sablon - Europalia
Every other year this massive cultural festival showcases the culture of a particular country or theme through various exhibitions, concerts and events. Between October and February.
Site: Europalia
- Audi Jazz
Festival
Competing with the VW Spring Sessions, this jazz and folk festival runs from September through December. The main focus is on jazz music, but the festival is becoming more eclectic in recent years.
Site: Audi Jazz Festival - Christmas Market and Brussels On
Ice
Christmas festivals are a tradition in Europe, but this one only started a few years ago. It now regularly attracts more than 2 million visitors every year between early December and early January. Apart from the food stands, the fixtures are the Christmas tree and the light show on the Grand Place, and the ice rink and the Ferry's Wheel on Place Sainte Catherine.
Site: Tourist Info - Nocturnes du
Sablon
Every year during the last weekend of November and the first days of December the Place du Sablon hosts a series of chic events, with shops open late at night to host many private and semi-public events. The event has been rejuvenated in recent years with the addition of stands and attractions on the square.
Site: Sablon - Jazz Festival Flagey Marni
It seems that there is always a jazz festival going on in Brussels. This one is co-hosted by Flagey and the Marni Theatre and offers concerts throughout December.
Site: Flagey - Modo Bruxellae Designer
Sale
Brussels is second only to Antwerp in terms of fashion design, and is catching up very quickly. For a chance to buy designer clothing at bargain prices, head to the annual two-day sale held at the Beurschouwburg downtown.
Site: Modo Bruxellae - New Year's eve in a club
Bruxellois go out in a big way on New Year's eve and typically end up in a club. The Fuse is one of the most celebrated clubs in Brussels, which was recently featured among the top 30 clubs in the world. Other New Year events are typically being organized at the venerable Mirano, at the Louise Gallery or at La Démence.
Site: Fuse - Europalia
Every other year this massive cultural festival showcases the culture of a particular country or theme through various exhibitions, concerts and events. Between October and February.
Site: Europalia
