Culture beat: 18 September

The annual Heritage Days this weekend explores Brussels-Capital Region’s industrial past. Following the theme Workshops, factories and offices, it provides an opportunity to have a sneak and free peek into a variety of buildings on foot, by bike or by bus. Open and accessible to all.

Sunday is a car-free zone in the capital, following the annual Mobility Week in both Brussels and the rest of Europe. Streets in the whole of the city will be closed to traffic from 9.30 until 19.00. Public transport is free all day. Among the programme of activities, there’s fun for all the family at Bruxelles Champêtre in the Royal Park.

Stand Up Brussels launches its new comedy season on 26 September with a line-up of talented acts. UK comic Pippa Evans, as American singer Loretta Maine, is joined by ‘Live at the Apollo’ Irish star Andrew Maxwell in an extended set plus fellow award-winning upcoming performer Matt Rees, also from the UK. At Théâtre 140; pre-show Indian meal available.

With the evenings drawing in, this is a good time to stock up your bookshelves. The next meeting of The Brussels Bookswappers Club on 23 September is a chance to meet other readers and discover the poems and watercolours of Croatian-born artist Katya Knezevic. At Le Chapelier Fou, 190 Chaussée de la Hulpe, 18.30 to 22.00.

A regular activity during the autumn months is Brussels museums’ nocturnal openings. Each Thursday until 10 December, seven to nine museums open their doors late to the public. A total of 66 museums participate in the event which includes various activities: guided tours, workshops, demonstrations and discussions with curators. The next session on 24 September see the Museum of Fantastic Art and the Maurice Béjart House among the institutions opening their doors.

Tickets are now on sale for The American Theatre Company autumn production, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. The show marks the 100th anniversary of the American playwright’s birth. Glenn Vaughan directs the 20th-century classic, recognised as a milestone in US theatre. The ATC production (in English) will be performed at the Bronks Theatre from 7 to 11 October.

Outside Brussels

The merry making is already underway for the Fêtes de Wallonie in the cities of Namur and Liège. The annual folklore celebration of all things Walloon continues until Monday evening with free outdoor concerts (Fréro Delavega, Kid Noize, Kyo, Girls In Hawaii, Fauve, La Smala), parades, stilt walkers (pictured), and numerous other activities. Quebec is the honoured guest and the Walloon language is also being celebrated. Be warned, local alcohol pekèt is also at the centre of the party.