What’s on this week: 12 to 18 September

Nine young South African photographers explore the complexities of their country’s main metropolis in What’s the Word? Johannesburg! The exhibition at Fondation A Stichting invites viewers to immerse themselves in the life of the multifaceted city. From the majorettes (pictured) in Alice Mann’s series Drummies, who symbolise post-apartheid hope, to Dimakatso Mathopa’s excision of family trauma in personal and collective memory, the show serves as a visual documentation of a city of sharp contrasts. 11 September to 21 December

Discover some 56 artisan brews from Brussels and beyond at the Wanderlust festival this weekend. Staged by The Brussels Beer Project (BBP), the event is located near the local brewery’s base in Rue Antoine Dansaert. Celebrating the work of craft brewers from across Europe, 14 breweries from 12 countries are participating. Food trucks, DJs, a live brass band  and other musical entertainment all add to the atmosphere. Entrance tickets required. 13-14  September, Place du Vismet

In.out.sider Festival 2025 takes over LaVallée, the Urban Boat barge and partner venues in Brussels for a bold and eclectic programme of alternative music, performances, exhibitions, workshops and artistic residencies. At the crossroads of outsider art, experimental creation and social engagement, the festival is committed to inclusion for artists with and without disabilities. Until 13 September, Rue Adolphe Lavallée 39; Avenue du Port 1 (Urban barge)

Festival Mosaïques continues this weekend in Saint-Gilles with more music events for all ages. Catch the film concert Battleship Potemkin (1925) by Stéphane Orlando with Maxime Désert and Benjamin Maneyrol on Saturday evening at 21.20, while Uguisu (pictured) present a fruit & veg themed show for two to four-year-olds at 10.30 (sold out) & 11.30. 13-14 September, Maison du Peuple, Parvis de Saint-Gilles

More than 100 design events at the annual Brussels Design September offer a rare opportunity to dive into the world of Belgian and international contemporary designers. Table art is one major thematic with exhibitions such as Savour (pictured) at Prague House presenting artisan projects designed for the world of gastronomy, in particular glassware. In addition to inspiring shows, the wide-ranging festival also includes talks and tours, including a circuit devoted to vintage design. 17 September to 3 October, across Brussels

Sablon Design Market is dedicated to vintage and design with some 30 designers selling home decor, jewellery, fashion and art for the 8th edition. There is something for every budget and an inspiring and diverse selection. Special guest is again Alexandra Morel from TV show ‘Affaire conclue’ who will be presenting her selection of custom jewellery, bags and luxury accessories. 12-14 September, Friday 15.00-21.00, Saturday 9.00-21.00, Sunday, 9.00-18.00, Place du Grand Sablon

Food trucks take centre stage the Brussels Food Festival in Auderghem for street food event’s 20th anniversary. Some 34 mobile kitchens and two bars will be serving up gourmet treats from all over the world. Selected for their quality and originality, the global cuisine fiesta presents tasty dishes that can be enjoyed in a giant terrace set up for the occasion. 12-14 September, Boulevard du Souverain 183 (opposite Auderghem cultural centre)

Final tickets are on sale for the Toots Thielemans celebration concert Between a Smile and a Tear at Flagey. The Brussels Jazz Orchestra and the Brussels Philharmonic perform a musical homage to the late jazz icon with special arrangements of some of his favourite pieces, including Footprints (Wayne Shorter), The Days of Wine and Roses (Henri Mancini) à Smile (Charlie Chaplin) and Ne me quitte pas (Jacques Brel). 12-13 September, Place Sainte-Croix (Ixelles)

The International Study Group invites Brigadier Tim Waugh to talk about The current challenges and power struggles related to the Artic Region. The former British Army officer and Nato project director  explains why the region is a future area of international confrontation with climate change, natural resources, shipping routes and security all issues at stake. Free event for members, €10 for guests. 15 September 10.30 (welcome 10.00), Château Malou, Allée Pierre Levie 2 (Woluwe Saint-Lambert)

The four-day film promotion We Love Cinema Days enables spectators to benefit from one free entry when they purchase a ticket in a participating cinema. The BNP Paribas Fortis annual event is not limited to new releases; there’s a varied programme of classics, blockbusters and film debates showing at the movie theatres. 17-20 September, across the country

Book now: For its autumn concert, the European Union Choir  performs works by Schubert and Puccino with the Ensemble Orchestral de Bruxelles, the European Union Choir and soloists Laurens Wyns (tenor) and Shadi Torbey (bass). Dirk De Moor conducts. 12 October 17.00, Théâtre Novum, Rue Père Eudore Devroye 2 (Etterbeek)

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Gourmet heritage is the mouthwatering theme of Wallonia’s Journées du Patrimoine this year with almost 300 events staged across the region. One of the main attractions of this 32nd edition is the Table de Terroir label’s invitation to five top Walloon chefs to showcase regional produce in five exceptional heritage sites, including abbeys, distilleries and farms. Activities for all ages serve as a journey through time by exploring the history of food and drink, from Neanderthal times to the introduction of cocoa in the 18th century and mealtime customs of workers in industrial sites as well as bourgeois families. 13-14 September, across Wallonia 

Belgium exhibits its long love affair with traditions from Scotland in this Scottish Weekend at the historic Alden Biesen castle domain. The Caledonian festivities kick off on Friday evening with folk bands playing in Martin’s Pub. Saturday is dedicated to the Pipe Band Championship and Highland Dance competition, while the Highland Games take over on day two. There’s also a Highland Games for kids, Scots and Viking encampments, sword and wrestling demonstrations, storytelling, a market with delicious gourmet treats and live performances. 12-14 September, Kasteelstraat 6, Bilzen (Limburg)

Open Monument Day in Flanders invites visitors to explore the region’s architectural gems from a range of periods. Titled In stijl! (In Style), this 37th edition sees Antwerp take centre stage as the guest city, staging more than 170 activities in over 40 buildings, from Gothic to Modernist. The focus on architectural heritage encourages everyone to take the time to appreciate religious and military buildings, Art Deco designs and historic parks and gardens. On the programme are walks, cycle tours, sneak-peeks inside private homes and restoration sites. As usual, the free event is family-friendly with special activities for children. 14 September, across Flanders

Discover more upcoming events at The Bulletin's events page.

Photos: (main image)Alice Mann’s series Drummies ©Mireille Roobaert; Arctic Region, PCL Map Collection Polar Regions and Oceans Maps; Wallonia heritage days - Malagne Archéoparc de Rochefort; Flanders Open Monument Day