What’s on this week: 19 to 25 September

Car-Free Sunday is Brussels-Capital Region’s annual day where two-wheelers and pedestrians take over city streets. The largest area in Europe to ban motorised vehicles for the day is an opportunity to walk, ride or scoot around normally busy thoroughfares. Public transport is free, so there is no excuse not to enjoy activities for all ages around the capital, such as the AB Street Sounds concert in Boulevard Anspach, the fourth Women’s Bike Ride Brussels and ‘mobility villages’ in several municipalities. The event is the highlight of a whole Mobility Week that oozes endless events. Flanders and Wallonia celebrate too, with some cities also hosting a Car-Free Sunday. So get on your bike, get walking and get moving. Mobility Week 16-22 September, Car-Free Sunday 22 September, 9.30-19.00

The Grand Place is transformed into a whirligig of colour and costume during Folklorissimo this weekend. It is the setting of a parade of giants, traditional fanfares, music and games, among other activities celebrating not only city folklore but traditions from around the world. The event also includes an opportunity for the public to sing along to folk songs. Refreshments and culinary specialities on sale. 20-21 September from 12.00, in and around the Grand Place

Unsurprisingly, the Belgian capital has chosen the theme ‘Art Deco, the Roaring Twenties, the Crash Years’ for the 37th edition of its Heritage Days, in a nod to the centenary programme staged across the region this year. The weekend is a cultural highlight that attracts thousands of visitors to free guided tours of the rich architecture of Brussels' private and public buildings, institutions and fine local properties. As part of the 2025 Art Deco Year, Urban Brussels promises a new perspective on the artistic movement, delving not only into the movement’s well-known aesthetics and luxury, but also its urban, architectural, sociological and human dimensions. 20-21 September, across the region

Pioneering American conceptual artist John Baldessari was a towering figure in the world of contemporary art. A major retrospective of his work from the 1960s to the 2000s at Bozar is an exuberant immersion into key stages of his career as an artist and teacher; he infamously told his students to write “I will not make boring art” on the walls. Parables, Fables and Other Tall Stories is a colourful insight into Baldessari’s storytelling through art, appropriating images and texts to create a new visual lexicon. Photographs, paintings, installations, videos and even wallpaper he designed, attest to the late artist’s visionary way of looking at art. 19 September to 1 February, Rue Ravenstein 23

Multilingual poetry market and festival Poetik Bazar returns to Les Halles for its fifth edition. The event’s cool, international programme encompasses poetry readings, performances and concerts, workshops and outdoor activities. Aside from picking up collections and illustrations from publishers from Belgium (French- and Dutch-speaking), France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Quebec, you’ll find poetry texts in numerous forms, from illustrated to self published and magazines. Entrance is free during the day upon registration; tickets required for evening activities. 19-21 September, Les Halles de Schaerbeek, Rue Royale Sainte-Marie 22

Local initiative Worried Citizens stages the free festival Show Up for Humanity, where empathy and solidarity take centre stage with the musical line-up. “When thousands of people gather in front of the Atomium, it sends a powerful message: caring citizens are everywhere, and taking civic action is normal,” say organisers. Entertaining the crowds are Selah Sue, Zap Mama, Axelle Red and Zwangere Guy, among many others. 20 September 12.00-23.00, Place de l’Atomium (Laeken)

Whether you're vegan, veg-curious, or simply hungry, Vegan Street Festival Brussels is a joyful celebration of plant-based living, community, and sustainability. The culinary event invites everyone to explore the best in plant-based food and eco-conscious brands, while enjoying live music and inspiring talks. 20 September 11.00-20.00, Marché aux Poissons

For its autumn season, Maison des Arts in Schaerbeek stages the exhibition A table. Works by eight contemporary artists are shown in dialogue with pieces from the municipality’s collection. From favourite and hated dishes, to morning rituals and childhood culinary nostalgia, this is a show that celebrates the shared pleasures and experiences of eating. 20 September to 23 November, Chaussée d’Haecht 147 (Schaerbeek)

Telling stories of resilience from war-torn Ukraine, The Lights Stay On is a poignant outdoor photo exhibition showing in the European Parliament’s Esplanade Solidarność. Each illuminated window – representing a glowing frame of a bombed building - recounts the experience of an individual serving his or her community. The visual symbolism draws inspiration from Belgian surrealist René Magritte’s iconic painting L’etat de veille, where rows of windows are lined up incongruously against the backdrop of sky and landscape. The project is a partnership between the UNDP in Ukraine and the European Parliament. Until 26 September, Info Hub, Esplanade Solidarnosc

Disco queen Sophie Ellie-Bextor graces the stage of AB, performing top hits such as her revival number Murder on the Dancefloor and Not Giving Up on Love, along with new releases, including Freedom of the Night. 29 September, Boulevard Anspach 110

Design September continues to dust its style wand on venues around the capital, especially during the upcoming Open Doors weekend. Studios, collectives and other groups invite the public to discover their work, including Schaerbeek creative collective KA PAI studio (pictured), which produces a diverse range of objects. Guided tours and talks also explore various themes such as design, innovation and social engagement. 19-21 September, multiple venues

Brussels ideas, social and cultural hub Full Circle debuts its Season 13 with a festive launch party. Here, it presents upcoming highlights, from IDEAS talks & conversations with inspiring speakers to live music, dancing, singles aperitifs, art shows and a regular book club. The busy seasonal programme also features new initiatives, including a monthly digital detox Switch-off cafe, action-inspiring ACT-ON sessions and wind-down express Gong baths and Singing Circles. The Thursday members’ bar also returns. Entrance free upon registration. 19 September, 19.00-22.00, Full Circle House, Chaussée de Vleurgat 89 (Ixelles)

Award-winning comedian Marcel Lucont returns to Brussels with not one but two shows at Bouche-à-Oreille. Alexis Dubus’ Frenchman alter ego is tested to the limit as he takes to the stage with the afternoon performance Les Enfants Terribles, a wild family game show for ‘awful children’ aged six to 12. For his evening adult performance, the UK comedian has upgraded his hit show the Whine List, inviting the audience to share their private and professionals woes. 21 September 16.00-17.00 (Les Enfants Terribles); 19.00-20.30 (The Whine Show), Rue Félix Hap 11 (Etterbeek)

Discover friendship, fun and community at the welcome day of the Brussels Women’s Club (BWC) — the largest English-speaking women’s club in Belgium. Whether you’re a newcomer or have lived here for years, a warm welcome awaits. Drop by for complimentary tea, coffee and home-baked cakes—no registration needed. Tuesday 23 September 10:00 - 13:00, Rue des Joli Bois 509 (Woluwe Saint-Pierre)

Book now Legendary New York band Fun Lovin’ Criminals stop off at Brussels’ La Madeleine on their world tour promoting new album A Matter of Time. Formed in 1993, the group is reputed for its effortless blend of rock, hip-hop, funk, blues and jazz. Ionic hits include Scooby Snacks, which features samples of Quentin Tarantino films like Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, and Love Unlimited, a tribute to soul legend Barry White. 2 October 20.00, Rue Duquesnoy 14

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

An exhibition tracing the life of Napoleon entirely made out of Lego® bricks continues at the Domain of the Battle of Waterloo. The retrospective illustrates the illustrious figures fascinating life via some 40 models showcasing key moments of the Napoleonic era. From his birthplace in Ajaccio to the plains of Austerlitz, through the burning deserts of Egypt, this playful and immersive show is designed for kids and adults. Until 5 January, Route du Lion, Braine L’Alleud

Flanders Festival Ghent continues its music celebration with a packed programme filled with international artists that transcends classical music to incorporate contemporary, jazz and world sounds. The festival has courted controversy over its decision to cancel its flagship concert by the Munich Philharmonic due to its Israeli conductor Lahav Shani and the crisis in Gaza. But performances continue in architectural gems, concert halls, churches and other atmospheric venues in the historic city-centre. Pictured: ‘Silent Sunday’ concert at the Museum Dr Guislain on 28 September, which features flute solos, unspoken music and ASMR-inspired compositions, alongside an Eastern tea ceremony and a haiku workshop. Until 2 October, across Ghent

The internationally-renowned Belgian photographer shares his passion for vast expanses of water in the exhibition Stephan Vanfleteren. Transcripts of a Sea at Ghent’s fine arts museum.  Never-before-shown photographs, examining the sea’s changing forms and light enter into dialogue with visual artists who share his passion, like Gustave Courbet, Thierry De Cordier, James Ensor, Victor Hugo, Léon Spilliaert, August Strindberg, Marlene Dumas and Rinus Van de Velde. Dating from the 17th to the 21st century, it offers a fresh and bracing perspective of marine art. 20 September to 4 January,  MSK Gent, Fernand Scribedreef 1, Ghent

More than 150 outdoor concerts across the region are just one of the attractions of the annual Fêtes de Wallonie. Celebrating its 102nd edition, the programme includes colourful traditional folklore, such as messes held in Walloon dialect, jousting on stilts (échasseurs, pictured) and official ceremonies. The main hub for ‘Les Wallos’ is the regional capital Namur with parades, animations and shows in city streets. There’s also a packed programme in Charleroi, Liège, La Louvière and other towns. Warning: crowds are habitually dense, the pekèt will be flowing and Walloon songs ringing out. Until 22 September, across Wallonia

Forest Therapy is the practice of slowing down, awakening the senses and reconnecting with ourselves and with nature. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing), it is a science-based framework which supports physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing. The practice also holds space for healing and nourishing experiences to arise. Certified forest therapy guide, George Biesmans, is leading three Forest Therapy walks in the Tervuren Arboretum this month. They are free and donations are welcome. Click here to find out more and sign up. 20 & 21 September; 11 & 15 October, 9.00-12.00, Tervuren

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

Photos: (main image) Car-Free Sunday, Brussels; The Duress Series: Person Holding on to Pole Attached to Exterior of Tall Building © John Baldessari, courtesy John Baldessari Family Foundation/Sprüth Magers, Herbert Collection, Ghent; Art Deco architecture ©Urban Brussels; A table ©Pascal Sgro - Le Jardin du Lunch; Transcript of a Sea ©Stephan Vanfleteren; courtesy Fêtes de Wallonie