What’s on this week: 26 September to 2 October

The free BD Comic Strip Festival at Tour & Taxis’ Gare Maritime is a colourful delight for fans of the ninth art. For its 14th edition, giant balloons bob above exhibitions, signing sessions, markets, workshops, guided tours and comic characters, while a packed programme showcases current authors with encounters and events. While the emphasis is on Belgian strips, there’s a special focus this year on Dutch-language comics. Meanwhile, the International Pavillion shows off works by countries from around the world, including Africa, the Mediterranean, China, Spain, Romania, Taiwan, the Czech Republic and Poland. Warning: Friday is Schools Day, so youngsters will fill the space. 26-28 September, Rue Picard 7

The Grand Place is transformed into a live music arena for the Wallonia-Brussels Federation’s national holiday. Performing at the free concert are Alex Germys & Dj Licious feat. Alex Lucas, Alice On The Roof, Axelle Red, Camille Yembe, Charlotte Cardin, Colt, Laura, Lay This Drum!, Lou B, Mentissa, Orlane, Rori, Saule, Scylla, Typh Barrow and 2Mad.. Access is via Rue de la Colline, Rue Charles Buls, Rue de la Tête d’Or and Rue au Beurre. The music event is the highlight of a cultural programme spanning the two regions. 26 September 19.30, Grand Place

Bringing together nearly 100 works by more than 50 artists, including Marcel Broodthaers, Yves Klein and Wim Delvoye, the Villa Empain’s new exhibition Fire vividly represents transformative infernos in various forms. All kinds of art by modern and contemporary artists are here – from haunted house photos to burnt out chairs, and in myriad mediums from ceramics to tapestry. Must-sees include Bill Viola’s Man on Fire video and Jiana Kim’s monumental flaming leaf-like porcelain mobile in the Great Hall. Pictured: Joris Van de Moortel’s Chapel of fire eruption, 2025.Until 1 March, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67 (Ixelles)

Photography lovers are in for a treat this autumn at Hangar – which is offering three fascinating shows. English photographer Nick Brandt’s The Day May Break (pictured above) tackles ecological crises underwater and on land with wondrous wild- and sea-life images, some of them underwater; Belgian photographer Charlotte Abramov’s Maurice, Tristesse et rigolade is a moving testimony to her much older father’s last years and battle with dementia; and, Iranian artist Maryam Furzi’s When the Earth Still Had a Feminine Name addresses themes of identity, focusing on Iranian women. Until 21 December (2 November for Maryam Furzi), Place du Châtelain 18 (Ixelles)

Equestrian circus company Tempo d’Eole has installed its big top in the wooded setting of Boitsfort Hippodrome. D'or et de Sang is a contemporary circus show performed by acrobats, musicians and animals. It is suitable for all ages 6 and up. Until 5 October, Chaussée de la Hulpe 53a (Uccle)

Wolubilis cultural centre invites the public to Fêtes Romanes, a free weekend of francophone street theatre performances for all ages. From subtle explorations of social issues to thrilling acrobatics, captivating puppetry, choreographies and a welcome dose of uplifting humour, every corner of the venue is transformed into a vibrant and colourful stage. 27-28 September, Cours Paul-Henri Spaak 1 (Woluwe-Saint-Lambert)

Immerse yourself in the cinematic landscape of South Korean cinema during the Korean Film Weekend. Screening three films encompassing political thriller, horror and romantic genres, the event offers a glimpse into the culture of the Asian country. It kicks off with The Point Men (pictured) by Yim Soon-rye, which is based on a true story about a Korean diplomat dispatched to Afghanistan after a group of South Korean tourists is taken hostage. The festival continues with paranormal horror film Noise (2025) by Kim Soo-jin and concludes with romantic drama Secret; Untold Melody (2025) by Seo Yoo-min. 26-28 September, Palace Cinema & Cinéma Galeries

The Sablon quarter celebrates its arty credentials during the annual Brussels Art Square with some 70 galleries opening their doors. It's an opportunity to discover exceptional pieces, inaccessible locations and contemporary artists. International galleries participating in the 20th anniversary edition hail from Vienna, Switzerland, London and Paris. Items on display include sculptures, paintings, jewellery and furniture. 25-28 September, Sablon district

The second edition of Curated transforms Mix Brussels into a hub of functional art and design. Renowned curator Lionel Jadot brings together 42 talented designers at the four-star hotel and club for a three-day celebration of contemporary creativity, as part of Design September. It blends design with immersive experiences, featuring food, music and DJ sets alongside functional art pieces, reflecting the architectural style of the historic former Royale Belge building. 26-28 September, Boulevard du Souverain 25 (Auderghem)

Book now Iconic 2-Tone and ska band  The Selecter, featuring frontwoman ‘Queen of Ska’ Pauline Black, perform at La Madeleine to celebrate the 45th anniversary of their debut album Too Much Pressure. It promises to be an evening of timeless classics, raw ska spirit and tribute to 2-Tone’s roots. 17 October 20.00, Rue Duquesnoy 14

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Usher in autumn among the thousands of pumpkins used to create fun figures in the grounds of Groot-Bijgaarden Castle on the outskirts of the capital. For its third edition, Pumpkimania adopts the theme ‘Romans’. Discover stunning sculptures of gladiators, Julius Caesar, grand columns among other surprising creations. There’s also pumpkin soup, fries and other treats, and on weekends, you can try your hand at carving a pumpkin and ride in the pumpkin boat. Until 2 November, Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5, Groot-Bijgaarden

The historic domain of Alden Biesen in Limburg hosts the second edition of Féerie Florale. Lights & Shadows. The floral fiesta promises to be a magical experience with florists, artists and designers showing off their creations. Their focus is on light and shade to explore the contrast between vibrant blooms, more delicate flowers and darker mysterious hues. The floral works are on display in the gardens and in the stunning interiors of the heritage property. 26-29 September, Grand Commandery Alden Biesen, Kasteelstraat 6, Bilzen-Hoeselt (Limburg)

Among the many racing highlights at the scenic and dramatic Ardennes track of Spa-Francorchamps is the Spa Six Hours event, dubbed ‘The Sound of History’. The 32nd edition offers enthusiasts and the curious a timeless moment around beautiful vintage cars. It also features the legendary ‘Racing Rev’, reverend Simon Butler (pictured) in his Lotus Elan 26R Series 1. The famous endurance race takes place on Sunday preceded by races and numerous side events. Until 27 September, Route du Circuit 55, Francorchamps (Liège province)

Garden lovers gather at the chateau of Beez near Namur for the fifth edition of the Festival du Jardin. Horticultural specialists and other professionals in the field will be showing off their skills and their wares over the weekend, set against the beautiful backdrop of English landscaped gardens and heritage trees.  27-28 September 10.00-18.00, Avenue du Château de Beez, Namur

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

Photos: (main image) BD Comic Strip Festival ©visit.brussels/Jean-Paul-Remy; Joris Van de Moortel hapel of fire eruption ©Silvia Cappellari; Hangar Onnir znf Keenan on Seesaw, Fiji, 2023 ©Nick Brandt; ©Simon Butler; ©Hugues Dotrice