What’s on this week: 5 to 11 September

More than 50 breweries set up their tents for the 25th Belgian Beer Weekend. From small-scale family operations to big name brands, it’s an opportunity to sample different tipples, although it’s best you pace yourself as there’s some 500 on offer. They include the big five Belgian Trappist brews as well as lesser-known names. Saturday and Sunday lunchtime crowds will be treated to traditional parades by brewers and there’s live music throughout. Free entrance. 5-7 September Friday 17.30-22.30; Saturday 12.00-22.30; Sunday 12.00-20.00, Grand Place

The contemporary art season is officially underway with a raft of artistic initiatives in the capital. RendezVous - Brussels Art Week returns, following an inaugural edition last year, with openings, performances and get-togethers in galleries, art institutions and studios across the city. Guided tours, organised by Art Brussels, are available in the Abbaye, Châtelain, Volxem, Sablon and downtown areas (in Fr/NL) and there’s numerous off-piste activities. Until 7 September, multiple locations

Feisty and fun Fiesta Latina in Bois de la Cambre is an annual festive Latino gathering. Expect dance shows and workshops, concerts and DJ sets, Mexican mariachi, food and cocktails, and demonstrations of the notoriously bizarre Lucha Libre wrestling to immerse you in the colours, sounds, moves and tastes of Latin America. The action takes place on six stages and some 90 food trucks and stands add to the atmosphere. 5-7 September, Carrefour des Attelages

Kiosk Radio’s Woodblocks Festival returns for its third edition in Brussels’ park’s Vaux Hall, boasting a stellar line-up of Live DJs and collectives from around the country and abroad. 5-7 September, Brussels Park

For those ‘lucky’ enough to experience the 1980s, the vibrant cultural scene was not matched by innovation in the automobile sector. One exception, though, was a group of impassioned car tuners in Germany who went wild with massive turbos, wide wheels, streamlined fiberglass, rainbow colours, loud hi-fi systems and crazy spoilers. Autoworld honours them with an exhibition German Tuners from the ‘80s and ‘90s, featuring 15 icons, including Treser’s Quattro Roadster, Mattig’s Manta Manta and Buchmann’s Rainbow Porsche. 5 September to 14 December, Esplanade 11, Cinquantenaire Park (Etterbeek)

The Park Poetik summer programme concludes with a giant fiesta on Saturday. Following an afternoon parade through the streets of Saint-Gilles and Forest, the party continues with circus acts, live music and a DJ set. Free entrance.  6 September 16.00-22.00, Marais Wiels, Avenue Van Volxem (Forest)

Molenbeek cultural hub LaVallée’s 10th anniversary celebrations include a free Kids Boum! The afternoon birthday party – also for adults who never grew up – is filled with poetic performances, tales from the Orient, initiation to circus skills, a bouncy castle, juggling and a DJ who will get the whole family dancing. The anniversary programme over the weekend also includes open studios, a concert and other family activities and a joint closing event with Molenfeest and CinéMaximiliaan. 6 September 15.30-18.00, Rue Adolphe Lavallée 39 (Molenbeek)

How to manage your offspring’s digital consumption is an ongoing challenge. That’s why Brussels’ ideas club Full Circle and community campaigner Kids Unplugged are hosting the film screening and discussion Can’t Look Away. The Case Against Social Media (2025, Eng, Fr subtitles). Directed by Matthew O’Neill & Perri Pelrz, the documentary is essential viewing for parents, educators and teenagers. The film is preceded by a monthly ‘no-tech’ switch-off cafe session from 14.00-17.00. 6 September 17.00-19.00, Chaussée de Vleurgat 89 (Ixelles)

For the second year, Marni Jazz Festival hosts a ‘wild’ exploration of jazz with a programme honouring a quality beloved by jazz artists, ‘freedom’. Featuring six concerts by Belgian artists, including three groups led by women: Brussels-based singer-songwriter Jazmyn; Ghent musician An Pierlé with her latest album Ultimate Survival; and Belgian-Spanish saxophonist Alejandra Borzyk with guest Portuguese artist Maria Joao. There’s also numerous off-piste activities. 11-20 September 20.00, Marni, Rue du Vergnies 25 (Ixelles)

Food is the glorious theme of this year’s multidisciplinary FAME (Festival where Arts Meets Empowerment). It highlights the work of women and people from gender minorities, paying particular attention to diversity. The celebration aims to nourish taste buds and neurons by examining our relationship with food via performances, conferences, workshops, screenings, tastings and discussions. 11-21 September, multiple venues

Cirque du soleil has installed its big top in the grounds of Brussels Expo for upcoming show Alegria In A New Light. The famed company is currently with its revisited version of the classic experience that first premiered in 1994. Outrageous costumes, daredevil stunts, thrilling acrobatics, memorable melodies and a generous sprinkling of emotion are all on the menu. Tickets from €46. 11 September to 2 November, corner Madrid Avenue/Avenue Mirador (Laeken)

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

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. 10, 17, 20 & 21 September; 11 & 15 October, 9.00-12.00, Tervuren

A new solo exhibition by contemporary Belgian artist Rinus Van de Velde at the Tim Van Laere Gallery introduces a new series of oil pastel drawings and sculptures, as well as a large-scale self-portrait in charcoal. The internationally-renowned multi-media artist also presents an installation from his upcoming fourth film: a fully detailed submarine (pictured) manned by several puppets, including the artist himself and Claude Monet. Van de Velde, who develops multiple personal storylines across diverse forms of media, constantly explores the tension between fiction and reality. From monumental and expressive paintings and drawings to intricate installations, his universe is highly-singular. Jos Smolderenstraat 50, Antwerp

The classical music Festivals of Wallonia roll on with its celebration of early music in the city of Liège, Les Nuits de Septembre. For the 68th edition, it offers 11 outstanding concerts under the festival banner ‘Curiosities’. From rare instruments to forgotten manuscripts and little-known masterpieces and emerging musical talents, this is a rich musical feast. Renowned musicians participating include François Joubert-Caillet, Amandine Beyer, the Oxalys Ensemble with famed British tenor Ian Bostridge (pictured). 5 September to 5 October, multiple venues, Liège

Belgium’s biggest organic fair Festi’Valériane is at Namur Expo this weekend, celebrating its 40th anniversary. It is filled with stands presenting their wares in various sectors: food, garden, health, crafts, eco-building, and more. Each one is carefully selected by organiser Nature & Progrès. The fair also runs a packed programme of talks and workshops for all ages, themed villages and festive evening activities. Food trucks will also be present. 5-7 September 10.00-19.00, Avenue Sergent Vrithoff 2, Salzinnes (Namur)

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

Photos: (main image) Belgian Beer Weekend 2023 ©Lais Vangestel; courtesy Autoword; courtesy Cirque du Soleil; prop submarine ©Rinus Van de Velde; Ian Bostridge ©Marco Borggreve