Brussels' unique summer festival dedicated to board games is the biggest in the country and returning to the capital this weekend – an unmissable event for both curious and seasoned gamers alike.
The ninth edition of the Brussels Games Festival (BGF) will take place in the EGG event space in Anderlecht from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 August. Throughout the three-day event, which aims to promote equal access to games in all their forms, avid board gamers can meet and play with or against fellow enthusiasts. Last year's edition attracted more than 3,000 people.
Aside from the wide variety of games on offer – from board, party and figurine games to educational, role-play or life-size games – devotees looking for more active participation can try their hand at an escape game. Various associations that work on making gaming accessible to everyone will also be present, including AccessiJeux, which makes board games tailored to people with disabilities.
Meanwhile, for those who get a buzz from competing, the iconic BGF tournaments will once feature in this year's programme.
Discovering new games
One of the BGF highlights is the Games Fair (open for several hours every day), where game aficionados can buy or sell second-hand games. Avid gamers are advised to arrive early to get the best deals.
Throughout the event, more than 40 publishers and distributors of the most beloved games, including big names such as Repos Production, Captain Games and Asmodee, will also invite players to discover their latest creations as well as their classic board games.
There will also be a "trading card games zone," with demonstrations of Star Wars Unlimited, Lorcana and Pokemon.
Hundreds of games are sold at the fair. Credit: BGF
During the festival's Golden Meeple Pis competition, meanwhile, individuals will be given the opportunity to present their game prototype in the dedicated 'Protozone' area. Together with the public, the jury – consisting of professionals from the board game world, including publishers and distributors – will choose the winner.
Finally, for those gamers who just can't get enough, there will be a special nocturne from 19:00 on Saturday to 09:00 on Sunday morning to allow people to play throughout the night.
Entry tickets cost €6 online or €7 on the door. Children under the age of ten go free. People with day tickets for Saturday can stay for the nocturne. Find more information here.
