Another packed weekend of activities is on the cards in Brussels. What better way to celebrate getting to the end of the week than by visiting architectural gems, all-day parties in Wallonia, jazz and food festivals and more?
Find all our favourite activities happening in the Belgian capital and beyond below. But if these events don't take your fancy, check our monthly gig guide and cinema guide for some September concert and film inspiration.
Arts, music and culture
Marni Jazz Festival, Théâtre Marni, until Saturday 21 September
This year's edition draws its inspiration from a multitude of sources, from traditional music and modern electronic to jazz, rock and classical. The Belgian musicians on the line-up have all been selected for their creativity and virtuosity.
Credit: Théâtre Marni
Nicolas Fiszman and Julie Rens have been given carte blanche this weekend to express their art to the full, creating an unforgettable aural and sensory experience. Queen of Afro bass fusion Manou Gallo will also be performing her fifth album.
Next weekend, Brussels-based pianist Casimir Liberski will revisit video game themes in an acoustic trio and Louise van den Heuvel will be taking to the stage. Father and son duo The Gallands will round off the series, followed by a free jam.
Find more information here.
MolenFest, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, until Sunday 22 September
Vying for the spot of European Capital of Culture 2030, the municipality of Molenbeek is pulling out all the stops for this year's festival.
Credit: MolenFest / Delphine Mathy
From Place Communale to Rue de Manchester, through the Porte de Ninove park, all along the canal and into the Quartier Maritime, a host of artists, cultural houses and local organisations will offer dance performances, circus acts, music, theatre, debates, films and more for all ages.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Vegan Street Festival, Vismet, Saturday 14 September
Brussels' biggest vegan celebration is back this weekend, bringing together plant-based food lovers and conscious consumers who are looking to learn more about a vegan lifestyle. The mouthwatering food on the event's menu will sway even the most avid meat-lover.
Credit: Vegan Brussels
Aside from the many dishes on offer, there will be live music performances, engaging workshops and yoga classes, as well as stands selling cruelty-free cosmetics, eco-friendly and innovative clothing brands and lifestyle products. Join this celebration of all things vegan on one of the capital's most scenic squares.
Find more information here.
Heritage Days, various locations in Brussels, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September
The 36th edition of Brussels' Heritage Days has a 'New Heritage' theme, honouring public buildings and spaces erected between 1970 and the early 2000s. While often unfamiliar and disregarded by locals, the buildings represent extraordinary urban changes, social evolution, architectural advancements, and construction materials and techniques from the late 20th and early 21st century, according to Brussels' State Secretary for Urban Planning and Heritage, Ans Persoons.
The Heritage Days will be the public's final chance to visit the Arlon 53 building, a jewel of brutalist architecture, in its original state.
Credit: Belga.
With no less than 180 attractions spread across 18 communes, visitors are invited to explore 51 emblematic buildings and take part in a myriad of exhibitions, themed walks, shows and treasure hunts. This will also be the public's final chance to visit the Arlon 53 building – a jewel of brutalist architecture – in its original state prior to planned renovations. Some 15,000 places are available for reservation, while many sites will be freely accessible.
Find more information here.
Further afield
Fêtes de Wallonie, Namur, until Monday 16 September
The Fêtes de Wallonie is a celebration of the French-speaking region's rich cultural heritage, and takes place in Namur on the third weekend of September every year. Over the next few days, free concerts will bring the regional capital's streets alive and drinks will be flowing all day and late into the evening for the occasion.
Credit: Fêtes de Wallonie
On Friday, visitors can expect a buzzing atmosphere with two evening rock concerts by five-piece cover band DEZAXO at 18:30 and a set by ATTITUDE chante Johnny at 21:00. Saturday's highlight will be the 'Walloniades', starting at 13:00 on Place Saint-Aubain – a series of sporting events including tug-of-war, darts, skittles, sack races, market games, wheelbarrow races, scooter races and the unmissable Cocagne Pole event.
Find more information here.
Mid-week activities
Jazz in the woods, Le Kiosque, Wednesday 18 and 25 September
'In the Woods' aims to "create a space where everyone can find themselves, connect and savour the simple joy of a shared moment." The packed summer agenda is continuing into this month with 'Jazz in the woods', an immersive and convivial experience in the heart of the beautiful Bois de la Cambre.
Credit: In The Woods
On Wednesdays, people can come and enjoy impressive jazz concerts from 20:00 surrounded by nature, friends, good food and good drinks. Entrance is free and no booking is required. Bring extra layers though as the evening may get a little chilly.
Find more information here.
