While it is not officially winter yet, cosy season has definitely arrived in Brussels this weekend. From intimate neighbourhood party in Sablon to the official opening of Winter Wonders (including one of Europe's "best Christmas markets"), discover this weekend's top events.
Arts, music and culture
TOUGH ENOUGH Festival, Botanique, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November
Brussels' iconic music venue Botanique is back with a new festival this weekend, the 'Tough Enough festival'. Organisers are showcasing a carefully curated Americana, psyche and garage line-up of live music, ideal for blues lovers.
Credit: Fabian Braeckman
An eclectic mix of international bands and local talent will take to the stage in Botanique's Orangerie, Rotunda and Museum halls for this two-day festival This festival wants to shine a light on an underrepresented music scene in Brussels. Expect traditional folk/rock music, Americana, garage, stoner, folk, punk blues, surf and psych rock.
Find more information here.
CinemaMed, various locations in Brussels, until Friday 6 December
Brussels' Mediterranean film festival is returning this weekend. For 30 years now, CinemaMed has been bringing the best of the region's cinema to the Belgian capital. For its 24th edition, a world of discovery and emotion awaits avid cinephiles.
Credit: CinemaMed
Expect screenings of some 70 productions from countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including never-before-seen films, documentaries and short films. The festival also allows passionate film lovers to meet filmmakers and other guests, and enjoy other evening entertainment, including live concerts.
Find more information here.
HP24, various venues in Brussels, until Saturday 14 December
Brussels' go-to circus arts event in Brussels is back this weekend in its new rebrand (it was formerly known as Hors Pistes festival). For several years, it has brought the most impressive circus-themed performances and shows. This new and improved event is also open to shows from a variety of disciplines, including dance to music.
Credit: HP Festival
Another new element this year is the change in venue: this year, performances will not only be taking place at Les Halles de Schaerbeek, but also in GC De Kriekelaar, Kaaitheater, La Raffinerie / Charleroi-Danse, Garage 29, Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles, at Le Brass and at ESAC (Ecole Supérieure des Arts du Cirque).
Find more information here.
Wintery fun
Les Nocturnes du Sablon, Sablon, until Sunday 1 December
The Sablon neighbourhood near Brussels' city centre is known for its cosy, local events; and the Nocturnes du Sablon is perhaps the most emblematic. Held every year at the end of November, the four-day event brings the district known for its art and antiques vendors to life.
Credit: Nocturnes du Sablon
Shopkeepers, craftspeople and artists will present their goods. The square itself will be transformed into a magical, festive setting, illuminated by decorations and enlivened by a host of artistic, gastronomic and cultural activities.
Find more information here.
Brussels Winter Wonders, the city centre of Brussels, until 5 January
This weekend marks the (for many) long-awaited opening of Brussels' winter festivities. Its iconic Christmas market will be held in the city centre – mainly around Bourse and Place Sainte-Catherine – and will officially open on Friday (29 November) at 18:00.
Winter Wonders 2022. Credit: Visit.Brussels
The opening this weekend will be marked with a sound and light show on the Grand Place. Here, the Christmas tree will also be lit up for the first time. Keen visitors can finally start counting down to warming up with mulled wine and feasting on the various dishes served at the market, awarded one of the most popular in the world.
Find more information here.
Out of the box
Ideas festival, Full Circle, Friday 29 November until Sunday 1 December
Back for its third edition, Brussels’ Ideas Festival returns this winter for a full weekend of thought-provoking ideas, stimulating activities and diverse entertainment under the theme of ‘Futures’.
Credit: Ideas festival
Amid vast global, national and local political challenges, the event presents itself as an opportunity to explore possible futures, challenge existing narratives and come together as a community of thought and action. The subjects covered are diverse and topical, from the fundamentals of a new economy to peacebuilding, mind shifts, societal transitions, past lessons, love and disobedience, and much more.
