This weekend marks the end of September. Usually, it starts to feel like autumn around this time of year, but with temperatures still hovering around 20°C, it seems like summer is still lingering. Make the most of this weekend by exploring Brussels in the glorious sunshine.
Arts, music and culture
Free concert on Grand Place, Friday 29 September
A major free concert is being organised on Brussels' most iconic square to kick off the weekend, as part of the French-speaking Community's celebrations (Fête de la Communauté française) this week. For its 16th edition, the 'Grand rendez-vous' will be under the banner of 50 years of hip-hop, including a performance by Benny B and Daddy K.
Credit: Brussels Major Events
The line-up includes other major names such as MC Solaar, Hatik (known for his song Angela, which was a hit in Belgium during the pandemic), Pierre de Maere, Loïc Nottet, Rori, Black M, YG Pablo, Coely, Colt and Fùgù Mango.
Find more information here.
Saint Jazz Festival, Jazz Station and Botanique, until Saturday 30 September
Groove and jazz will be the order of the day this weekend at two of the capital's most beloved music venues. Another feature of the French-speaking community's celebrations, the 37th edition of the Saint Jazz Festival will captivate both those who love the genre and those who have recently discovered live jazz.
Manuel Hermia. Credit: Saint Jazz Festival
From stunning musical performances, including by Stéphane Galland & The Rhythm Hunters, an international six-piece ensemble exploring music from different corners of the world to an evening of swing, including lessons and dance performances, this year's edition is not one to miss.
Find more information here.
La Nuit de l'Amour, Les Halles de Schaerbeek, Saturday 30 September
Les Halles cultural centre is organising a night of celebration and love for the launch of the new season. The Les Halles team, its associate artists, partners and Brussels activist Frank Barat are putting together a programme of vibrant shows, concerts, DJ sets, kinky film screenings and workshops.
Credit: Les Halles de Schaerbeek
All of the night's events will centre around the topic of love and how it can help in the face of today's major challenges, from climate change to racism and inequality.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Eat Festival and BXLBeerFest, Gare Maritime at Tour & Taxis, until Sunday 1 October
The capital's unmissable culinary event is returning to the Gare Maritime at Tour & Taxis. Chefs, artisans and patissiers, will be serving up their signature dishes and desserts in person.
Credit: Eat Festival
This year, the festival will be teaming up with BXLBeerFest for the first time. It will be hosting a bar at Eat Festival itself, as well as offering reduced-price entry to the BXLBeerFest to all foodies in possession of an Eat Festival ticket.
Find more information here.
Live aux Blés 2023, Brussels City Centre, Saturday 30 September
This unique festival brings together seven concerts, four DJ sets, local merchants and neighbourhood citizens for one large party. The initiative, created by Wicked Pigeon ASBL, aims to support home-grown culture and creativity by collaborating with entrepreneurs, artists and technicians in a picturesque location in the heart of the Belgian capital.
Visitors will once again have the opportunity to discover a varied musical programme, with styles ranging from blues to world music, rock and rap. Local traders and restaurateurs will also set up shop at the venue to showcase their produce.
Find more information here.
Polish Night, MaBru, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 September
This event is perfect for night owls. MABRU Marché Matinal Wholesale Market on Quai des Usines along the Brussels Canal usually consists of a massive space where more than 100 vendors offer a full range of products, from fruits and vegetables, cured meats, poultry and game to wines and other beverages, frozen foods, flowers and plants.
Credit: MABRU
But this Friday from 00:00 to 07:00 on Saturday morning, it will host a festival of Polish products and regional brands from the Polish food sector. During the event, musical accompaniment will be provided by the band Dagadana, while a special molecular gastronomy show will be prepared by Jean Bos, a Belgian master of culinary art.
Find more information here.
