Autumn has officially arrived in Brussels, and as temperatures drop, the majority of events in our round-up are taking place indoors to keep you shielded from the icy winds. Find out our favourite things to do in the Belgian capital (and further afield) this weekend below!
Arts, music and culture
South African Jazz Festival, Flagey, 4 and 5 November
This weekend, you don't have to travel very far to get a taste of the South African jazz scene (hint: you only have to travel as far as Flagey in Ixelles). The iconic art-deco venue will be organising a series of gigs with the new generation of jazz musicians from South Africa, with double-bill concerts planned over two days.
Tutu Puoane & Brussels Jazz Orchestra. Credit: Marco Mertens / Flagey
On Friday, Tutu Puoane is set to enchant Brussels with her seductive yet energetic voice and radiant stage presence, with a repertoire based on the texts of the South African writer and poet Lebogang Mashile. On Saturday, South Africa's "rising star" of jazz, Nduduzo Makhathini, will take to the stage to present a spiritual vision of the world through his music, with influences derived from Zulu culture.
More information and tickets here.
WE’RE NEXT Brussels, Tour & Taxis, 5 November
Another event featuring "rising stars" this weekend will be from the world of fashion. The imposing Gare Maritime will be transformed into a catwalk, with the youngest generation of fashion designers from Czechia and Belgium will exhibit their sartorial creativity.
Credit: Czech Centre Brussels
The fashion show is part of an entire day dedicated to contemporary Czech culture, starting with a guided tour of Tomáš Moravec's art installation and exhibition Outside the Gallery!, which focuses on the development of art in public space in Czechia after 1989. The fashion show will be followed by a DJ set by French multi-instrumentalist Pierre Urban.
This event is free, but registration is required.
Out and about
Bruxelles sur Scènes, various locations in Brussels, 1 to 30 november
Discover the city and the cultural life of Brussels' theatre cafés through intimate concerts and performances planned throughout the month of November for the fifth edition of Bruxelles sur Scènes.
Mélanie Isaac. Credit: BXL sur Scènes
In the programme, you can enjoy an Aretha Franklin tribute band at the Music Village near Grand Place, or snuggle up in the familiar living room of Le Jardin de ma Soeur near the Fish Market in the city centre. If that does not tickle your interest, then there is always a stand-up comedy show with "Mrs Monica gets naked" (Mme Monica se met à nu) or the "The Sassy Cabaret."
Get your pass here (giving access to 13 performances, one at each participating theatre café in Bruxelles sur Scènes) and discover the full programme for the other weekends here.
Bâtard Festival (And so you’re back), Beursschouwburg, 4 and 5 November
Not a fan of sequels? We're sure you'll like this one. Following a first successful 2022 edition in April of this year, this night returns for a second, end-of-year celebration of the very best of local and international emerging artists.
DJ Owdi, one of the artists performing at the closing party. Credit: Bâtard
With 18 years of experience, the Brussels-based festival Bâtard knows better than most how to promote artistic innovation and experimentation.
Including experimental performing arts projects, performances question the relationship between tactility and technology. Don't miss the dance-off at the festival's closing party. More information and tickets here.
NATIONA(A)L Artist Market @Maison de la Poste, Tour & Taxis, 4 to 6 November
Time to revive public enthusiasm for the Belgian artistic scene. Immerse yourself into the local art scene at the NATIONA(A)L Artist Market, a unique chance to buy from (and meet!) more than 60 artists working in fashion, visual arts, music and literature.
Wander around the market, attend the CHAMPÚ book signing by Vincent Delbrouck or get on your dancing shoes for the DJ set by Balades sonores. More info and tickets here.
Further afield
Landjuweelfestival, various locations in Turnhout, 2 to 6 November
Turnhout is the latest city to host the Landjuweelfestival, which has moved location every year since first organised in 2016. It brings together a range of the most interesting performances seen across Flanders and Brussels in the past season.
'Blackbird'. Credit: Leen Vandeputte
After a two-year hiatus, the festival is once again opening to showcase uninhibited and unmasked theatre with an extensive programme including nine performances to suit all tastes. More information and tickets here.
