There is so much more to the end of this week than Valentine's Day. From an iconic Polish arts festival coming to Brussels for the first time to the beloved Bright Festival and a unique two-day event for crochet and embroidery enthusiasts, here's what's on this weekend!
Arts, music and culture
Piano Festival, Flagey, until Sunday 16 February
This five-day festival dedicated to the beloved piano instrument is a must for music lovers. On the agenda are three concertos by Canadian Mozart expert Angela Hewitt with the Brussels Philharmonic and Kazushi Ono, award-winning young pianist Roman Borisov and (our personal favourite) Amaro Freitas, who uses his rhythmic playfulness to mimic the sounds of the rainforest on the piano.
Credit: Johan Jacobs/ Bozar
Flagey will also be organising 'Music Talks' with performing artists, conferences, a family concert and exhibitions during the festival.
Find more information here.
Unsound Brussels, Bozar, Friday 14 and Saturday 15 February
The renowned annual Polish music and visual arts festival Unsound – with roots in Kraków and previous editions in New York, Toronto, and Adelaide – is coming to Brussels for the first time this weekend.
Unsound Brussels. Credit: Tomasz Kowalski
Its recipe for success includes a wide range of contemporary music, from emerging talent to left-field and experimental work. Highlights will be the performance by Polish guitarist Raphael Rogiński joined by Lithuanian-Belgian singer and kanklės player Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė and the closing club night at Reset.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Bright Festival, various locations in Brussels, until Sunday 16 February
Brussels' much-loved light festival is returning this weekend, and the weather (dry and chilly) is perfect for it. This year, lights will adorn streets and squares in two key areas: the Royal route will bring visitors in and around the city centre, while the European route will turn Parc du Cinquantenaire (where you can grab a hot chocolate) and Parc Léopold into a magical fairyland.
Bright Brussels Festival 2023 at Place du Musée. Credit: visit.brussels/ Mathieu Golinvaux
A nocturnal visit to Brussels' 'dinosaur museum' (the Institute of Natural Sciences) was a personal highlight. Visitors can also enjoy a series of special activities along the way, including a light parade, special museum activities and guided tours. Besides the new installations and the extensive range of activities, there is also a Kidszone in Parc de Bruxelles for families.
Find more information here.
Bruxelles Festival du Fil (Yarn Festival), LaVallée, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February
Another exciting novelty in Brussels this weekend: the very first festival for do-it-yourself knitting, sewing, crochet and embroidery enthusiasts is coming to the Belgian capital.
Credit: Canva
Expect workshops and talks, learn new techniques, delve into brand-new creative possibilities and chat with over 40 talented designers and the diverse range of exhibitors, many of whom likely make your favourite products. Unmissable for those with a passion for the creative arts!
Find more information here.
My Brussels Valentine
Flinta's Flirty Valentine, Ancienne Belgique, Friday 14 February
Brussels' iconic music venue AB is organising its very first speed date night, which will likely be the best of the year. The target audience? FLINTA: Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans and Agender (anyone who is not a cis-man).
Credit: AB
The popular music hall will be transformed into a romantic flirty zone, delicious Valentine’s drinks will be served and nifty records. Forget those dates you’ve had with awkward silences, strange rejections or weird twists, and get ready for a spectacular evening. For those who aren't ready to go home, there is always the HE4RTBROKEN club night at AB.
Find more information here.
