This weekend is all about discovering Brussels in a different light, from museums opening after hours to a guided walk around the Belgian capital's most rebellious districts. Find out below what else is on the agenda in the coming days!
Arts, music and culture
Museum night fever, various locations, Saturday 22 October
The 15th edition of Museum Night Fever (MNF) will see a total of 34 museums around the capital, from Autoworld Brussels to Villa Empain and the House of European History, open their doors to visitors between 19:00 and 01:00, and will include a wide-ranging programme of live music, performances, and guided tours.
Soak up the unique atmosphere of museums by night. Credit: Museum Night Fever
This year's theme is inclusion, highlighting artists from the LGBTQ+ community in an effort to counter under-representation within museum collections. More information and tickets here.
Roméo & Juliette, Théâtre Royal du Parc, ends Saturday 22 October
This weekend marks the final chance to see William Shakespeare's magnum opus Romeo and Juliet, the famous lovers for over 400 years, in one of Brussels' most unique locations.
This version, directed by Thierry Debroux, is designed to appeal to all people, young and old. More information and tickets here.
Keep moving
Stoemp! - Matinée, Lavallée, Sunday 23 October
If you are looking for an alternative activity for Sunday afternoons, Stoemp has just the event for you. Come to enjoy a relaxing ambient music session, starting at 11:00 at LaVallée, hands down one of the coolest venues in the city.
Perfect for those who are hungover but want to continue the weekend fun, but also for families. Every last Sunday of the month, the Stoemp collective transforms Brussels venues into the cosiest living room for all. Make yourself at home. More information here.
Climate March, meeting place Brussels North station, Sunday 23 October
This Sunday, climate activists are calling on you to "Walk for Your Future" in Brussels! People young and old who are passionate about the future of our planet will take to the streets to demand governments to take concrete measures to limit global warming to 1.5°C while it is still possible.
Climate march in Brussels earlier this year. Credit: Lauren Walker
Expect a fiery and enthusiastic atmosphere, as this march isn't a moment of sadness, but one to feel energised. The festive programme will include brass bands, giants, flash mobs, choirs and dancing to uplifting music along the way, followed by a concert at the end of the march, under the arch of the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Get your banner ready now! More information here.
“1000 Years of Struggles” walking tour, Chapelle Church, Saturday 22 October
This archive picture shows a young boy wearing a fake gun during a protest against a major redevelopment project in the Marolles, a working-class area of Brussels, on Monday 04 August 1969. The people rose up against this proposal in such strength that politicians publicly caved. Credit: Belga
Brussels offers many walking tours, but this one truly stands out. the “1000 Years of Struggles” tour crisscrosses through the Marolles district, focusing on the many different social struggles that took place in this part of the city and transformed the capital.
The two-hour tour includes some of the most important places in the district but also allows participants to explore lesser known alleys and dead ends. More information here.
Further afield
Pumpkin Regatta, Kasterlee, Sunday 23 October
Dressing up in Halloween attire to paddle in hollowed-out pumpkins? Sounds like a typical autumn Sunday to me! First organised in 2008, the Pumpkin Regatta, an annual favourite for young and old, will return this weekend.
A participant in her pumpkin during a previous regatta. Credit: Pumpkin Regatta
Come along to witness this unique event and marvel at the giant pumpkins that won prize earlier this month, including two weighing in at over 1,000 kg. What better way to celebrate the Halloween season? More information here.
