It seems summer has finally arrived in Brussels, and for once, the good weather won't disappear over the weekend. Take advantage of this rare occasion to explore the Belgian capital and the many activities and events on in the coming days.
Arts, music and culture
Brussels Gallery Weekend, various locations, until Sunday 10 September
Brussels Gallery Weekend is back for its 16th edition in the Belgian capital. Throughout the weekend, 45 art galleries and other spaces, including the iconic D'Ieteren Group's headquarters, will present a series of exhibitions, performances and installations.
Credit: BGW
There will be 12 self-guided routes available, which take visitors to galleries, exhibitions and other destinations in the OFF programme (non-gallery venues such as institutions, foundations and private collections).
Find more information here.
BD Comic Strip Festival, Gare Maritime, from Friday 8 until Sunday 10 September
This weekend, the BD Comic Strip Festival – with activities and games for children and conferences and book signings for adults – will once again descend on the Gare Maritime in Brussels' Tour & Taxis district.
Credit: visit.brussels
Aside from the usual comic book exhibitions and the return of the giant comic hero balloons, the festival also puts the spotlight on the authors of the moment, whom book lovers can meet and greet. Get ready to explore the exciting universe of the so-called ninth art.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Wanderlust Beer Festival, Marché aux Poissons, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September
This year marks a special celebration for Wanderlust, Brussels Beer Project's own beer festival in the heart of the capital, as it is celebrating its tenth anniversary.
It is also launching its very first gueuze, which the company describes as "an invaluable treasure of Belgian and Brussels heritage", but which has virtually disappeared from the Belgian capital's beer scene since its creation 200 years ago.
Credit: BBP
Is gueuze not your poison? No need to worry, as no fewer than 14 craft breweries from ten different countries will also be served up during the big open-air celebration, which will take place over two days instead of one.
Find more information here.
Get your dancing shoes
Woodblocks festival, Vauxhall, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September
Brussels' favourite independent radio station is closing off the summer in style with its very first two-day festival at Vauxhall, near the beloved wooden Kiosk in Parc Royal.
Credit: Vauxhall Summer Brussels
Kiosk is bringing together an eclectic line-up across two stages, alternating live acts from the afternoon until the early evening, and ending in party mode with DJ sets at night. Make sure to catch Le Motel, sharing the stage with Flowdan, who recently collaborated with Fred Again: Brussels behind the decks, London on the mic.
Find more information here.
Further afield
Voodoo Village, Grimbergen, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September
Set in the magical setting near the castle of Humbeek, the Voodoo Festival is a house and techno festival like no other, combining quality music with "holistic experiences."
Credit: Voodoo Village
During the daytime, there is time to explore the unique setting, take part in a "cocoa ceremony" or connection workshops, or enjoy the delicious food served by Brussels chefs Mallory Gabsi and Paul Delrez, so you are ready to dance the night away to the music of Moodymann, Lee Burridge and many more.
Find more information here.
