Feeling uninspired about what to do this weekend, or haven't had time to check what's happening in Brussels over the coming days? Don't worry – our weekly list of events will surely help you beat the autumn blues!
Christmas time
Winter Wonders Festival, across Brussels, until Sunday 31 December
While the City of Brussels turned on its Christmas lights on Wednesday, the actual Winter Wonders festivities don't start until Friday.
The light and audio show on Grand Place. Credit: Plaisirs d'Hiver
At 18:00, the Christmas tree which arrived on Grand Place last week will be lit up, a show by the 11 Indigenous Nations of Quebec. They will organise several other shows, installations and performances, followed by the first sound and light show by Leilani Shaw, a Kanien'kehá:ka and Northern Paiute visual artist.
Brussels' legendary Christmas market will also open its doors and start offering locals and tourists soul-warming food and traditional drinks.
Find more information here.
Arts, music and culture
FOCUS 25/11, Cultural Centre of Schaerbeek, Saturday 25 November
Nationwide demonstrations are expected on Sunday, during which over 100 civil society organisations will unite to demand an end to all forms of violence against women on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November). The Schaerbeek Cultural Centre is also hosting a series of events to mark the occasion.
Credit: Schaerbeek Cultural Centre
On Friday, Iranian artists M-A Collectif will invite their audience to question violence against women, while on Saturday, Ali Abbasi's film Mashhad Nights will be screened, looking into a series of femicides in the Iranian city.
Find more information here.
360 degrés Festival, Les Brigittines, until Saturday 25 November 2023
This year, the chapel of Les Brigittines is turning 360, an occasion which is being celebrated in style. Since it was first built, it has been used as a hospice, prison, arsenal, pawnshop, covered market, ballroom, warehouse and a school... until it found its true vocation, namely as a venue where shows are hosted.
Credit: Les Brigittines
Discover La Chapelle and its neighbouring venue building in a whole new way with three activities seen at 360 degrees, including a dance performance, a hammer-balancing act and a live concert, as well as a special tour of the grounds.
Find more information here.
Brussels International Guitar Festival & Competitions, Théâtre du Vaudeville, until Tuesday 28 November
This unique music festival has established itself as one of the major events of its kind in Europe and attracts a large crowd of music fans every year.
Credit: Eerek Maurage/ BIG fest
The festival's 12th edition, held at the enchanting Théâtre du Vaudeville in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, is dedicated to freedom.
This is reflected in the programme with a wide range of concerts, shows, masterclasses and exhibitions as well as various competitions, but also in the number of genres on show, ranging from Classical and Latino to Baroque, Brazilian jazz and even a Flamenco show.
Find more information here.
Out and about
GRRRABUGE - Future Wine Festival, LaVallée, until Monday 27 November
Natural wines are becoming increasingly popular, and the 'Wine Fair of Tomorrow', GRRRABUGE, is inviting everyone to get on board and learn about the product in an engaging and entertaining way, reflecting on the future of wine while respecting its producers and the environment.
One of the winemakers who will be presenting her product during the festival. Credit: GRRRABUGE
The two-day event will feature conferences, concerts and tastings hosted by around 40 winemakers, followed by DJ sets until the night falls. Aside from natural wines, people are also invited to try ciders, beers and other drinks.
Find more information here.
Milonga TDK and initiation Tango, Musée d'Art Spontané, Friday 24 November
The Musée d'Art Spontané in Schaerbeek is hosting the fourth edition of its celebration of Argentine Tango, inviting people to learn a new skill and give the passionate dance a go.
Credit: visit.brussels
The dance itself starts at 20:00 and will be preceded by an introduction to Argentine Tango. The party will go on until 03:00 guided by the in-house DJ, TDKo, at the controls.
Visitors will also have the chance to discover the brand-new temporary exhibition, as well as the permanent collection, on show during the event.
Find more information here.
