While Car-Free Sunday will be dominating the agenda this weekend, there are plenty of other activities and events happening in Brussels in the coming days. From jazz and folklore festivals to a celebration of Ecuador, take your pick!
Arts, music and culture
Fêtes Médiévales de Forest, Abbaye de Forest, until Sunday 22 September
Relive the era of the Frankish knights in the magical setting of Forest Abbey during the 26th edition of this impressive celebration of Medieval folklore.
Credit: Forest commune
Wander around the stalls of the Medieval market to discover artistic creations of craftsmen such as sculptors, coppersmiths and potters, meet people in period attire, from the ruling lords and knights to peasants, damsels, minstrels and magicians, and marvel at demonstrations of sword fights and equestrian jousting.
Find out more here.
Folklorissimo, Grand Place, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September
Another celebration of Brussels' rich history and heritage, Folklorissimo takes place in the historic city centre, around Grand Place and the statue of Manneken Pis. Every year, highlights include the dance of the Giants (puppets), the Brueghel puppet parade, the "folklore" race and the crossbow shooting competition.
Credit: City of Brussels
Find out more here.
Brussels Art Square, various locations in Sablon, until Sunday 22 September
Some 70 galleries in Brussels' arts and antique neighbourhood Sablon will be opening their doors this weekend. This is a unique opportunity to discover sculptures, paintings, jewellery and furniture spanning 10,000 years of history.
Credit: BAS
Belgian venues, as well as international galleries from Vienna, Switzerland, London and Paris, will also be exhibiting their most emblematic pieces.
Find out more here.
Saint Jazz Festival, Jazz Station and Botanique, until Sunday 22 September
Jazz fans in Brussels will be spoilt for choice this weekend: as well as the final days of the Marni Jazz Festival taking place, the iconic Saint Jazz Festival is kicking off on Friday, returning to the capital for its 38th edition.
Credit: Saint Jazz Festival
International icons share the bill with Belgian jazz artists, hitting the stages of two emblematic venues on the Brussels music scene – Jazz Station and Botanique.
Find out more here.
Out and about
'I Love Ecuador' Festival, Atomium, Saturday 21 September
This summer has seen a multitude of countries and cultures being put in the spotlight, from Festival l'Afrique En Couleurs celebrating African artistic and cultural riches to a party for Peruvian National Day and a festival for all things Indian.
Credit: I Love Ecuador
This weekend, Ecuador and Latin America are being honoured at the foot of the Atomium. Expect delicious traditional dishes, wonderful crafts, folk dances, and live concerts by Latin American singers.
Find out more here.
Car-Free Sunday, across Brussels, Sunday 22 September
This Sunday, all cars are banned from Brussels from 09:30 until 19:00, freeing up streets, squares and parks so people can move about freely and experience city life in an entirely different way.
Car-Free Sunday 2023. Credit: Orlando Whitehead / The Brussels Times
Every year, the occasion also sees a wide range of events being organised, from the traditional brocantes (jumble sales) and street parties to organised cycling tours and family-oriented activities in every municipality.
Find our favourites here.
World Cleanup Day, various locations in Brussels, Saturday 21 September
Considered the biggest civic movement in history, World Cleanup Day sees people across the world come together on the third Saturday of every September to clean up and care for their communities, and Brussels too is taking part.
Credit: UN Regional Centre
Visit the Cleanup Village on Place De Brouckère, where entertainment, children's games and concerts will be organised alongside awareness-raising stands on public cleaning, or have a coffee with Brussels' heroes: the Cleaning Agency's road sweepers.
Find out more here.
Further afield
Stonemanor's English second-hand book sale, Everberg, Saturday 21 September
The family-run Stonemanor store, a mecca of British treats for expats and locals alike, is organising its biannual second-hand English book sale in Everberg. Find hidden gems or all-time classics among the selection of used books, catering to various interests and genres. At the end, pay by the centimetre.
Credit: Stonemanor
The more you stack, the more you save, and all proceeds from book sales will be donated to Brussels-based charity Serve the City. While you're there, why not have a little shop in the iconic store?
Find out more here.
