The Iris Festival will take over the capital on the weekend of 3-4 May to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Brussels-Capital Region.
Concerts, shows, guided tours, and other free activities will enliven the city. The festive weekend will feature new additions such as the "Iris market" – a market for Brussels’ producers and creators – and a collaboration with the "Kidical Mass," a child-friendly bike parade ending at Place des Palais.
On Saturday, visitors can explore unique spots in four Brussels municipalities: Forest, Saint-Gilles, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, and Anderlecht.
Highlights include visiting the La Fonderie museum, Forest town hall, and Anderlecht synagogue, as well as enjoying a steam train ride and Art Deco walk in Saint-Gilles.
Illustration picture shows celebrations on the occasion of the 'Fete de l'Iris - Irisfeest', celebration day of the Brussels-Capital Region, in Brussels, Sunday 05 May 2019. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
The Iris Tipik Electro Night will transform Place des Palais into a massive dance floor on Saturday, 3 May, from 18:30 to 00:30.
Revellers will dance to sets from top Belgian and international DJs, including Golden Zebora, Nathalie Duchene, MYD, and UK’s Fatboy Slim.
On Sunday, 4 May, around 80 cultural and community organisations will animate the Royal Park.
The park will host a sports village, cultural and heritage activities, science exhibits, university stalls, and a dedicated children’s area, alongside numerous street artist performances.
The Iris market will shine a spotlight on Brussels’ craftsmanship by bringing together local artisans, creators, and producers in the park.
Additionally, the Brussels Parliament will open its doors, offering visitors a unique chance to explore this landmark of democracy, the organisers conclude.
