Brussels Events and Festivals

Antiques Fair: an eclectic assortment of antique artefacts, utilities, jewellery and decorative items are displayed at Belgium’s largest antiques fair, put on by The Royal Chamber of Belgian Antiques in the recently refurbished Tour & Taxis district of Brussels. Antiques dealers from all over the country come to display their wares at this prestigious annual event, which is strictly monitored by a team of experts to ensure that only genuine, high quality goods are traded.

Brussels Book Fair: a must for book worms, the Brussels Book Fair sees more than 1,100 publishers introduce the pick of their newest offerings, along with an organised programme of seminars, debates and workshops.

Festival of Fantastic Film: this is a slightly off-beat film festival that will appeal to those with a penchant for the creepy and the macabre. Showcasing the year’s best horror films, the festival includes screenings, premières, theatrical events and competitions held at various venues around the city.

Art Brussels: this acclaimed international art fair has been running since 1968 and is known for the high standard of artwork displayed and its professionalism. Held annually at the Brussels Expo, the art show features 150 separate galleries and draws roughly 25,000 art enthusiasts, academics and collectors.

Brussels Jazz Marathon: traditional and contemporary jazz styles can be enjoyed at this scintillating three-day event, held at selected indoor and outdoor venues across the city. Around 400 artists attend the festival and participate in over 100 concerts in the streets, bars, main squares and theatres of the Belgian capital. 

Festival of the Arts: theatre, music, dance, cinema, multimedia and visual arts are celebrated in this diverse art fair that focuses on contemporary creations. Artists and performers are invited to break away from their usual discipline and try their hand at something new, resulting in an exciting programme of unusual and innovative performances.

Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition: this annual music competition sees a variety of piano, voice and violin concert performances held at venues across the Belgian capital, with an additional category for composition. It is not easy to get hold of tickets for this venerated event, but it is projected live onto a vast screen at the Grand-Place on the final day for all to enjoy. 

Fête de la Musique: another musical extravaganza held in June, this vibrant summer event features pop, jazz, hip-hop, salsa, funk, classical and contemporary performances all over the city. The first day sees performances at the Grand-Place in Brussels and in Mons, while performances on the following days are hosted at venues throughout Brussels and its five central suburbs.

Festival Couleur Café: over 50,000 visitors and roughly 500 artists attend this effervescent June festival that celebrates multicultural food and music from all over the world.

Ommegang Pagent: since 1549, the Ommegang Pageant has been Brussels’ major annual event and visitors flock to the city each year to catch a glimpse of this spectacular ‘walk about’. Although the pageant allegedly originated as a medieval religious ritual, it now focuses on local folklore and cultural heritage, with craftsmen, tradesmen and crossbowmen dressed in traditional dress and armed with the tools of their trade. A limit of 3,000 spectators are permitted to view the event, so if you wish to attend it is essential you book beforehand via the Belgian Tourist Office.

Meyboom Celebration: this traditional event celebrates the anniversary of a wedding that took place in 1213. According to local legend, the wedding party was ambushed by a group of youngsters who were later fought off. As a token of gratitude to their saviour, Saint Laurence, the wedding couple continued to plant a maypole on his saint’s day each year and the tradition is still continued every August at the Grand-Place. 

Eu’ritmix European Rhythyms Festival: this riotous celebration of European music and culture features over 60 free outdoor concerts at the Grand-Place, with performances by artists and groups from all over Europe. 

Brussels Marathon: the annual city marathon starts at 09:00 at Cinquantenaire Park and winds its way through the city centre’s parks and avenues, terminating at the Grand-Place.

Book Fair: the September Book Fair is entirely different to the Brussels Book Fair that is held at the beginning of the year and focusing on rare, ancient and illustrated books rather than contemporary literature. Held at the Palais des Beaux-Arts, this three-day event attracts a multitude of serious collectors and over 80 book dealers.

Eureka: featuring approximately 800 participants from all over the world, this fascinating science and technology fair is held annually at the Brussels Expo and showcases the latest trends and innovations of the modern world.

The Brussels Christmas Market: held at the Grand-Place, this market is an essential stop for visitors that happen to be in the Belgian capital over the festive season. The traditional market encompasses a wide variety of stalls selling both new and antique items as well as numerous food booths and performances from musicians and jugglers. It is a great place to pick up Christmas gifts or simply enjoy the atmosphere.