Visit Belgium Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events

January	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September	October	November	December

And more events in 2011

August	Place	Events
1	Wallonia	MUSICA MUNDI: A chamber music festival for young musicians held in beautiful locations such as Chateau du Lac, Chateau La Hulpe and Concert Noble in Brussels.
1-15	Florenville-Chiny-Herbeumont	FLORENVILLE-CHINY-HERBEUMONT FESTIVAL:For 20 years, a series of classical concerts are being organized in various places at Chiny, Florenville, and Herbeumont. There will also be a theatre piece at the Castle of Orval with the Compagnie des Galeries.
6-8	Gouvy	GOUVY JAZZ-BLUES FESTIVAL: The Gouvy Festival is one of the oldest jazz festivals of Belgium and has welcomed many big names in past years. Many famous jazz musicians have given an international dimension to this extraordinary festival. It takes place in the Ardennes countryside, on the estate of the Madelonne farm. Friday and Saturday are devoted to jazz and Sunday to blues. The mix of quietness and quality music gives the Ardennes even more colour.
6-8	Floreffe Abbey (Namur)	ESPERANZAH! FESTIVAL: Esperanzah! is a festival for dedicated, nomadic and varied music styles and invites you to a world tour with new voices, different sounds and foreign and inventive rhythms. The international programme includes about twenty concerts of famous as well as new artists.
9	Brussels	MEYBOOM: The planting of the May tree is a famous festival that has been taking place in Brussels since 1213. The procession with the May Tree departs from the Comic Strip Museum at 2:00 pm and marches to the Grand Place and returns to the corner of the Rue des Sables & Rue des Marais where the tree must be planted before 5:00 pm. The meyboom festivities continue until late at night.
12-15	Liege	FETES DU 15 AOUT: This festival is one of the liveliest and most vibrant in the Liège region. With flea markets, puppet shows, traditional dances, concerts and a variety of other activities. Everyone is welcome!
13-15	Brussels	FLOWER CARPET ON THE GRAND PLACE: A million begonias for one single carpet? The Flower Carpet on the Grand Place is certainly an extraordinary achievement and not to be missed. The famous Carpet of Flowers covers 300 m² right in the centre of the Grand Place.
13-17	Rossignol	GAUME JAZZ FESTIVAL: The Gaume Jazz Festival offers a blend of Belgian and European jazz in one big artistic event. This is truly an appointment in your cultural and tourist agenda this summer that you simply cannot miss. This edition takes place at Rossignol, in the "Gaumais micro-climat" of Tintigny, between Florenville & Arlon, Virton & Neufchâteau. Free for children accompanied by their parents!
13-22	Brussels	BRUSSELS SUMMER FESTIVAL (EU'RITMIX): This music festival has more than 280 free concerts in a diverse range of music styles - rock, world music, jazz, hip hop, folk and reggae. It is also a meeting place for different forms of artistic expression including street theater, traveling groups, a circus and more.
14-17	Anvaing	THE FESTIVAL OF 100 BEERS: This weekend-long festival includes a morning bike race, casino games, "The Quest for 100 beers", an evening dance, and ends with the 100 beer BBQ.
15	Public Holiday	ASSUMPTION DAY
15	Dinant	28th INTERNATIONAL BATHTUB REGATTA: The regatta is made up of a fleet of floating bathtubs with unusual and original decorations. This hilarious competition on the River Meuse starts in the afternoon. Admission is free.
21	Brussels	CITY PARADE: One of the biggest techno festivals in Wallonia with over 100 DJs. The opening party, parade, and closing festival are all free to the public.
21-22	Chassepierre	ARTIST FESTIVAL OF CHASSEPIERRE-INTERNATIONAL STREET ARTS FESTIVAL: During two days, the whole town is put in a whirl by the arrival of some 200 nomadic artists who have chosen to live outside and who turn it completely into a theatre. Chassepierre is the oldest festival of this kind in Europe.
22	Ath	GOUYASSE VESPERS & PROCESSION OF THE GIANTS (FAIR) - DUCASSE OF ATH: This remarkable event dates back to the fifteenth century and presents the Giants of Ath to the public. One of these giants is no other than the renowned Gouyasse, (Goliath). The following day the spectacular traditional cortège will take place. A magnificent parade featuring the giants of the town in the company of floats and a multitude of different groups. A real crowd puller.
23	Brussels	3RD ANNUAL URBAN BBQ : Giant barbecue in the Park of Brussels in a great atmosphere. 5 chefs will prepare delicious recipes ( Yves Mattagne " Sea Grill" ** Michelin - Kristof Begyn & Didier De Roover: " Kijk Uit " - Gaëtan Colin " Jaloa " - Michel D " L'Atelier de Michel " & Constantin Erinkoglou: " Notos" Bib Gourmand Michelin )
27	Viller La Ville	CHORAL EVENINGS: Six music concerts and a magical fireworks show in the beautiful setting of the Villers La Ville Cistercian abbey.
27	Brussels	MEMORIAL VAN DAMME-ATHLETICS MEETING: Annual international athletics competition.
27-29	Spa	THE BELGIAN FORMULA 1-GRAND PRIX OF SPA: The Belgian Formula One Grand Prix of Spa- Francorchamps is a mythical event where every year numerous exciting surprises await you. Discover the best track where the best F1 pilots ride!
All month	Brussels	FOIRE DU MIDI: This annual street fair is fun for the whole family with games and rides, local food, and music! On Boulevard du Midi from 3pm until 1am daily, July 17 to August 22.
All month	Brussels	EXHIBITION : WHALES & DOLPHINS : Immerse yourself in the world of mammals, which have become fully adapted to life in the water: whales and dolphins. Ends August 29.
All month	Brussels	BELGIUM ROLLER PARADE: From July 1 to August 26, put on your roller skates to participate to the almost traditional hikes at the heart of the most beautiful cities of Belgium. The 10km circuit ends with a fiesta in the city centre.
All month	Brussels	EXHIBITION SIXTIES! LIBERATING COLORS : During the 1960s western women experienced liberation in fashion. They won the right to wear trousers, uncross their legs, take long strides..The Costume and Lace Museum retraces the path followed by this liberation process through its collection.
All month	Brussels	ROYAL PALACE OPEN TO PUBLIC: Open every day, except on Monday from 10 am to 5 pm - Entrance free.
All month	Brussels	MUSIC VILLAGE JAZZ CONCERTS: A series of 12 jazz nights with live music in the center of Brussels is organized by and at the Music Village. Discover the universe of jazz in the land where the saxophone was invented.
All month	Brussels	MINI EUROPE BY NIGHT: Every Saturday from July 26 - August 24th, Mini Europe opens its doors to visitors in the evenings for a magical light show. Mini Europe is a fun, family attraction where the most famous monuments in Europe are scaled down to miniatures.
All month	Brussels	BIOGEOSAFARI: An exciting game and new way to explore the city. Fifty clues in the form of riddles, lead you to different stop-off points around the city. At each point, and according to the instructions, you will have to answer a question, or take a photo in order to collect points and prizes.
All month	Brussels	MARCEL BROODTHAERS: An exhibit honoring one of the greatest Belgian artists of the 20th century. Broodthaers excelled in creating works with objects from everyday life: bricks, eggshells, sponges, plaster, newspapers etc. Open July 2 to September 26.
All month	Brussels	CHARLES VAN DER STAPPEN: The exhibition features the work of Charles Van der Stappen, whose eclectic style has categorized his works between Realism and Art Nouveau. Open July 2 to September 26.

September	Place	Events
2	Tournai	GRAND HISTORICAL PROCESSION: Historical parade in honor of the Virgin Mary who saved the city from the plague.
2	Brussels	DE 3 EN 3: For Mexico's bicentennial independence and centennial revolution celebration, Javier Martin is invited to exhibit his 'De tres en tres' art collection. His sculptures suggest new ways to disover places around the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels. From September 2 to Novermber 28.
3-4	Wardin	WARD'IN ROCK FESTIVAL: From alternative rock to metal passing by pop
3-5	Brussels	BELGIAN BEER WEEKEND: The Belgian Brewers' association and the 'Chevalerie du Fourquet des Brasseurs', in collaboration with the City of Brussels organizes the annual Belgian Beer Weekend on the Grand'Place. Many small, medium-sized and large Belgian breweries will present their best selections of beers. Beer aficionados should also check out our Beer Lovers guide.
4	Liege	EXPO SOS PLANET : Beginning September 4 until May 1, 2001. The aim of the exhibition "SOS Planet" is to evaluate the situation, find out credible paths to follow for the future of the climate and make most people aware of the climate stakes in the future. The new TGV railway station of Liege-Guillemins will host the exhibition.
4-5	St. Hubert	INTERNATIONAL HUNT, NATURE DAY & HISTORICAL PARADE: Hunting horn bands, blessing of the animals, folklore groups and a parade evoking the life of St. Hubert fill the day in this quaint French-speaking Ardennes town.
5	Bastogne	LA BASTOGNARDE: Belgium's biggest annual mountain-biking event. Starting off in the town of Bastogne, the one-day gathering is open to everyone, from amateurs to hardcore cyclists.
7-17	Brussels	KLARAFESTIVAL: The 6th edition of the KlaraFestival, International Brussels Music Festival has an unconventional and highly innovative approach by leaping from classical to world music to jazz and even pop.
9-19	Liege	ETNIK'ART: Liege will host the new edition of an original modern art event, Etnik'Art. Experience this art through painting, sculpture, music, dance, party, and philosophy.
9-30	Brussels	DESIGN SEPTEMBER: Design September is an annual appointment for the design market and the industry players as well as for the general public interested in design. Expos begin on September 9th.
10-12	Erquelinnes	HOPS FESTIVAL IN VAL DE SAMBRE : Great hops festivity with best-gatherer contest: a unique event in Wallonia! All amazing animations throughout the weekend: music, guided tours of the brewery, hot-air balloons with first flights opportunity, handicraft exhibitions and demonstrations, street animations.
11-12	Wallonia	HERITAGE DAY : This event will allow you to discover or rediscover the wealth of the cultural heritage of Wallonia. About 480 activities are being organised with numerous animation all weekend long.
11-12	Brussels	COMIC STRIP FESTIVAL: Brussels will host around 70 comic strips characters such as Tintin, Spirou, and the Smurphs! A great opportunity to discover all the famous Belgian comic strips in a festival atmosphere. Fireworks, sound and light show, plus the Ballon's Day Parade will warmly welcome anyone willing to experience the new edition of the Comic Strip Festival.
16-22	Brussels	EUROPEAN DAY : A SUNDAY WITHOUT CAR: Brussels and othe participating cities will encourage the use of public transportation for a full week. Sunday, September 19, the government will delimit a zone of the city centre, banning all car traffic excluding taxis and journey buses from from 9 am till 7 pm. The public transport of the STIB and De Lijn will be free on that day. Mobility Week is September 16 to 22. Car-free Sunday is September 19.
18-19	Durbuy	BEER,BREAD & CHEESE FESTIVAL : Discover of regional products (beer, bread and chees) during a sampling trail, all weekend long
18-19	Brussels	HERITAGE DAYS : The Heritage Days offer you the unique opportunity to discover many monuments and other cultural locations and admire these places that are often overlooked.
18-19	Brussels	BEAUBEAU: The amazing BeauBeau market celebrates its 5 years anniversary at the Place Royal. Innovation and handmade are the key words of this market.
23-30	Libramont	LIBR'ART: Paintings, sculptures, pictures, and many mores from 22 artists around the globe. Continues until October 3.
23-30	Brussels	LATE OPENINGS AT BRUSSELS MUSEUMS: An autumn tradition, the Late Openings at Brussels Museums lets visitors explore at least five museums every Thursday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. accompanied by a program of special activities, such as guided tours, stories and demonstrations. From September 23 to December 16.
25	Brussels	EN ATTENDANT: The famous Royal Theater La Monnaie hosts Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker's impressive dance and music performance, En Attendant. From September 25 to September 30 (except Sept 27).
All month	Brussels	EXHIBITION SIXTIES! LIBERATING COLORS : During the 1960s western women experienced liberation in fashion. They won the right to wear trousers, uncross their legs, take long strides..The Costume and Lace Museum retraces the path followed by this liberation process through its collection.
All month	Brussels	MUSIC VILLAGE JAZZ CONCERTS: A series of 12 jazz nights with live music in the center of Brussels is organized by and at the Music Village. Discover the universe of jazz in the land where the saxophone was invented.
All month	Brussels	ROYAL PALACE OPEN TO PUBLIC: Open every day, except on Monday from 10 am to 5 pm - Entrance free.
All month	Brussels	MARCEL BROODTHAERS: An exhibit honoring one of the greatest Belgian artists of the 20th century. Broodthaers excelled in creating works with objects from everyday life: bricks, eggshells, sponges, plaster, newspapers etc. Open July 2 to September 26.
All month	Brussels	CHARLES VAN DER STAPPEN: The exhibition features the work of Charles Van der Stappen, whose eclectic style has categorized his works between Realism and Art Nouveau. Open July 2 to September 26.

October	Place	Events
1-8	Namur	INTERNATIONAL FRENCH-LANGUAGE FILM FESTIVAL :Discover more than 150 short or long films and documentaries from French-speaking filmakers.
3	Brussels	BRUSSELS MARATHON: What better way is there to discover the splendid city of Brussels than to run its annual marathon? Forget the tour bus, this year you can keep fit by running through the city centre's avenues, boulevards and parks.
16-17	Marbehan	BRASSIGAUME FESTIVAL: With this festival have the opportunity to discover the small Belgian Breweries but also come to taste Belgian Beer specialities. Saturday, 2pm-11pm; Sunday, 11am-8pm.
22-24	Brussels	MODO BRUSSELS: THE DESIGNERS TRAIL: The Designers Trail is an exciting and fashion-filled three day event for artists, fashionistas, and creative thinkers alike. During these days, Brussels will be brimming with art, fashion, glamorous parties and special events. Special event details available on The Designers Trail Map.
23	Villers-la-Ville	MAGIC NIGHT AT THE VILLERS ABEY: Discover the Villers Abbey under the enchanting lights of candles and stars. While walking around, you will meet storytellers, acrobats, musicians, and many other artists who will lead you to the fairies world of the abbey.
All month	Brussels	SKODA JAZZ FESTIVAL: Enjoy jazz concerts all October long. From world famous musicians to local unknowns, these concerts in major venues across Brussels are sure to please.
All month	Brussels	EUROPE-USA : that shows the fascinating pendulum motion, the back-and-forth movement across the Atlantic by which Europeans and Americans have influenced each other in every possible way, have borrowed from each other, and in short, have made each other what they are today.
All month	Brussels	EXHIBITION SIXTIES! LIBERATING COLORS : During the 1960s western women experienced liberation in fashion. They won the right to wear trousers, uncross their legs, take long strides..The Costume and Lace Museum retraces the path followed by this liberation process through its collection.
All month	Liege	EXPO SOS PLANET : The aim of the exhibition "SOS Planet" is to evaluate the situation, find out credible paths to follow for the future of the climate and make most people aware of the climate stakes in the future. The new TGV railway station of Liege-Guillemins will host the exhibition.
All month	Brussels	LATE OPENINGS AT BRUSSELS MUSEUMS: An autumn tradition, the Late Openings at Brussels Museums lets visitors explore at least five museums every Thursday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. accompanied by a program of special activities, such as guided tours, stories and demonstrations. Until December 16.
All month	Liege	LIEGE FUN FAIR: The October Fun Fair in Liege is an enormous gatherings of young and old with nearly 150 fairground stalls set up in Avroy park. Opens at 2 pm on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Opens at 3:30 pm all other days. Click Here for discount vouchers!

November	Place	Events
1	Public Holiday	ALL SAINT'S DAY
11	Public Holiday	ARMISTICE DAY
26	Brussels	EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKET: Opening day! Winter fun, an ice skating rink and much more await visitors in the warm and friendly atmosphere of downtown Brussels. A holiday shoppers' delight! Open from Novemeber 26, 2010 until January 2, 2011
All month	Brussels	SKODA JAZZ FESTIVAL: Enjoy jazz concerts all October long. From world famous musicians to local unknowns, these concerts in major venues across Brussels are sure to please.
All month	Brussels	EXHIBITION SIXTIES! LIBERATING COLORS : During the 1960s western women experienced liberation in fashion. They won the right to wear trousers, uncross their legs, take long strides..The Costume and Lace Museum retraces the path followed by this liberation process through its collection.
All month	Liege	EXPO SOS PLANET : The aim of the exhibition "SOS Planet" is to evaluate the situation, find out credible paths to follow for the future of the climate and make most people aware of the climate stakes in the future. The new TGV railway station of Liege-Guillemins will host the exhibition.
All month	Brussels	LATE OPENINGS AT BRUSSELS MUSEUMS: An autumn tradition, the Late Openings at Brussels Museums lets visitors explore at least five museums every Thursday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. accompanied by a program of special activities, such as guided tours, stories and demonstrations. Until December 16.
TBA	Liege	LIEGE FUN FAIR: The October Fun Fair in Liege carries over into November. It is an enormous gatherings of young and old with nearly 150 fairground stalls set up in Avroy park. Opens at 2 pm on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Opens at 3:30 pm all other days.
TBA	Brussels	Sablon by night: The Sablon, one of the most beautiful districts of the European capital, organizes its famous Sablon by night. On this occasion the shops open their doors a little more to the public with the organization of numerous exhibitions, cocktails and various activities.

December	Place	Events
1-16	Brussels	LATE OPENINGS AT BRUSSELS MUSEUMS: An autumn tradition, the Late Openings at Brussels Museums lets visitors explore at least five museums every Thursday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. accompanied by a program of special activities, such as guided tours, stories and demonstrations.
25	Public Holiday	CHRISTMAS DAY
All Month	Brussels	EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKET: Winter fun, an ice skating rink and much more await visitors in the warm and friendly atmosphere of downtown Brussels. A holiday shoppers' delight! Open from November 26, 2010 to January 2, 2011
All month	Brussels	EXHIBITION SIXTIES! LIBERATING COLORS : During the 1960s western women experienced liberation in fashion. They won the right to wear trousers, uncross their legs, take long strides..The Costume and Lace Museum retraces the path followed by this liberation process through its collection. Exhibition closes December 31
All month	Liege	EXPO SOS PLANET : The aim of the exhibition "SOS Planet" is to evaluate the situation, find out credible paths to follow for the future of the climate and make most people aware of the climate stakes in the future. The new TGV railway station of Liege-Guillemins will host the exhibition.
TBA	Liege	CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN LIEGE: In the heart of the city of Liege 160 decorated wooden cottages form a magical Christmas Village throughout the month of December.