Upcoming Events

Get Real with Belgian Beer in New York City!

Get Real’s Belgian Beer Festival is happening July 8-9 at The Altman Building (135 West 18th Street) in NYC. This granddaddy of Belgian beer festivals will feature 100+ Belgian and Belgian-inspired brews from craft breweries near and far. There will also be plenty of tasty Belgian bites from local NYC restaurants and specialty food shops. Purchase tickets at http://grbf.eventbrite.com and use code 'VisitBelgium' for $15 off all ticket types.

Music Festivals All Summer Long

Take in the sounds of soothing classical music during the Midis/Minimes Music Festival (July 1-Aug 31) in Brussels or jam at the alternative music festival of Dour (July 14-17), French rock at Francofolies de Spa (July 20-24) and the international sounds of the Esperanzah! (Aug 5-7) music festival in Floreffe. The city of Dinant is the place to be during the Jazz Nights Festival (July 15-18). For more concerts and shows in Belgium, also visit Bozar, Ancienne Belgique, Sherpa or Botanique.

Every Reason is a Good Reason to Celebrate in Belgium

Traditions have a special place in Belgian culture. Each year in Brussels the colorful Ommegang Pageant (July 5-7) celebrates the visit of Emperor Charles V in the 16th century with a procession where participants dress in traditional period costumes. Other traditions are a bit more festive, like the Brussels Beer Weekend (Sept 2-4). During this weeklong celebration many small, medium and large Belgian breweries present their best selections.

Formula 1 Races to Spa-Francorchamps

The Belgian Formula One Grand Prix of Spa- Francorchamps, beginning August 26 through August 28, is the marquis sporting event of the year for locals and international visitors alike. Discover the track known as the most beautiful in the Grand Prix circuit and watch the best F1 drivers compete for the top spot!

Insider Scoop

Summer Sun & Lots of Fun in Brussels!

Brussels becomes a seaside retreat from July 1 through Aug 7 with Bruxelles les Bains. Beach-lovers visiting and living in Brussels can head down to this urban beach for a day of sun, sand, music and sports. The spirit of Aperos Urbains is all about meeting new people and discovering Brussels' beautiful parks, famous statues and charm. Mix and mingle every Friday through Sept 2.

Brussels After Dark

Any beer connoisseur will tell you that Brussels' Delirium Cafe is a must, with over 2,000 beers on the menu. A La Mort Subite is a typical Belgian cafe named after a dice game onced played by the patrons. Near the Grand Place at the end of a narrow alley, you will find Au Bon Vieux Temps, a tiny cafe with beautiful old world charm. Just across from the famous Mannekin Pis statue, take a moment to have a beer at Poechenellekelder, one of Brussels' most highly rated bars. 

A Relaxing Stay in Brussels & the Ardennes

Bed & Brussels will help you feel right at home in the center of the European capital. They have comfortable bed & breakfast accommodations that fit every taste and style. Or to get out of the city look to Ardennes Etape for a vacation rental house nestled away in the picturesque countryside of French-speaking Belgium, just waiting to be discovered.

Brussels' Design September

Now in its fifth year, Design September is a month-long celebration of design creativity in Brussels. The Festival will include exhibition opening, film screenings, debates and studio visits. During the weekend of September 24 and 25, a shuttle bus will be available to take visitors to each of the iconic designer shops in Brusels.

Brussels Joins the White Nights Europe Network

Brussels, along with Amsterdam, will join the White Nights Network on October 1. This cultural and artistic project invites visitors to stay up for a night of visual art, music, installations, performers and fairground arts in various public spaces.

Coming Soon!

The Smurfs and Tintin Hit the Big Screen

The Smurfs movie, opening July 29, follows the blue crew as they struggle to get out of the New York City and find their way home, starring Neil Patrick Harris and the voices of Katy Perry, George Lopez and more! The Adventures of Tintin follows the boy reporter through his first encounter with Captain Haddock, in this film, opening on December 23, from Steven Speilberg and Peter Jackson.

Introducing the Belgian Year of Gastronomy in 2012

Mark your calendars, Brussels and French-speaking Belgium are dedicating 2012 to the flavors of Belgian cuisine!Brusselicious 2012: A Gourmet Odyssey will bring the capital to life with the Brussels Food Tramway, Beer Cafés Rally and beer & chocolate tastings. Wallonia will celebrate with exhibitions on the dialogue between art and gastronomy and explore the links between the culinary arts and design.

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Press & Trade Contact:

Katie Papadopoulos

212-758-8130 x11

katie@visitbelgium.com

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