For those registered (or obliged) to vote in the local elections, heading to the polls will be one of the main activities on this weekend's agenda. But there are plenty of other activities and events happening in Brussels in the coming days. Find our favourites below.
Art, music and festival
Festival des Libertés, Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles, until Saturday 19 October
This festival is one of the highlights of Brussels' autumnal cultural calendar. While music plays a key role in the event – which opened with Buena Vista Social Club's Eliades Ochoa on Thursday – it goes further than traditional festivals by mobilising all forms of expression to highlight the state of rights and freedoms around the world.
Credit: Festival des Libertés
There will be an array of documentaries (including about North Koreans trying to escape their country), debates on 'wokeism' and ecological transitions, shows and exhibitions, all taking place in the iconic Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles in the city centre.
Find more information here.
Abrupt Festival, various locations in Brussels, until Sunday 13 October
A new kid on the block, Abrupt is an initiative by the non-profit organisation Arty Farty Brussels, which also blends music (upcoming artists, unconventional sounds and contemporary music) with visual arts and public discourse.
Credit: Abrupt Festival
The first edition boasts a curated and diverse line-up with several musical performances, club events and talks by local and international artists and speakers, spread over several unique Brussels venues, from Bozar to Reset and Ancienne Belgique.
Find more information here.
MUZ1K1030, GC De Kriekelaar, Saturday 12 October
Another newcomer on the scene is the MUZIK1030 festival in Schaerbeek, which is organising its second edition this weekend. The performers are all hand-picked by local (music) collectives, promising a fantastic line-up.
Diese Mbangue. Credit: MUZ1K1030/ Fabien Braeckman
From Niña Maleza's music rooted in Latin America to Mama Bishop's funky music and JLB Riddim's horns serving up an unmissable reggae and ska party, the amount of talent at this event is bursting at the seams. For smaller festival-goers, there is a children's concert with Brava, glitter, bands and a musician duo.
Find more information here.
Alternative festivals
I Love Science Festival, Tour&Taxis, until Sunday 13 October
Get ready for a full immersion in the world of science! People of all ages are invited to Tour&Taxis for this free festival, where 60 partners covering a wide range of themes will be setting up labs, hosting experiments and organising workshops.
Credit: visit.brussels
From a life-size role-playing game on the future prospects of humanity and a chance to step into the shoes of a CSI to a Lego workshop to build your own spaceship, this is an event unlike any other!
Find more information here.
Tashweesh Festival, Beursschouwburg, until Saturday 12 October
Beursschouwburg is staying true to its disruptor status this weekend. It is hosting Tashweesh festival for the third time, bringing together feminist voices to speak out and perform, in line with the definition of the Arabic word tashweesh, which means rustling, hubbub, or murmur.
Credit: Tashweesh Festival
This year's edition, curated by artist Ichraf Nasri, will put a spotlight on and encourage conversation around ecofeminism and decolonisation. The line-up includes looped screenings of Palestinian films that challenge oppression, activists from the SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa region) envisioning a political and feminist future and a performance by Palestinian artist Marah Haj Hussein on the effect of languages on oppressive environments.
Find more information here.
Durga Puja, Jette, until Sunday 13 October
Brussels' Durga Puja event – a vibrant cultural event held in autumn in West Bengal (India) celebrating Goddess Durga's victory over evil – is one of the biggest in Europe. The tradition, recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, blends devotion, art and community spirit.
Credit: Durga Puja Belgium
The Durga Puja event organised by Tero Parbon – the Probashi Bengali Community in Brussels – features traditional rituals and prayers honouring Goddess Durga, handcrafted products and elaborate pandals (temporary structures created for the Goddess), and Bengali music, dance and theatre performances. A rich array of traditional Indian food will also be served up.
Find more information here.
