This is no run of the mill weekend in Brussels – the region celebrates its cultural heritage through a range of festivities. Packing in Labour Day and Brussels Iris celebrations, lost for plans is the last thing you will be this jam-packed weekend.
Arts, music and culture
Horst Arts & Music Festival, Asiat Park, until Saturday 3 May
Vilvoorde's renowned music extravaganza returns for its eleventh edition, set at the architectural spectacle on the green grounds of Asiat Park. Spotlighting artists creating visual art to musical marvels, the festival includes the likes of Four Tet, Hamed Dehqan and Nathaniel Moore, and Marilyn Minter covering all bases from deep house to high-energy techno.
Promising a line-up of cutting-edge producers, musicians and innovative DJs', this weekend will be one for the books. Sadly, tickets are sold out but it's worth looking around for any spares.
Find more information here.
Brussels Porn Film Festival 2025, various locations, Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 May
Encouraging open and socially-aware discussions around sexuality and pornography, this unique film festival fills the weekend with screenings, activities such as pimp-your-padel workshops, parties, and a kitschy market spanning over two days.
Credit: Brussels Porn Film Festival
Returning for the fourth edition, alternative film screenings will take place in a selection of the cities revered independent cinema including Galeries, Nova and Aventure, with events at dance club Madame Moustache. Prepare to discover ethical pornography through a lens that liberates and fights discrimination against marginalised bodies.
Find more information here.
Les Liaisons Joyeuses, various locations Friday 2 - Sunday 4 May
Directed by Frédérique Lecomte, this selection of theatre works brings together the voices of those lesser heard, with more than 60 participants of varying backgrounds to create a "living fresco of society."
Credit: Les Liaisons Joyeuses
With mingling genres blurring the lines between stereotypical structures, the project aims to tighten community values and create something beautifully vulnerable.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Open air Fête, Vauxhalles, Sunday 4 May
Located in the lush Royal Park, the former performance theatre takes on a new lease of life throughout the spring and summer months as a live music venue. An opening event of the Iris Festival, Belgian talent company Brussels Calling hosts a tune-stacked open air party with a set due to bring the party to life featuring house beats and electro-synth bangers from 14:00 into the night.
Credit: GuinguettesBarc.be
The set includes performances of Jekkamai, Fraud Syndrome, VTT, and Raql and is held in collaboration with Flora THC spirits. Grab a beverage and move your body to the unbeatable DJ sets.
Find more information here.
OneMay Festival, Varkensmarkt, Thursday 1 May
Labour Day celebrations culminate at Saint Catherine's 'Pig Market,' platforming a rich combination of Belgian rock and pop sounds including the Guy Swinnen Band, Phoenician Drive, and Kaat Van Stralen to name only a few. Highlighting the socialist holiday in all its excellence, the event gathers crowds from all walk of life and age ranges.
Credit: Bronks
The child-friendly event food ensures trucks will provide drinks, Belgian fries, and Asian dishes to tickle all tastebuds.
Find more information here.
An unmissable celebration!
Iris festival, various locations, Saturday 3 - Sunday 4 May
Ushering in the new season (and mostly improved weather), Brussels Iris festival embraces all that makes Brussels the cultural capital that it is. From free concerts scattered throughout the cobbled streets to soapbox racing, and child-focused activities there is no way you'll find yourself bored this weekend.
Credit: Visit Brussels
Notably, the Iris Tipik Elektro night at Place des Palais on Saturday 3 May is a must-see, featuring Fatboy Slim, the Magician, and Nathalie Duchene.
Find more information here.
Kidical mass, various locations/from Woodpecker Kiosk at Bois de la Cambre, Sunday 4 May
If you have young ones to entertain, don't miss Kidical Mass. A younger sibling of Critical Mass, this group cycling ride invites children to safely ride the streets with their bicycles in a show of force for cycling in the city. Families can ride and can explore the varying neighbourhoods of Brussels from Louise to the European Quarter. The 6km journey comes to a halt in Brussels' Royal Park where the party kicks off with live DJ's, a unicorn bike float, food trucks and cake to feed some hungry bellies.
Credit: Kidical Mass
Providing the ideal opportunity for young ones to socialise, get some exercise, and learn to navigate the city, this family-friendly day out is bound to be a hit.
