From a writer's festival to eclectic architecture and a city-wide celebration of electronic music, this weekend is the ideal time to explore the best of Brussels before the weather turns inevitably Belgian.
Arts, music and culture
Nuits Sonores, various locations around Brussels, until 15 October
Nuits Sonores & European Lab Brussels is back for its sixth edition, conceived and created by the teams at Arty Farty Brussels and Bozar, offering a cultural and artistic journey at iconic venues throughout the city.
Credit: Juliette Valero / Nuits Sonores
Nuits Sonores combines electronic and contemporary music, local and international scenes, while placing a strong emphasis on reflection and debate at the heart of the festival.
This year's line-up welcomes techno icons Richie Hawtin, David August and Boys Noize, as well as new starts such as Haai, Joey Rebelle, Le Motel, Skee Mask and Vegyn. There will also be a range of workshops on writing and media independence and influence on Europe.
Find more information here.
Flagey Choir Days, Flagey, Friday 13 to Sunday 15 October
Curated by Lionel Meunier, the Flagey Choir Days showcase world-renowned choirs performing baroque and contemporary repertoire. Belgian early music vocal ensemble Vox Luminus will kickstart the festival with a stunning performance of Cavalieri's Rappresentatione di anima e di corpo on Friday – the first oratorio to combine scenography, dance and music at the beginning of the 17th century.
Flagey Academy Youth Choir (Above) and Vox Luminis & Lionel Meunier (Below). Credit: Johan Jacobs / Flagey
The festival's grand finale will unveil the world premiere of We were – a new creation by the acclaimed composer and artist in residence David Lang. The Choir Days pass includes access to all the festival's concerts (as well as the film screening 'Youth').
Find more information here.
Writers Festival of Belgium, Press Club Brussels Europe, Friday 13 to Sunday 15 October
After a successful first edition last year, this festival celebrates the written word in the heart of Europe and brings Belgium's writers communities together.
Authors will give talks, screenings, panel discussions and workshops on a variety of themes, such as Paul Caruana Galizia's 'Death in Malta - who would silence a journalist?' on Friday, Dionysios Kalamvrezos's How does one write about a pandemic in the past? on Saturday, and Katja Knezević's poetry workshop on Sunday.
Credit: Writers Festival of Belgium
On Sunday, there will also be a nature walk and and poetry writing workshop in the Sonian Forest with writer Emma Woodford, starting at 10:00 and finishing around midday.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Brussels Biennale of Eclectic Architecture (BBEA), various locations in Brussels, until 15 October
Organised by Explore.Brussels and spread over two weekends, the second edition of the BBEA will provide an opportunity to discover the emblematic creations of Brussels' eclectic architectural movement (1840-1914).
This weekend, the guided tours will explore the architectural gems hidden in the communes of Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, Etterbeek and Anderlecht that are usually closed to the public, including buildings such as the former homes of architects Paul Saintenoy and Jean-Baptiste Timmermans, and the Résimont house (now Prague House).
Maison Timmermans. Credit: BBEA
The event aims to be accessible to all and will therefore feature guided tours adapted for the visually and hearing impaired, organised at the Hôtel du Gouverneur de la Banque Nationale de Belgique and the Ancien Palais du Comte de Flandre.
Find more information here.
I Love Science Festival, Tour & Taxis, Friday 13 to Sunday 15 October
With experiments, laboratories, events, debates, demonstrations, workshops and exhibitions all on offer, this festival will immerse visitors in the world of science and technology. This year's fifth edition will be packed with interactive stands, presenting everything from chemistry to coding, space, artificial intelligence, robots and environmental experiments.
Credit: Eric Danhier / I Love Science Festival
From glass engraving workshops and making animated films to acoustic painting, there really is something for everyone. The festival is for people of all ages and entrance is free.
Find more information here.
Festival Artonov, various locations in Brussels, until 15 October
The Artonov Festival is inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, with objective is to combine music, theatre, circus, dance, fashion, culinary and visual arts, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in Art Nouveau and Art Deco houses and other remarkable venues across Brussels.
The festival presents a dozen original and innovative artistic performances featuring young people and professionals. It aims to offer artists, and primarily emerging artists, the opportunity to develop their artistic projects in a spirit of collaboration between generations, nationalities and artistic disciplines.
Credit: Festival Artonov
For its ninth edition this year, Artonov will focus on the concept of beauty of threshold and the aesthetics of setting limits. There will be acrobatics, dance and cinematic performances, installations, and creative workshops, all in unique venues.
The programme includes new works by Tomoko Sauvage and Elise Peroi at Maison Hannon, creations in two buildings designed by architect Strauven (House Saint-Cyr and his personal home), and performances by Silvia Costa at the Mercerie, among others.
Find more information here.
