The Brussels Capital Region is celebrated throughout Belgium over weekend of the Saturday 3 and 4 May with free events for all types of people.
Named after the yellow flower commonly associated with Brussels' marshy lands, the 36th annual edition will see festivities take over the city for the two days in celebration of Brussels sprawling innovative cultural scenes.
A night of electric tunes
On Saturday 3 May from 16:30 the historic Mont des Arts will make space for its annual Iris Tipik Electro Night with a star-studded lineup including international and Belgian legends Fatboy Slim, The Magician, MYD, Nathalie Duchene, and Golden Zebra.
Credit: Iris Festival / Mathieu Golinvaux
Find more information here.
Royal Quarter festivities
Sunday will see the transformation of the Royal Park of Brussels into a variety of themes villages - from sports, culture, science, and more, with pop-ups from the universities of UCL and EPHEC.
The park's kiosk will be reimagined into a stage for bachata, Cuban dances, and Zumba sessions.
Children will be accommodated at the Kids Village - packed with creative activities to keep the little ones entertained whilst you sample local products and craftsmanship at the Iris Market. The Iris food corner will satiate any hunger after a day of thrilling activities.
Credit: Kidical Mass
The Kidical Mass children's cycling parade will end at the Village, urging children to navigate their city via a different mode of transport and socialise with free cake at the finish line.
Find more information here.
Communal celebrations
Urging Brussels residents to take trips the typically less touristic corners of the city, four communes host an array of festivities to the public with free participation.
Guided tours of the renovated Art Deco-style Forest town hall, the historic steam train, and the architectural gem that is the town hall of Saint-Gilles will be open for public visits throughout the weekend.
In Anderlecht, a walk is organised through the multicultural and mural-covered Cureghem district, followed by pétanque tournaments and live music concerts that span the weekend. A trip to the Orthodox Synagogue is a must when in the area.
Credit: La Fonderie
Molenbeek flaunts the multicultural heritage woven into its tapestry with visitations of The Church of Saint John the Baptist, Scheutbos park, and the communal cemetery, followed by live concerts with a Balkan twist.
A free guided tour of community space La Fonderie's "The history of social housing in Molenbeek" exhibition will be offered. The beautiful garden will also be filled with giant games for the children – with a coffee from their new ZOT community canteen in hand.
Iris food trucks will be scattered across the city centre and communes to grab a much needed refuel.
Transport into the city
Many roads in the city centre will be closed off over the course of the two days, so travelling by foot, bike, or public transport is advised.
Metro, bus lines, and tram will serve the city with minor diversions - ensure routes are running via SNCB/NMBS, De Lijn, TEC, and STIB/MIVB apps.
