Brussels Entertainment

For all its institutions, Brussels is an extremely lively and exciting city after dark, with plenty of nightlife districts that all have their own distinctive ambience. Live music is a staple at many of the pubs and bars, while the performing arts scene is world-class. Brussels also hosts many spectacular festivals throughout the year. For details on up-to-date schedules, venues and other details, pick up a copy of the city’s free Bulletin publication at your lodgings or at a tourist information office.

Nightlife

You’ll never run out of great drinking establishments in Brussels, with the city renowned for its ‘brown cafés’ where patrons can knock back a Koninck or two in the marvellously boisterous atmosphere. There are also plenty of bars, clubs and discos that feature live music according to their theme; jazz and blues are quite popular. The nightlife scene doesn’t get underway until after 22:00, as Belgians tend to eat quite late. The most popular nightlife districts are the Grote Markt and the Handschoenmarkt.

Theatre and music

Brussels boasts one of the best performing arts scenes in Europe, and there is always a constant array of programmes on offer. Opera, ballet, theatre and classical concerts are available most weeks of the year, with many events hosted by the magnificent Théâtre de la Monnaie, a famous opera house.

For something out of the ordinary, try the family-run Théâtre Toone, which has been producing puppet theatre shows for eight generations. During intermission you can check out the delightful puppet museum or sidle up to the grand old bar. Both theatres are located in the Lower Town district, although the Upper Town area has some quality venues of its own, such as the Palais des Beaux Arts and Conservatoire Royal de Musique.

Festivals

Brussels has a full calendar of fabulous annual festivals and events, with all the usual European holidays celebrated as well as plenty of important Belgian national days. There are also quality film and music festivals as well as exciting sporting events.

• Brussels Film Festival: while it doesn’t draw the Hollywood crowd, this film festival is very popular with European film-makers and audiences. Additionally, you can catch glimpses of some of Europe’s top actors and actresses more easily than you can do at Cannes (January).
• Antiques Fair: the pre-eminent annual market for antiques, this fair has some of the rarest and most sought after period furnishings, décor, books, memorabilia and art. There is also a wide selection of ethnic artefacts from across the world (February).
• Animation and Cartoon Festival: a must for any fan of cartoons and animated movies is this interesting festival, which showcases over 100 films of various eras and genre each years (February/March).
• Ars Musica: in addition to playing host to a wide variety of internationally-acclaimed classical musicians, this concert series allows guests to meet and chat with the artists before and after the concerts as well as during intermissions (March/April).
• Jazz Marathon: lasting three days, this jazz festival has several famous acts each year and is located in various venues spread across the city. As the name suggests, the music is non-stop over 72 hours (May).
• Concours Musical International Reine Elisabeth de Belgique: one of the world’s most famous classical music competitions, this event features dozens of the finest exponents of each of the traditional instruments, with a special emphasis on the violin, piano and voice (May).
• Ommegang: perhaps the most famous festival in Brussels, this extravaganza sees parades of participants dressed in period costumes marching up to Grand Place. The festival started out as a celebration of the return of a statue, the Virgin, to Brussels from Antwerp in the 14th century, but has now evolved into a general celebration about everything Brussels. There is plenty of drinking, eating, dancing and singing (July).
• Planting of the Meiboom: a unique event that culminates with the planting of a maypole at the corner of rue des Sables and rue du Marais. Many revellers follow the maypole on its journey, partaking in drinking, dancing and singing (August).
• Festival van Vlaanderen: the Flemish festival is an important yearly event celebrating all things Flemish including art, dance, music and cuisine. The festival is held across many cities and towns in the north, and features participants from across the world (September to November).
• Jazz Festival: lasting for a month, this jazz music festival features dozens of concerts and some of the world’s most famous jazz musicians. The event is held in a variety of venues across the city (October/November).
• Le Marché de Noël: this Christmas market and festival gets residents and visitors alike into the festive season spirit with plenty of food, drinking and music. The event lasts three days before the main Christmas tree is erected and the central Grand Place area is turned into a magical ice-skating rink (December).