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 The spring of contemporary music |
203 Galerie Louise, 203 / 1 Brussels 1050 Belgium +32 (0)2 219 2660 http://www.arsmusica.be/en/fes... |
Also known as "the spring of contemporary music," the ARS Musica festival has carved out a reputation all over Europe as a must-attend event. Every year, it brings together works by famous composers and those who are penning the sounds and scores of tomorrow. Conductors and performers, also carefully selected, turn each concert into a unique and unforgettable evening: world premieres are not uncommon. Admission: tickets available at concert locations. Reductions available for youngsters under 26, senior citizens, groups with more than 15 people and the unemployed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Renowned antiques fair |
32 Rue Ernest Allard 32 / B (Organisers) Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 513 4831 http://www.antiques-fair.be/ |
"This annual antiques exhibition and market brings together Belgium's best-known dealers at the Palais des Beaux Arts Bruxelles. You'll find everything from rare coins from Tradart, armour and weapons from the Kyoto Gallery, jewelery from Antwerp's Adin, furniture from Alain Contardo to artwork ranging from the European masters to lesser-known avant-garde works from all manner of collectors and galleries. Admission: Individuals EUR10, Groups EUR5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Irene Mangion |
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Music-lovers meet at Sablon |
Place du Grand Sablon Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 507 8200 http://www.pbl-festival.be/ |
For one week, this original festival brings music-lovers to various venues around the Sablon, the focal point of the classical arts in Brussels. Lunchtime concerts focusing on chamber music allow young professional ensembles to show off their talents. At 6:30pm, aperitif concerts reveal small groups of musicians from the Royal Conservatories. Evening performances given by prestigious orchestras are staged in the halls of local churches, well-known for their centuries-old charm. Some concerts are free. The program is available in the art galleries of the Sablon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Celebrating cinematic excellence |
8 Rue de la Comtesse de Flandre 8 (Organisers) Brussels 1020 Belgium +32 (0)2 201 1713 http://www.bifff.org |
The Brussels International Film Festival previews films from around the globe, while maintaining its local flavour with Belgian Focus. The competition is guaranteed to produce its usual trove of cinematic discoveries, plus previews of films still to go on to the Cesars, Oscars and Golden Globe awards. For a schedule and ticket prices, visit the website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Blake Ethridge |
 Photo: Blake Ethridge |
 Photo: vaniboo |
 Photo: vaniboo |
 All that Brussels jazz |
Various Venues Brussels Belgium +32 (0)2 513 8940 (Informatie voor toeristen) http://www.brusselsjazzmaratho... |
The Brussels Jazz Marathon each May is one of the main cultural events taking place in the city of Brussels. This popular spring happening attracts more than 250,000 jazz-fans to the capital. As many as 400 musicians unfold their talents on 60 stages located in venues throughout the city. The entrance ticket to the Brussels Jazz Marathon offers more than 100 concerts and free access to the "Jazz Marathon" buses (as well as the public transport) joining the different "hot" spots across the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carolyn Hack  |
 Photo: Bill Lee |
 Photo: James Siddle |
 Photo: anthonioo & Mei-Ling |
 Photo: Bryant Quan |
 Photo: pat fuller |
 Photo: francesco truono |
 Photo: Michael Remy |
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Cultural Center |
81 Rue de l'enseignement Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 02 218 2015 http://www.cirque-royal.org/in... |
The venue hosts concerts and exhibitions from artists all over the world. There is seating on 4 levels, all of which are the same price whether on the ground floor or in the balcony. Check out their calendar of events for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Best of world music |
4 Avenue Ernest Claes Tour & Taxis Brussels 1160 Belgium +32 (0)900 2 6060 (Informatie) http://www.couleurcafe.be/ |
For three days in June and July, Brussels is transformed into an unspecified, but warm, hot, exotic city. The world music festival Couleur Café brings together a variety of groups, performing on 3 stages (in tents for 12,000, 4,000 and 2,500 people). Past acts have included Alpha Blondy, The Wailers, The Skatalites, Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Fred Wesley and Youssou N'Dour. But even more than music, this great festival provides a fantastic atmosphere, with world cuisine, cocktails, shops and fireworks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dudley Curtis |
 Photo: Frank Dhooghe |
 Photo: Christopher Soghoian |
 Photo: Peter Forret |
 Photo: Aeclectrick Records |
 Photo: Riccardo Bonuccelli |
 Photo: Riccardo Bonuccelli |
 Photo: Cheryl Cooper |
 Photo: Pieter Dewulf |
 Photo: Cathérine Felden |
 Photo: Bie Van Giel |
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Sun block cinema |
26 Galerie de la Reine, 26 Arenberg Galeries Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 512 8063 http://www.arenberg.be |
Enjoy an opportunity to escape the hot, summer sun by attending the Ecran Total (Total sunblock) cinema festival. Held for 10 weeks at the Arenberg Galeries/Galeries d'Arenberg, the screenings include new releases, retrospectives, film classics and children's favorites. The event attracts some 26,000 annual visitors. Four different films are shown at various times each day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Summer Fun In The City |
14 Grand Place 14 (Organisers) Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 552 0000 http://www.euritmix.be/ |
From the Palais des Beaux-Arts/Paleis voor Schone Kunsten to the Grand-Place/Grote Markt, the capital's most prestigious venues play host to the concerts of this excellent festival organized by the City Fine Arts Aldermen. Every evening during this time, the festival presents a "Music and Light" evening in the wonderful surroundings of the Grand-Place. The first performance is the renowned free "La Monnaie/De Munt" concert in Brussels Park. The timings vary according to event. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Melissa_bel |
 Photo: Thibault Cordonnier |
 Crossroads of cultures |
23 Rue Ravenstein, 23 Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 507 8595 http://www.europalia.be |
Theatre productions, music concerts, painting exhibits, film screenings, dance recitals and much, much more are part of this massive arts festival that takes place primarily in Brussels. Part of Belgium's cultural scene since 1969, this diverse and rich event draws thousands of tourists and city locals to see the art explosion. A different country is invited each year to provide the theme. The fest is four months long, so there are lots of opportunities to get in on the creative action. Ticket prices vary by event; call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Le.Mat |
 Photo: raluca nagy |
 Photo: Rebecca Sheridan |
 Photo: Stefaan De Clerck |
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Traditional European event |
Place St. Catherine Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 513 8940 (Tourist information) |
This festive and traditional annual Christmas market on the impressive Place St. Catherine is a must-see. The lively and lit-up vibe of the massive old square features merchants and artisans from all over Europe selling new and antique items for the holiday. There are also side attractions such as jugglers, musicians and savory food booths for sampling local specialties. The special Christmas traditions of Europe's diverse cultures are all represented. Entrance to the event is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Emmerson |
 Photo: Mark Emmerson |
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A Francophonic Celebration |
20 Rue de l'Armee Grouchy (Organisers) Brussels 5000 Belgium +32 (0)81 73 3781 http://www.festivaldewallonie.be |
Belgium's Walloon community celebrates its culture and historic monuments during this classical music festival. Concerts are scheduled in Brussels and throughout Wallonia including Namur, Liége and Nivelles. This popular festival showcases new talent, as well as offering visitors and locals the chance to see international stars. In Brussels, some venues include Cathédrale des Saints Michel et Gudule and Egmontpaleis / Palais d'Egmont. Admission is EUR17 (depending on performance). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 For kids great and small |
Boulevard du Midi Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 513 8940 (Informatie voor toeristen) |
The largest fair of the country, Foire du Midi offers everything a kid, big or small, could dream of. Hundreds of fairground attractions, both hyper-modern and traditional, and lots of stands selling the traditional fairground food: croustillons, macarons, waffles of all sorts, etc. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Frank Dhooghe |
 Photo: Séverine Pouplard |
 Photo: nil ramos |
 Photo: Alain Wibert |
 Photo: Philippe Feyaerts |
 Photo: Fabrice Dumont |
 Photo: Amy Dokken |
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Three-day musical feast |
Grand Place Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 209 1090 http://www.fetedelamusique.be/ |
This European event is held throughout the continent - it is a free event, open to any participant (amateur or professional) who wants to perform. It brings together all styles of music and targets the entire population, from all social backgrounds. Locations include streets, parks, courtyards, museums and castles. The event welcomes all styles of music: traditional, pop, jazz, rock, rap and techno. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeremie Malengreaux |
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Beautiful market |
Place Sainte Catherine Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 513 8940 |
The Christmas Market is a wonderful cozy place to do all your Christmas shopping. There are stalls from lands such as Austria, Germany, Ireland and Italy where you can learn how different sorts of handmade products are made. At the market you can learn how to make Glühwein, an English Christmas Pudding or even American Christmas decorations. There is something for everyone. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.fototineke.be |
 Photo: www.fototineke.be |
 Photo: Marcin Piwonski |
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The latest in arts |
18 Handelskaai 18 Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 219 0707 http://www.kunstenfestivaldesa... |
This annual festival is held to showcase contemporary art in all its possible forms: theatre, music, visual arts, dance, film, opera and of course in this day and age, multimedia. This is an international festival that does not want to only show local culture but also that of other communities forming part of this city. You can see creations by artists from around the world at more than 20 venues. The splendid Maison du Spectacle: La Bellone, located on the Rue de Flandre, will serve as the centre of the festival. Admission depends on each performance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Emmanuel Crollen |
 Photo: paula bouffioux |
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Belgium's National Day |
Rue de la Régence Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 513 8940 (Informatie voor toeristen) |
Although this National Festival held each year on July 21 is celebrated in all regions of Belgium, it is, of course, in Brussels where most of the exciting action happens. Every year, the celebrations take place in the Rue de la Régence and include street theatre, puppets and folk dances, among other fun performances. Additional activities, military parades (beginning at 3p) and processions take place in front of the Royal Palace. By far, the highlight of the day is the fantastic fireworks display on the Place des Palais at 11p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: G.A.A.S |
 Photo: Michel Godfroid |
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Open air art movies |
31-33 Rue d'Arenberg 3 Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 511 2477 http://www.nova-cinema.org |
Cinema Nova, housed in Rue d'Arenberg (in the very heart of Brussels), is one of the places to be for filmfreaks of the capital. During summer, the theatre is closed; films move to open air. Four weekends from 11 August to 2 September their small festival pleinOPENair highlights a particular theme. Every Friday and Saturday, the festival camps out in the neighbourhood of a different little Brussels station from the grey, desolate European Union neighbourhood to the everyday charm of a forgotten sports field in Kuregem. Admission is free, and festivities start at 8p with live music. If the festivities are flooded, the movies are repeated on Sundays in the theatre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kiff ta race |
 Photo: richard milan |
 Photo: tom dube |
 Photo: chiakishots |
 Photo: Andrea Marelli |
 Photo: David Pfau |
 Photo: erelevil |
 Photo: Janus |
 Photo: Offscreen Filmfestiv |
 Photo: Chroma Key |
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Parade for the King |
Huidevetterstraat 180 Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 512 1961 http://www.ommegang.be/ |
This major event, held annually for three days beginning on the first Tuesday in July, started long ago as a tribute to the royal family. That was in the 1500s and the medieval fun hasn't stopped since. Nowadays, the highlight of the festival is still the 'walk-about' parade on the Grand Place; folks from all social stations (from the royal family to struggling students) rub elbows while awaiting the event. The procession features local artisans, craftspersons and castle guards dressed in period clothes and carrying the traditional tools of their trades. Flag bearers still carry the vivid colors of their liege, and palace guards still ride upon the fully-draped horses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: charles.six |
 Photo: Miron Podgorean |
 Photo: mag8_2 |
 Photo: Xavier Damman |
 Photo: Martin Thomas |
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Royal music competition |
20 rue aux Laines Brussels B-1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 213 4050 http://www.qeimc.be |
This prestigious and world-renowned music competition for violinist, pianist, composers and singers takes place annually in the Royal Music Conservatory and Palace of Fine Arts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A million begonias on Grand Place |
Grote Markt Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 513 8940 (Informatie voor toeristen) |
Every two years, Grand Place turns into a gigantic flower carpet—300 square metres large, consisting of nearly one million begonias. These beautiful, yet remarkably tough flowers are just laidt on the cobbles, and still they smile and shine for a period of four days. The carpet's design is the work of horticultural experts from Ghent, a city renowned all over the world for the quality of its begonias. The best place to get a really great view of this truly magnificent visual experience is from the balcony of City Hall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Vladimir Blagojevic |
 Photo: Eisei. |
 Photo: でんたく |
 Photo: Meri Gallego |
 Photo: Bonnie Chan |
 Photo: JeanM |
 Photo: Eisei. |
 Photo: mike krzeminski |
 Photo: Rafael Gonzalez |
 Photo: Tom Kurland |
 Photo: J-J G |
 Photo: Bruce Charter |
 Photo: guillaumeo |
 Photo: Andreas Langer |
 Photo: Vincent D'Haeyere |
 Photo: Catharina Nes |
 Photo: Shawn Fuller |
 Photo: Marco Santoro |
 Photo: mlmphotographie |
 Photo: Leopoldo Esteban |
 Photo: Louise Van Grootven |
 Photo: Lucy Mallows |
 Photo: foaud |
 Photo: www.Kmeron.com |
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Brussels on its head |
Rue de la Caserne 37 Kazernestraat Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 214 2007 http://www.zinneke.org |
Join in the fun, it's party time in Brussels. Held once every two years, the wildly outrageous Zinneke Parade, promises once again to be a fun fest for the young and old. Through five Brussels communes (Anderlecht, Ixelles, Molenbeek, Saint-Gilles and Schaarbeek) weaves this spectacle of costume and colorful floats. Everything goes in decorating the floats, with this sole condition: all carts have to be driven by human muscle or invention. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christophe Legasse |
 Photo: han Soete |
 Photo: axel cleeremans |
 Photo: axel cleeremans |
 Photo: esdanitoff |
 Photo: Dries Willems |
 Photo: Annette Poro |
 Photo: Frédéric Vandendris |
 Photo: Thomas van der Straten |
 Photo: info@gamfolio.be |
 Photo: Mark Kinsella |
 Photo: jlefebvre43 |
 Photo: Jana Kukuckova |
 Photo: Eddie Janssens |
 Photo: Phil H |
 Photo: terpino |
 Photo: cindy larrat |
 Photo: Steven Broekx |
 Photo: antonin nehring |
 Photo: jossedeparis |
 Photo: Neil Maclean |