Strike

Basically it's a public transport strike, but a lot of people will probably be "sick" that day as well and take it off.

There will be protests in central Brussels, but that is hardly surprising.

You want to be careful to avoid any large industrial sites, and don't go anywhere near Charleroi, Mons or Liege.

I'm sure your local newsagents will be open, so you can probably buy your "foreign magazine" as usual.