What’s on this week: 10 to 16 October

BRUSSELS

Discover some of the best bits of Brussels’ 19th century architecture during the ANTE Festival. This sister event to the wildly successful spring BANAD festival that whisks the public behind the usually closed doors of Art Nouveau and Art Deco treasures honours outstanding heritage sites from 1870 to 1920. Via guided tours and talks, you can explore a plethora of styles from neoclassical and eclecticism to neo-Gothic, Neo-Flemish Renaissance and Neo-Egyptian. Among emblematic sites exceptionally open to the public are the Royal Place, the Masonic Lodge Les Amis Philanthropes (pictured) and historic art schools. 11 & 12 and 18 & 19 October, across Brussels

For its 22nd edition, the 10-day multidisciplinary Festival des Libertés focuses on the theme ‘dialogue’ in a diverse programme of shows, concerts, documentaries, conferences, talks and performances. Highlighting exchanges that involve listening and risking confrontation in order to better understand and move forward, the festival includes 15 enlightening talks that address friction in our society, including gender inclusion, the rise of the far right, tensions between unions and employers and secularism. Among the musical moments are Biga*Ranx, DJ Sister Nancy, The Congos, Femi Kuti, La Femme and a homage to Kurt Cobain in Come As You Are. 9-18 October, Théâtre National, Boulevard Emile Jacqmain 111-115

Europalia Espana has lifted off with the groundbreaking exhibition Luz y Sombra. Goya and Spanish Realism at Bozar. More than 70 paintings and prints by Spain’s most influential artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries are shown alongside a multitude of works by his contemporaries and artists that have been inspired by him. Together, they explore Spanish culture and identity and how Goya’s trademark humour and sarcasm remain a key element of the nation’s character. This is an expansive and rich show: the flagship event for the extensive multidisciplinary arts festival staged across Belgium. Until 11 January, Rue Ravenstein 23

Whether or not you actually love science, you’ll have a blast at the I Love Science Festival, three days of activities designed for the curious. Themes this year include art, air/space, humanity, ingenuity, nature/environment and technology. Pedal, climb or spin on space bikes, explore a real cave in VR, build a climate-proof Lego city or test the power of the wind by building the blades of a turbine. Interactive booths, workshops, talks and demonstrations are free and for all ages.  10-12 October, Tour & Taxis, Rue Picard 11

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium’s new series ‘Collection Meets’ creates a pertinent dialogue between the works of young South African artist Bonolo Kavula and Belgian modernist Georges Meurant (1948-2023). Inspired by the Brussels geometric painter’s contrasting hues, Kavula has introducing colour into her own installations; minimalist textile works intersecting weaving, printmaking and sculptural practices. This inaugural dialogue is housed in a permanent space dedicated to modern and contemporary art that will be updated every six months. Until 8 March, Rue de la Régence 3

Contemporary art space La Centrale presents La Friche la Galaxie (pictured), the first major solo exhibition in Brussels by Michel Couturier (1957–2024. Focused on work from the last 10 years of his life, it includes photography, videos, some 40 drawings and a new series of digital prints. Exploring the poetry of improbable spaces, fragmented architecture, horizons criss-crossed by flocks of birds, his urban landscapes are peppered with familiar and surprising objects. Also showing at the art space is a photo and video installation by Brussels-based Cuban artist Làzara Rosell Albear. Until 22 February, Place Sainte-Catherine 45

Cinquantenaire Park hosts the annual ode to Bavarian beer and bonhomie Oktoberfest Brussels 2025. With original Munich beers, regional specialties such as pretzels, white sausage and pork knuckles, as well as traditional brass music, it promises some Bavarian tradition in an international setting. This year’s edition is dedicated to inter-European dialogue so get ready to mingle! 15-25 October 16.00-23.00, Cinquantenaire Park

The Bridge Theatre’s autumn production tick, tick… BOOM! is a raw, urgent and deeply human musical by the late Jonathan Larson. Set in 1990s New York, it recounts the story of Jon, an aspiring composer, who is feeling the pressure to succeed before he turns 30. While waiting tables, he struggles to finish the musical he hopes will change everything. But time is ticking — his girlfriend wants to leave the city, his best friend has chosen a corporate path and Jon is torn between security and a dream that may never come true. A rock music score accompanies this semi-autobiographical story directed and choreographed by Ewan Jones. 14 October to 2 November, Stassart House, Rue du Stassart 34 (Ixelles)

The fascinating albeit fearful topic of Commercial Aviation Security is next on the agenda for the International Study Group. International risk advisor William Sandover looks at some of the situations behind the headlines of ‘Black Swan’ events, such as the Korean Air Lines flight shot down over Russia in 1983, the disappearance of MH390 and the German Wings and the Air India crashes. With European airports currently facing a wave of incidents involving drone incursions and cyberattacks, the subject is perennially topical. Non-members are welcome and pay a €15 fee on entry. 13 October 10.00, Chateau Malou, Allée Pierre Levie 2 (Woluwe-Saint-Lambert)

Looking ahead: Korea Unboxed: Scoop the Trend lifts the lid on the fascinating and vibrant Asian country. The second edition of the Korean Cultural Center’s flagship festival showcases K-Beauty, K-Food and K-Tourism. Professional make-up artists demonstrate K-pop and K-drama idol looks, a travel focus on the island of Jeju explores its natural beauty and numerous attractions, and nine rice-based companies showcase the versatility of the food staple in Place de Chapelle. 18-19 October 12.00-20.00, Rue de la Régence 4 & Place de la Chapelle

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Prolific British artist David Hockney takes centre stage at Mons’ exhibition Le Chant de la Terre (The Song of the Earth) for a joyous exploration of the profound relationship between man and nature. This luminous show showcases the 88-year-old’s recent paintings and iPad landscapes, in dialogue with similar expressions by other artists, notably Van Gogh, Munch, Meunier and Northern Symbolist artists. Reinforcing their intimate relationship with nature is Gustav Mahler's 9th symphony, also known as the Song of the Earth, that serves as a central thread and soundscape for the exhibition. Until 25 January, Rue Neuve 8, Mons

Following editions in Brussels and Leuven, the Writers Festival of Belgium heads south to Namur for the annual literary gathering. Among the published authors giving talks and workshops are Dionysios Kalamvrezos, RHea Bravo, Claire Ruwet, Kevin Chen and Jean Jeauniaux. Culture journalist Ana Fota discusses ‘No Art, No Future’ and Bulletin editor Sarah Crew and festival director Alia Papageorgiou talk Namur, journalism and the river. The one-day event concludes with the announcement of the festival’s short story competition. 11 October 11.00-17.00, MusAfrica and Bibliothèque Céléstine, Rue du Premier Lanciers 3B, Namur

Wander among the stunning pyramids of flowering plants for sale during Flanders Garden Festival in Beervelde Park. It’s one of Belgium’s most popular gardening events for a reason: Aside from plants, flowers and other gardening paraphernalia, you’ll find culinary delights, crafts and antiques and a wealth of entertainment for the young and the not-so-young. In other words, it’s a garden event for people with or without a garden. 10-12 October, Beervelde-Dorp 75, Lochristi (East Flanders)

The often overlooked experience of thousands of people who fled Belgium at the outbreak of war in 1914 is recounted in the exhibition Displaced. The Belgian refugees of the First World War at Ypres’ In Flanders Fields Museum. Up to a quarter of the country’s population went to live primarily in France, the UK and the Netherlands, with many never returning home. Their stories are told through personal accounts, brought alive by nine illustrators. Until 14 June, Grote Markt 34, Ypres (West Flanders)

Immerse yourself in the natural world thanks to the Festival International Nature Namur . It kick offs with a gala evening, complete with film concerts, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of RTBF’s series Le Jardin Extraordinaire. The 31st edition continues with screenings of professional and amateur films, photo exhibitions, talks, nature and kids’ activities. Head to Terra Nova at the Citadel for a nature village from 15 to 19 October, which hosts tours and free activities. 11-18 October, Le Delta, Avenue Fernand Golenvaux 18 & the Citadel, Namur

Forest Therapy is the practice of slowing down, awakening the senses and reconnecting with ourselves and with nature. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing), it is a science-based framework which supports physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing. The practice also holds space for healing and nourishing experiences to arise. Certified forest therapy guide, George Biesmans, is leading three Forest Therapy walks in the Tervuren Arboretum this month. They are free and donations are welcome. Click here to find out more and sign up. 11 & 15 October, 9.00-12.00, Tervuren

Discover more upcoming events at The Bulletin's events page.

Photos: (main image) Loge Maconnique des amis philanthropes ©EB Urban media; Meurant Meets Kavula ©Royal Museums of Fine Arts Belgium Jelle Van Seghbroeck; Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (1746–1828), Disparate femenino, serie Disparates, n. 1, photo ©Fundación Ibercaja, Zaragoza; David Hockney exhibition ©BE_Culture