What’s on this week: 21 to 27 November

Beneath the streets of Brussels lies the ruins of Charles V's palace, transformed since 2021 into a daring sound laboratory. Coudenberg Sound Box Fest 25 is the fifth edition of a unique festival occupying this secret world, blending early music and contemporary voices. Launching the series of Sunday evening concerts centred on the voice in all its diversity across the ages, is a programme themed La Voix de Crystal. Il Gardellino performs music by Haydn and Mozart, while the Utopia Ensemble (pictured) performs pieces inspired by Charles V. 23 November to 14 December, 18.30, Place Royale 10

As part of the extensive Europalia Spain programme, Villa Empain stages Biblioteca Nacional, an exhibition by Spanish artist Elsa Paricio (1985). No books though, the museum’s project space is packed with 1,000 glass cylinders filled with Indian ink and water taken from 500 sites in Spain. Paricio says each piece not only witnesses a different archaeological landscape but also reflects a moment in her life: “There were hundreds of possibilities, that’s why I was so addicted, and it was super exciting to see the results.” The result is a unique archive: an insightful journey into time and place.  Until 10 May 2026, Boghossian Foundation, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67 (Ixelles)

More than an exhibition, THAT’S KOREA showcases traditional and contemporary Korean crafts, from heritage masterworks to modern design collaborations. It is also an invitation to  experience the depth and creativity of Korean culture via a series of free craft workshops, including lamp making. Warning: places are being quickly snapped up! 21 November–23 January, Rue de la Régence 4

The biggest design market in Europe is on your doorstep. Dealers from across Europe come to Brussels Design Market, offering an endless array of home furnishings, from furniture to lighting to art to decorative objects. You’ll find vintage and contemporary pieces at a range of prices. Dive in and get something truly unique to express your own style. 22-23 November, Tour & Taxis, Avenue du Port 86

The EU quarter’s Association of Traders at Carrefour Jean Monnet stages the third edition of its Festival of Gifts. Over the coming weeks, shoppers and consumers at one of its 18 participating stores and restaurants, receive a voucher allowing them to participate for free in the prize-winning activity. More than 100 gifts, ranging from tech and digital goods to travel vouchers and toiletries, with a total value of €10,000, are up for grabs, with prizes being drawn on 5 December. The event, supported by the economic affairs alderman of the City of Brussels, operates in Schuman Roundabout, Livingstone Street, Ambiorix Square and Avenue de Cortenbergh. Until 5 December, EU quarter

The Cinemamed film festival is an immersion into the diverse culture of the Mediterranean basin. It opens with the film L’enfant Belier, a sensitive adaptation of the tragic accidental shooting of an Iraqi-Kurdish two-year-old during a police chase in Wallonia, known as the Mawda case. There are many other standouts on the programme, such as the documentary Ceux qui veillent (pictured), which explores the deep bond between the living and the dead at a multi-faith cemetery in Brussels. There are also special guests, concerts and workshops. 27 November to 5 December, cinemas across Brussels

The pretty historic quarter will be shining even more brightly this weekend during the annual Les Nocturnes du Sablon. Organised by shops, galleries and businesses in the quarter, this 34th edition offers late-festive late-night shopping as well as 12 chalets filled with gourmet treats and evening entertainment under a big tent, including DJ sets. 27-30 November, Place du Sablon

Book now In conversation with Colin Walsh. Wordcraft Collective's Katja Knežević talks to the author of international bestseller Kala. Walsh’s debut novel won the Irish Book Award for Newcomer of the Year, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize and named book of the year by NPR, the Guardian, Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club, GQ Magazine and the Independent. The Irish author also talks about his writing process and publishing experience. The event is free (donations welcome) with prior registration necessary. 3 December 19.30-21.00, Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35 (Saint-Gilles)

Get tix now Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai presents her latest memoir, Finding My Way. The children’s and women’s rights activist and bestselling author discusses the personal story behind her public image, exploring friendship and first loves, mental health and self-discovery, and finding your own voice in a world full of expectations. 4 December 20,00, La Madeleine, Rue Duquesnoy 14

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Fans of graphic novels and illustrations will find no better event than Grafixx, an art festival that for its 13 edition has adopted the theme ‘Signs’. From omens in nature, divine patterns and ancient myths to modern symbols and rites, humans have long searched for meaning in visual expression. International writers and illustrators explore this rich seam and also offer talks, exhibitions, workshops, screenings and performances. 21-23 November, De Studio, Maarschalk Gérardstraat 4, Antwerp

The city of Antwerp is sparkling this weekend thanks to an array of jewellery exhibitions participating in the festival Obsessed! Located across the Netherlands as well as Flanders, its 2025 edition is all about Glow-Up. Antwerp diamond museum DIVA celebrates this theme with a vibrant weekend of activities, including DJ sets. Free entry. 21-23 November, multiple locations, Antwerp

If you are dismayed that Christmas is being ushered in earlier and earlier every year, you’ll like Putteke Winter, which – as the name implies – is more about the season than the holiday. Taking place in forested recreation areas, including Provincial Domain De Ster, Sint-Niklaas (22 Nov), De Schorre, Boom (28 & 29 Nov) and Zilvermeer, Mol (12 & 13 Dec), enjoy evenings full of fire, food, light installations, live music and mysterious figures. 22 November to 13 December, across Flanders

Christmas at the Gardens of Annevoie is an invitation to Immerse yourself in a magical world with illuminations, a seasonal market with some 50 artisan chalets, a hunting horn concert and delicious bites and tipples. The festivities at the heritage site on the Meuse river are staged over two weekends, kicking off on Friday evening. Entrance €7; children under 12 free. 21-23 & 28-30 November, Rue des Jardins, 37a, Annevoie (Namur province)

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

Photos: (main image) Utopia ensemble ©Tim De Backer; Biblioteca Nacional ©Elsa Paricio; Ceux qui veillent by Karima Saidi; Grafixx2025 poster ©Martha Verschaffel - Louis Reith; courtesy DIVA museum Antwerp; Marché de Noël aux Jardins dAnnevoie©WBT-Christophe-Vandercam