What’s on this week: 25 September to 1 October

Anyone interested in design, art, furniture and jewellery can head to Brussels Design Week (BDW), the capital’s annual celebration of design. Formerly known as Design September, it boasts more than 100 events and some 300 designers, paying particular attention to Belgian artists as well as to international craftsmen. One highlight is Curated at Mix Brussels, an exhibition by more than 30 designers, artists, collectors and architects, directed by Lionel Jadot. The festival is hosted by AME – the new home of all-female coworking space WOMADE at 3 Rue de la Grosse Tour.  Until 4 October, multiple locations

The Grand Place is transformed into a live music arena for the Wallonia-Brussels Federation’s national holiday. Performing at the free concert honouring local cinema 130 years after the Lumière brothers’ first public screening in Belgium, are Anouk, Blu Samu, Brussels Film Orchestra, Dyna, Lewis and The Soul Caravan, Essyla, Grand Corps Malade, Loïc Nottet, Marguerite, Mentissa, Noé Preszow, Olivia Stone, Pierre de Maere, Swing. The music event is the highlight of a cultural programme spanning the two regions. 25 September 19.30, Grand Place

Rare artworks travelled from South Korea to Brussels for the exhibition Korean Traditional Painting in Alter-age: Pure and Hybrid. A collaboration between the Korean Cultural Center Brussels and the Ilmin Museum of Art, it explores how painting continues to evolve through reinterpretation. Traditional art is presented in dialogue with contemporary works; echoes of the former evident in the ornamentation, minimalism and repetitive brush strokes of the former. Until 13 November, Rue de la Régence 4

The Sablon quarter celebrates its arty credentials during the annual Brussels Art Square with more than 60 galleries opening their doors. International galleries participating in the 20th anniversary edition hail from Vienna, Switzerland, London and Paris. Items on display include sculptures, paintings, jewellery and furniture. 24-27 September, Sablon district

The long overlooked contribution of women set designers to the performing arts in Belgium is the subject of the insightful exhibition Dessiner la scene – Femmes scénographes 1927-2026. Part of the ‘Her Stories’ initiative and La Cambre’s centenary celebrations, it offers a gender-focused perspective on set design, and importantly also serves as a manifesto. Archives, scale models, drawings and photos are juxtaposed with interviews of contemporary women in the profession. Until 23 October, ENSAV La Cambre, Avenue Louise 425

London-based artist Tim Braden presents a selection of landscapes, portraits and still life paintings at the Nino Meir Gallery. Entitled Contre-Jour, the solo exhibition references Braden’s 2026 still life that typifies his practice; the desk of his former studio covered by postcards, articles, photographs and painting tools that pay homage to the many artists and places that continue to influence his work. Until 31 October, Rue Ernest Allard 25

Wolubilis cultural centre invites the public to the 50th edition of Fêtes Romanes, a free weekend of francophone street theatre performances for all ages. The convivial festivities offer folklore, children’s shows, concerts, poetry and readings, as well as a flea market, stands by various associations and a crafts market. Every corner of the venue is transformed into a vibrant and colourful stage. 27-28 September, Cours Paul-Henri Spaak 1 (Woluwe-Saint-Lambert)

As its name suggests, Woofstock is a canine festival for dogs, their owners and anyone who loves the four-legged creatures. The weekend event at Tour and Taxis is packed with activities, from immersive scent experiences, doga (dog yoga) and canine massage sessions to off-lead play zones, leash work, a doggy bar and demonstrations. Quite simply, it abounds with feel-good moments for not only our furry friends! 26-27 September 10.00-18.00, Rue Picard 9

Jam Hotel’s rooftop bar Perché is sadly closing its doors to focus on outdoor after bidding farewell with a final party on Saturday evening. Since opening in 2018 as one of the capital’s first permanent rooftops, the bar boasting an elongated open-air pool, has been a popular place for glitzy cocktails with a panoramic view. 26 September, Chaussée de Charleroi 132 (Saint-Gilles)

The first major plant festival takes over the HippoDrohme Garden this weekend. Les jardins de l’HippoDrohme is dedicated to indoor and outdoor planting, and explores biodiversity and ecological practices. Local craftspeople are also in attendance. Free entrance but prior registration necessary. 26-27 September, Chaussée de la Hulpe 53a (Uccle)

Immerse yourself in the cinematic landscape of South Korean cinema during the Korean Film Week. Screening five films encompassing historical, thriller, romance and horror movie genres, the event offers a glimpse into the fascinating and rich culture of the Asian country. It kicks off with historical drama The King’s Warden by Jang Hang-jun (2026) and concludes with the mystery thriller Confession by Yoon Jong-seol (2022). 1-4 October, Palace Cinema & Cinéma Galeries

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Usher in autumn among the thousands of pumpkins used to create fun figures in the grounds of Groot-Bijgaarden Castle on the outskirts of the capital. For its fourth edition, Pumpkimania recreates a magical world filled with forest animals. There’s also pumpkin soup, fries and other treats, and on weekends, you can try your hand at carving a pumpkin and ride in the pumpkin boat. 25 September to 1 November, Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5, Groot-Bijgaarden

The historic domain of Alden Biesen in Limburg hosts the third edition of Féerie Florale. Lights & Shadows. The floral fiesta promises to be a magical experience with florists, artists and designers showing off their creations, themed Reflections of Nature. The floral works are on display in the gardens and in the stunning interiors of the heritage property. Students from various schools will also be showing off their work. 25-28 September, Grand Commandery Alden Biesen, Kasteelstraat 6, Bilzen-Hoeselt (Limburg)

Garden lovers gather at the chateau of Beez near Namur for the eighth edition of the Festival du Jardin. Horticultural specialists and other professionals in the field will be showing off their skills and their wares over the weekend, set against the beautiful backdrop of English landscaped gardens and heritage trees. Entrance €7.  26-27 September 10.00-18.00, Avenue du Château de Beez, Namur

Galerie Leurquin in Dinant stages its second group show of the year under the banner ‘Graines d’imaginaire’. Internationally-renowned sculptors and artists from Belgium and Beyond invite visitors to question their perception of the world via more than 200 artworks, many of which were specially created for the show. The gallery is housed in a charming 17th century townhouse close to the centre of the Mosan town. 27 September to 25 October, Rue A Daoust 104, Dinant (Namur province)

The International Francophone Film Festival Namur (FIFF) is an annual showcase of cinema showing off the diversity of francophone films. The theme of its 41st edition is the “the bonds that shape and unite all of us,” exploring connections in films, as well as with audiences and artists. More than 50 Belgian and international films are screened in competitions and special programmes, and the opening title is Marc Fitoussi’s new comedy Ni vue, ni connue (pictured above) The festival hub is a big tent on Place d’Armes where you can catch all the action, including DJs sets, and pick up tickets. 30 September to 4 October, cinemas across the city

Book now Following editions in Brussels, Leuven and Namur, the Writers Festival of Belgium heads to Antwerp for its annual literary gathering. Presentations and talks by festival director Alia Papageorgiou, plus Sophie in’t Veld, Helena Buckinx, Irene Favero, Dionysios Kalamvrezos, Victoria Bruce, Linda Warnier, Natalie Sarkic Todd and William Noah Glucroft. There’s also music, workshops and a walking tour by writer Derek Blyth. The event concludes with the announcement of the festival’s short story competition. 3 October 11.00-18.00, De Groene Waterman, Wolstraat 7, Antwerp

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

Photos: (main image) AME ©Be Culture; Dessiner une scene: maquette numerique pour la scénographie de Chimères et autres bestioles de Didier-Georges Gabily, mise en scene par Pacal Crochet 2004 ©Fonds privé Christine Flasschoen; Installation view of Tim Braden, Contre-Jour, Nino Meir Gallery Brussels; Demain je tombe amoureux ©Les Films Du Kiosque/Christine Tamalet