September marks the subtle arrival of autumn, bringing with it the start of the school year and the resumption of daily activities. But there’s no need to worry, Brussels is always brimming with surprises. This month, your routine will be anything but monotonous, as the city promises an array of exciting experiences to keep your days lively and vibrant.
Some of our favourite events are back – Heritage Days, new season of concerts in the beautiful Citizens’ Garden, Brussels Art Square in Sablon, Multilingualism Day, as well as some new arrivals such as an amazing Terracotta Army exhibition in Brussels. Read on and mark your calendars!
This year marks the 36th edition of the Heritage Days on September 14 and 15. Urban invites you to explore a rich and diverse program of guided tours and cultural events, broadening your understanding of what defines new heritage. More info: https://www.europeanheritagedays.com/fr
As part of Mobility Week, Brussels will host the Car Free Sunday on September 22, turning the entire Brussels Region into Europe’s largest car-free zone. It’s a chance to rediscover the joys of walking, biking, or using public transport in a peaceful city, and to embrace active mobility! More info: https://mobilityweek.brussels/
Celebrate linguistic diversity at the European Parliament’s Multilingualism Day on September 27-28, 2024! Discover how the Parliament operates in 24 languages, meet interpreters, and visit the Hemicycle. Join online workshops on Friday, then explore the Parliament in Brussels on Saturday. Don’t miss this unique event! Check out the program here: https://visiting.europarl.europa.eu/en/event/brussels/multilingualism-day-2024
MUSIC, FOLKLORE & SPECTACLES



Concerts in the Citizens’ Garden continue this September! From Monday to Thursday, you will find classical music performances by different musicians and ensembles in this hidden oasis in the heart of the bustling EU Quarter. Enjoy world-renowned musicians from Brussels and beyond perform in an intimate outdoor setting, featuring an eclectic mix of styles, from classical to opera, jazz and world music. From September 2-26. Weekly schedule: https://visiting.europarl.europa.eu/en/events/brussels/citizens-garden-concerts
Immerse yourself in an African experience for a weekend. On August 31 and September 1, the L’Afrique en Couleurs festival returns for its 9th edition at Tour & Taxis – Place de la Musique. Let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of performances, concerts, and shows, and discover a rich and varied cuisine that reflects the continent’s diversity. More info: https://www.teroubi.be/festival-afrique-en-couleurs-2024
If dancing is your passion, especially street and urban styles, don’t miss the 15th anniversary edition of the Detours Festival. Until September 22 at Place de la Bourse, this event will feature dance battles, innovative urban dance performances with original music, and much more. It’s the perfect chance to experience street performances and connect with the urban dance community. Explore the activities here: https://www.detoursfestival.be/programme/
Every summer for 26 years… Bruxellons! This theatre festival at Château du Karreveld features nearly a hundred performances across about fifteen shows. Join us until September 28 to enjoy amazing productions and musicals with live orchestras. More info: https://www.bruxellons.be/
Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Latin America at Fiesta Latina in Brussels. From September 6 to 8 at Carrefour des Attelages – Bois de la Cambre, this third edition of the energetic summer festival promises a weekend of music, dance, and delicious Latin cuisine. Enjoy thrilling dance shows, Latin dance workshops, and more. Make it an unforgettable weekend by checking out all the activities here: https://www.visit.brussels/fr/visiteurs/agenda/event-detail.Fiesta-Latina-Summer-Edition-2024.50011888
September opens with Brussels’ most vibrant folkloric event: the Ilot Sacré Festival. From Thursday, September 12, to Sunday, September 15, 2024, this annual celebration takes over Rue des Bouchers and surrounding areas in the historic city center. Don’t miss it! Check the full program here: https://www.brussel.be/traditionele-feesten-van-het-ilot-sacre
Head up to the Bozar Rooftop at the Palais des Beaux-Arts for breathtaking views, a drink in hand, and an eclectic mix of music. Enjoy a variety of concerts, from jazz to electro, running until September 29. Discover the full concert program here: https://www.bozar.be/fr/calendrier/bozar-rooftop
From September 26 to October 13, experience the Artonov Festival, inspired by the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements that define Brussels’ architecture. Immerse yourself in this interdisciplinary festival. To see the program, click here: https://www.festival-artonov.eu/
Fêtes Romanes 2024 is back! The must-attend street arts event returns with theatrical, juggling, and acrobatic performances. This edition explores themes of family, travel, satire, transformations, and life journeys, all infused with authenticity, laughter, and absurdity. A clever investigator and an unforgettable melody will guide you through the weekend of September 28 and 29. Check out the program here: https://www.wolubilis.be/a-voir/fetes-romanes-2024/
BRUSSELS IN JAZZ
Jazz and Comic. This exhibition explores the deep connection between jazz and comic art, showcasing how they influence each other’s atmosphere and iconic figures. The Comic Art Museum features Belgian creativity and diverse styles in collaboration with the Maison du Jazz, illustrating how comic artists use line and color to reflect jazz’s rhythm. Don’t miss it until September 8, 2024. More info here: https://www.brusselsmuseums.be/en/agenda/jazz-comics
New Flagey season starts with jazz in September and October! Drummer and producer Tom Skinner opens the new season of Flagey on 14/09 with Voices of Bishara. On 27/09, the French composer Chassol brings the world of the legendary painter Jean-Michel Basquiat with Chassol plays Basquiat. On 5/10, the visionary flutist Naïssam Jalal enchants the listener with her latest album Healing Rituals. Finally, on 18/10, jazz pianist Brad Mehldau and his legendary trio bring an unforgettable performance full of virtuosity and emotion. More info: https://www.flagey.be/en/program/53-jazz
If you’re passionate about music, don’t miss the Marni Jazz Festival 24 from September 12 to 21 at the Marni Theater. Experience a symphony of genres and artistic freedom as a diverse lineup of Belgian musicians push boundaries to create an unforgettable sensory experience. Check out the program here: https://theatremarni.com/Marni-Jazz-Festival-2074
Until September 25, catch Jazz in the Woods, Vol. 5 at Le Kiosque in the beautiful Bois de la Cambre. Delight in live jazz and blues every Wednesday evening amidst nature, with food, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere. No reservations needed, just come and enjoy! More info : https://www.in-the-woods.me/
Prepare for the 38th edition of the Saint Jazz Festival, making its way back to the renowned Botanique and Jazz Station in trendy Saint Josse from September 20 to 22. Immerse yourself in three evenings of varied performances, showcasing a range of artists who fuse jazz, swing, funk, soul, rhythm, and groove. Experience the captivating rhythms of both local and international talent. More info here : https://saintjazzfestival.be/
FOOD & DRINKS
Kick off September the Belgian way—with the Belgian Beer Weekend ! From September 6 to 8, head to the Grand Place for a beer celebration. With over 50 brewers offering more than 500 unique beers, this event is your chance to sample everything from classic favorites to innovative new brews. Find more details here: https://www.belgianbeerweekend.be/
If you love food and drink, the Eat Festival returns for its 13th edition, offering a four-day gastronomic extravaganza from September 26-29 at the stunning Gare Maritime in Tour & Taxis. This event is a unique opportunity to explore a different side of gastronomy, with exclusive 3 to 5-course menus crafted by top Brussels chefs, pastry chefs, and cheesemakers. More info: https://www.brussels.be/eat-festival
Join the Wanderlust Festival on September 7 and 8 at the Vismet / Marché du Poisson, with the goal of breaking the world record for the largest beer tasting! Enjoy music, artisanal beer, and great company in this lively celebration. Don’t miss out! For more info, click here: https://beerproject.be/pages/beer-festival-wanderlust
Vegan Street Festival will take place in the heart of Brussels on 14 September. The festival has emerged as an annual highlight for vegans as well as curious foodies looking to discover plant-based cuisine. More info
ARTS & CULTURE



The 32nd Exhibition of Monumental Sculpture is taking place in a beautiful landscaped environment of Square Armand Steurs in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode. This square is already a popular venue for sculpture enthusiasts in Brussels. This year’s edition brings together 33 sculptures, as well as a monumental installation. Discover works by 27 renowned sculptors in this unique landscape environment featuring some great artworks. Access to the expo is free and you can also meet the artists at the opening on Saturday 31 August from 11 a.m. From August 31 to September 30. More info.
For fans of comics and music, the Comic Strip Festival is a must-see from September 6 to 8 at Gare Maritime in Tour & Taxis. Enjoy around fifty exhibitors, talks, signings, and fun for kids, including workshops, indie comics, a manga zone, and an international pavilion, all under giant comic book hero balloons. More info: https://www.visit.brussels/fr/visiteurs/agenda/bd-comic-strip-festival
Brussels Art Square is back for its 19th edition! Discover over 10,000 years of art history during 4 vibrant days which unites around 60 galleries in the Sablon district of Brussels. Brussels Art Square (B.A.S) honors Sablon’s distinctive charm and brings it to the greater spotlight to this unique neighbourhood. September 20-22. More info: https://www.brusselsartsquare.com/
Bozar Family day. Bring the whole family to Bozar for a day of festive fun and creativity on September 22 at the Centre for Fine Arts – Bozar, Brussels. With lively performances, fanfare music, and various workshops, Bozar Family Day is crafted to inspire and entertain both children and parents. Discover the activities here https://www.bozar.be/en/calendar/family-day-2 for the perfect chance to explore art and culture together in Brussels.
Bellum et Artes – Europe and the Thirty Years’ War. The House of European History has a new temporary exhibition Bellum et Artes (War and Arts), about the role of the arts during the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). More info
Josef and Anni Albers: Iconic Couple of Modernism. The Boghossian Foundation presents Belgium’s first exhibition of Josef and Anni Albers’ work. Discover the art of these modernism pioneers in a more intimate light at Villa Empain, running until September 8. More info: https://villaempain.com/en/expo/josef-and-anni-albers/
Expo: Multitude – VHILS. MIMA museum presents a solo exhibition by Alexandre Farto aka Vhils. Spread across the museum, visitors can encounter wall carvings, billboards, cityscapes, videos and installations offering a compelling insight into the Portuguese artist approach to the relationship between people and cities. Until January 2025. Info: https://www.mimamuseum.eu/
Festival ‘The Gaps of Memory’. From September 3 to 5, this festival honors the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Brussels. Cinéma Vendôme and Irdecof Productions commemorate this milestone with a selection of films and hundreds of hours of interviews with Resistance fighters from World War II, along with a collection of 20 films accompanied by historical photographic archives. More info here: https://www.cinema-vendome.be/festivals/les_trous_de_la_memoire
New expo in town! Step back 2,200 years and explore ancient China with the Terracotta Army exhibition in Brussels! Discover the grandeur of the Terracotta Warriors and the legacy of China’s First Emperor. Opening is scheduled for October 7 at Tour & Taxis, 86C Avenue du Port. Don’t miss this extraordinary journey! More info & tickets here: https://terracotta-exhibition.com/
Transpoesie festival: official opening at the Citizens’ Garden. Transpoesie celebrates the unique relationship between poetry, nature and architecture, creating living environments that inspire and ignite the imagination. This year’s edition will focus on surrealist poetry and linguistic diversity to mark the centenary of the birth of surrealism. Opening on September 26, 17:00 -18:30. More info: https://visiting.europarl.europa.eu/en/brussels/transpoesie-festival-at-the-citizens-garden
Folon – A Trip to Brussels. 2024 marks the ninetieth birth anniversary of legendary Belgian artist, illustrator and sculptor Jean-Michel Folon. In retrospect, the Folon Foundation, along with three museums in Brussels has arranged for exhibitions showcasing Folon’s works until this September 29th. There is also a route with twenty Folon sculptures which can be followed from Galleries Royale Saint-Hubert to Mont des Arts and the Sablon square. Info: https://fondationfolon.be/
Elliot Erwitt: A Retrospective. This exhibition features 215 black-and-white and color photographs, highlighting the most iconic themes of American photographer Elliot Erwitt’s work. Discover how his images capture the essence of daily life with humor, wit, and humanity through unexpected compositions. Until January 2025 at Grand Place 5. More info: https://expo-elliotterwitt.com/bruxelles/en/
Magritte Immersive Experience. Immerse yourself in the surrealist art of René Magritte at the Galerie Horta until September 28. This exhibition offers more than just viewing – you’ll experience his iconic works in a completely new way, literally walking through his art. As a symbol of Belgium and Brussels, this is a unique opportunity to engage with Magritte’s work like never before. Don’t miss it! https://magritte-expo.com/bruxelles/
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic invites you to explore immersive wizarding environments with interactive technology that reveals hidden details. Experience the magic until December 31! Check it out here: https://harrypottervisionsofmagic.com/be/nl/
FASHON & DESIGN
September 1st is a must for clothing and vintage enthusiasts. Head to Rue de Ligne 8 for the Brussels Vintage Market, where over 50 vintage exhibitors and new designer creations await. Explore a treasure trove of unique finds and incredible deals. For more information, click here: https://brusselsvintagemarket.be/agenda/september_edition_2024/
The 18th edition of Brussels Design September, running from September 12 to 30, explores new trends and addresses contemporary design issues with a focus on engagement and innovation. Discover the field’s creativity and its pressing questions. More info : https://designseptember.be/en
For more inspirations and latest updates, be sure to follow our Instagram account @welovebrussels and our Facebook page. You can also consult our special Brussels music agenda with latest concerts, festivals and other events in the upcoming weeks.