Summer is fading into memory as we welcome the arrival of autumn, with its crisp air and the vibrant hues of orange, brown, and gold spreading through the trees. The familiar scent of pumpkins and the anticipation of Halloween begin to fill the air, signaling the start of a cozy and festive season. Brussels, too, is embracing this transformation, bursting with energy and creativity as cultural events pop up across the city. From art exhibitions to music festivals, the autumn season in Brussels brings a renewed sense of joy and celebration, lighting up the city with warmth and excitement as the days grow shorter. We bring you a selection of best upcoming events in town and a few picks across Belgium!
EVENTS, EXHIBITIONS & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
On Saturday, 19 October, get ready for an unforgettable night at Museum Night Fever 2024. From 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., 28 museums will open their doors, offering a wide range of programs and activities. Emerging artists and artist collectives will bring the museum collections to life with their works and performances. This vibrant evening will end with two afterparties at Botanique and C12. Discover the full program & tickets.
Expo: The Worlds of Paul Delvaux. Discover the world of Paul Delvaux from 4 October in this major exhibition at La Boverie in Liège. The expo will showcase rare masterpieces and unveil lesser-known aspects of the renowned Belgian artist, known for his surreal depictions of women and railway stations. Experience Delvaux’s influence on Surrealism and art history through a captivating display of paintings, drawings, and unique installations. More info
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 on 9 October at Tour & Taxis (86C Avenue du Port), don’t miss this a chance to embark on this extraordinary journey. More info
MAD Brussels, the center for fashion and design, is dedicated to promoting the vibrant fashion and design sector of Brussels. Its mission is to support, stimulate, and encourage creative initiatives and emerging talents in the European capital. With sustainability, inclusion, and innovation at its core, MAD Brussels is proudly presenting the FUTURE GENERATION exhibition this year, from 27 September to 16 November. Discover more
The Boghossian Foundation presents “Alechinsky, Pinceau Voyageur,” a new exhibition inviting visitors to delve into the artist’s impressive body of work, featuring an exceptional collection of approximately one hundred pieces alongside numerous archival documents amassed over the last seventy years. Celebrating the theme of freedom, the expo at Villa Empain emphasizes the artist’s experimental approach and showcases a diverse array of techniques and mediums. More here
The 9th edition of Art on Paper takes place from 3-6 October at the Gare Maritime in Brussels. This year, the festival will host approximately 50 galleries from Belgium and around the world, emphasizing its dedication to diversity by presenting both modern and historical art alongside contemporary artistic expressions. More info
The Horta Museum presents Smooth as Velvet, featuring five artists who will transform the house’s walls until 30 May, 2025. This fabric choice highlights Horta’s love for textiles, especially silk, and underscores the architectural importance of textiles as a source of ornamentation. Discover more
Sublimating nature seems to have always been the creative leitmotif of famous Belgian designer Ado Chale whose retrospective exhibition takes place from 18 October to 16 November in the stables of the Hotel Solvay in Brussels. The expo will feature both historic creations and never-before-seen pieces, testifying to both the wealth of his talent and the passing of the torch to the younger generation. More info here
Hans/Jean Arp & Sophie Taeuber-Arp: Friends, Lovers, Partners. Bozar hosts a major exhibition celebrating one of the most iconic artist couples of the 20th century: Hans/Jean Arp and Sophie Taeuber-Arp, key figures in abstract art. Open until 19 January 2025, this exhibition invites you to explore the intertwined romantic and artistic lives of the duo. More info
In October, Lunch Tour series at the House of European History in Brussels are all about the senses. Do you think it is possible to see, hear, taste, feel or smell European history? Dive into it over one of the upcoming lunchtime tours: 8 October (hear), 15 October (taste), 22 October (touch), 29 October (smell). Tours are in English and free to attend. From 12h15 – 13h. No booking required. More info
From 26 September to 13 October, experience the Artonov Festival, inspired by the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements that define Brussels’ architecture. Immerse yourself in this interdisciplinary festival. Full programme
Brussels Illustration Festival is a brand new event taking place in the emblematic building of the Bourse on 12 October. The festival aims to be a celebration of visual storytelling and offer an exciting platform for emerging illustrators to showcase their talents. For this first pop-up edition, the focus will be on the art market, offering a chance to see the illustrators at work, exchange ideas and purchase some of the exhibited illustrations. Illustration aficionados can visit the Bourse on 12 October from 11 to 19h, to meet and support the local creators. More info
The exhibition Hosting at La Centrale, from 10 October to 9 February, marks the reopening of this art space in the Saint Catherine’s district after extensive renovations. To celebrate this event, the exhibition ‘hosting’ will showcase the work of 250 artists from Brussels and its surrounding suburbs, transforming the entire space of la Centrale, a former power station, into a vibrant gathering point. More info
The exhibition Love is Louder opens on 12 October in Bozar. From the Summer of Love of 1967 to today, the show explores how in the last 50 years we have moved beyond the image of the traditional couple or the nuclear family, how friendships are shaping to be and what it means to use actions of love within society. Discover the work of 80 national and international artists in a wide range of media. More info
Drafts: From Rubens to Khnopff, is a new exhibition at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, devoted to sketching. From 11 October, this immersive experience promises enriching discoveries, offering a new perspective on the behind-the-scenes of creations by iconic artists such as Rogier van der Weyden, Rembrandt, Rubens, Magritte, and many others. More info
Here We Are! Women in Design, 1900 – Today exhibition in Design Museum Brussels pays tribute to women designers past and present, through a large collection of furniture, ceramics, glass, textiles, fashion and graphic design. From 16 October. Discover more
This year, Archiweek 2024 celebrates Architecture Day from 5-13 October. Urban Brussels is organizing guided tours of contemporary buildings, open days at architecture offices, seminars, workshops, conferences, and exhibitions throughout the Brussels Capital Region. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Brussels from a different perspective. More info
The Festival des Libertés unites diverse forms of expression to explore global rights and freedoms, raise awareness of emerging threats, and promote solidarity. This autumn, from 10-19 October, the event will feature human rights advocates, thought leaders, and diversity champions, offering a vibrant program of documentaries, debates, performances, exhibitions, and concerts. More here
I Love Science Festival returns to Brussels from 11-13 October. This festival is designed for everyone, from young families to older attendees, offering a diverse program that explores science through chemistry, robotics, and interactive exhibits. Check out the laboratories, animations, workshops, and exhibitions of the festival here.
Teenage Pain Committed to Paper, running from 19 October to 1 December, offers an intimate glimpse into the transformation of a novel into a comic book, where every artistic and narrative decision is thoughtfully crafted with precision. At Comic Art Museum Nicolas Pitz’s ambitious project highlights his remarkable talent and artistic vision, capturing the essence of Gary Schmidt’s novel while providing a fresh visual and narrative experience. More info
Abrupt is a new annual festival that seamlessly blends various genres, including music, visual art, and public discourse. The inaugural edition, taking place from 9-13 October, will feature an array of musical performances, club events, and engaging talks. More here
Rebel Spirit, a young visual artist passionate about urban art and underground culture, employs diverse techniques like drawing, illustration, oil painting, and watercolor. Espace Magh is pleased to present his latest exhibition, “Casablanca Express,” inviting you to explore his vibrant artistic universe, where each piece tells a unique story and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of his hometown until 5 November. More info
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. More info
Artcontest is back this year to celebrate its 20th anniversary! Selected artists will showcase their work at the Maison des Arts until 10 November. Under the direction of Valérie Boucher, the competition seeks to discover, support, and mentor contemporary young artists based in Belgium, fostering their development over the long term. Discover more
Something for tattoo art enthusiasts: Join the Mons Tattoo Convention on October 12 and 13 to explore stunning works from talented tattoo artists. The weekend will be filled with live concerts and exciting competitions, making it a must-visit event for anyone passionate about tattoo culture. More here: https://www.monstattooconvention.com/
MUSIC & CONCERTS
Experience the power of diversity and the solidarity of music at this year’s Raising Voices Festival, from 17 to 22 October. You’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of concerts, performances, opera & dance battles, workshops, guided tours, and events in the heart of Brussels. La Monnaie will shine a spotlight on the opera The Time of Our Singing, offering a rich and varied program of activities. Check the full programme.
Riverdance, running from 29 October to 3 November in Hasselt and Brussels, features a new generation of exceptionally talented dancers and musicians, recognized globally as some of the finest in their craft. This spectacle for all ages is known for its Grammy Award-winning music, thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. More info
This year, Aimez-vous Schönberg? celebrates the 150th anniversary of Arnold Schönberg during the weekend of 10 -12 October at Flagey. A musical visionary whose influence profoundly shaped the entire 20th century, the festival aims to honor his remarkable personality, the richness of his diverse body of work, and his deep connections with his contemporaries. Info here
FrancoFaune showcases the diversity, originality, and innovation of the Francophone music scene from 2-12 October. This unique event invites you to rediscover the neighborhoods of Brussels, with performances taking place in both prominent venues and the city’s hidden, intimate spaces. More info
Hangar Halloween is back, with an unforgettable electronic music experience on 31 October and 1 November. Get ready for two thrilling nights filled with top electronic beats across three rooms, along with spine-chilling surprises around every corner. More info
For a more diverse concerts & dance agenda, check our dedicated Brussels Music Agenda for this month.
FILM FESTIVALS
Filem On, the International Film Festival for Young Audiences returns in 2024 to celebrate its 18th edition from 23 October 23, to 6 November. This event will showcase a captivating selection of short films, features, animations, and documentaries for young audiences and families alike. More here
The AlimenTERRE Festival 2024 returns for its 16th edition from 4 -19 October. This year’s lineup includes a diverse selection of films catering to all audiences. Explore a range of events, including discussions, workshops, performances, and concerts, featuring guests from near and far. More info
FOOD & DRINKS
Megavino, the largest wine event in the Benelux, returns to Brussels from 23-25 October, offering an unparalleled experience for wine enthusiasts. With a tasting glass in hand, visitors can explore 412 exhibitors and sample over a thousand wines from more than 35 countries. In addition to tastings, the event features wine contests, workshops, master classes, conferences, and show cooking with food pairings. More info
8th edition of the annual Brussels Coffee Week takes place from 30 September to 6 October. Discover specialty coffee in Brussels with numerous events in various coffee spots across town. More info.
