Things To Do in Belgium

Botanical Nights
Brussels
May 2008

This summer event is well known for its wide variety of musical offerings. The various genres range from rock to hip hop all the way to jazz and techno. The festival is held at the Botanique Cultural Centre under its glass dome for the first set of performances and then moves to the Cirque Royal. Either location provides an amazing show that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Festival of the Arts
Brussels
May 2008

This event is a reflection of the diversity and ingenuity that is present amongst the population of Brussels. Performers and artists come here to entertain audiences with the various disciplines of contemporary art including dance, music, and visual art. The festival encourages participants to branch out and experiment with new techniques and genres of art making for a very innovative and refreshing event.

The Golden Chariot and Battle of the Lumecon
Mons
18 May 2008

Come join the over 200, 000 visitors that flock to Mons each year to watch the exciting and colorful reenactment of the battle of Saint George and the dragon Lumecon. The story of Lumecon can be traced back to year 1380 and has continued as an annual live play in Mons.

Beer Passion in Antwerp
Antwerp
20 June - 22 June 2008

Over three days, visitors to Antwerp experience the Flanders' best offerings of beer in Belgium. Admission is free, after purchasing your souvenir beer glass of course. Sample one of over 150 different beers from both local and international breweries at the cost of only €1.50 per beer. The festival plays host to musical performance by brass bands, an almost mandatory sound for this intoxicating atmosphere.

Spa Francofolies
Spa
17 July - 21 July 2008

The water city of Spa celebrates the French influence on Belgium's music scene through a series of over 250 concerts spread over five venues. The festival, though mostly French, is certain to please music lovers from around the world.

Giostra del Saracino
Brussels
July 2008

Featured at the Grand Place in central Brussels, this event is sure to please any medieval enthusiast. Knights compete in authentic jousts in the name of their respective districts. The authenticity is complete with an opening ceremony which includes the compulsory trumpet blast as a starting signal.

Youth and Masters Worlds Windsurfing Championship
Westende
July 2008

The rough waves of the North Sea make for the perfect conditions for windsurfing. Watch safely from the shore as competitors contend with heavy waves, high winds, and one another as they display their talent and vie for the championship title.

Open Monument Day Flanders
Flanders
September 2008

Flanders exhibits their normally closed monuments on Heritage Day, making public many historical areas from as early as the Middle Ages. Stunning examples of Gothic architecture like the cathedral in Antwerp and the numerous guildhalls of Brussels and Ghent are must sees on this day. Most monuments are free or priced lowly for admission.

Brussels Marathon
Brussels
5 October 2008

You'll want to start training for the best way to stay in shape and see the city of Brussels: the Brussels Marathon. The main race commences in Cinquantenaire Park, ending at the Grand Imperial Palace and is accompanied by a half-marathon, a smaller 3k roadrace, and kids' marathon so any visitor can race to their own ability.

December Dance
Bruges
December 2008

This dance show, the compiled by Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, offers mostly live music to accompany the mélange of both old and new dance pieces. Shows will be performed throughout Bruges, so you will have plenty of opportunities to catch the fantastic works.

Christmas Horse Show
Mechelen
December 2008

The annual horse show at the Mechelen's Nekkerhal impresses more than 70,000 visitors during the Christmas season with world class equestrian competition including jumping, dressage, and driving. Auctions, shows, and of course parties will accompany each day's competition; there is plenty of activity for every level of equestrian interest.