Looking for memorable things to do in Brussels this year? Belgium’s capital is a dream destination for food, culture and much more, so why not pay a visit that’s timed to the city’s world-famous Iris Festival!
Iris Festival 2023 will be just the second time this event has been held since the pandemic put large-scale events on hold, so it will be even more special than usual. This landmark event is held on the 8th of May and recognises the date on which Brussels Capital Region was established. This was in 1989 and the event has only grown in popularity since then – it’s also a day off for Brussels officials so a whole host of the city’s residents are part of the celebration.
Our Dover to Calais ferry crossing is one of the best ways to get there so find out more about all you can expect at this Brussels Festival now!
Entertainment for the Whole Family
This year’s edition of the Iris Festival will be the 34th edition of this great European get-together. You can expect a collision of music, street theatre, art, mouth-watering food and much more. Last year’s edition of this event welcomed more than 100,000 visitors and at its Electro Night in des Palais, more than 15,000 people danced the night away with an array of DJs!*
If you want to visit a family festival in 2023 with cracking cuisine, the food trucks you’ll find with dishes from all over the world are another great part of this Iris day celebration. You can also get to this innovative cultural festival via our Hull to Rotterdam Ferry crossing – driving onwards from our port in the Netherlands is just over two hours drive away via the E19.
Anyone planning a Brussels weekend break will be treated to a city that’s steeped in history and amazing sights – check out our guide to the most beautiful churches in Belgium to see some for yourself!
Things do at the Iris Festival
So what should you include on your itinerary for a trip to Fete de l’Iris? With hundreds of events that are part of every celebration, it can be tough to pick. Here are some of the most popular parts of this annual festival that you might want to check out while you’re there!
- Public Corner – First up for a glimpse into Brussels’ unique culture, this mini village near the entrance to Brussels Park highlights loads of the great leisure activities that are on offer to local residents – you can find some to try while you’re there!
- Streets Alive! – This showcase of artists from across Belgium puts the city’s artistic scene on a massive visual scale with super colourful and eye-catching performances. Look out for jugglers, stilt walkers and much more – kids will definitely enjoy this part of your family holiday to Belgium.
- Brussels, Born and Bred! – If you’re dreaming of travelling to Brussels and all it has to offer, you’ll be pleased to know that you’ll also learn more about the amazing culture that runs through this city. Organisations like the Musée René Magritte and Discover the City take part with local volunteers available to show you what you can see for yourself!
- LGBTQI Celebrations – Brussels’ diversity is worth shouting about and with a cocktail bar, DJs and concerts from local members of the LGBTQIA community, you’ll be sure to get immersed in this part of city life.
- Brussels Food Truck Festival – Anyone that wants to travel to Brussels should be ready for some captivating cuisine – with the largest annual meeting of food trucks in Europe, you’ll definitely eat well while you’re there.
Places to Visit in Brussels
On your visit to soak up all the excitement of Fete De L’iris Bruxelles, you might want to discover even more things to do in Brussels.
Luckily, a holiday in Belgium is the perfect way to taste some of the world’s finest chocolate and beer. When you’re not delighting your tastebuds, we suggest seeing some of the great cultures on offer.
From the Royal Museum of Fine Arts to the Belgium Comic Strip Centre or the Historic Grand Place, you’re spoilt for choice in the brilliant city centre of Brussels. So if you’re dreaming of a unique European city break, get planning your trip today!
