Brussels-Capital Region celebrates its 35th anniversary on 4 and 5 May in a grand manner
On 4th and 5th May, the Brussels-Capital Region celebrates its 35th anniversary with a grand Iris Festival. Once again, a large crowd is expected for the Iris Tipik Electro Night. Other major attractions include the Iris Festival in the communes and the Festival in the Park. This year’s edition is once again packed with activities and entertainment options. The Iris Festival is the perfect opportunity to rediscover our incredibly diverse capital!
Brussels devotes an entire weekend to the celebration of its anniversary. The festivities will take place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May 2024. On Saturday, the focus of the Iris Festival will be on the communes with numerous guided tours. The day concludes with the Iris Tipik Electro Night, transforming the impressive Place des Palais/Paleizenplein into a mega dance floor.
The following day, the Brussels Park becomes the epicentre of the Iris Festival. In the park, you can enjoy a plethora of fun activities with the whole family throughout the day. Visitors can also marvel at the talents of street artists.
The programme
Saturday 4 May:
The Iris Festival in the communes
During the Iris Festival, three Brussels communes receive special attention. Schaerbeek and its neighbouring communes Evere and Saint-Josse-ten-Noode will showcase their most beautiful spots to the general public. You can explore the wide range of unique architectural heritage in these communes, as well as museums, culinary workshops, and even a genuine marsh reserve.
Iris Tipik Electro Night
With the Royal Palace in the background, you can party to the sets of several Belgian and international DJs during the Iris Tipik Electro Night from 19:00 till 00:30. Once again, the collaboration between the Brussels-Capital Region, visit.brussels, and RTBF via its Tipik media has resulted in an impressive lineup featuring Ofenbach, one of the most popular French electro duo’s worldwide, social media stars TRINIX and local heroes such as Alex Germys, Emjie, and Raql!
Sunday 5 May :
Festival in the Park
The Brussels Park will host seven themed villages: a Kids Village, Sports Village, Association Village, Culture and Heritage Village, Science Village, University Village, and a Public Village bringing together about twenty Brussels institutions. You can participate in a myriad of family activities and learn about the operations and commitment of numerous organisations. It’s all very entertaining and completely free!
Street Art
During the Iris Festival, the Brussels Park also becomes the stage for many street artists. Street theatre, creative performances… there’s something for everyone!
Festival at the Brussels Parliament
The Brussels Parliament opens its doors during the Iris Festival. Visitors can explore the temple of democracy up close. Activities for all ages are scheduled. You’ll not only get acquainted with the hemicycle but also with the historical salons and committee rooms. This year’s program includes music in various styles, a quiz, a juggling act, various workshops, and a photo exhibition on modernist architecture in Brussels. Along the way, you’ll learn more about the functioning of the parliament.
Ongoing:
Guided Tours
About twenty free guided tours are scheduled. On foot or by bike. This allows you to discover Brussels in a different way. This year, special attention is given to 100 years of surrealism and special green spaces. Europe Direct Brussels also offers free guided tours in the European quarter as well.
A festival accessible to all!
At the Iris Festival, we celebrate the Brussels-Capital Region with everyone. This means that the festival is open to all. All the activities organised by visit.brussels are free, including outdoor performances and concerts.