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Europalia Festival
The first Europalia (from the Roman 'Opalia', meaning 'rich harvest') was conceived in Brussels in 1969, and the festival has been held every two years ever since to showcase the visual and performing arts of different designated guest countries each year. Numerous exhibits, concerts, film screenings and other events are held in and around Brussels between October and early February of the following year. The latest country to be featured was Europe, and in 2009/2010 it will be China. Contact the Europalia International Foundation at info@europalia.be for more information.
Venue: Various around Brussels
Date: October 2009 to February 2010
Website: www.europalia.be

Brussels Flower Show
The magnificent and unique Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the Brussels suburb of Koekelberg is the venue for the city's annual flower show. Each year in October the grounds of this massive Art Deco edifice are transformed into an Eden, spread with flowers, water features and plants arranged by nearly 100 florists. Visitors can delight in the flower show in addition to marvelling at the Basilica itself, the largest neo-Gothic church in the world, its interior decorated in 1930s style. A climb to the dome is rewarded with a beautiful panorama across the city and surrounds. For more information contact the Basilica on +32 (0)2 425 8822.
Venue: Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Koekelberg
Date: October 2009, TBA
Time: 10am to 6pm, (Sat 8pm to 10pm)

Art Brussels
Tens of thousands of art experts and art lovers from all over the world eagerly await ArtBrussels, Belgium's premier art festival, renowned for its high standard. The Belgian Association of Contemporary Art Galleries instituted ArtBrussels in 1968 and today the work on view, selected by an international committee, represents more than 150 international galleries.
Venue: Brussels Expo
Date: 24-27 April 2009
Time: 11am to 7pm (until 10pm on Monday)
Website: www.artbrussels.be

Brussels Flower Carpet
For a few days every two years, the beautiful Grand Place in the center of Brussels is transformed into a gigantic carpet of fresh begonias, intricately worked into a themed pattern. In 2006 the tapestry was inspired by the Middle Ages, with the flowers arranged on rotating platforms to form a giant kaleidoscope of 'rose windows'. Past designs have included scenes from Belgium folklore and mythology, the Brussels Coat of Arms, and Turkish rugs. Work begins a year in advance with scale models and detailed plans, and the multi-colored end result is well worth it. The multi-colored carpet can best be viewed from the balcony of the City Hall. Contact the Brussels Tourist Information on +32 (0)2 513 8940 for more information.
Venue: Grand Place
Date: August 2009 TBC
Time: 9am to 11pm
Website: www.flowercarpet.be

Brussels Beach
Not just a beach, but a real seaside resort in the heart of Brussels on the edge of the canal, Brussels Beach, or Bruxelles Les Bains, offers half a mile (1km) of fine sand, coconut palms and waterfalls, and plenty of sport, relaxation and cultural activities. Sports like beach volleyball, pétanque and ultimate frisbee are available, or for the less actively inclined a Thai pagoda houses several professional masseurs for complete relaxation. Two stages provide entertainment in the form of live music, DJs and shows, and food stalls and beach bars afford the chance to savour flavors from around the world. Children are well catered for with activities and entertainment that includes sandcastles, clowns and water games.
Venue: Bassin Béco, Port de Bruxelles
Date: August 2009 TBC
Time: 11am to 10pm (except Mondays)
Website: www.bruxelleslesbains.be

Belgian F1 Grand Prix
The Spa-Francorchamps track often makes for one of the most exciting races of the season as it has a reputation for rain on race-day. The track is two hours away from Brussels.
Venue: Spa-Francorchamps
Date: 30 August 2009
Website: www.f1belgium.com/

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