5 fun events in Flanders this week
Free conversation sessions in Dutch, outdoor winter festival and a Valentine's Day run: our pick of activities in Flanders and Brussels
Spreek je Nederlands
Babbelut conversation table
Learning Dutch? Get some practice with other non-native speakers as well as native speakers during a relaxed conversation session. A native Dutch-speaker leads the conversation. Every Friday except during school holidays. 10 February 10.00-12.00, Muntpunt, Muntplein 6, Brussels; free
Winter Vonken
This weekend, the Burg in Bruges is the place to be for fiery spectacle, breathtaking street theatre and world music. The outdoor winter bar opens at 19.00, illuminated by blazing fires and light sculptures. Then a surrealistic aerial performance is followed by a different band each night. 10-11 February 19.00-23.00; free
Q-Run to You
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a night-time fun run with your partner? Each of you follows a separate course through the city, accompanied by neon lights and pumping music, to meet up at the finish line. Then it’s time to party together on the dance floor into the night. 11 February 19.30, Ethias Arena, Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 70, Hasselt; €30 (for two)
Love Bug Parade
An annual Valentine’s tradition, this gathering of Beetles and their owners coincides with a loving tribute to the VW Bug at AutoWorld. Come to the front of the museum between 11.00 and 13.30 to see the cars before they head out in a colourful procession through the city centre. Then visit the exhibition dedicated to the cars and the hippie era. 12 February 13.30-16.00, Jubelpark 11, Brussels; free
Urban Trail
Put on your running shoes and discover Belgium’s most beautiful cities in a unique way. First up is Bruges on 18 Feb, followed by Antwerp, Ghent, Hasselt, Brussels and Mechelen. Each trail is 10-12 kilometres and takes you through the centre of town. Until December, across Flanders; €25 in advance or €30 on the day
Photo: Lies Engelen/Muntpunt
About the author
