5 fun events in Flanders this week

The Color Run
At each kilometre mark of the 5km run, inspired by the Holi Festival in India, participants are showered with coloured powder so that by the end, they’re wearing a rainbow. A dance party follows the race. Register via the website. 3 September 12.00-20.00, Tour & Taxis, Havenlaan, Brussels; €35 

Brussels Comic Strip Festival
The biggest celebration of Belgium’s beloved comic strips, from childhood classics like Tintin and Lucky Luke to modern masters creating edgy graphic novels. Meet the publishers and see the artists at work, or browse the booths and exhibitions. And don’t miss the balloon parade and Tintin rally on Sunday. 1-3 September, Bozar & Warandepark, Brussels; free 

Battle of Thor
This challenging event combines a 7km or 12km run with an obstacle course, built for the occasion at an old mining complex in Genk. There’s also a 2km course for kids. Participants complete the course in groups of 200 with staggered start times. Register online. 3 September 10.00-19.00, Oude Mijnsite, André Dumontlaan, Waterschei-Genk; €20-€48 

Belgian Beer Weekend
An annual tradition hosted by the Belgian Brewers’ Guild, this three-day festival starts with pomp and circumstance in the cathedral and city hall. The main attraction is the Grote Markt, which will be filled with tasting booths. Don’t miss the parade of historic beer carts and the brewers’ procession on Saturday. 1-3 September, Brussels; free 

Manga & Cosplay Festival
If you love Japanese popular culture, especially cartoons (anime) and comics (manga), you’ll want to be at the Japanese Garden in Hasselt this weekend. Fans dress up as their favourite characters (costume play = “cosplay”) for fun and for prizes. There’s also taiko drumming, free workshops and Japanese food. 2-3 September 10.00-17.00, Japanse Tuin, Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 23, Hasselt; €5