Brussels pop culture in all its forms

Starting in February, Brussels will become the capital of pop culture, offering a range of unmissable events and activities for the geeks among us. From the Anima festival to the Made in Asia show to the Star Wars© Identities exhibition, fans of the genre will be spoilt for choice.

Rachid Madrane, in charge of the Promotion of Brussels at the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, has been actively supporting the promotion of 2.0 culture in Brussels since 2015. “For years now, events related to 2.0 culture have been attracting a significant number of visitors. In fact, pop and street culture encompass interests that fall under the different themes associated with Brussels, such as film, comics, street art, and so on. It is therefore a strong subject in which Brussels has a lot to offer, the city being a true crossroads for talent in these fields in Europe. This is why I have been supporting pop and street culture in Brussels since 2015 through the creation of a cluster for reflection, exploration and development around this topic,” says Madrane.

It’s no surprise that pop culture feels at home in Brussels. There’s no doubt that Europe’s capital has the necessary qualities: a quirky, festive and creative spirit. With events, board game bars, and escape rooms springing up around the city, Brussels offers a wide range of activities for geeks from around the world.

This year, the capital is putting on a series of unmissable events for gamers and cosplayers. Here is an overview:

Science Fiction & Fantasy, 1902 – 1929

With this exceptional selection of films, the Cinematek is offering a unique opportunity to (re)discover how the pioneers of cinema were true visionaries: fantastic creatures, parallel worlds, high-tech machines…

Dates: from 27/02/2018
Venue: Cinematek

Anima 2018

Anima, Brussels’s international animated film festival, is back with original shorts and feature-length films for young and old alike. The subject matter ranges from poetry and happiness to violence and eroticism. Anima also offers kids’ workshops, a stage for teenagers, concerts, conferences, and so forth, and puts the spotlight on all lovers of the genre.

Dates: 09/02 – 18/02/2018
Venues: Cinematek & Flagey

Comic Con Brussels

The most popular comic convention is coming back to Brussels. It welcomes more than 10,000 visitors each year. Visitors will be amazed by fantastic cosplay costumes, get to meet world stars and get lost among the hundreds of specialist stands: comics, cosplay, gaming, films, manga, series, collectables, clothing, games, gadgets and lots more.

Dates: 10-11/02/2018
Venue: Tour & Taxis

Made in Asia

Made in Asia, the biggest event for Asian pop culture and manga, awaits fans of the genre at Brussels Expo. More than 300 exhibitors, shops, fun and cultural activities, concerts with brand new material, and Japanese guests will be there for signings, not to mention the big cosplay competition: the World Cosplay Summit!

Dates: 16 – 18/03/2018
Venue: Palais 5, Brussels Expo

Star Wars© Identities

Immerse yourself in the legendary Star Wars© Identities exhibition to discover the story behind this legendary saga. Featuring hundreds of costumes, accessories, drawings and models.

Dates : 02/04 – 02/09/2018
Venue: Palais 2, Brussels Expo

BIFFF

BIFFF is an oasis of good films that will get your adrenaline pumping, with cinematic nuggets of horror, science-fiction and thrillers. Around 150 films that you can enjoy in the presence of the actors and directors, a body-painting and make-up contest, a manga market, a zombie parade and a vampires’ ball.

Dates: 03 – 15/04/2018
Venue: BOZAR

Brussels Games Festival

The Brussels Games Festival is THE games festival for all audiences and all generations. A free, friendly and jovial celebration at the height of summer in Brussels!

Dates: 25 – 26/08/2018
Venue: Parc du Cinquantenaire

Bricklive Brussels

Bricklive is coming back to Brussels. LEGO® fans will love this 2018 edition, which is even bigger and more interactive than before. Whether as a family or among friends, visitors will take part in the most important experience in the world and live out their wildest dreams among coloured bricks.

Dates: 26/10 – 04/11/2018
Venues: Tour & Taxis