Things to do this weekend!

From: 2025/05/16 - Till: -

Things to do this weekend!

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐬. 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐧, 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐔𝐑

This time of the year is probably one of the best ones at SHAPE, as some countries are doing their utmost to share their culture and gastronomy with the SHAPE community: we enjoyed the “Spanish Feria” last Saturday, the “Italian National Day Fest” will take place on June 1st, the “Greek Summer Night” on 14 June and the “Brit Fete” on 20 June. Not to mention the “Make-a-Wish” Fun Run (6 + 7 June) that will gather all the countries together for a good cause!

Tomorrow (Friday 16 May), it will be the turn of the Belgian community to welcome you all for their “Taste of Belgium” (ToBE) event! It will take place at the SHAPE Tent, next to the supermarket “Carrefour”. No worries if you don’t have your tickets yet: you can purchase them at the entrance tomorrow (10 €/adults, 5 € for kids aged 13 to 17 and free for kids under 13 – you will get a collector’s glass with your admission ticket).

Food trucks will be on site and there will be a beer bar that will offer different types of beer (of course, J!). You don’t like beer? Then I suggest you to go to the “Chant d’Eole” bar – “Chant d’Eole” is a sparkling wine that is produced in Quévy, a city close to Mons.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to go to Binche this year to experience their famous “Carnaval”, well the Gilles will come to you tomorrow for a traditional demonstration at 1945.

The “Taste of Belgium” Event will start at 1600 with a “Para Demo” (soccer field) and will end in the wee hours Saturday – we will be dancing all night and have fun!

I have attached the full program – hope to see you there!

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𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐓𝐂 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐤 𝐆𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬, 𝐁𝐒𝐆 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫:

Travel Back in Time: Celebrate Brussels' Glorious Past at the Renaissance Festival – Family Day.

On Sunday 18 May 2025, history comes alive beneath Place Royale during Family Day at Coudenberg Palace — the spectacular kickoff to the Brussels Renaissance Festival, running until 5 July.

Step into the hidden remains of Charles V’s former palace, where an unforgettable day of discovery and fun awaits. Wander through atmospheric underground ruins, try your hand at crossbow shooting, Spanish fencing, or swordplay, and immerse yourself in Brussels’ rich Renaissance heritage.

Become part of the Court: dress up as a knight or lady-in-waiting, march with the Ommegang’s flag bearers, or help carry the iconic Giants of the Meyboom — and maybe even dance with them!

For all ages:

Laugh with Toone’s puppet theatre,
Cook your own marzipan with Renaissance spices, Craft a personal coat of arms, Or play life-sized games straight out of Bruegel’s paintings.

This is more than a museum visit — it’s a full day of interactive, historical adventure designed for the whole family.

Where? Coudenberg Palace, Paleizenplein 7, 1000 Brussels
When? Sunday 18 May, from 10:00 to 18:00
Tickets?

· Normal | €10.

· Groups/seniors (+15 people, +65) | €8.

· Discounted price | € 5

· Free admission up to the age of 18, for children accompanied by their parents.

Activities included in the entrance fee.

Catering available on site.

More info: www.coudenberg.brussels

If you have questions, feel free to contact me at dirk.geens@shape.nato.int or just stop by my office (building 102 –Rm. 105).

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