Let yourself be swept away by an afternoon of music, performances and cultural discoveries, and come and meet Ixelles’ cultural partners!
The start of the new school year also marks the beginning of a new cultural season in Ixelles. To celebrate, the Commune’s cultural partners invite you to Fernand Cocq Square on Saturday 19 September.
The programme includes music, performances, fanfares, workshops, games, activities and encounters for all ages. A chance to discover the venues, artists and projects that will bring Ixelles’ cultural life to life throughout the 2026-2027 season.
One square, a thousand ways to discover culture
Throughout the afternoon, Fernand Cocq Square will become a lively cultural playground for everyone.
The Ixelles Museum, which is due to reopen on 19 March 2027, will step outside its walls with interactive games and creative workshops inspired by its collections. A continuation of “Museum in the Green”, which took the museum into Ixelles’ parks this summer.
On the steps of the Town Hall, the Brussels Film Orchestra will bring together around thirty musicians for a special open-air concert.
Muziekpublique will also present a mini-concert featuring an artist in residence. An invitation to discover music from around the world in all its forms.
And for those who want to get started in the morning, Biblio XL will offer workshops and family reading sessions from 10 am. From the age of 7, embark on a sensory and literary journey into Palestinian culture as part of the « Together for Zababdeh » fundraising campaign.
Become an artist for an afternoon
With Amadeo Kollectif, there is no question of simply watching from the sidelines. Fernand Cocq Square will be transformed into a large interactive and playful installation where everyone can draw, dance, make music and build a temporary universe together. No age limit, no instructions: your imagination is the only limit.
A shower of theatre and juggling
Just a few steps from the square, Mercelis will welcome Compagnie Anoraks at 3 pm for Drache Nationale, a family free performance (for children aged 8 and over) combining theatre and juggling and asking an essential question: how do you stay positive when everything seems to be going wrong? Register via culture@ixelles.brussels or +32 2 515 64 63.
Follow the rhythm
And when it comes to finding your way to the festivities, you won’t have to worry: BRUiTAL will lead the way. The underground fanfare will guide you with its percussion, colourful totems and handmade instruments. Throughout the day, you can also meet the teams and discover the activities of the Ixelles Culture Department, Biblio XL and Bib Sans Souci, GC Elzenhof, Le Rideau, Théâtre de la Toison d’Or, La Maison qui Chante and many other cultural partners.
An afternoon to discover, try things out, listen, watch, play and meet the people who bring culture to life in Ixelles.
Infos pratiques
Opening of the 2026-2027 cultural season
📅 Saturday 19 September 2026
⏰ 2 pm–6 pm
📍 Fernand Cocq Square, Ixelles
🎟️ Free
KULT XL – Ixelles is buzzing for the Joyeuse Rentrée!
Hour by hour
10am-10:45am – A sensory introduction to Palestine · BilbioXL
Flavours and aromas from the Levant for adults, and a five-senses game for children: a first introduction to Palestinian culture.
10:45-11:45am – Story Hour: A journey to the Middle East · BilbioXL
Actress Citlalli Ramirez takes you on a journey into the world of Middle Eastern folktales.
11:45am-12:30pm – Creative workshops, games and crafts · BilbioXL
A creative moment to share between children and adults.
2pm – BRUiTAL · Fernand Cocq
The underground brass band kicks off the festivities with percussion, homemade instruments and colourful totems.
2:30pm – Fujin / Concert · Fernand Cocq
Fujinn Concert is an enchanting and captivating musical experience by Amadeo Kollectif. Talented musicians create unique jam sessions that take you on a rhythmic journey through our magical universe.
3pm – Drache Nationale · Le Mercelis
Cie Anoraks invites you to Le Mercelis for a free performance combining theatre and juggling.
3pm – Fujin / Free play · Fernand Cocq
After the concert, become a musician and play this interactive, playful sound sculpture created by Amadeo Kollectif. Everyone can join in, whatever their musical background or level!
3:30pm – Muziekpublique Mini-Concert · Fernand Cocq
Discover an artist in residence in a short and convivial format.
4pm – BRUiTAL · Fernand Cocq
4:30pm – Fujin / Concert · Fernand Cocq
5pm – Fujin / Free play · Fernand Cocq
5:30pm – Brussels Film Orchestra · Fernand Cocq
Around thirty musicians take over the steps of the Town Hall for an open-air musical experience.
*Timetables are still subject to minor changes
