Anima: Brussels Animation Film Festival
Flagey
February 17 - February 26, 2012

This year’s program is stacked full of events, including an international competition between numerous creators of film, music videos, outrageous commercials, and cartoons, all vying for the honorable grand prize. Animation and film fans can attend workshops given by the professionals, listen to stories of life in the industry, and compare works of today with that of the past, getting a real inside look at what these talented artists can do.

Binche Carnival
Binche
February 19 - February 21, 2012

Belgium celebrates Fat Tuesday by dressing in ancestral costumes and masks and dancing to the beat of festive brass bands. This medieval festival, dating back to the early 14th Century, is now one of Europe’s oldest surviving traditions.

Museum Night Fever
Brussels
March 3 - March 4, 2012

Over 20 Museums open their doors for this one night of after-dark fun and excitement. Not only are you able to walk through each of the museums until late into the night, but you’re also invited to the wild dance party afterwards. Organizers of this event made it easy for visitors to bounce from place to place with a cheap and convenient ticketed bracelet, allowing access to each of the venues, the after party, and even a ride on the shuttle that rotates between the locations.

Bal du Rat Mort (Dead Rat Ball)
Ostend (Casino Ostende)
Mar 6, 2010

A group of men formed a royal association in the mid 1800’s, and regularly hosted charity events to help the poor and misfortunate of the community. A merry bunch, these men often frequented the Montmartre region of France, and late one night stumbled upon a dance club of beautiful women, known as “Rat Mort.” Enjoying themselves immensely, the men decided to name the biggest fundraiser of the year, Bal du Rat Mort (Dead Rat Ball), in honor of their time spent there. After more than a century of celebration, this gala has now transitioned into a themed and outrageous costume extravaganza, raising thousands of dollars for charity, and even offering a contest for Best Dressed at the event. This year’s theme is Out of Africa, and more then 2500 participants are estimated to attend!

Race of the Classics
Rotterdam-Amsterdam
April, 2012

The best amateur sailors in Europe gather every April to participate in the Race of the Classics. Over 20 teams sail to England and back over the course of 4 days trying to win the Challenge Cup. It’s a difficult race, but those up to the rough seas get to celebrate upon return with a giant party on Sunday.

Zythos Beer Festival
Saint-Nicolas
April 28 - April 29, 2012

This intimate beer festival has nowhere near as many visitors as Germany’s Oktoberfest, but offers what many consider to be the best beer in the world. Be your own beer aficionado by sampling up to 200 beers, made from over 56 breweries. The average alcohol content of these beers is between 6-9%, so take small sips if you want to make it through the afternoon.