BRUSSELS: Jazz Weekend, 22nd-24th May 2026

Brussels Jazz Weekend is coming...

Watch the city transform into a vibrant stage with jazz at every corner! This festival is all about discovery so whether you are a seasoned jazz listener, jazz curious or a total novice, there will be something for you. With lively open-air concerts and performances in Bars and Clubs they are set for weather too.

WHEN: Friday 22nd to Sunday 24 May 2026

WHERE: at venues across the city, with open-air concerts on Grand Place, Plant Sainte-Catherine & Place de la Bourse

MORE INFORMATION: Here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Brussels Pride Saturday 16th May 2026, Pride Week running from 6th to 15th May 2026

Brussels Pride celebrates 30 years this year. With Pride Week running from Wednesday 6th May until Friday 15th May across the capital, it all culminates in the Pride March on the Saturday.

Pop along and join the Pride March, visit the Pride Village & the Rainbow Village, see the Concerts  and listen to the DJ Sets.

WHEN: Saturday 16th May 2026
WHERE: Mont des Arts et Boulevard de l'Empereur
MORE INFORMATION: HERE

Check out the full programme here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Belgian Glass and Crystal Design exhibition at Design Museum Brussels, until Sunday 25 October 2026

The Design Museum Brussels present a new exhibition focussing on iconic Belgian Glass and Crystal Manufacture.

This expo is part of the bicentenary celebrations this year and reflects on the highly creative period between Expo 58 and the early 2000s.

WHEN: Until Sunday 25th October 2026
WHERE: Design Museum Brussels, Place de la Belgique 1, Laeken
MORE INFORMATION: here


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: The Brit Bar Presents... Quiz Night Tuesday 12th May 2026, 19:00

Quizzers Assemble! The next BritBar Quiz is next week.

Come along with your team or join one when you arrive. Its all about the social anyway!

WHEN: Tuesday 12 May 2026, Bar open 18:30, Quiz Starts 19:00
WHERE: The BritBar

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: International Blood Drive, Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th May 2026, SHAPE International Chapel, sign-up now

The SHAPE International Blood Drive is running today and tomorrow and is open to Brits!

Having donated my pint this morning, I can attest to the post-donation drinks and snacks being something else! Not a Bourbon or Cuppa in sight!

Blood donated with the U.S. Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP). ASBP will directly help U.S./NATO military & families, maintaining the military’s mission essential blood supply for patients around the world.

WHY? All donors receive cool gifts, tasty snacks, and the great feeling of knowing your blood donations can save U.S./NATO lives. Military & Families LIVE when donors GIVE to the ASBP.

WHO? Open to all SHAPE ID Holders and sponsored guests: U.S./NATO military, civilian & local national staff, retirees, and family members over 18

WHEN? Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th May 2026, 9am-5pm

WHERE? SHAPE International Chapel

HOW? SIGN UP at https://go.mil/ASBP-E to give blood for the military with the Armed Services Blood Program! (This won't work on MODNet systems)

MOST IMPORTANTLY FOR BRITS:

Relaxed Eligibility: No more BSE "Mad Cow" disease-related restrictions for time in Europe/UK. Now only 3-month wait after tattoos outside the U.S. or malaria-risk travel. Donors must be at least 18 years and speak English (native or approx. B2 level).

QUESTIONS? Contact ASBP-Europe with questions: DSN 314-590-5885, +49 6371-9464-5885, usarmy.donatebloodeurope@health.mil.

Thank you to everyone who will donate, volunteer, and help spread the word to support the U.S. military's blood program and save lives!

Sanguis pro Militaris…Blood for the Military 

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: The Canal Water Bus is open for business

The Brussel's Canal service launched this month for the Spring-Summer Season.

With five stops along the way between Sainctelette and Vilvoorde the journey takes around one hour. Each stop is connected by public transport so is popular with commuters, tourists and day trippers as well as cyclists who can take their bikes with them and cycle back.

Weekends will offer themed trips and cruises too.

Advanced bookings necessary.

WHEN: Weekdays from 1st May until 31st October, Weekends from 1st July until 15th August. 

WHERE: Quai des Peniches (Brussels) and Steenkaai (Vilvoorde)

MORE INFORMATION: here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunssum: Playground Fort Willem, Maastricht

 

Looking for something fun to do with the kids for €2 per person? Fort Willem playground in Maastricht is suitable for children up to the age of 12. There are playgrounds, mini golf, a splash pool with slides, sandpits and shaded areas to sit.

Regular children's entertainment (see Facebook for updates)

Every first Wednesday of the month, from 14.00 - 15.00 read aloud in the playground, with a free book for each child.

Opening Times
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 12.00 - 18.00
All public holidays, and (NL) children's holidays from 12.00 - 18.00

Kastanjelaan 50
6217 SB Maastricht
info@speeltuinfortwillem.nl
Telephone: +31(0) 43 321 13 97

For more information please click here

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: La Dolce Vita Night - 18 June 2026

 

Save the Date – La Dolce Vita Night!

The Italian community of JFC Brunssum is excited to invite you to a special evening: “La Dolce Vita”, taking place on 18 June 2026.

Get ready to enjoy a relaxed and elegant night inspired by the true spirit of Italy.

Expect a delicious apericena with authentic Italian specialties, great company, and live music to set the perfect atmosphere.

Families are very welcome!

A dedicated kids’ area will be available, so little ones can have fun in a safe environment while you enjoy the evening.

More details coming soon.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BELGIUM: Inspire to Lead 'Everything You Want to Know About AI', Thursday 18th June 2026, 09:00-13:00 - Virtual Session

The next session in the Inspire to Lead Calendar is 'Everything You Want to Know About A.I.'

This will be an online Teams workshop running from 9am to 1pm CEST. It is open to all members of the UK Armed Forces community.

Places are limited so will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Sign-up with Zak to secure your place on Zakia.Yousaf100@mod.gov.uk

An attendance certificate will be issued on completion, should you wish to record this as CPD time.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Today is Star Wars Day.....

 

Wishing you all a Happy Star Wars Day, from your HISO.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE