Fruhlingsfest and Oster Fun

Blossoms, Beer, and Bunny Hunts – Your Guide to Germany’s Spring & Easter 2026

As the German winter fades into spring. Traditions and modern celebrations collide at the Easter and spring fairs. From the medieval courtyards of UNESCO sites to  high-octane thrills at Europe’s largest funfairs, here is where you need to be this spring.

1. Traditional Easter Markets (Oster-Märkte)
For those seeking authentic handicrafts and seasonal delicacies, Germany’s Easter markets are unmatched.

Copyright tourismus.nuernberg.de

• Nuremberg Easter Market (March 20 – April 6, 2026): Known as the "Häferlesmarkt" for its exquisite ceramics, this market in the Hauptmarkt features over 80 stalls with hand-painted eggs and traditional "Palmkatzerl" (pussy willow) bundles. Drive time 4 hrs.
• Wiesbaden Easter Market (March 20 – 22, 2026): A concentrated weekend of joy in the historic city center, featuring a massive fabric market and children’s carousels. Drive time 2 hrs 45 mins
• International Easter Egg Market, Maulbronn (Feb 28 – March 1, 2026): Held at the Maulbronn Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this specialist market showcases artists decorating everything from tiny finch eggs to massive ostrich eggs. Drive time 4 hrs.

BELGIUM: The Urban Trail Series 2026

Have you heard of the Urban Trail Series Belgium? It really is the best way to see a city.....  

An Urban Trail is an experiential running event where participants — whether walkers, joggers or runners and anything in between — follow a mapped route ranging between 7 and 13km that takes them through streets, hidden alleys, historic sites and even inside notable buildings in towns and cities across the country.

Over the past two years, we as a family, including our (then) 8 and 9 year old daughter have thoroughly enjoyed these events.

This year, the series calendar includes major dates such as:

Brussels: 28 June 2026 — discover the Belgian capital’s heritage on foot in distances typically ranging from around 7 km to 12 km.
Ghent: 25 October 2026 — another chance to experience one of Flanders’ most historic cities in a uniquely engaging way.
Antwerp: 15 November 2026 — weaving through landmark locations in the port city.

Mechelen: 12 December 2026 — a night-time event closing out the series in this scenic city north of Brussels.

Having participated in the Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp events, I can honestly say they are thoroughly enjoyable and truly unique and we are looking forward to ending our Belgian stay with Brussels Urban Trail 2026.

In each event in the series you will see the cities as you’ve never seen them before — running or walking along routes that pass theatres, museums, tunnels, stadia and other urban treasures, with a focus on atmosphere and discovery rather than competition. 

Complete with Hydration stations, waved start times and festive post-run vibes these events are welcoming for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. It is no wonder that Urban Trails have become a distinctive and popular fixture in Belgium’s outdoor activity culture; encouraging people to be active, exploring familiar cities in new ways, and enjoying the blend of urban heritage and sporting fun throughout the year.

See you in Brussels!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: FestiFood, Winter Edition, This Weekend and Next, Mons

The Winter Edition of FestiFood takes place this weekend and next.

Under a large, heated marquee and for a very reasonable price, you will be able to taste some well-known Belgian gastronomy. All whilst having a great time with family and friends in a nice atmosphere.

There will be 11 different delicious dishes to choose from, prepared by six famous “Top Chefs” from the area (three of them are listed in the Michelin Guide).

WHEN: Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March and Friday 6 March to Sunday 8 March 2026.
Open 1700 to midnight on Friday, 1200 to midnight on Saturday & 1200 to 2300 on Sunday.
WHERE: The Grand Place, Mons

HOW MUCH: FREE Entrance, each dish costs 12 € (except opening night when each dish costs 10 €). Desserts are 10 €.

MORE INFORMATION: Visit the website https://www.festifoodrtl.be/festifood-hiver.
ANYTHING ELSE: Happy Hour on Friday 27 February from 1700 to 1800; Buy one drink, get one free.

Bon appétit!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Military History Society presents......Beer Call/Pub Quiz, Thursday 19 March 2026, 17:30-21:00

The SHAPE Military History Society cordially invites you to a Beer Call! 

Join them in the BritBar for a FREE Beer and a Pub Quiz!

WHEN: Thursday 19 March 2026, 17:30-21:00
WHERE: The BritBar, Building 309
HOW: Contact konstantinos.panopoulos@nato.int 

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Rail & Bus Strikes and National Demonstrations planned for March and April

Please be advised that another round of strikes are incoming...

A rail strike will take place from Sunday 8 March at 22:00 to Wednesday 11 March at 22:00, socialist union ACOD Spoor announced on Wednesday.

It applies to the entire network and all locations of SNCB-NMBS, Infrabel, and HR Rail.

A national demonstration is planned in Brussels on 12 March, the day after the new rail strike.

De Lijn Brussels bus lines, has also issued a strike notice from Monday 16 to Friday 20 March, days of action (1-day strikes) are West Flanders, Antwerp Province, Flemish Brabant, Limburg and East Flanders.

The second week of action, from Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April, the action will take place alternately in Flemish Brabant, Limburg and Antwerp Province from Tuesday to Thursday while on Friday staff will strike in both East and West Flanders.

Please plan your travels and TDY accordingly.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Make-A-Wish Bowling Tournament, Saturday 9 May 2026, Submissions open now

New for 2026, in support of Make-A-Wish, is the Bowling Tournament.

Why not get a team together and hit the lanes to raise some money for a fantastic charity.

WHEN: Saturday 9 May 2026, 12:30 for 13:00 start
WHERE: SHAPE Pizza Bowl
HOW: Submit your team by 20 April, contact shapebowling@gmail.com for more information


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunssum: Warning Sirens - first Monday of the month

 

When are the public warning sirens tested?

All over the Netherlands, the public warning sirens are tested at exactly 12.00 noon on the first Monday of every month. The siren sounds for 1 minute and 26 seconds without interruption. This is a test signal so there is nothing to worry about. The sirens are never tested on a national or religious holiday or Remembrance Day, even if they fall on the first Monday in the month.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

SHAPE: BSB Vice Principal Collaboration Visit, Monday 23rd March 13:30-14:30 in the BritBar

If you are a parent or prospective parent of a child(ren) at BSB, don't miss this Visit from the Vice Principal, Whole School Head of Enrichment and Student Journeys Officer.

This is a fabulous opportunity to gain insights into daily life at BSB, hear about and share family's experiences and strengthen the connections between our community and BSB.

WHEN: Monday 23 March 2026, 13:30-14:30
WHERE: The BritBar, Building 309
HOW: Secure your place by emailing Joanne.Cann101@mod.gov.uk

Limited Spaces Available!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Coffee & Croissants in the Britbar, Saturday 28th February 2026 10:00-11:00

It's the last Saturday of the Month which can only mean one thing.....

Join us in the Britbar for refreshments post-parkrun, pre- or post-dog walk or in preparation to hit the shops.

WHEN: Saturday 28th February 2026, 10:00-11:00

WHERE: The Britbar

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Save the Date for the Army v Navy Rugby, Saturday 2nd May 2026

SAVE THE DATE!

WHAT: Army v Navy Rugby Showing with a Curry
WHEN: Saturday 2nd May 2026
WHERE: The BritBar

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE