BELGIUM: Social Dinner, Venue TBC, Friday 17th July 2026

This month is the Social Dinner...

WHEN: Friday 17th July 2026
WHERE: TBC

All welcome.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Free Museums Sunday this Sunday!

This Sunday is the first Sunday of the Month which can only mean one thing....

FREE Museums Sunday! Over 160 museums are available to visit at no charge whatsoever, so this is a perfect opportunity to explore everything from history and art to the weird and wonderful that makes Belgium a great place to live! So whether its rain or shine this weekend, enjoy your downtime and make the most of this brilliant cultural initiative.

Some popular museums still require you to book online to guarantee entry but entry will be free on the first Sunday of every month.

Check out the participating museums HERE. And do check their website for any reservation requirements.

Happy Exploring!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Guinguettes Season is Back for 2026

Guinguettes season is back in Brussels, launching last Friday with Guinguette Maurice in Cinquantenaire Park.

These pop-up bars, open across the city, offer food and drinks as well as various activities, events and concerts. The 2026 programme incudes Yoga, a Repair Cafe, a Lindy Hop and Street Theatre.

To find out more, have a read of this.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Brussels Urban Trail, Sunday 28 June 2026, still time to sign-up

If you have never experienced an Urban Trail before, then this is the sign you have been waiting for. It truly is the most incredible way to see a City, even one you think you know.

An urban trail is a running or walking event which passes by and through famous and less well known spots and buildings throughout the city.

With two distances to choose from 7-8km and 11-13km you wend your way around the course at your own pace. The event is not timed so there is no pressure but to enjoy this unique experience.

Last year we ran the 11km with our then 9 year old and it was a thoroughly enjoyable morning; we even scoped out our lunch venue en route!

The course and locations are yet to be announced but it will definitely show you a side to the city you may not have seen before. Spaces are limited so registration is required. 

These are brilliantly organised events, with toilets, bag drops, t-shirt collection, entertainment on the course and of course a goodie bag when you finish. You won't be disappointed.

If I haven't sold it to you yet, have a look at this.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Vestalia Festival 2026, Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th June 2026

The third edition of Vestalia is due to finish this weekend!

Around 40 exceptional stately homes around Belgium will open their doors to the public during the festival.

The theme this year is 'Meeting' to honour the individuals at the heart of these beautiful historic homes.

As well as visits and tours of the homes and gardens, there will be concerts and performances in prestigious settings and some gourmet tasting to be sampled as well.

Find out more here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: The Royal Palace in Brussels opens its doors to the public following a 2 year renovation

Following a two-year renovation project, the Royal Palace of Brussels will reopen its doors to the public!

The Palace is the administrative headquarters of the  Belgian monarchy and is where King Philip of Belgium maintains his office. 

Don't miss this opportunity to discover the architectural splendours of  this gorgeous building. The Palace will be open for 6 weeks this summer; check out the imposing grand staircase, the great gallery, the empire room and the throne room before enjoying the gorgeous gardens.

WHEN: Friday 3rd July to Sunday 16th August 2026

WHERE: The Royal Palace, Rue Brederode 16, 1000 Brussels

MORE INFORMATION: here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: HISO final visit to Welcombeek and NATO HQ, Wednesday 17 June 2026

This month it will be my final visit to NATO HQ and Welcombeek! 

I will be coming to Welcombeek Coffee Morning on Wednesday 17th June 10:00 -11:30 and then heading to NATO HQ between 12:00 and 14:00. Padre Craig and Nikki are joining me too.

If you are about, do pop in and say cheerio or get answers to any questions you may have.

I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting you all during my time as HISO!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Back on Senne at the Sewer Museum, from now until 3rd January 2027

It is commonly said that Belgium has a Museum for Everything, but did you know that this country is home to a Sewer Museum?

Remi the Rat from Disney's Ratatouille may spring to mind, but it is in fact true, and Brussels is the location for this fascinating place. And from now until early-January 2027, Back on Senne is an exhibition that unlocks the hidden river beneath its premises. Projections, spatial sound and laser beams immerse visitors in a sensory landscape of moving light, tones and water movement. Workshops, guided walks and more are available.

The Sewer Museum is one of the 160+ museums throughout Belgium that take part in FREE Museums Sunday on the First Sunday of the Month too!

WHEN: Now until 3rd January 2027
WHERE: Anderlechtsepoort, 1000 Brussels
MORE INFORMATION: https://sewermuseum.brussels/en/

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Flight Exhibition, Friday 17th October 2025 until Sunday 9th August 2026

Ever wondered how to defy gravity? Short of finding Elphaba’s copy of the Grimmerie, why not pop along to the Museum of Natural Sciences to discover just how animals and humans can soar above the clouds without broomstick or magic.

Nature meets technology at this fascinating exhibition. Youngsters will also get a chance to make their own paper aeroplane soar too! Suitable for ages 10 and upwards.

WHEN: Friday 17th October 2025 until Sunday 9th August 2026

WHERE: Natural Sciences Museum, Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Brussels.

MORE INFORMATION: https://www.naturalsciences.be/en/museum/exhibitions-activities/exhibitions/flight

 

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Brits in NATO After Work Social, Thursday 25th June 2026 17:00 onwards

This month's Brits in NATO After Work Social is...

WHEN: Thursday 25th June 2026, 17:00 onwards
WHERE: NATO Staff Centre

Look out for the Union Jack.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Belgium: FREE Museums Sunday

It’s the first Sunday of the month this weekend which can only mean one thing…. FREE museums Sunday!

Over 150 museums across Belgium, including the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Brussels, the Medicine Museum of Brussels in Erasmes, the Hergé Museum in Louvain-la-Neuve and the Mons Memorial Museum, will open their doors Free of Charge this Sunday.

It is a great opportunity to discover the cultural heritage, fantastic exhibitions and much more with family or friends. You may find the full list of Museums that are participating HERE.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

BRUSSELS: Children's Summer Holiday Camps, registration now open!

Looking for Children's Summer Holiday Camps?

You can register your children for holiday camps from now. Sports activities, creative development, and all kinds of fun await your children. Registration at the Staff Centre reception, or by e-mail: academy.nato@highfive.fit. 

Available dates:

• 1-3 July (3 days)
• 6-10 July
• 13-17 July
• 20-24 July (4 days)
• 27-31 July
• 3-7 August
• 10-14 August
• 18-21 August (4 days)
• 24-28 August

PLEASE NOTE: in order to ensure the best experience for all families, camp registration will close one week before the start of the camp.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Watch World Cup Games at the Staff Centre

Excited about the World Cup 2026?

World Cup matches will be screened on the TVs at the Staff Centre during opening hours.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Wellbeing Seminar "Mobility, Posture & Back Resilience" Tuesday 16th June 2026, 12:15-13:30

Learn how to improve your posture and back strength with the High Five trainers. 

This 75-minute seminar will cover theoretical and practical knowledge on how to counteract the physical impact of sedentary work. Participants will be exposed to science- and experience-based principles regarding mobility, posture, balance, and back strength, and will provide simple daily routines to maintain optimal results.

WHEN: Tuesday 16 June 2026, 12:15-13:30
WHERE: The Staff Centre

PRESENTERS: David Chowrimootoo, ADEPS Trainer & Educator (High Five) & Paola Ochoa, Personal Trainer (High Five)
RSVP: natosportcentre@highfive.fit

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Summer Afterwork at the Staff Centre, Thursday 25th June 2026, 17:00-21:00

SAVE THE DATE for this Summer Party at the Staff Centre!

"Cheers" the start of summer with your colleagues at the Summer After Work. Enjoy live music by DJ GiGi, salsa dance lessons from High Five, and food and drink specials from Pop-Up. All HQ occupants are welcome.

WHEN: Thursday 25th June 2026, 17:00-21:00
WHERE: The Staff Centre, Bar/Terrace


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Summer Family Day at the Staff Centre, Sunday 7th June 2026 11:00-16:00

Get into the spirit of the season with weekend with the Summer Family Day!

Celebrate the start of the summer season at the Summer Family Day. All ages are welcome to enjoy activities including: 

• colour Run (14:00), 
• face painting, 
• balloon modeler, 
• caricature drawings, 
• mini-golf, 
• giant soccer 
• darts, 
• inflatable obstacle course, 
• pool activities, 
• photobooth, 
• arts & crafts, 
• DJ GiGi and mini disco, 
• NCSC sport club activities (tennis, volleyball, children's football match, squash, Triathlon indoor cycling, kickboxing demonstration), 
• various sport games with High Five, 
• airsoft shooting & 
• self-defense demonstration with NOS, fire safety and water hose activities with HQFES.

Special food and drink offers at the new Pop-Up container.

WHEN: Sunday 7th June 2026, 11:00-16:00
WHERE: The Staff Centre, NATO HQ

WHO: The NATO HQ Community
HOW: Register at natosportcentre@highfive.fit

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Social Drinks, Tervuren, Friday 19 June 2026

 

This month's Social Drinks is being held:

at: Den Engels, Tervuren
on: Friday 19th June 2026

All welcome, just turn up and join in!


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Tutankhamun; the Immersive Experience, Brussels Expo, on now until October 2026

The Tutankhamun Immersive exhibition explores the Valley of the Kings in Luxor where many Egyptian Pharoahs are buried, including Tutankhamun who lived from 1342 BC to 1323 BC.

Your visit includes display galleries with narrative panels, reconstitutes funerary objects and virtual reality experiences of the Valley of the Kings, the camp and Tutankhamun's tomb.

WHEN: from Saturday 23rd May to Sunday 11th October 2026 
WHERE: Terminal 1 Brussels Expo, Place de Belgique 1, Laeken

MORE INFORMATION: HERE

'Treasures of Tutankhamun' exhibition is also on at the Digital and Interactive Venue (DIVE) in Antwerp.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Best Rooftops Bars in Brussels

For a sky high sun-downer in Brussels, check out the Rooftop Bars across the city.

• Rooftop 58
• The Beerlab
• Casa Alta
• Albert
• Soko Rooftop
• Bazar Rooftop
• Beursschouwburg
• The Eight Rooftop
• Secret Rooftop
• Akai
• The Hoxton Brussels
• Perché Rooftop
• The Roof

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