Walden Festival 2023

The concept of Walden Festival?Enjoying music in all its diversity on various stages in and around Brussels’ Leopold Park, the green heart of the European Quarter. Get ready for an adventurous summer festival for young and old alike!

The garden of the Museum of Natural Sciences, adjacent to Leopold Park, is the starting point for an exploration of classical, contemporary, non-Western music and jazz. It’s all about alternative concert formats and breaking down barriers between different genres. A string quartet, a jazz solo, Eastern music and mysterious soundscapes … encounter them all at Walden Festival.

outdoors and indoors

Some concerts take place in the open air while others are held in stunning architectural jewels. Put together your own schedule and wander between concerts. Combine the festival with a visit to the Museum of Natural Sciences or enjoy our tasteful festival catering. Watch, listen, taste, feel... let all of your senses be stimulated!

inspiration

The name ‘Walden Festival’ refers to the book of the same name by the American author Henry David Thoreau. He coupled observations of nature and philosophical musings with a plea for a better society. His book, now over 150 years old, is more relevant today than ever and still encourages us to live more consciously and sustainably. Walden Festival strives not only to leave the smallest possible environmental footprint, but also to actively connect people to each other and their environment - through music and a gathering in the green space of Brussels.

slow radio

The collaboration with Klara and VRT is also a special one. ‘Walden’ is also the name of a ‘slow radio’ programme that Klara has broadcast every Sunday for many a year. “An oasis of peace in words and music from the Middle Ages to the present,” is how compiler Katleen van Bavel describes her musical choices. Walden Festival works according to the same idea, and that’s why Klara is broadcasting a large selection of the festival concerts.

from the creators of klarafestival

Walden Festival is the informal counterpart to Klarafestival, organised by Festival of Flanders Brussels since 2004 and now one of the largest classical music events in Belgium.