In just over a week, Brussels will be hosting the BD Comic Strip Festival in Tour & Taxis’ Gare Maritime. From 26 to 28 September, comic-book fans of all ages can expect to be treated to a whirlwind of exhibitions and wild, fun activities.
The cherry on top: this year, a draw will let one lucky winner take home their own weight in comic books!
Brussels will be welcoming the BD Comic Strip Festival and all its colourful characters from 26 to 28 September. On the agenda: activities, exhibitions, book signings, talks and the unmissable giant balloons, delighting comic enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. This year’s edition will shine a spotlight on Dutch-language comics and an exclusive contest will award the winner their weight in comics. Enjoy a festive weekend that immerses visitors in the captivating world of the ninth art.
Here is a brief look at the festival activities.
No BD Comic Strip Festival would be complete without signing sessions!
A number of famous authors will be on hand to delight devoted comic fans. In total, nearly 200 signing sessions will take place across the Tour & Taxis site. Conversations and animations Publishers and their creators have put together a rich programme of discussions about iconic heroes, the evolution of the ninth art and emerging trends – because the world of comics also reflects the issues facing our societies.
And that’s not all! They’re also offering a host of original activities for young and old throughout the festival: a wacky “Drink & Draw” hosted by Grafik bookshop, thrilling adventures aboard the Spirou Express, a digital drawing discovery workshop with Cartoonbase, and an escape game that lets you step into the shoes of the Lulus.
There’s truly something for everyone – and surprises galore! Festivalgoers can also marvel at the famous giant balloons of their favourite comic characters, which will be set up all around the venue.
Visitors will be treated to an exclusive sneak peek of “Nature,” an exhibition by Wauter Mannaert that will open at the Comics Art Museum on 4 October 2025.
The Abracada’Brume exhibition introduces Brume, a funny, spirited and endearing little heroine who lives in a timeless world (Glénat). To mark its 50th anniversary, Fluide Glacial magazine will unveil its most controversial covers.
Audiences can also immerse themselves in the world of La Guerre des Lulus by Régis Hautière and Hardoc (Casterman). The work of recent graduates from ESA Saint-Luc in Brussels and LUCA School of Arts in both Brussels and Ghent will also take centre stage. It’s a wonderful way to showcase their creations to the public and to publishers on the lookout for new voices
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