Drawing Week Brussels is an annual celebration of drawing that transforms the Belgian capital into a living sketchbook. Organized by the non-profit association Drawing Week Brussels vzw, the event typically takes place over nine days in late May or early June, with 2025 scheduled for 24 May – 1 June. The festival brings together professional artists, amateur sketchers, and curious newcomers for a packed programme of workshops, guided urban sketching walks, open studios, and exhibitions across all 19 municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region.

Whether you are a seasoned urban sketcher or picking up a pencil for the first time, this guide covers everything you need: workshop registration, featured artists, recommended materials, prime sketching spots, and insider tips to navigate the festival like a local.

Workshops and Registration

Drawing Week Brussels offers over 100 workshops each edition, ranging from two-hour introductory sessions to full-day masterclasses. Most workshops are held in Dutch or French, but a growing number are in English – especially those led by international guest artists.

How to Register

Workshops require advance booking via the official website. Registration opens approximately six weeks before the festival. Prices vary:

  • Standard workshop (2–3 hours): €15–€25
  • Half-day workshop (4 hours): €30–€45
  • Full-day masterclass (6–7 hours): €50–€80
  • Free events: open sketching sessions, exhibitions, and some outdoor meet-ups (no registration needed)

A limited number of combi passes (e.g., 3 workshops for €60) are available for early birds. Children under 12 often participate for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Popular Workshop Themes

  • Urban sketching fundamentals – perspective, composition, and speed drawing
  • Watercolour and ink – wet-on-wet techniques, line-and-wash
  • Figure drawing – life models in studio and public spaces
  • Architectural sketching – capturing Brussels’ Art Nouveau facades
  • Digital drawing – using Procreate or Adobe Fresco on location

For a deeper dive into workshop strategies, see our Workshop Tips for Drawing Week Brussels.

Featured Artists and Guest Instructors

Drawing Week Brussels invites both local talents and internationally recognized urban sketchers. Past guests have included Lapin (Barcelona), Marion Rivolier (France), Omar Jaramillo (Mexico), and Frederique van der Walt (South Africa). The 2025 edition is expected to announce its lineup in early March.

Belgian Regulars

  • Annelies Vande Velde – known for her loose watercolour style and urban sketching workshops
  • Dirk Verhoeven – architectural illustrator focusing on Brussels’ Grand Place and Parc du Cinquantenaire
  • Maud Vangramberen – comic artist and drawing instructor at Sint-Lukas Brussels

Many artists sell prints and original sketches at the Drawing Market (last Sunday of the festival, held at Tour & Taxis or Gare Maritime). Admission is free.

Urban Sketching Locations in Brussels

Brussels offers a dense mix of architectural styles, from medieval guildhalls to contemporary glass towers. The festival provides a sketching map (downloadable PDF) highlighting 30+ recommended spots. Below are the most popular districts.

Historic Centre (Pentagon)

  • Grand Place – UNESCO World Heritage site; best sketched early morning (before 9:00) to avoid crowds
  • Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert – glass-roofed arcade with elegant shopfronts
  • Mont des Arts – staircase with views of the city hall and the Palace of Justice

European Quarter

  • Parc du Cinquantenaire – triumphal arch, museums, and wide perspectives
  • Berlaymont building – European Commission headquarters; interesting modern geometry
  • Place Jourdan – lively square with the famous Chez Leon for a sketching break

Art Nouveau Trail

  • Maison Saint-Cyr (Square Ambiorix) – Victor Horta’s facade
  • Horta Museum (Rue Américaine 25) – book a timed ticket; interior sketching allowed with pencil only
  • Cauchie House (Rue des Francs 5) – sgraffito decorations

Off-the-Beaten-Path

  • Kanal – Centre Pompidou – contemporary art museum with industrial architecture; café terrace overlooks canal
  • Gare de Bruxelles-Midi – train station with dramatic steel arches and constant movement
  • Matonge district (Ixelles) – vibrant African market, colorful street art, and bustling life

For a curated list of spots with accessibility info, read our Best Urban Sketching Spots in Brussels.

Essential Materials and Where to Buy Them

You do not need expensive gear to enjoy Drawing Week Brussels, but having the right tools can make a difference. Most workshops provide a basic materials list upon registration.

Recommended Kit

  • Sketchbook: A5 or A4, hardcover, 140–200 gsm paper (works for dry and light wet media). Brands: Moleskine Art Collection, Stillman & Birn, Rhodia.
  • Pens: Waterproof fineliners (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 mm) – Sakura Pigma Micron or Uni Pin; or a fountain pen with waterproof ink (e.g., Platinum Carbon Ink).
  • Watercolours: Pocket set with 12–24 half-pans – Winsor & Newton Cotman or Schmincke; a water brush (e.g., Pentel Aquash) is convenient for outdoor use.
  • Other: Pencil (2B or 4B), eraser, sharpener, small spray bottle, paper towel, and a folding stool if you plan to sketch for hours.

Art Supply Stores in Brussels

  • Bureau & Cie (Rue du Midi 56, 1000 Brussels) – wide selection of sketchbooks and pens; open Mon–Sat 10:00–18:30.
  • Adam Art (Chaussée de Charleroi 98, 1060 Saint-Gilles) – paints, brushes, and paper; knowledgeable staff.
  • Roularta Art (Rue de la Régence 55, 1000) – high-end materials and framing.
  • Boes & Co (Rue de la Montagne 34, 1000) – historic shop selling stationery and art supplies since 1847.

Many of these shops offer a 10% discount for Drawing Week Brussels participants upon showing your workshop registration confirmation.

Practical Tips for First-Time Participants

Drawing Week Brussels can be overwhelming – here is how to prepare.

Getting Around

  • Buy a STIB 72-hour pass (€20) for unlimited metro, tram, and bus. Most venues are within walking distance of a metro station.
  • Use the Villo! bike-sharing system (€1.65 per ride) for short hops between sketching locations.
  • Download the Drawing Week Brussels app (iOS/Android) for real-time schedule updates and maps.

Workshop Etiquette

  • Arrive 10 minutes early; workshops start promptly.
  • Bring your own materials unless stated otherwise (some masterclasses include a materials pack).
  • Respect the instructor’s language – if you are unsure, check the workshop description. Many instructors are bilingual.

Weather and Comfort

  • Brussels weather in late May averages 15–20°C with occasional rain. Pack a light waterproof jacket and a hat.
  • Wear comfortable shoes – you will stand or walk for hours.
  • Carry a water bottle and snacks; cafés are plentiful but can be busy during lunch.

Connecting with Other Sketchers

  • Join the Drawing Week Brussels Facebook group or Instagram (@drawingweekbrussels) to share your sketches and find impromptu meet-ups.
  • Attend the Opening Night (free, usually at Kanal – Centre Pompidou) to meet artists and volunteers.

For more advice on making the most of your time, see our Tips for First-Time Attendees.

Exhibitions and Side Events

Beyond workshops, Drawing Week Brussels hosts several free exhibitions:

  • Expo Sketch – a curated show of works by participating artists, held at Tour & Taxis or Gare Maritime. Open daily 10:00–18:00.
  • Open Studio Weekend – over 50 artists open their studios to the public (first weekend of the festival). A map is available at the festival info point.
  • Sketch Battle – live drawing competition between teams of artists, usually on Saturday evening. Spectators free.
  • Children’s Corner – free drop-in drawing activities for kids aged 4–12, often at Museum of Fine Arts or Bozar.

Check the Full Event Schedule for exact times and locations.

Accommodation and Dining

Brussels has options for every budget. Book early, as hotels fill up during the festival.

  • Budget: MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi (dorms from €25/night) or Hostel Bruegel (€30/night) in the city centre.
  • Mid-range: Hotel des Galeries (€120/night) inside the Galeries Royales; NH Collection Brussels Centre (€140/night).
  • Luxury: Hotel Amigo (€300+/night) overlooking Grand Place; Stanhope Hotel (€250+/night) near the European Quarter.

For quick sketching breaks, try Falstaff (Grand Place) for Belgian classics, Mokafé (Rue des Eperonniers) for coffee, or Le Pain Quotidien (multiple locations) for light meals.

Conclusion

Drawing Week Brussels is more than a festival – it is a community of artists who believe that drawing is a way to see the world more deeply. With a little planning, you can fill your sketchbook with the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden corners, learn from master sketchers, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Pack your pens, check the schedule, and get ready to draw Brussels.

For a comprehensive overview, read our Pillar Guide to Drawing Week Brussels.

Related Articles

  • Pillar Guide to Drawing Week Brussels
  • Workshop Tips for Drawing Week Brussels
  • Best Urban Sketching Spots in Brussels
  • Tips for First-Time Attendees
  • Full Event Schedule