book browsing at Zuiderpershuis
There are three events over the whole weekend this weekend firstly – the Markies Stock Sale (of books) at Zuiderpershuis, which is definitely a nice way to get discounted gifts for bookish loved ones -although most books are in Dutch, there is also a selection of books in English (and coffee table books) as well as picture books for children. It’s free and takes place from 10am -6pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (if you don’t get the chance to go this weekend, it’s also on next weekend too).
Steez Festival is a free festival of urban arts, music, dance DJs and even a skate zone at de Studio on Maarschalk Gérardstraat 4 from 2pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
And for Lego lovers, there’s Brickmania at the Expo on Saturday and Sunday (ticketed).
Friday
At 6pm it’s the monthly bike ride with Critical Mass Antwerpen – assemble as usual on Theaterplein with your bike for a kid-friendly hour’s cycling en masse through Antwerp, returning to Theaterplein for 7pm.
If, like me you are somewhat averse to the whole concept of the annual grabfest horror that is Black Friday, you could head instead to the Kringloopwinkels (second hand shops) of Antwerp to check out their deals (there will be 50% reductions on many items), or to the Kammenstraat fleamarket (cash only).
Antwerp Zoo
The Jungle Book Light Festival begins at Zoo Antwerp this evening and runs until 12th January. It is ticketed and enables visitors to see the colourful lights and figures supplied by the makers of China Light, which has taken place in previous years. It’s not the cheapest family evening out, but we have always seeing the zoo this way in previous years and consider it a nice winter treat. Check the weather before you book, and wrap up warm if necessary!
Saturday
Antwerp artist Sacha Eckes opens a new exhibition at Shoobil Gallery so why not take the opportunity to slip away from the increasing busy-ness of the town centre, to view works characterised by skill and humor inspired by the theme of reality TV? Love Island opens at 2pm with a vernissage (Museumstraat 4).
If you have children who want to see Sinterklaas, then you can find him at Grand Bazar shopping center from 1.30pm, but be aware that this can be popular and there is sometimes a queue.
If you are more organised than me and ready to make some Christmas purchases (or just to enjoy a traditional British-style Christmas Bazaar) then head to the Antwerp Harbour hotel between 11am – 4pm and check out their Christmas goodies and treats, while also supporting the Mission to Seafarers in Antwerp.
Sunday
If you’re still missing hanging out at Bar Noord in Park Spoor Noord, head to Goegekregen second hand market which takes place in the shelter there this Sunday from 9am -6pm.
For those who can’t get enough of the high street, there’s Sunday shopping in the city from midday. If you have little ones who are excited about Sinterklaas, you may well catch a glimpse of him on Meir this afternoon. And because it’s December, the shops will be open on all Sundays throughout the month, and again on January 5th 2020.
Sinterklaas (due to an uncanny ability to be in more than one place at a time) will also be at Wintar (see below) from 2pm enjoying waffles and other treats.
This weekend should be (mostly) dry, cold and bright with the possibility of some showers on Sunday morning.
Miscellaneous
Winter bars are starting to open, including Wintar on Boomgaardstraat 17, near the Antwerp City Brewery (De Koninck) for drinks, food (especially cheese!) and events until the start of February.
Stad Antwerpen have released the Winter in Antwerp programme! #WinterinA starts on the 7th of December and will be featured on Nessascityblog in more detail next week.
Find & Follow #nessascityblog
ON: Facebook (Events in Antwerp)
Email: [email protected]
& check out #nessascityblog on Twitter & Pinterest & Instagram
View this post on Instagram#antwerp #noorderlijn #tramtracks #tram #thisisantwerp #visitantwerp #antwerpen #stadantwerpen #discoverantwerp #frankrijklei #nessascityblog #vierkantwerpen #instantwerpen #antwerp #skiesofantwerp #streetsofantwerp #antwerptoday #antwerpphoto #sundayafternoon #local #blog Nessascityblog.com
A post shared by Vanessa McC (@nessascityblog) on Nov 24, 2019 at 11:31am PST
