BRUIS: the perfect family outing for the end of summer
The end of a busy summer was in sight when we decided to spend one last family weekend in bustling Maastricht. We already knew Maastricht as a wonderful city where wining, dining, and shopping go hand in hand. But we wanted to explore even more of the city and BRUIS seemed like the perfect opportunity. After all, BRUIS is a fun and down-to-earth festival for families.
It's first and foremost a music festival featuring real bands for real grown-ups – not a line-up of children's performances that parents have to suffer through. We enjoyed Warhaus, Het Zesde Metaal, Django Django, and more. As much as we appreciate the children's band K3, we were happy to see they weren't on the line-up. Plus, Bas and Elodie loved the music! They'd never heard of these bands before, but Bas (7) listened with intense fascination and Elodie (3) danced the day away. This was before they discovered the kids area!
Music maestro
This is first and foremost a music festival featuring real bands for real grown-ups – not a line-up of children's performances that parents have to suffer through. We enjoyed Warhaus, Het Zesde Metaal, Django Django, and more. As much as we appreciate the children's band K3, we were happy to see they weren't on the line-up. Plus, Bas and Elodie loved the music! They'd never heard of these bands before, but Bas (7) listened with intent fascination and Elodie (3) danced the day away. This was before they discovered the kids area!
Let your kids be kids
They'd spotted it from afar: the special area at the back of the festival for the littlest festival-goers. This is where Luna Events and Ruben Komkommer reign supreme. Who? The super-enthusiastic team of expert child entertainers, of course! They keep the kids entertained while the parents explore the different stands by organizing unique activities that suit the atmosphere of the festival. Hats off to them! Or as we say in Belgium: faut le faire! We painted and decorated our own bags (Bas was a little heavy-handed with the spray paint!) and the kids devoured a massive candy floss (with a little help from us, of course). I know what you're thinking: candy floss, how delightfully antiquated. But with the sweets stands, the food trucks, the play areas, and even a puppet show, it all fit the bill perfectly.
What about practical info?
The festival lasted three days, although we didn't stay the whole time. We wanted to experience both the city and the festival, so we sort of wandered in and out as we pleased. The festival is close to the city park, which is the perfect spot for families with children. Our kids aren't fans of walking, so we decided to cover all bases and take a scooter, a skateboard, and a pram with us.
Bonus: the festival is completely free! That means you can wander in and out as you like. But be warned: once you've tasted the atmosphere, you won't want to leave! I recommend taking your time to soak it all in. You can find the exact address here.
Now all of you mums and dads know that BRUIS is definitely worth the visit or 'totally cool', as Bas and Elodie described it. Treat your kids to a festival where pink unicorns and boisterous clowns make way for good music and unique children's activities. We thought it was the perfect family getaway before we all rejoined the rat race that is work and school!
