Thirty-seven and still dancing: La Demence opens its birthday weekend at Fuse

La Demence turns 37 with three nights in Brussels, beginning at Fuse on Friday 30 October 2026. The opening party spreads ten DJs across three levels, with the final set running until noon on Saturday. For gay clubbers and the wider queer nightlife community, the anniversary is a reminder that Brussels’ cultural life also happens after dark — through spaces built around music, desire and coming together. One important detail before making plans: the opening party is currently advertised as sold out.

A birthday that needs more than one night

Some birthdays call for dinner. La Demence has other ideas.

Its 37th-anniversary celebrations run from 30 October to 1 November, moving between two very different Brussels settings: Fuse for the opening and closing parties, and ING Arena for Saturday’s main event. Friday starts the weekend in the club on Rue Blaes, before Saturday takes the celebration to arena scale.lademence+1

The opening is not simply a warm-up. With music beginning at 10pm and the last advertised set ending at noon the following day, it is a full-length night in its own right. Across three levels, the programme gives dancers several routes through the party rather than a single room to settle into.

Three levels, ten DJs, no early finish

On Level 1, Andrei Stan opens from 10pm to 1am, followed by Andy O’Kean until 3.30am. DJ Charly takes the next stretch, with John Dixon playing from 6am to 8.30am.

Level 2 starts at 11pm with Elias, followed by Dikky Vendetta at 2am and Mr. Cozzo at 5am. Chris Bekker then takes over from 8am until noon — the final chapter for anyone who finds that sunrise is more of a suggestion than a deadline.

On Level 3, Belgian DJ Jo plays from 11pm to 4am, followed by Sly until 9am. Visuals come from VJ Jeremy From AlexEtJeremy. The bill brings together artists from Belgium, Romania, Switzerland, Spain, France, the Netherlands and Germany, giving the anniversary an international cast behind the decks.

The staggered schedules are part of the experience: rooms begin and finish at different times, allowing the night to change shape as it unfolds.

More than a place to hear a DJ

La Demence presents itself explicitly as a gay party, rather than a general club night with queer-friendly branding. That distinction places gay social life and desire at the centre of the event.

For LGBTQIA+ people today, nights like this matter because queer visibility is not only about being represented in public debate; it is also about having places to meet, dance and enjoy being together.

That does not mean every queer person will want the same experience. A long, busy club night with playrooms is a particular proposition, not a universal definition of community. Being clear about that makes it easier for people to decide whether the setting suits them.

The anniversary’s appeal lies in that specificity: a gay nightlife event celebrating 37 years, with an audience invited to share the occasion rather than simply watch a performance.

Pleasure belongs in the practical information

The event listing announces darkrooms, with free condoms and lubricant available at all three anniversary parties. It is useful information to state plainly: the night makes space for sexual encounters as well as dancing, without making either compulsory.

The organiser also warns about pickpockets, specifically advising guests not to enter darkrooms with wallets or smartphones. Lockers and a cloakroom are available at Fuse, giving visitors somewhere to leave belongings before heading into the crowd.

A queer party should not automatically be described as a guaranteed safer space. Here, the published information provides practical provisions, but does not establish a detailed accessibility or anti-harassment policy. The principle worth carrying into the night is care: respect for boundaries, attention to each other and room for people to experience the party differently.

Practical information

• Event: La Demence 37th Anniversary — Opening Party.
• Date: Friday 30 October 2026, continuing into Saturday 31 October.
• Venue: Fuse, Rue Blaes 208, 1000 Brussels.
• Hours: From 10pm; the final advertised DJ set ends at noon on Saturday.
• Ticket status: The opening party is currently listed as sold out. Check the official La Demence website for any updates rather than assuming tickets will be available at the door.
• Published anniversary prices: Saturday-only tickets are listed at €65, or €55 for under-26s. Two-night combinations are listed at €95, or €85 for under-26s; the three-night combination is €120, or €110 for under-26s. These are published rates, not a guarantee of current availability, and they are not a Friday-only admission price.agendalgbt+1
• Storage at Fuse: Lockers require a €2 coin. The cloakroom costs €2 per jacket or €4 per bag; no reservation is needed.
• Sexual health provisions: Free condoms and lubricant are announced, alongside darkrooms.
• Accessibility: Detailed step-free access and accessible-facility information was not available in the event details consulted. Confirm specific requirements with the organiser or venue before travelling.
• The rest of the weekend: The main party takes place at ING Arena on Saturday 31 October, followed by the closing party at Fuse on Sunday 1 November.
• Updates and booking: Use the official ticket page for current options.lademence

Thirty-seven years deserves a proper celebration. For those with a ticket, Friday begins with a familiar Brussels address — and leaves the ending somewhere on the other side of sunrise.

KET Magazine is a community‑driven, non‑profit magazine run by volunteers and based in Brussels. You can find our other music and nightlife stories on ket.brussels, and you can always write to us to share your projects or pitch a story: info@ket.brussels