The final weekend of January is already upon us. To celebrate getting to the end of the longest month of the year, why not discover Brussels through a wide array of events and activities?
Whether you fancy a relaxing evening at the cinema watching a Nordic film, an afternoon at the theatre watching Shakespeare or pantomime, or diving into various contemporary photography exhibitions across the region, this weekend offers something for everyone.
Art, music and culture
Ceramic Brussels, Tour & Taxis, until Sunday 26 January
The first international art fair dedicated to contemporary ceramics is returning to Brussels this weekend. It brings together more than 60 galleries, institutions and key players in ceramics.
Credit: Ceramic
The 2025 edition will focus on Norway, highlighting the country's vitality and innovative ceramic art scene. Five Norwegian galleries will be put in the spotlight, and there will be talks with renowned artists and experts. Finally, the ten laureates of the 2025 Ceramic Brussels Art Prize will all be exhibited in a group show open to the public.
Find more information here.
'Halaqat' exhibition, Bozar, until Tuesday 28 January
Halaqat is the Arabic term for multiple links and circles. For several years, this project has contributed to strengthening cultural relations between European and Arab countries. It is now returning for a second phase.
Credit: Arthur Tainturier
The seven-day programme includes various film screenings as part of the 'Echoes of Equality' series, exploring gender relations in Arab countries and communities in Europe and how they are represented in contemporary Arab cinema and literature. The screening of the film 'Diaries from Lebanon', narrating four tumultuous years of a nation in turmoil, will take place in the presence of its filmmaker Myriam El Hajj.
Find more information here.
PhotoBrussels Festival, various locations across Brussels, until Sunday 23 February
The PhotoBrussels Festival brings together all enthusiasts, stakeholders and professionals of contemporary photography for one month. The ninth edition will again see a wide range of exhibitions in venues across the region.
Eiffel Plage, 1948. Credit: Lucien Hervé / PhotoBrussels Festival
Last year, more than 100,000 visitors wandered through the streets of Brussels to take stock of contemporary photography. Remember to make sure to check whether the exhibition you want to view is open on the day you want to visit.
Find more information here.
Light, camera, action!
Polarise Nordic Film Nights, Cinema Galeries, until Sunday 26 January
Returning to the capital for its fourth edition, this film festival aims to reflect both the dark and hilarious nature of Nordic cinema.
'The Missile' by Miia Tervo. Credit: Polarise Nordic Film Nights
Friday's 'Handling the Undead' daringly subverts established genre codes, while animation grabs the audience by the balls (literally) in 'Spermageddon' on Saturday. The final screening will showcase 'The Missile', an absurd dramedy blending political satire with heartfelt comedy. The six-day festival also includes a screening of short films from Europe's most Northern film festival (Tromsø International) on Saturday.
Find more information here.
En ville!, various cinemas in Brussels, until Sunday 2 February
This documentary film festival focuses on the idea of territories and borders, both real and imaginary. Through 27 films – many of which have never been shown to the public before – the festival takes the audience on a journey across these borders.
Credit: Cinema Galleries
The rich programme also includes an afternoon dedicated to new Belgian cinema, guided tours, master classes, professional meetings and more.
Find more information here.
Curtain call
'Julius Caesar', Centre Cultural Jacques Franck, until Saturday 25 January
Shakespeare was no dry, dusty historian. 'Julius Caesar' – one of his best-known plays – pins down the human motives, the driving passions of the chief actors in this world-changing drama, and never fails to be relevant to audiences.
Credit: Brussels Shakespeare Society
Director Emily Bowles is bringing this centuries-old play to the Brussels stage this week, with a reimagined setting to provide a more familiar context to a modern audience. With a talented cast and fast-paced, powerful plot, this is not one to miss.
Find more information here.
'Cinderella', Auderghem Cultural Centre, until Sunday 26 January
This week, the inherently British tradition of pantomime is back in Brussels, with the English Comedy Club's 'Cinderella'. Although this version comes with a twist: Cinderella, played by Sarah Leclere, is an "environmental mechanic who stops the horses from farting and is different from the typical fairytale character," according to the show's co-director.
The cast performing their final number. Credit: The Brussels Times
From the costumes to the dance numbers, the show is certainly larger than life. It promises a two-hour performance packed with a punch and is the perfect weekend activity for all the family.
Find more information here.
