The sunniest weekend of the year so far marks the perfect occasion to explore Brussels. From strolling through a unique market in the emblematic Gare Maritime to an evening of celebrating women in jazz, here's what's on this weekend.
Art, music and culture
Made in Asia, Brussels Expo, until Sunday 9 March
This is the ultimate gathering for lovers of Asian pop culture. Every year, tens of thousands of fans of manga, anime, video games, YouTubers and cosplay meet at Made in Asia at the Brussels Expo.
Girl idol group Star AiDOL pose for photos at Made in Asia at the Brussels Expo Centre. Credit: Marie-Julie Van de Sijpe / The Brussels Times
Immerse yourself in the most beloved aspects of this universe by meeting big names in Japanese animation (including Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, who worked on Dragon Ball GT), attending workshops that teach skills ranging from origami to Japanese calligraphy, and participating in iconic karaoke sessions.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Brussels Makers Market, Gare Maritime, Sunday 9 March
One of Brussels' most unique craft markets returns to the stunning Gare Maritime in northern Brussels every month to showcase original products made by Belgian manufacturers. Its mission? To forge new connections between creators and customers.
Credit: Brussels Makers Market
Expect talented independent designers and distinctive treasures for every taste in one of the most beautiful covered spaces in the city. While at the Tour&Taxis site, enjoy a walk in the adjacent park which until 2014 was a fallow railway site, or grab a bite to eat at the food market.
Find more information here.
Celebrating women
FEMINA JAZZ WEEK, Music Village, until Sunday 9 March
To mark International Women's Day (Saturday 8 March), The Music Village has been honouring women by hosting concerts performed exclusively by female jazz musicians all week.
The Music Village. Credit: visit.brussels
Friday's show at the landmark jazz venue in the city centre of Brussels will see four talented musicians from the Belgian scene come together for an improvised performance, taking the audience on a trip between standards and personal compositions. Saturday will be an ode to female composers of jazz history, ranging from Billie Holiday to Esperanza Spalding. Finally, on Sunday, Adinda Hertmans' extraordinary all-female power band will inspire.
Find more information here.
Untold Stories – Women Designers in Belgium, Design Museum Brussels, until Sunday 13 April
For the first time, the Design Museum is bringing together the works of over 50 women designers working in Belgium between 1880 and 1980.
A class photograph including Martha Van Coppenolle at the Technisch Instituur of Sint-Maria in Antwerp, ca. 1930. Credit: Collection City of Antwerp, Letterenhuis
The displayed objects are sourced from several museums and private collections, and many have never been shown to the public before. This includes the overlooked productions of pianist Maria Sèthe and typographer Hélène Denis-Bohy's bold feminist pamphlets. The exhibition also addresses the challenges of invisibility faced by female designers today.
Mid-week fun
River Jazz Festival, various locations, Wednesday 12 March - Saturday 29 March
For those who like to plan ahead: the tenth edition of the River Jazz Festival is one event to note in your agenda for the coming weeks. Three of Brussels' most iconic venues – Theatre Marni, Jazz Station and Le Senghor – will be hosting 17 concerts and exhibitions over more than two weeks, turning the Belgian metropolis into the capital of jazz.
Credit: River Jazz Festival
Highlights next week include French tuba player Thomas Leleu, known for fusing genres, who will take to the stage on the opening night, and the showcasing of Geert Clarisse's jazz rhythm drawings, depicting jazz music and improvisation during concerts and festivals.
Find more information here.
