Looking for ways to enjoy the city this weekend? Luckily, we've got you covered! From though-provoking exhibitions to defrosting your techno moves in the sun, we have curated a list to fill your itinerary.
Arts, music and culture
Steve McCurry 'ICONS' exhibition, Grand Place, from 3 April
Experience the world through the eyes of legendary photographer Steve McCurry this opening weekend with over 100 iconic photographs on display at Grand Place 5. Delve into the story behind the award-winning "The Young Afghan Woman," an image that altered the world of photojournalism.
Credit: Steve McCurry
McCurry photographed people around the globe from India to Madagascar, capturing "the essence of humanity," and consolidating himself as a key pillar of modern photography. The unmissable exhibition lasts 90 minutes and takes viewers through three decades of enthralling cultural and ancestral traditions.
Find more information here.
Amazônia Exhibition, Tour & Taxis, until 11 November
Sebastião Salgado's must-see photography exhibition opens this Friday 4 April at Tour & Taxis. The Franco-Brazilian photographer provides rich perspectives into the lives of inhabitants of the Amazon rainforest through the display of 200 photographs, many of which have never been shown to the public.
Credit: Sebastião Salgado
Accompanied by a symphony specially created by French composer Jean-Michel Jarre, Salgado invites the audience to take a trip through his seven years in the rainforest. Featuring testimonials from local communities presented through large projections, viewers are transported to discover the biodiversity of the forest, rivers, mountains and the lives of the people who live there.
Find more information here.
Belgian Jazz Festival, Théâtre du Vaudeville, Friday 4 & Saturday 5 April
This jazz and blues event offers a glimpse into the modern Belgian jazz scene in the historical gold-gilted theatre, just a five minute walk from Brussel's Grand Place. The weekend lineup features an array of performances from the likes of Bruno Castellucci Quartet, Reggie Washington Trio, Don Marsh Trio, Anne Wolf Quatuor, and more. Improvisation and experimentation is encouraged, encompassing the exciting new era of the Belgian jazz scene.
This family friendly event offers food and drinks and will make for an unforgettable evening.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Hangar festival pre-party, Café de la Presse - Central, Sunday 6 April
On this sunny Sunday, Café de la Presse opens it's doors to the public for a free entry morning of open air DJ sets in the lead up to the anticipated yearly Hangar festival.
Credit: Pexels
Get caffeinated and move your body to some tunes "fuelled by coffee" between 11:00 and 15:00 to kick off the festival season.
Find more information here.
CycloLocal secondhand bike sale, Place De Brouckère, Saturday 5 April
As brighter days grace Brussels, it's time to embrace the most cinematic form of transportation – biking. This bicycle flea market will take place at Place De Brouckère in the city centre, encouraging people to find deals for their new ride.
Credit: CycloLokal
The bikes are given a mechanical review before sale and priced accordingly to ensure that you can find the perfect match. Further options exist to drop off and sell your old bike if it's been gathering dust in the shed.
Find more information here.
Mid-week fun
Irish Film Festival Scéal Eile, various locations, from 7 to 13 April
In collaboration with the Irish Film Festival, the seventh annual edition of 'Scéal Eile' will take place from the 7-13 April in Brussels, Leuven, and Ghent. The festival will be opened in Brussels by Ambassador Conmy with a screening of Tim Mielants's 'Small Things Like These' in Cinema Galeries in the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert.
Credit: Irish Film Festival
The events will take place in Cinema Aventure and Cinema Galeries, depending on the film and will be in English language with French subtitles –perfect for those looking to introduce a French speaker to the world of Irish cinema. Presenting both feature-length dramas, documentary, and an array of short film, there is something to suit everyone in this celebration of Irish culture.
Find more information here.
