Revel in the cultural scenes of the city with a jam-packed itinerary of Brussels' most enticing events this weekend.
From intriguing exhibitions to sounds of the city, The Brussels Times has you covered. So grab your dancing shoes and vampire fangs and hit the town!
Arts, music and culture
Maëlle Dufour 'Porteuses' exhibition, Centrale for contemporary art, from Thursday 10 April
This exhibition opens in Brussels' Centrale museum for contemporary art, exploring the human impulse to manipulate nature. Through Dufour's glass sculpture and installation work, audiences are inspired to reflect on Brussels' buried Senne river and our relationships with urban development, ecology, and social structures.
Credit: Maëlle Dufour
Performers transport the sculptures carrying river water on their backs through the streets of Brussels towards Centrale to present a new perspective on the cultural and historical significance of water.
Find more information here.
'Untold Stories' exhibition, Design Museum Brussels, until Sunday 13 April
The works of over 50 Belgian female creators and innovators are on display at the Design Museum Brussels, just a stone's throw from the Atomium. Objects and disciplines – never before showcased to the public – focus on themes of visibility, invisibility, professionalism, and domesticity and are available to view for a short time only.
Credit: Design Museum Brussels
Spanning the period from 1880 t0 1980, the event exhibits Belgian Art Nouveau, typography created for sacred feminist pamphlets, and textile developments of the era driven by women.
Find more information here.
Sonamos Latinoamerica Festival, Muziekpublique, until Saturday 12 April
Muziekpublique is bringing the rich musical traditions of Latin America to Brussels this weekend, encouraging visitors to come and enjoy the lively and authentic sounds of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador.
Credit: Sonamos Latinoamerica Festival
Featuring the varied talents of Matheus Donato, Karina Clavijo y la Diversa, Zumbao, and more, the concert series invites an evening of passion, poetry and pure joy.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Japan Fes, Asiat Park, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April
Brussels' festival celebrating all things Japanese takes place this weekend in the Asiat Park in Vilvoorde just outside of the city. From martial arts, culinary delights, anime and pop culture to traditional Japanese crafting and musical sessions, there is bound to be something for every Japan lover.
Credit: @japanfes_be / Instagram
People of all ages are welcome to come and get their hands dirty with pottery lessons, relax to live entertainment and feast on a warming bowl of ramen.
Find more information here.
Lights, camera, action!
BIFFF, Brussels Expo, from Tuesday 8 April
The 43rd annual edition of the Brussels' International Fantastic Film Festival calls all ghouls and goblins to enjoy a selection of over 100 films, shorts, and live events at Brussels Expo. Screening a range of genres from thriller, sci-fi and horror to fantasy, action and black comedy, the occasion invites film buffs and friends to put on their best costume for a night of frights.
Credit: BIFFF
The line-up promises an action-packed itinerary, including the famous vampire ball, an art exhibition, make-up and costume competitions and talks from cinema's must-see guests. Family screenings are available.
Find more information here.
Mid-week fun
Spring concert, Flagey, Wednesday 16 April
Celebrating the spring sunshine with Flagey's orchestral concert, featuring the ULB Symphony Orchestra in the emblematic Flagey building. Over 100 skilled amateurs and experienced musicians will take to the stage to perform a selection of songs under the musical direction of Romain Felis and Nicolas Grau Ribes.
Credit: Flagey
An ideal after work wind-down, the location offers an excuse to indulge in a Belgian beer at one of the many surrounding cafés.
Find more information here.
