While this weekend's weather forecast says the clouds and rain may remain with us for a few days more, that does not mean that you can't still enjoy a weekend rich with experiences – and Brussels is just the city to do so. From a digital art exhibition to a film festival, dancing and medieval festivities, there is something to look forward to for everyone this weekend.
Art, culture and music
BIFFF, Brussels Expo, until Sunday 23 April
The Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival will bring over 100 features and shorts to the audience. Alongside the films, prestigious guests will give master classes, debates, exhibitions, and more. The programme also includes the vampire ball and makeup competition.
Credit: Belga
The audience can expect more than only horror movies, as thrillers, science fiction films, fantasy films, black comedies, action films, as well as many other genres also get their place in the line-up.
Read more about the events and programme here.
The Artwork as a Living System, Art Center for Digital Cultures & Technology, from Friday 14 April
For a more interactive artistic experience, the 'Artwork is a Living System' exhibition is the place to go. An event for nature and art lovers who appreciate the workings of virtual technology and how it can be used to create a new world.
Credit: iMAL website
Internationally acclaimed pioneers of interactive art, Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau are combining art and nature with the most innovative artistic techniques employed in virtual, sentient, interactive projects.
Find out more about the exhibitions and events here.
Slow Art Day, various locations across Brussels, Saturday 15 April
Around the world, 15 April marks Slow Art Day, which aims to get people to look at a piece of art for longer than a few seconds and see what they discover. You can participate in the day of slow art in any museum or gallery you wish – simply find artwork and really look at it, contemplate what you see and discuss it with others.
Credit: Twitter / Slow Art Day
There are various museums around the world participating in Slow Art Day, for a list to find ones in Belgium, click here.
Nocturnes, various locations in Brussels, every Thursday until 18 May
This first event is not one for the weekend, but for those looking for a fun activity on a week night. Every Thursday, Nocturnes will see museums in Brussels exceptionally opening their doors to the public from 17:00 to 22:00.
Credit: Belga/Didier Jouret
Guided tours will also be offered between the museums and it has been organised in such a way that visitors can see more than one place per night. Nocturnes ends on 18 May, International Museum Day. See the city's cultural spaces in a new light.
Find more information, the full schedule with participating museums and ticket sales here.
Fun for the kids
Mini D Festival, various locations in Brussels, Saturday 15 April until Wednesday 26 April
A fun event for the city's tiniest inhabitants, the Mini D Festival was created to make contemporary dance more visible and accessible for children. The performances hope to inspire creativity, inspiration and the desire to move in their little audience.
Children as young as 4 months can enjoy the colourful and dynamic performances.
Find out more about the programme here.
Further afield
Binche Medieval festival, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April, Binche
Take a journey back in time to the time when knights rode on horses and you could hear the sounds of blacksmiths beating a piece of iron into shape.
Credit: Binche Tourisme
The programme includes knight fights, axe throwing, introductions to archery and more, while visitors can enjoy the medieval market within a reconstructed medieval camp in the municipal park – fun for the whole family.
More information about the free event can be found here.
