Feeling uninspired with your weekend plans? Look no further! Whether you fancy spending your days indoors scouring artworks or snuggling up on someone else's sofa for an intimate concert, there's plenty going on in Brussels!
Arts, music and culture
Living Room Music Winter Sessions, various locations in Brussels, until Thursday 20 March
What better way to get through the final – and arguably most depressing – winter weeks than by cosying up in an intimate living room and listening to traditional music from across the globe?
Credit: Daorí Farrell
The most heartwarming part of this festival is the fact that random Brussels residents open their doors. This Friday, Irish singer Daorí Farrell will be showcasing his country's folk music at Clara and Isjtar's home in Anderlecht. His mesmerising performances are sure to bring some light to music lovers in these dark days.
Find more information here.
Affordable Art Fair, Tour & Taxis, until Sunday 9 February
The fair bonanza in Brussels continues! This weekend, Affordable Art Fair Brussels will return to the Belgian capital for its 16th edition, featuring 1000s of contemporary artworks from over 85 Belgian and international galleries.
Credit: Affordable Art Fair
To encourage newcomers to the world of art collecting, there will be an 'Under €1000' wall featuring a selection of artworks from new galleries. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a seasoned art collector, the fair promises something for every space, taste and budget!
Find more information here.
Out and about
'Glinstering', Parc Josaphat in Schaerbeek, Friday 7 and Saturday 8 February
Head to Schaerbeek this weekend for a new edition of 'Glinstering', an enchanting and poetic light trail in the commune's beloved Parc Josaphat. On the light and sound trail, walkers will discover interactive activities, performances by luminous stilt walkers and a candlelight concert, as well as dreamlike sets that will turn this green lung into a fairytale world.
Credit: Schaerbeek commune
For those who want to warm up or to grab a drink, several concerts will be organised in three cafés in the neighbourhood: La Laiterie, Brasserie de la Mule and Café Winok. A perfect way to spend a (rare) dry evening in Brussels.
Find more information here.
A Hip-hop minute, Cinema Palace, Saturday 8 February
This film is a sequel to 'Big Fun in the Big Town', which saw a Dutch film crew travel to New York in 1986, to make a documentary about hip-hop. In the end, the team snares squeaky-clean rappers like LL COOL J, Run DMC and Grandmaster Flash. The film became a cult classic and inspires many even now, including young Belgian Pascal Garnier.
Credit: Palace
Garnier, now a rapper, DJ and filmmaker himself, has made a sequel to this documentary 35 years later, combining original footage with new interviews. The protagonists have grown older and wiser, but their eyes still twinkle when they talk about the golden years. The screening will be followed by a meeting with the director and Bill Adler.
Find more information here.
For the photography fans
Expo Belgi-cá perto-gal, GC Elzenhof, until Tuesday 4 March
This free photo exhibition builds bridges between Lisbon and Brussels, paying tribute to Portuguese people who have built their lives in Belgium and the Belgians who are living the sunny dream (or are still dreaming) of Portugal.
Credit: Michel Caprasse
Find more information here.
PhotoBrussels Festival, various locations across Brussels, until Sunday 23 February
In case you missed it, the ninth edition of the PhotoBrussels Festival is in town this month, bringing together all enthusiasts, stakeholders and professionals of contemporary photography throughout February.
PhotoBrussels 2024. Credit: Hangar
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.
