With more rain forecast in the coming days, the guide to this weekend in Brussels is focused on indoor fun, from the iconic Anima Film Festival at various cinemas and the ground-breaking Afropolitan Festival at Bozar. For those wanting to escape the business of the city, we have just the right thing on the menu.
Afropolitan Festival, Bozar, until Sunday 2 March
The essence of this year's enticing edition of the Afropolitan Festival pays tribute to black communities, their resilience across generations and their unique ability to celebrate the joy of life, while taking on a more intimate form.
Villa Majo by Elen Sylla Grollimund. Credit: Atelier Graphoui
Expect a rich and varied programme, from the 'Staging the Concert' event – inviting artists (particularly young talent) to give a new form to the concert experience by playing with space, light and materials – and the premieres of two films exploring African history, tradition and the complexities involved (followed by Q&As with the creators) to a performance by Kolinga, a project by the French-Congolese composer Rébecca M'Boungou.
Find more information here.
Anima Festival, various locations in Brussels, until Sunday 9 March
The Brussels International Animation Film Festival is returning to the capital this weekend to celebrate all that is animation. Three of Brussels' most unique cinemas – Flagey, Marni, and Cinematek – will host a variety of screenings and other events.
Still from Mononoke The Movie. Credit: Anima
Not to be missed this year: the world premiere of Mononoke The Movie: Chapter II - The Ashes of Rage; exclusive episodes of Lazarus; a vibrant Queer Night featuring a dazzling selection of LGBTQIA+ films, enhanced by mesmerising live performances; a dream-themed focus Animated Night and the royal treatment for children with a multitude of feature and short films for young and old.
Find more information here.
For the wee ones
Kidzik Édition Printemps, various locations in Brussels, until Monday 31 March
Just in time for the coinciding of Belgian schools' Carnival holiday break, the music festival for little ears is returning to Brussels and the surrounding area. To the rhythm of drums, guitars, violins, flutes, saxophones, pianos or even carrots, Kidzik will get children singing and dancing, introducing them to a multitude of musical styles.
Credit: Visit.brussels
Aimed at children aged 0 to 10, the event will put on a wide range of concerts, original workshops, unusual shows and animated films in more than 20 cultural venues throughout March.
Find more information here.
Holidays at the museum, various locations
Make the most of the half-term holiday in the coming days with a family visit to one of Brussels' most beloved museums. At the BELvue Museum in the Royal Quarter, focusing on the history of Belgium, families are invited to discover the traditions of carnival in Belgium. Or why not roam the museum through a game tour, from a Mimi & Momo adventure for the youngest explorers to a superhero theme for older children?
Credit: BELvue
Meanwhile, in the European Quarter, the Royal Military Museum is celebrating Mardi Gras, hiding different treasures including funny masks, feathers, musical instruments and colourful uniforms in its grand halls and galleries.
Find more information here (BELvue) and here (Royal Military Museum).
Further afield
Festifood Mons, Palais des Congrès de Mons, until Sunday 2 March
Fancy venturing outside of Brussels this weekend? Why not make the one-hour journey to Mons, the capital of Hainaut province in Belgium’s Walloon Region? It is hosting a gastronomic festival co-organised by the Michelin Guide, showcasing Walloon heritage and the region's culinary specialities.
Credit: Festifood Mons
Rendez-vous at the Palais des Congrès, famed for its bold architecture, to try 14 bite-size gastronomic dishes served up by top chefs. Not able to make it this week? Fret not, the festival will be returning next weekend.
Find more information here.
