As the sunshine at the start of the week has again made way for Belgium's grey clouds and rain showers, leaving the house might be the last thing on your mind. But from an eclectic music festival to a lunchtime concert in the heart of Brussels, here are some tips for those who do want to brave the weather this weekend.
Festival fever
BRDCST, Ancienne Belgique, Friday 7 - Sunday 9 April
One of the music highlights of the year in Brussels, BRDCST, organised by iconic music venue Ancienne Belgique, is one of the most adventurous and genre-fluid festivals in the capital and is returning for its sixth edition this weekend.
Credit: Ancienne Belgique
Expect the unexpected, from Moroccan punk, Tuvan throat singing and layered electronica to underground rap, Gregorian chants and Japanese folk, this is a true paradise for musical adventurers. BRDCST is back! Need a warm-up? AB has created a playlist to get you in the mood.
Find more information and get your tickets here.
Bâtard Festival, Beursschouwburg, until Saturday 8 April
For the second year in a row, performing arts festival Bâtard's organisers have decided to bring two smaller editions per year instead of one, with one presenting the burgeoning of life in spring, and the second hosted after the summer, reflecting the releasing and slowing down of autumn.
Credit: Beursschouwburg
As it has done for the past decade, this festival will support emerging young and upcoming artists this weekend by giving them the opportunity to present their work in and around the multidisciplinary space Beursschouwburg. For this edition, the festival wanders into the realm of magical realism.
Find the full programme and get your tickets here. Bâtard takes part in the Ramadan-Friendly initiative, making performances more accessible to Muslims who are fasting.
Les Équinoxes Festival, La Tricoterie - Fabrique De Liens, Saturday 8 April
This feminist, inclusive, accessible and sustainable music festival aims to reflect and celebrate the diversity of the society in which it is organised through a range of concerts, performances, games and in a children's play area.
Credit: Les Équinoxes Festival
What started as a space for female artists to be better represented has since branched out, also integrating artists from sexual and gender minorities, people with disabilities and of all races and ages into its programme. From its decoration to the material used and the catering, it also aims to be as sustainable as possible.
Find more information here.
Music to my ears
Pullet Rocks 10th anniversary, Recyclart, Friday 7 April
This event celebrates the ten-year anniversary of Pullet Rocks, an association which, in the lines of Équinoxes' goal, aims to counter the under-representation of women and female artists by promoting their presence and work in all artistic fields.
Credit: Pullet Rocks
For this extra special occasion, the association is pulling out all the stops. This exceptional evening at Recyclart will kick off with an open mic, offering a safe space for expression, followed by two concerts (Italian-Belgian noise-pop duo She Said Destroy! and singer-songwriter TASHA B., joined by THE QUEENMAKERS) and a DJ set by Brussels-Carolina duo DISKET.
Find more information here. Pay what you can/want at the door.
Concertini, La Monnaie, Friday 7 April
Every Friday at lunchtime, lovers of classical music are welcome to the Grand Foyer of La Monnaie in the heart of Brussels for concerts bringing the best chamber music has to offer.
Credit: La Monnaie
This Friday, spend your afternoon with Franz Schubert, the Austrian composer best known for his song Ave Maria. His Streichquartett “Rosamunde” & Quartettsatz will reverberate in this iconic venue. There is no better way to finish your working week in peace and serenity.
Find more information and tickets here.
Fun for kids
Kid's Spring Wonderland, Tour & Taxis, until Monday 10 April
From racetracks and a giant bouncy castle circuit to a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, the bustling Gare Maritime will transform into a Kid's Spring Wonderland, the ideal destination for the whole family.
Mega Mindy, Maya de Bij and De Ketnetband will also be present. Credit: Kids Spring Wonderland
Aside from all this adrenaline-filled action, kids and their families can also party together during performances by their Belgian musical heroes, including De KetnetBand, Mega Mindy and Samson & Marie. What better way to spend the Easter weekend with little ones?
Find more information and get your tickets here.
