The collective wish of Brussels' residents has finally come true: warmer weather has come our way. With temperatures climbing to 26°C this weekend, most people will be spending their time out and about in the long-awaited spring sunshine.
For those in need of some relaxation, why not unwind in one of Brussels' best parks, or cool down with an ice cream? For those looking for more cultural activities, find our weekly list below.
Arts, music and culture
Kunstenfestivaldesarts, various locations in Brussels, until 1 June
This weekend marks the start of the iconic Brussels event Kunstenfestivaldesarts – a celebration of contemporary artistic creation, putting Belgian and international artists working in the worlds of theatre, dance, performance and visual arts in the spotlight. This year's edition will welcome both past performers and new arrivals.
Chagaldak Zamirbekov/ Nest. Credit: Ilya Karimdjanov
There will be artistic projects in the public space – including a creation that will be part of the Brussels landmark Zinneke Parade – and performances at the capital's most intriguing locations (an abandoned movie theatre and a former hotel), as well as an exceptional free nightlife programme.
Find more information here.
'Justice for het Paleis' photo expo, Mont-de-Piété Art Centre, until 19 May
Few buildings in Brussels are as majestic as the Palais de Justice, an iconic landmark of the Brussels-Capital Region. It is also one of the most photographed constructions, including by students from the photography workshop at the RHoK Arts Academy in Etterbeek.
Palais de Justice in Brussels. Credit: Lauren Walker / The Brussels Times
At the invitation of the Poelaert Foundation, they freely explored the 26,000 square metres of the courthouse for almost a year. Their work is now being presented in an exhibition at the Centre d'Art du Mont-de-Piété – a stone's throw away from the building itself.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Comic Con, Tour&Taxis, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May
Every year, geek culture thrives in the heart of Europe at Comic Con Brussels. Fantasy meets reality and imagination knows no bounds during this two-day event, inviting lovers of fantasy to immerse themselves in the world of comics, films, TV shows, gaming and much more.
Credit: Comic Con
The event welcomes seasoned cosplayers, devoted fans, and those simply curious to discover new horizons. This year's edition will be particularly unmissable for fans of 'Lord of the Rings', as key stars Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Andy Serkis will be present.
Find more information here.
Human Rights trail, Jette, until 20 May
This urban project developed by the Centre Culturel de Jette links seven murals created around the theme of human rights located in several neighbourhoods of the Brussels commune, which has historically been considered an outlier in the region and is working to claim a more prominent position.
Credit: parcours human rights
A detailed fact sheet provides information for every work of art on the points set out in the Declaration of Human Rights, the artist who created the fresco, and a host of fun activities for people of all ages. The route both encourages people to discover this important theme and offers an opportunity to wander around the lesser-known commune.
Find more information here.
Further afield
'Namur en mai', various locations in Namur, until Saturday 11 May
Namur is worth a visit any time of year. But this weekend in particular, we recommend hopping on a train to discover the Walloon city famed for its Citadel, as the fairground arts festival 'Namur en mai' is returning for three days of fun.
Credit: Namur en mai
The festival transforms the heart of the city to dazzle young and old alike with fairground arts, music, cabaret, stories, craftspeople and plenty of other surprises.
Find more information here.
