This weekend, Brussels is hosting not one, but two art fairs, bringing the very best of contemporary and fine arts to the capital. Looking for something more active? Embark on a tour to discover the city's post-war heritage, or marvel at a circus performance!
Arts and culture
Art Brussels, Brussels Expo, until Sunday 23 April
One of Europe's most established fairs is returning to the capital with an international lineup including 152 galleries from 32 countries, showcasing more than 800 artists, from established to emerging talent and artists to rediscover.
Credit: Art Brussels
The fair is once again divided into four sections reflecting the types of artists it features – PRIME, DISCOVERY, REDISCOVERY, as well as the fair’s SOLO sub-section, to highlight the work of individual artists – to present the very best of the contemporary gallery scene.
Find more information here.
Antica Fine Arts Fair, Tour & Taxis, until Sunday 23 April
Following the success of the Antica Namur Fine Art Fair, the organisers of the initiative are heading to the capital with a new fair this spring, hosted by the unique Tour & Taxis venue. For this first edition in Brussels, the focus will be on Art Nouveau, as the movement is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year.
Credit: Antica Namur
The fair brings together important Belgian and international galleries presenting a selection of artworks from paintings, furniture and sculptures to rare objects, travelling in time between major periods, from the “Haute Époque” to the present day.
Find more information here.
Brussels Biennale Modern Architecture (BBMA), various locations, until Sunday 23 April
For its fifth edition, the BBMA is focusing on post-war heritage; more specifically on the legacy of the architect and one of the most important Belgian furniture designers, Willy Van Der Meeren, on the occasion of his centenary.
Credit: BBMA
The events encourage you to rediscover the city's architecture and the lesser-known modernist heritage by looking at buildings in a whole other way. Explore iconic office buildings beckoning to be repurposed and a famous post-modern school in Saint-Gilles during BBMA-organised tours.
Find more information here.
Music to my ears
Courants d'airs Festival, Brussels Royal Conservatory, until Sunday 23 April
This free event has been growing in popularity since it was first organised by the Royal Conservatory of Brussels in 2005. While it gives students a chance to share their work and gain performance experience, it also provides an occasion to make art accessible to a wider audience.
The Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Credit: Beliris
Since 2010, the festival collaborates with the Centre des Arts Scéniques, diversifying the talent that takes to the stage. The programme now includes theatre, music (classical, historical, world, contemporary and jazz), visual arts and street arts.
Find more information here.
Unusual outings
HOPLA! Circus Festival, various locations, until Sunday 23 April
Prepare to be blown away! This festival combines indoor ticketed events with street performances that never cease to take passers-by's breath away. HOPLA! has been taking place in the City of Brussels since 2007, and has since developed from a one-day event to a multiple-day festival.
An act during last year's edition on the Marché Aux Poissons. Credit: HOPLA!
The festival aims to build (in some cases literal) bridges between the circus and the city's various neighbourhoods, from Place de Ninove and Laeken to the Marché aux Poissons, as well as between circus artists and citizens, as people are often dragged from the crowd to participate.
Find more information here.
Kriek Frites Festival, Place Jourdan, Friday 21 and Saturday 22 April
Etterbeek's legendary Kriek Frites Party is back, again taking place for two nights on the trot. Organised with the support of the municipality's mayor, Vincent De Wolf (who is regularly seen pouring beers from the tap), this weekend is a favourite among locals of all ages.
Credit: Vincent De Wolf
Head to the large tent on Place Jourdan for a sip of Belle Vue Kriek and homemade chips, followed by an evening of dancing.
Find more information here.
