Although this weekend is expected to be a dreary one in terms of weather, there are still plenty of reasons to be out and about.
As well as being the first Sunday of the month (when many museums offer free entry), this weekend promises art exhibitions in abundance, a music festival for children, an Asian pop culture extravaganza and folkloric festivities. Find out what's on in Brussels and beyond below.
Arts, music and culture
100 years of Surrealism exhibitions, Bozar and KMSKB, until 16 June and 21 July
Both Bozar and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts (KMSKB) are currently putting on exhibitions to mark the 100th anniversary of Surrealism: the artistic movement that put Belgium on the map internationally.
Credit: Bozar/KMSKB/Hadja Lahbib/Twitter
Bozar's 'Histoire de ne pas rire. Surrealism in Belgium' and the KMSKB's 'Imagine' exhibitions both opened on 21 February, bringing together quirky international surrealists aiming to transform the world with their subversive art. Visitors can buy a duo ticket to see both exhibitions for €29.
Find more information here.
James Ensor Maestro, Bozar, until 23 June
As well as Surrealism, Bozar is also currently commemorating the 75th anniversary of the death of the famous Belgian artist, writer and composer James Ensor.
Credit: James Ensor / Bozar
The exhibition highlights his multi-faceted work in an anthology of around 100 pieces, showcasing his varied oeuvre with oil paintings, prints, manuscripts, photographs and handwritten scores. Particular attention will be paid to lesser-known works, his print graphics, and his musical compositions such as 'La Gamme d'Amour'.
Find more information here.
Afropolitan Festival, Bozar, until Sunday 3 March
This year's Afropolitan Festival, 'An Uprising of Dreams', invites visitors to a series of engaging talks, inspiring screenings, musical tours and innovative activities on the theme 'Dream and Deed'.
Credit: Bozar
Cameroonian filmmaker Rosine Mbakam – known for her award-winning short film 'You Will Be My Ally' – will present composite works, and give masterclasses and discussions on her films and reflections on Cameroonian film history. Artists such as Dushime, Laryssa Kim and Pitcho & Musiques Nouvelles will also be performing.
Find more information here.
Kidzik Édition Printemps, various locations in Brussels, until 31 March
The children's music festival Kidzik is the perfect transition into spring. Dedicated to children up to the age of ten, it offers concerts, performances, films, workshops, and other activities across the entire month of March.
Credit: le_kidzik / Instagram
From bubble blowing, fairytales and film-concerts, to a children's choir and beautiful re-enactment of 'Peter and the Wolf', this is the ideal event for all the family.
Find more information here.
Out and about
'Made in Asia' festival, Brussels Expo, Friday 1 to Sunday 3 March
Heralded as the meeting place for fans of manga, anime, video games, YouTubers and cosplay, the Made in Asia festival is coming back to Brussels this weekend, promising dancing Chinese lions, the beautiful sound of Japanese Koto string instruments and blaring K-pop.
Credit: Made in Asia
With 'Little Asia' and 'Korean Alley' and an extensive Asian food hall, as well as massages, tea ceremonies, Mahjong, calligraphy, Japanese language learning and much more, this is certainly not one to be missed.
Find more information here.
Further afield
Grand Parade and Crow Burning, Charleroi, Saturday 2 March
Carnival festivities aren't quite over in Charleroi, as this Saturday the folkloric annual parade and crow burning will take place, symbolising a purging of dark thoughts and joyful transition into spring.
Credit: Charleroi / Facebook
The parade will set off from Place Vauban at 16:30, bringing together over 30 associations and around 700 citizens dressed up in costumes and masks. The iconic burning of the crow will take place at 19:20 and the concert will begin at 20:00, with plenty of music and dancing.
Find more information here.
