This weekend marks the start of guinguette season in Brussels, when the first two summer bars open. But for those not willing to brave the cooler temperatures, there are a host of inspired indoor events in and around the Belgian capital.
From fine art fairs and cycling sprints to Japanese cosplay and witty comedies, here's what's on this weekend.
Art, music and culture
Parcours d'Artistes, Saint-Gilles, until Sunday 21 April
Parcours d'Artistes is a unique opportunity to meet art professionals and enthusiasts in a fun and intimate setting. Since its creation in 1988, the event has provided an opportunity to meet artists in their studios all over Saint-Gilles, to better understand their approach and discover local talents.
Credit: Jonathan Petit / Parcours d'Artistes
This year's 19th edition will focus on the theme 'Ce qui nous lie' ('What binds us together'), bringing people together and encouraging them to participate in the local community.
Find more information here.
Antica art fair, Tour & Taxis, until Sunday 21 April
Following last year's first successful edition, Antica is making a return to the Belgian capital this weekend. The fair brings together renowned Belgian and international galleries such as E. de Potter Gallery, Claeys Gallery, Raf Van Severen Gallery, Pautot & Sugères, Galerie Ary Jan Belgian, among others.
Credit: Antica
They will showcase a selection of fine sculptures, paintings, furniture, ornaments and rare objects, travelling in time between major periods, from the 'Haute Époque' to the present day.
Find more information here.
'10xTEN' by English Comedy Club, Warehouse Studio Theatre, until Saturday 27 April
'10xTEN' is a collection of ten short plays, each lasting ten minutes, written by Andrew Biss and directed by Heli Pärna. Each short comedy borders on the absurd, and invites the audience to explore a world of contrasting characters, and imperfect relationships, with some hilarious misunderstandings in the mix.
Credit: ECC
The stories are hilariously relatable and are guaranteed to make you laugh as you watch the characters navigate each other's words, personalities and feelings.
Find more information here.
Out and about
The Track Poelaert, Place Poelaert, Sunday 21 April
Sunday Cycling Club is a race training community which hosts regular events for cyclists of all levels, genders and ages, offering them the opportunity to meet like-minded people and enjoy time together – both on and off the bike.
Credit: Sunday Cycling Club
This Sunday, the club is organising The Track at Place Poelaert: a 342-metre knockout, uphill sprint race which is sure to be a thrilling event for participants and spectators alike. There will also be plenty of food trucks and refreshments on-site.
Find more information here.
Further afield
'Japan Day', Hall Polyvalent Arlon, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 April
After Brussels' highly-successful 'Made in Asia' event, it's Arlon's turn to host a new "ethical and respectful" Japanese festival. 'Japan Day' is coming to the Walloon city this weekend, bringing creative cosplay competitions, Japanese artists, video games and much more.
Credit: Canva
There will be meet-and-greets with a host of personalities including mangaka, cosplayers and dubbing actors such as Adrien Larmande and Adeline Chetail, and well-known J-pop artist Yukka will be performing on Saturday.
Find more information here.
Mid-week activities
'Scéal Eile', various cinemas, Monday 22 to Sunday 28 April
'Scéal Eile' is one of a series of film festivals taking place this month, showcasing the best of Irish cinema and culture in Belgium. One unmissable screening is 'Stolen' (2023) at Cinema Aventure on Wednesday: a documentary that addresses the horrific legacy left behind by Ireland's 'mother and baby homes', providing crucial context for anyone looking to understand Ireland’s complicated past.
Credit: Scéal Eile
Between 1922 and 1998, these religious-run institutions engaged over 80,000 unmarried mothers in forced labour and forcibly separated them from their children, many of whom were sold to American adoptive families.
The Irish Film Festival will screen an array of thought-provoking films throughout the week. Find more information on all screenings here.
