Unsure how to fill another cloudy, rainy weekend in Brussels? No need to worry: as always, there is a wide range of inspired events going on in the Belgian capital which cater to all tastes.
Whether you want to dance the night (or day) away, or prefer to go on a peaceful and musical walk or explore the contemporary art scene, there is something for everyone. Find our favourite weekend activities below!
Arts, music and culture
Art Brussels, Brussels Expo, until Sunday 28 April
For the past 40 years, Art Brussels has remained at the forefront of the contemporary art scene, showcasing established artists and emerging talents. During this special anniversary edition, the fair will bring together 177 galleries from 30 countries, presenting the works of more than 800 artists.
Credit: Art Brussels
Several art galleries will also be participating in the 'Art in the City' project. The winning artist will be invited to design a piece that will be placed in Brussels to promote contemporary art and make it available to a broader public.
Find more information here.
Balkan Trafik, city centre of Brussels, until Saturday 27 April
For nearly 20 years, the multidisciplinary Balkan Trafik Festival – Belgium's biggest Balkan celebration – has been showcasing south-eastern Europe in Brussels and bringing communities together through the arts. There is a variety of musical genres on the programme, from rock and hip-hop to punk, electro, fusion, brass bands and folk.
Credit: Balkan Trafik
While the programme mainly focuses on Balkan artists, its broader purpose is to appeal to other European communities. The festival will close on Saturday with the Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra, winner of the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Zoniënmars-Zoniënklanken, Sonian Forest, Sunday 28 April
Zoniënmars-Zoniënklanken enables nature and music lovers to explore the Sonian Forest in an entirely unique way just outside the capital. The programme sets out three well-chosen hiking trails (covering 5 km, 10 km and 15 km), as well as running trails and routes for Nordic Walking.
Credit: Zoniënmars
What makes the walks distinctive is the live music from all corners of the world that will be played along the route. New to this year's edition is the participation of dancers from P.A.R.T.S., who will perform throughout the woods.
Find more information here.
Circus Festival Hopla!, various locations in Brussels, until 3 May
The circus tour of Brussels is returning for its 17th edition this weekend. The Hopla! festival builds bridges between circus artists and the capital's residents, while impressing crowds with their mind-blowing performances.
Credit: Hopla!
The circus artists travel to different Brussels neighbourhoods, starting in and around the Vismet in the city centre. This will be followed by three days in the Versailles district in Neder-over-Heembeek, GC De Linde and the Model district. This year, the event will expand to include some new locations, including Tour & Taxis, Bourse, and the Maximilian Park in the Northern district.
Find more information here.
Light, camera, action!
Brussels Short Film Festival, various locations in Brussels, until 4 May
One of the most celebrated and prestigious film festivals in Brussels, this event highlights the work of legendary stars in the short-film business as well as up-and-coming talents in some of Brussels' most beautiful venues. There are outdoor screenings, masterclasses, retrospectives, and three levels of competitions – with the winner of one being eligible for the Academy Awards.
Last year's outdoor screening on Mont des Arts. Credit: Brussels Short Film Festival
On the programme is the iconic 'Night of the Short' in Flagey this Saturday, when a wide range of short film genres will be showcased from 22:00 to 02:30.
Find more information here.
'Scéal Eile' Irish Film Festival, various locations in Brussels, until Saturday 27 April
The annual Irish Film Festival, which showcases the best of Irish cinema and culture in Belgium, will draw to a close this weekend. Be sure not to miss Apocalypse Clown at Cinéma Galeries, telling the tale of washed-up clowns who get their shot at success, and Double Blind at Cinéma Aventure, about a drug trial gone wrong.
Credit: Cinema Galeries
The event will close on a heart-warming note with'Róise & Frank' (2022) which tells the tale of an Irish woman's strong and sudden connection to a stray dog, which she believes is her late husband reincarnated.
Find more information here.
Get your dancing shoes
Hangar Festival, Port of Brussels, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 April
This weekend will mark the first open-air electronic music festival of the year with Hangar, along the Brussels Canal at the Heembeek Quay. The festival's third edition features notable acts such as Victoria De Angelis, the bassist from Italian rock band Måneskin, who will present a unique DJ set on Saturday. Sunday's line-up features Denis Sulta, as well as Lilihell, Mooglie, and Nathan Boost.
Credit: Visit Brussels
In total, around 30 DJs across three stages are scheduled for the two-day event. For Saturday, only the more expensive tickets starting at €58.50 are still available, while most Sunday tickets are still available.
Find more information here.
