Brussels has had yet another rainy week, but there's no need to let that dampen your spirits as there is an array of exciting cultural and folkloric events happening in the capital this weekend.
With nearly 500 churches and 80 private gardens opening to the public, the beginning of Brussels Renaissance Festival, parades bringing the city's streets and squares to life, festivals celebrating the environment and cuban culture and all-day outdoor parties, there is much to look forward to this weekend. Find all our favourite activities in Brussels below.
Art, music and culture
Zinneke Parade, various locations in Brussels, Saturday 1 June
The popular Zinneke Parade – a joyful and colourful celebration of community spirit which first started in 2000 – is returning to Brussels this weekend, attracting thousands of visitors to the city centre. The procession of 'Zinnodes' will set off at 15:00, and they will make their way around the centre through the Grand Place and Saint Géry and end up at Bourse at 17:00.
The Zinneke Parade in 2018. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
People who live in the municipalities of Saint-Gilles and Forest can also join the Parade Poétik and march to the parade together. This will mark the official launch of Park Poétik, a summer-long festival of poetry, performance and activities.
Find more information here.
Jazz Etterbeek, Place Van Meyel, Saturday 1 June
Credit: GC De Maalbeek / Facebook
Suura is an acoustic quartet founded by Nicolas Van Belle in 2017, which explores the boundaries of (free) improvisation, sound, silence and acoustic echoes.
Esinam Dogbatse is a Belgian-Ghanese multi-instrumentalist based in Brussels. She creates a completely unique musical world, full of rhythms, grooves, melodies and loops, blending her soulful voice with traditional African percussion.
Find more information here.
Brocante Photo, Mori Film Lab, Sunday 2 June
Mori Film Lab is once again holding its annual photography flea market – and its biggest to date. Film lovers can enjoy browsing the outlet film cameras, camera parts, untested older film cameras from before the 1960s, cheap and outlet lenses, camera bags, cases and pouches, tripods, flash units, 8 mm cameras, vintage light meters and APS cameras on offer.
Credit: Mori Film Lab
This year, there will also be a table selling cheap digital point and shoot cameras with a warranty. The Mori Film Bar will also be on hand to serve the most delicious cocktails and beers. Remember to bring cash!
Find more information here.
Festival CubaLandz, BRASS cultural centre, Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June
Following on from last week's event at Bozar, the CubaLandz festival is coming to the BRASS cultural centre for the first time. For this seventh edition, CubaLandz will be paying tribute to négritude and its influences on contemporary Cuban culture, in a multicultural Brussels context.
Credit: CubaLandz - Contemporary Cuban Arts
With concerts, video mapping, performances, theatre and dance workshops, and a latino food truck, discover a multidisciplinary programme full of rhythm, colour and fusion.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Fête de l'environnement, Tour & Taxis, Sunday 2 June
The Fête de l'environnement organised by Brussels Environment is coming back to the Belgian capital this Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00, with a packed day of fun and interactive activities for young and old.
Credit: Bruxelles Environnement Leefmilieu Brussel
People can attend film screenings and debates and participate in artistic, sporting and awareness-raising activities, games, listen to brass bands and concerts, watch street theatre and enjoy the array of food on offer. At the Brussels Environment Village, visitors can also ask experts tips on how to live a more eco-friendly life.
Find more information here.
Congrès Open-Air, Place du Congrès, Saturday 1 June
As the sun dips below the horizon at Place du Congrès, British electronic legend Joy Orbison will take to the stage, following powerful performances from Eclair Fifi, ALiA, and Bjeor, setting the dancefloor ablaze with vibrant energy.
Credit: Play Label
The event will begin at 13:00 and end at 23:00 and there will also be food available on site.
Find more information here.
