What’s on this week: 26 August-1 September

Brussels fashion museum is glancing down for inspiration in its new exhibition Kidorama: 200 Years of Children’s Fashion. Did kids ever have as much choice as they do now? Did what they wear in 1820 differ from their parents? And how has clothing become more – or less – gender neutral? See the evolution of the place of the child in society through garments at this family-friendly show. Until 5 March, Fashion & Lace Museum, Rue de la Violette 12

Visitors are faced with the nigh impossible task of choosing between 400 craft beers to sample this weekend. The international BXLBeerFest, representing 60 breweries, gathers around 160 brewers at Tour & Taxis. The 2022 edition of the popular event focuses on the human element of all of its activities with the theme ‘The crossroads of beer and friends’. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy quality local produce with Brussels favourites Ferdinand Obb and La Fruitière among the food stands. 27-28 August 12.00-20.00, Tour & Taxis, Ave du Port 86C (Molenbeek)

Celebrate the harvest season at the Brussels Tomato Festival with an opportunity to taste a generous selection of sun-ripened tomatoes from artisan growers, including heirloom varieties. The weekend event at the sustainable urban farm Ferme Nos Pilifs is also an occasion to enjoy the rural life without leaving the city. Activities for all ages include expert advice on growing produce, workshops, tastings, nature walks, information stands and kids’ games (free entrance). 27 & 28 August, 10.000-18.00, Trasserweg 347 Neder-Over-Hembeek)

Get ready to be thrilled at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival BIFFF. The 40th edition promises no fewer than 180 scary, surreal and frightening short and feature films, including 12 world premieres such as Mad Heidi, a horror parody of the much-loved Swiss children's storybook character Heidi (pictured) and a long-awaited screening of horror comedy American Carnage Dual. As well as competitions and masterclasses, the festival stages non-movie events like the Vampire Ball, an excuse to dress up as your favourite zombie! 29 August to 10 September, Brussels Expo, Palace 10, Heysel (Laeken)

It’s no surprise that tyrants old and new attack the press, sowing the seeds of distrust among the populace in reliable forms of information. The exhibition Iconic at the European Parliament not only includes a selection of winners of the World Press Photo of the Year, it also examines freedom of expression, human rights and the oppression of journalists around the world. There are guided tours in English every day. Until 13 January, Esplanade Solidarnosc 1980

Bozar kicks off its autumn literary series Meet the writer by inviting British archaeologist David Wengrow to presents his book The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity. The University College London professor will also talk about his work, humanity and an optimistic future. The book, which challenges the long-held idea that civilisation arose with the growth of agriculture, was co-written by the late David Graeber. Journalist Annelies Beck leads the discussion (in Eng). 1 September 19.30, Bozar, Rue Ravenstein 23

Sit Back, Relax & Enjoy the Apocalypse, that’s the intriguing invitation of this new exhibition at community artist space LaVallée. Some 15 emerging talents explore the notion of the end of civilisation by offering a perspective for a better future. The group show is also part of Brussels Gallery Weekend’s off programme (8-11 September). Don’t miss concerts, DJ sets and other performances in partnership with Tictac Art Center and Ne Mosquito Pas scheduled for the duration of the exhibition. 1-19 September, Rue Adolphe Lavallée 39 (Molenbeek)

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

There are still tickets left to Whisper Festival, a superb idea by Live Nation and the Rivierenhof open-air theatre to bring a little reflection into Belgium’s raucous summer festival period. It’s all about intimate music that conveys vulnerability, featuring international musicians such as The Weather Station, Anna B Savage (pictured) and Penguin Café. Chats will take place next to the theatre about well-being and the courage to be who you are (in Dutch). 27 August, Rivierenhof, Turnhoutsebaan 246, Deurne (Antwerp)

Ghent’s free music festival Jazz in ’t Park is moving to a new location this year – the off-the-beaten-path Voorhaven park near the new Loods development in the old harbour area. Get to know the new neighbourhood at this family-friendly day featuring local talent like The Whodads, An Pierlé and the super cool Under the Reefs Orchestra (pictured). 1-4 September, Voorhaven park, Londonstraat & Liverpoolstraat, Ghent

Dedicated to the Belgian abstract artist, the Musée Marthe Donas (MIMDo) turns its attention to her development as an artist in Dublin with the exhibition Marthe Donas en Irelande. During this first world war period, Donas (1885-1967) perfectioned her drawing and engraving skills, also experimenting in stained glass before settling and exploring Cubism and modernism. This show gathers work of various medium that are testament to this crucial stage in the career of the Antwerp-born pioneering artist who only received international recognition in the latter years of her life. 27 August-2 October, Rue de la Montagne 36, Ittre

Performed in gardens around the village, music festival Les Sentiers de Sart-Risbart presents a diverse line up of local talents. From world music and jazz to classical, electro and French chanson, the Walloon Brabant event is a convivial and bucolic musical celebration. Don’t miss the festival finale, a large outdoor banquet on Sunday at midday that’s accompanied by a feast of musical performances. An open stage each day invites emerging artists to test their skills. Until 28 August, Rue Alphonse Robert, Sart-Risbart (Incourt)

Popular Namur music festival Les Solidarités is dedicated to a multicultural mix and creating a fairer and united society. The annual festival boasts one of the best locations atop Namur’s splendid citadel. More than 40 artists will be taking to four stages, including Clara Luciani, Grand Corps Malade, Benjamin Biolay and Gaëtan Roussel. For younger spectators, there’s a ‘cité des enfants’. A shuttle service is laid on to the site from the station and city centre. 26-28 August, Esplanade, Namur

For its 25th anniversary, free music festival Maanrock in Mechelen is opening its main stage a day early. A showcase of Flemish bands, from rock to pop to electronic, this festival takes place on multiple stages across the historic city. It’s crowded – but it’s worth it. 26-28 August, across Mechelen