What’s on this week: 10-16 June

Cuba remains an intriguing place: dilapidated, spectacular and determinedly creative. Learn a little more about this complex Caribbean island and its contemporary culture during Cubalandz at Bozar. A full afternoon and evening of activities for all ages includes musical workshops, an exhibition, concerts, movie screenings and a talk with the famed poet Victor Rodriguez Nunez (in English). Party on with DJ Rafael Aragon until the wee hours (final tickets). 11 June, from 14.00, Rue Ravenstein 23

A tribute to Toots Thielemans kicks off a series of jazz concerts in the fabulous setting of one of the Atomium’s gleaming spheres. The inaugural concert, Toots Tribe, with Stéphane Mercier, Jean-François Prins,Christophe Devisscher and Bruno Castellucci, is preceded by a ‘Ket Talk’ by several friends of the jazz legend, whose centenary is being celebrated this year. The Atomium Jazz series in the Ilya Prigogine room offers a breathtaking view of the capital. 11 June 19.00, Atomium, Atomium Square (Laeken)

Recognised posthumously as one of America’s greatest street photographers, for over 40 years Vivian Maier recorded images of daily life in Chicago while working as a nanny. Born in the US in 1926 to a Austro-Hungarian father and French mother, she never shared any of her images during her lifetime. This exhibition at Bozar is devoted to one of the key aspects of her prolific oeuvre, Vivian Maier. The Self-Portrait and its Double. It reveals this enigmatic figure’s singular work, which curator Ann Morin describes as “an act of resistance” in which Maier imposed her identity. Until 21 July, Bozar, Rue Ravenstein 23

Here’s your chance to pick up an original work of Belgian and Contemporary Art, or at least cast an eye over the pieces going under the hammer. Cornette de Saint Cyr is one of the capital’s leading auction houses, specialising in art and design. The elegant townhouse is freely accessible to view the upcoming lots (which include Rops, Delvaux, Wéry, Bury, Bogart and Lewitt), while the sale can also be followed online via Drouot. Estimates start at €150. 13 June 19.00 (auction); viewing 10-13 June, Chaussée de Charleroi (Saint-Gilles)

The Bauhaus movement in the first half of the 20th century married form to function in design and architecture, and the New European Bauhaus initiative strives to incorporate the European Green Deal into our daily lives. Now it’s launching a nomadic festival, with the first edition naturally being staged in the capital of Europe. There are forums with impressive guests such as world-famous architect Rem Koolhaas, a fair to showcase sustainable projects and a festival at Mont des Arts with all kinds of performances and workshops. There are online discussions as well. 9-12 June, across Brussels

Did you know that the music accompanying movie trailers isn’t necessarily taken from the film itself? Two California composers, working under the name Two Steps from Hell, have written some of the most thunderous, rousing trailer soundtracks of the last 15 years. Think blockbusters like Aquaman, The Crimes of Grindewald and Jurassic World. This family-friendly show with live orchestra features the composers themselves. 15 June 20.00, Paleis 12, Avenue de Miramar (Laeken)

Boil down three years of training into eight minutes: That’s what fresh graduates of the Superior School of Circus Arts in Brussels are challenged to do at the annual Exit Festival, a superb group of performances that belies the age of its participants. With their range of original showmanship and unusual feats of physical prowess, you would think they were seasoned veterans. A great evening for the whole family. 15-19 June, Halles de Schaerbeek, Rue Royale Sainte-Marie 22

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

If you fancy some new reading material for the summer, head to Serve the City Brussels’ Second-hand English Book Sale at Stonemanor on Saturday. All proceeds go to the volunteer organisation charity. You’ll be tempted to browse thanks to the Fish and Chips van and ice-creams for sale at the site. Books can be donated until 13.00. 11 June 10.00-15.30, Steenhofstraat 22, Everberg

It’s time for Stand-Up Antwerp Comedy Club, the port city’s monthly English comedy night. Join MC Nigel Williams and an audience rife with expats for a full programme of international comics. A fun atmosphere is guaranteed. 15 June 20.15, Fakkel Theater, Reyndersstraat 7, Antwerp

After three years’ absence, the city of Mons is delighted to be staging its popular folklore festivity, the Doudou. The Unesco-recognised celebrations, that date from the Middle Ages, include this weekend, traditional processions and a highly-ritualised combat of Saint George and the dragon, known as the Lumeçon, in the Grand Place. There’s also concerts (Typh Barrow is performing on Sunday), entertainment and no shortage of merry-making. Until 19 June, Mons city centre

In a unique sound and light show for Wallonia, visitors can stroll around the historic fortress town from nightfall and discover five sites that are animated every 15 minutes until midnight. Each display in L’Odysée de lumière lasts a few minutes and visitors can choose their own programme. The shows are free, except for an additional spectacle (pictured) at the town’s hilltop castle that also requires a reservation. Until 11 November, from 22.15, Bouillon (Luxembourg province)

Get tickets now: Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker’s famous Mozart Concert Arias is being revived by Opera Ballet Vlaanderen. The Brussels choreographer made a huge impression with the piece in 1992 at the Avignon Festival, and for good reason. Dancers in period costume (sort of) on a parquet floor inspired by Vienna’s Schönbrunn palace join the opera’s symphony orchestra to interpret Mozart’s masterpieces in ways you’ve never imagined. Snap up tickets now while there are still some good seats left. 21 June to 2 July, Gent Opera House, Schouwburgstraat 3

Photos: CubaLandz © Documenta Madrid; Vivian Maier Self-Portrait, Chicago, IL, 1956 © Estate of Vivian Maier, Courtesy of Maloof Collection and Howard Greenberg Gallery, NY; Bauhaus ©  Intelligent Cities Challenge; Two Steps From-Hell © BAAS Amsterdam; Exit Festival 2 © Halles de Schaerbeek