What’s on this week: 17 to 23

ItinerArt returns with a vibrant parcours d’artistes across Anderlecht, opening the doors of studios and cultural spaces across the commune to the public. Visitors can explore a wide range of artistic practices, from painting and sculpture to photography and installations, while meeting local artists in their creative environments. The event encourages exchange and discovery, offering a unique insight into the diversity of the Brussels art scene. With exhibitions, performances and workshops spread across the municipality, ItinerArt invites curious visitors to experience art up close and in working spaces. 17-19 April, various venues (Anderlecht)

Jette’s Parcours d’Artistes invites visitors to discover the creative energy of the municipality through a network of open studios and exhibition spaces. Local artists present their work across disciplines, from visual arts to crafts, offering a glimpse into their artistic process and inspirations behind their pieces. The event fosters direct encounters between artists and the public, turning neighbourhood streets into a lively cultural route. With a welcoming and accessible atmosphere, this trail is an ideal opportunity to explore artistic creation in an intimate, local setting. 18-19 April, various venues (Jette)

Volt FESTIVAL is a flagship event, courtesy of theatre companies BRONKS in Brussels, hetpaleis in Antwerp and KOPERGIETERY in Ghent, which stands out for placing children and youngsters centre stage. This is a travelling show hosted this year by BRONKS in which children, young people and adults work together on every aspect of the performance and production. Its title is inspired by the electric feeling when performing on stage. 18-26 April, Rue du Marché aux Porcs 15

Brussels venue Circle Park reopens for a four month season of music, socialising and outdoor events on a former industrial site near the canal. This staple of summer nightlife combines open air culture with a festival like atmosphere for a fraction of the cost. In collaboration with La Fabriek, events on Saturday begin outdoors from 14.00 to 22.00 before moving indoors until 6.00. The launch features Fasme (live), Identified Patient, LeDetail and shoplifter B2B Casper. The night continues at La Fabriek with sets from Camila Rodhes, Disjoli and MZA. From 18 April, every Saturday, Rue des Gougons 156 (Anderlecht)

Brussels becomes the capital of padel as some of the best players in the world compete at Gare Maritime. The Lotto Brussels Premier Padel P2 by CBC offers live action of the fastest growing racket sport, while beyond matches there’s a vibrant Padel Village with bars, food concepts, brands and entertainment, plus an after-match DJ Experience daily from 23.00. 19 to 26 April, Tour & Taxis, Avenue du Port 86C

Enjoy an evening of romantic and sacred music as the European Union Choir joins the Ensemble Orchestral de Bruxelles for a programme dedicated to Serenade for Strings and Mass in D major by Antonin Dvorak. Rich orchestral pieces and beautiful harmonies come together in two luminous works that balance lyricism and spiritual depth. Set in the elegant surroundings of the historic Saint Jacques sur Coudenberg church right next to the Royal Palace, the concert promises an unique experience for lovers of classical music. 19 April 17.00, Place Royale 6A

The Brussels Short Film Festival is full of dark humour, quirky characters, harsh realities and kid-like fun. Recent shorts, from around the world, are accompanied by off screenings, events and a focus on Mediterranean films as well as outdoor screenings at Mont des Arts (pictured). 22 April to 2 May, across Brussels city & Ixelles

As one of the leading art fairs in the world, Art Brussels is integral to the Belgian capital’s reputation as a contemporary art hotspot. For its 42nd edition, the fair brings together 139 galleries from 26 countries showing some 500 artists with a strong focus on living and emerging artists. If this is a slightly slimmed down version compared to previous years, it fair promises to be a more immersive experience thanks to a redesigned layout, divided in five sections: Prime, Solo, Discovery, ’68 Forward and the new Horizons, dedicated to large-scale works. As ever, this is an eminently stylish and cosmopolitan event. 23-26 April, Brussels Expo, Place de la Belgique (Laeken)

Tix now Hangar Festival returns for their fifth edition for two days of electronic music in a green outdoor setting on the outskirts of Brussels. Known for its carefully curated lineup and genre defining production, the festival brings together international DJs and live acts across multiple stages, blending house, techno and other electronic sounds. Beyond the music, the event offers food stands, visual installations and a relaxed festival atmosphere. With its mix of nature and cutting edge electronic music, Hangar has become a key date in Belgium’s festival calendar. May 1 - May 2, Quai de Heembeek

Book now Discover the world of Japanese sake during a seminar dedicated to Yamada Nishiki, one of the country’s most prized rice varieties and Hyogo Prefecture, the Japanese region that has perfected the cultivation and production of sake. Organised by the Embassy of Japan to celebrate 160 years of cooperation and friendship with Belgium, the event includes presentations by rice producers and experts involved in its cultivation. A tasting session completes the experience. Registration via the Japanese embassies website or this form. 24 April 15.00, Japan Information and Cultural Centre, Rue Van Maerlant 1

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) goes to the heart of Belgian modernism in its new exhibition A Red that Sings. It focuses on three artists from its collection, supplement by loans: Ensor, Schmalzigaug and Wouters. Colour vibrates, moves and becomes a sensory force in their works as they sought new ways to visualise emotion and movement through powerful, vibrant pigments. Until 30 August, Leopold de Waelplaats 1, Antwerp

Mons’ fine arts museum turns the spotlight on Belgian communism in the 20th century through the prism of the country’s artists. Regards Pluriels: L’art belge et l’utopie communiste au XXème siècle reveals the social awareness of these artists, from Magritte and Bury to Vanriet and Graverol. It is a chronological and thematic experience through paintings, sculpture, engraving, posters and monumental works. Each artist had an individual relationship with the communist utopia and expressed it very differently. Until 16 August , Rue Neuve 8, Mons

Discover the work of renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma in a major exhibition exploring his innovative approach to materials, space and nature. Presented at the Fondation Folon, Kengo Kuma Architecture highlights projects that blend tradition with contemporary design, emphasising lightness, transparency and a connection to the environment. Models, drawings and multimedia installations offer insight into one of the most influential architects of his generation. 18 April-13 September, Fondation Folon, Dreve de la Ramee 6A, La Hulpe (Walloon Brabant)

The fifth edition of the Antwerp Spring Festival returns to the magical setting of Handelsbeurs with seven concerts under the theme of One World. Audiences will be treated to a versatile and surprising programme that includes Mahler’s Symphony No 5, three composers and three voices in a evening dedicated to Stabat Mater and a classical music meets jazz evening. 20-26 April, Borzestraat 31, Antwerp

The fourth edition of Tous au Jardin garden fair is an opportunity to meet horticultural professionals, while snapping up garden tools and seasonal plants. Hosted by the Brasserie Elfique on the banks of the Amblève river, visitors can enjoy visits of the brasserie, gourmet walks and a food market selling regional produce. Discover the entries by horticultural students competing in the best young gardener 2026 competition. Note: The opening day  is reserved for professionals. 17-19 April, Raborive 2, Aywailles (Liège province)

Rare and collectors’ plants are the star of the show at Fête des Plantes  spring fair in the beautiful, landscaped 1.5-hectare park of Château Saint-Antoine, near Tournai. It is followed by three other themed events during the year, including flowering rhododendrons and azaleas on 10 May, hortensias on 13 July and autumn plants on 19 & 20 September. Expect a bounty of rare specialist plants, trees, shrubs and bulbs. 18-19 April, Rue de la Feuillerie 1, Celles (Hainaut)

Fans of colourful folklore traditions are heading to the Walloon capital for the 28th edition of FolkNam. Activities include an artisan market in Namur’s main square Place d’Armes and an afternoon procession through city-centre streets from 14.00. Joining the parade are famed stilt walkers Les Echasseurs. Place Maurice Servais stages a concert by Les Molons at 14.15 and a final procession ‘rondo’ at 15.15. 18 April 10.00-18.00, Namur city-centre

In the wake of the exhibition Hugo Pratt, in honour of the groundbreaking Italian comic book artist, Le Cadran in Liege hosts a cycle of talks exploring the life and work of the creator of Corto Maltese. Across several evenings, specialists examine Pratt’s influences, from his time in Argentina to his connections with Belgium and fellow artists. Speakers include Erwin Dejasse, Joe G Pinelli and Thierry Bellefroid, offering fresh perspectives on the artist's rich visual and narrative universe. The programme extends the exhibition experience through discussion and reflection on one of the 20th century’s most iconic comic artists. Exhibition until 14 June ; Talks  23 April to 11 June (selective dates), Le Cadran, Rue de Bruxelles 6, Liege

Forest Therapy. We've now crossed the threshold of the Equinox and stepped into the fullness of spring. As the light returns and the world around us comes alive, certified forest therapy guide George Biesmans leads a series of walks in the Tervuren Arboretum. Forest Therapy is the practice of slowing down, awakening the senses and reconnecting with ourselves and the rest of Nature. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, it is a science-based framework which supports physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing. 18 April 9.00-12.00; 24 April 18.00-21.00; 26 April 9.00-12.00; 3 May 9.00-12.00; 8 May 18.00-21.00; 16 May 9.00-12.00; 5 June 18.00-21.00, Tervuren Arboretum

Discover more upcoming events at The Bulletin's events page.

Photos: (main image) courtesy ItinerArt Anderlecht; Art Brussels 2025 ©David Plas; James Ensor, Verbazing van het masker Wouse, KMSKA - Collectie Vlaamse Gemeenschap; René Magritte, L'Intelligence, 1946, photo J. Geleyns ©Succession Magritte ©SABAM Belgium, 2026, Collection Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique (Bruxelles); Yusuhara bridge Japan ©Takumi Ota; courtesy Antwerp Spring Festival