What’s on this week: 3 to 9 April

Don’t miss one of Brussels’ wildest cinema capers – the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival – for freaky sci-fi, horror, thriller and grind. The 44th edition adopts the theme ‘Life is Beautiful’ as a defiant stand against the financial constraints it faces. This explains why the biggest genre festival of its kind is restricted to one theatre of Brussels Expo, and why the festival is extended over three weekends to boost audience participation. The programme includes a selection of Spanish films for Europalia Espana and two Korean thrillers as well as the usual event antics such as the (in)famous Vampire Ball that ensures this festival is a favourite on the movie circuit. 3-18 April, Place de Belgique 1 (Laeken)

The fourth edition of Bel’Œuf, Brussels’ annual festival dedicated to chocolate and craftsmanship is on show at the Amigo Hotel’s Ambassador Salon. Forty of the country’s most talented chocolatiers, including Marc Ducobu, the exhibition’s creator, Pierre Marcolini and Christophe Morel were invited to create a sculptural Easter egg themed f ‘Pleasure in Motion’. Proceeds from the sale of the eggs, as well as entrance tickets, will be donated to the Télévie charity initiative, which supports cancer research. Until 8 April, Rue de l’Amigo

Brussels’ Design Museum dives into the fascinating world of furniture for little ones in the exhibition Designing Childhood: A History of Design for Children. The show explores how children’s furniture evolved throughout the 20th century, not only as functional objects, but as experimental spaces where designers tested new materials, production methods and lively forms, while also reflecting changing ideas about childhood within society and the family. From experimentation to embracing new forms such as plastic and more recently sustainable materials such as wood, this is an enlightening  journey into a  playful world. Until 20 September, Place de Belgique, (Laeken)

For its second edition exposing works from its extensive reserves alongside modern and contemporary pieces, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts presents an enlightening show focusing on European abstraction. Collection Meets Spanish Artists reveals a fascinating period in post-war Spain when art was a subtle but powerful form of resistance to the Franco regime. Artists such as Manolo Millares, Manuel Mompó, Manuel Rivera and Antoni Tàpies defied local criticism to pursue experimental forms. Works in dialogue include pieces by contemporaries like Italian Lucio Fontana. Until 16 August,  Rue de la Régence 3

Showcasing the local music scene, the Belgian Jazz Festival takes over the city’s legendary and intimate Vaudeville theatre for the weekend. Open to all musicians residing in Belgium dedicated to jazz and impro, it includes some familiar names. The Stéphane Mercier Trio and  Chrystel Wautier perform on Friday evening; Nelja, Maxime Blesin and Lincoln Paradox on Saturday. 3-4 April, Tour à Plomb, Rue de l’abbatoir 24

Discover the world of contemporary Korean literature in this exhibition presenting works alongside their English translations. The Korean Cultural Center installation features some 20 authors, including Kim Ae-ran, Park Sang Young, Cho Nam-joo, Chung Bora, Cheon Myeong-kwan and Hwang Jungeun. Each title invites visitors to experience not only the literary appeal of the original works, but also how translation helps Korean literature reach broader international audiences. There are plenty of quiet spaces in the exhibition and neighbouring library where you can peruse the inviting books. Until 12 June, Rue de la Régence 4

D Festival returns with a programme dedicated to contemporary dance, bringing together performances, workshops and encounters across venues in Ixelles. Hosted at Theatre Marni and Le Senghor, the festival showcases emerging and established choreographers exploring movement in all its forms, from solo performances to collective creations. With a focus on experimentation and accessibility, D Festival invites audiences to discover new voices and engage with dance in a dynamic, close-up setting. Until 11 April, Theatre Marni & Le Senghor (Ixelles)

Step into the charming world of Rasmus Klump, the beloved Danish comic character known as Petzi. This family friendly exhibition The timeless bear cub at the Comic Art Museum traces the origins and evolution of the iconic bear through original illustrations, archival material and contemporary reinterpretations. Visitors can explore his maritime adventures and rediscover the values of friendship, curiosity and cooperation that have made him a favourite across generations of comic book readers. Until 6 September, Comic Art Museum, Rue des Sables 20

The trilingual exhibition I am here - je suis la – ik ben hier at Espace Vanderborght explores how we construct and perceive our identity, from classical self portraiture to today’s digital culture. Combining art, science and interactive installations, the show addresses themes such as narcissism, media influence and the visibility of underrepresented groups. Developed with the Brussels university ULB, it invites visitors to reflect on how images shape our understanding of ourselves and others in a visually saturated world. It includes interactive exhibits and a children’s trail. 3 April to 31 May, Espace Vanderborght, Rue de l’Ecuyer 50

Ancienne Belgique hosts the return of BRDCST, its annual indoor festival dedicated to adventurous and genre blurring music. With a lineup spanning experimental pop, folk, jazz, electronic and avant garde sounds, the festival brings together artists from across the globe for a series of concerts that push the boundaries of music. Expect a rich and eclectic programme featuring both established names and emerging talent, including Canadian-American composer Claire Rousay (pictured). 3-6 April, Ancienne Belgique, Boulevard Anspach 110 plus nearby venues

Rave Rebels returns with a large-scale celebration of electronic and techno music, bringing together international DJs and thousands of fans for an immersive party experience. Known for its high energy atmosphere, excellent production and strong lineups, the event blends techno, house and electronic dance music in a festival format that transforms the venue into a full audiovisual experience. Expect powerful sets, striking visuals and a crowd ready to dance until the early hours of the morning. 3-4 April, Brussels Expo, Place de la Belgique (Laeken)

Listen Festival and Hangar take over Brussels’ underground infrastructure with The Tunnels, a two night techno event in the Cinquantenaire tunnel. After a sold out first night headlined by KI/KI, a prolific Dutch DJ, a second date has been added with German techno pioneer Marcel Dettmann leading the lineup alongside Salome, Ako, Ava Eva and other performers. Set beneath Parc du Cinquantenaire, the normally traffic ridden passageway is transformed into a striking industrial party space, offering a rare chance to experience electronic music in one of the city’s most unusual and unique locations. Expect immersive visuals, heavy beats and a late night crowd. 4-5 April, Cinquantenaire Tunnel (Etterbeek)

Festival Hybrid launches its first edition at Le 140 theatre in Schaerbeek, exploring new forms of storytelling at the crossroads of cinema, digital art and performance. The programme brings together screenings, installations and live events that challenge traditional formats and experiment with hybrid narratives. Designed as a space for discovery and exchange, the festival highlights innovative creators and emerging practices in contemporary audiovisual culture. 9-25 April, Le 140, Avenue Eugene Plasky 140 (Schaerbeek)

Book now Melody's Echo Chamber - A Ghost Column at Botanique. This solo project by the French singer songwriter presents the latest album Unclouded, a life affirming new chapter for the musician known for her brand of psychedelic pop. It is also a collaboration with Swedish producer Sven Wunder, aka Joel Nils Danell, famed for his visionary soundscapes. Support act A Ghost Column is the latest incarnation of UK musician Victoria Hamblett. 17 April 19.30 (doors open 18.30), Rue Royale 236 (Saint-Josse)

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Over a million bulbs were planted by hand across the park of Groot-Bijgaarden Castle for Floralia. The annual spring display of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths is spread across 14 hectares of the heritage site, a jewel of the Flemish Renaissance. The flowering period extends over several weeks so that visitors can appreciate different varieties for the duration of the event. Additional attractions include Maya the Bee days with family entertainment, as well as a Venetian Parade. Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5, Groot-Bijgaarden (Flemish Brabant)

The towering Antwerp museum MAS presents Martial Arts, an exhibition exploring the history and cultural significance of fighting traditions from around the world. Through objects, stories and multimedia installations, the show examines martial arts as both physical discipline and philosophical practice, from ritual and spirituality to sport and self defence. By placing global traditions in dialogue, the exhibition reveals how martial arts reflect broader social values and cultural identities throughout the globe. 3 April to 29 November, Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), Hanzestedenplaats 1, Antwerp

The Ronde van Vlaanderen returns as Belgium’s biggest single day cycling race, drawing the world’s top riders to the cobbled roads and scenic streets of Flanders. Known as one of cycling’s five “Monuments”, the race combines endurance, tactics and spectacle over more than 270 kilometres, with iconic ascents such as the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg shaping the decisive moments. Spectators line the route from start to finish, creating a festive atmosphere in towns and cities across the region. The race starts in Antwerp and finishes in Oudenaarde East Flanders, where the winner is crowned. April 3, start Antwerp - finish Oudenaarde

The city of Liège is transformed into a light celebration during the Week-end des Coteaux. This programme of activities illuminating the historic centre has been staged in the ‘ardent’ city for the past three decades. Visitors can admire candlelit nooks and crannies, as well as giant installations in Les Ballet des Luminéoles at the Coteaux de la Citadelle at 20.30 and 00.30 (pictured). They can also join festivities at the provincial palace in Place Saint-Lambert, the city’s famous steep staircase Montagne de Bueren and an urban fresco Behind the Walls at the citadel.  4-5 April, Liège city centre

Villers Abbey opens its ancient doors for a family musical experience on Easter Monday with percussion, rhythm and beat performances plus creative workshops for all ages. Check out the full programme set in the ruins of this beautiful Cistercian abbey. 6 April 10.00-18.00, Rue de l’Abbaye 50, Villers-la-Ville (Walloon Brabant)

Annevoie Gardens, located on the banks of the River Meuse between Namur and Dinant, stages its famous Easter egg hunt on Sunday and Monday. For the occasion, it is collaborating with Belgian organic chocolatier Belvas. Scavenger hunts and riddles are offered every hour at the idyllic site in the grounds of a small moated château, filled with streams and water courses. Free entrance for children aged under 6.  5 & 6 Apri, 9.30-17.30, Rue des jardins 37a, Annevoie (Namur province)

The annual floral event Concours Amaryllis at the Château de Beloeil promises to be an immersive experience. More than 7,000 of the flowering exotic bulbs have been styled into contemporary floral creations that fill the elegant rooms of the chateau. There are refreshments available, a play area for children, and of course the stately home’s 17th-century French-style landscaped gardens to visit. 4-12 April, Rue du Château 11, Beloeil (Hainaut)

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

Photos: (main image) courtesy BIFFF; ©D Festival; Design Museum ©Magis; ©Royal Museums of Fine Arts; I am here exhibition: ©BE Culture; Cinquanteaire tunnel ©Listen Festival; ©Floralia Brussels; Martial Arts ©Damon De Backer; ©Flanders Classics; Le Ballet des Lumine Compagnie Porté par le Vent; Exposition amaryllis Chateau de Beloeil 2025