What’s on this week: 23 to 29 January

Nearly 150 leading galleries from 18 countries present some of their most exquisite works at Belgium’s prestigious art fair BRAFA. For its 71st edition, the annual event at Brussels Expo celebrates diversity, quality and eclecticism in thousands of paintings, sculpture, furniture, jewellery and objects on display. Guest of honour is the King Baudouin Foundation, which turns 50 this year. The philanthropy powerhouse presents some exceptional recent acquisitions, including a restored scale model of the Chinese Palace in Laeken and the rare Flemish Renaissance painting Lamentation of Christ with Donors (1553) by Willem Key. 25 January to 1 February, Place de la Belgique 1 (Laeken)

Film event Festival En ville screens creative and experimental documentaries exploring the question of territories and borders, real and imaginary. Some 27 recent Belgian and international films, including 18 Belgian premieres, are programmed with a focus on Senegal, Syria, Vietnam, Brazil, Georgia and Palestine. The latter includes the screening of With Hasan in Gaza by Kamal Aljafari (pictured), three recently discovered mini tapes about a tour guide in 2001 that is a testament to a place and time that no longer exists. The multifaceted and inclusive festival encompasses competitions, director focuses and encounters. 26 January to 1 February, Palace, Nova and Galéries cinemas 

Independent fair Artists Print has forged a reputation in the world of micro-publishing with its focus on artists' books. Returning to the Maison des Arts for its fourth edition, some 30 Belgian, French, and European publishers and artists have been selected to present their limited-edition publications. Discover books exploring the themes of wandering and strolling, works by On Kawara, Ed Ruscha, Richard Long, Hamish Fulton, Ai Weiwei and Christoph Fink, as well as performances, readings and guided tours. It is also the opportunity to pick up screen prints, small sculptures and original artists' books, including works by local art schools. Free entrance 23-25 January, Fri 17.00-21.00; Sat & Sun 14.00-18.00, Chaussée de Haecht 147 (Schaerbeek)

Photo exhibition In Their Eyes at Halles Saint-Géry highlights the plight of people suffering displacement and malnutrition in Mali. Seven humanitarian NGOs aim to inform the public about the alarming crisis affecting more than 6.4 million people in the country. Featuring 30 photographs by Malian photographer Tiécoura N'Daou, the images were taken in September 2025 in the Gao and Mopti regions, where partner NGOs are carrying out projects with the support of the European Union.  23 January to 12 February, Place Saint-Géry

La Semaine du Son.Oor returns for its 16th edition with two weeks dedicated to listening and sound culture across Belgium. The free festival explores the artistic, social and scientific dimensions of sound through concerts, workshops, sound walks, installations, films and discussions. In Brussels, events take place in both well known venues such as Flagey and Botanique, and more unexpected locations such as churches and new spaces. The programme then travels to cities throughout Flanders and Wallonia, with specific projects adapted to each location. All activities are free and open to a wide audience; reservations required. 26 January to 1 February, various venues, Brussels; 2–8 February, various cities in Flanders and Wallonia

Get ready to dance at Hot & Spicy, The International Party, a lively nightlife event hosted by Just A Night, Expats In Brussels and Madame Moustache. The January edition brings together a vibrant crowd for an evening of disco, 80’s and 90’s classics, and Latino beats, with live music elements and space to mingle and dance. Come with your friends or meet new people. This party promises good energy in one of Brussels’ iconic nightlife spots. Dress to impress, or be yourself! Tickets are available online or at the door for only €10. 24 January, 22.00 to 4.00, Quai au Bois à Brûler 5-7

Discover Suso Sáiz: Inside Sounds, an experimental music performance by Spanish experimental musician Suso Sáiz (pictured) in collaboration with Brussels’ Echo Collective at Bozar. Presented as part of the Europalia España programme, this special concert blends unique acoustic soundscapes and post classical music with strings, brass and vibraphones, exploring Sáiz’s creativity and sonic innovation. The performance highlights Sáiz’s influential role in Spain’s experimental scene since the late 70s and offers viewers an immersive listening experience. 28 January, 20.30-21.30, Rue Ravenstein 23

Experience The Sound of The Belgian Underground (SOBU) at Ancienne Belgique, a dynamic showcase of Belgium’s most exciting emerging music talents. Curated by Maya (Vieze Meisje) and Sidney (NMSS) with Different Class and AB, the programme features genre blending live sets, DJ performances and experimental sounds that spotlight the distinctiveness of the local scene. A cult favourite and launchpad for future stars, this event celebrates rule breaking creativity and Belgium’s vibrant underground culture. Tickets available for all for €15. 30 January, 19.00, Ancienne Belgique, Boulevard Anspach 110

Panto enlivens the post-holiday season with Puss in Boots at Auderghem Cultural Centre. The ECC pantomime production is a magical tale of cats, ogres, millers and postmen. When hero Tom is tricked out of his inheritance by his wicked but not very bright brothers Dick and Harry, he sets out to make his fortune with nothing but a feline to keep him company. The classic family favourite is especially adapted for Belgian audiences and is full of laughs, songs and hilarious entertainment. 30 January to 1 February, Boulevard du Souverain 183 (Auderghem)

Book now: Let American poet Elizabeth Bishop inspire you to write poetry in a workshop led by Emma Woodford. The Wordcraft Collective event delves into the life of this enigmatic poet and through her poem, The Armadillo, examines how she used pace, rhyme and surprise to build to a climax. Participants will be invited to learn from Elizabeth Bishop's poetry and start on the creation of their own poem in the workshop. 31 January, 16.00-18.00, Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35 (Saint-Gille)s

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Revisit some of the sporting, cultural and political highlights of 2025 at Namur’s annual press photographers’ retrospective. Seven local photo journalists show some of their best shots of regional, national and international events from last year: Jacques Duchateau, Bruno Fahy, Mathieu Golinvaux, Vincent Lorent, Florent Marot, Jean-Pol Sedran and John Thys. Photography students from Namur’s Haute Ecole Albert Jacquard join them with a display of their own images. Free entrance. Until 16 February, Galerie Beffroi, Rue du Beffroi 13, Namur

The Ostend Film Festival celebrates cinema from Belgium as well as new international titles for its 18th edition themed “The stories that connect us”. With more than 100 films screening, it opens with Kat Steppe’s feature debut Zondag de Negenste, about two brothers’ reunion in a residential facility that was filmed in an Antwerp care home. Among the international highlights is South Korean director Park Chan-wook’s new dark comedy No Other Choice, and on the home front there are prestigious Flemish TV series and documentaries. The Belgian coastal city also comes alive during the festival with festive events and DJ sets.  30 January to 7 February, Kinepolis and other venues in Ostend

Fairground wonders is an exhibition that invites visitors into a world of scientific inventions, faraway places, human oddities and magic shows. Exploring the history and culture of funfairs, it reveals how the popular attractions served as a journey of discovery in the 19th and 20th centuries. A family trail through the temporary show is available for younger audiences. Until 26 April, House of Alijn, Kraanlei 65, Ghent

Book now: Romance is in the air and not only in the animal kingdom thanks to Antwerp’s Date night at the ZOO. For the exclusive Saint Valentine’s nocturnal event, visitors can observe how animals have their own forms of relationships and courting customs. In addition to the stroll among the sleeping animals, the historic Winter Garden opens its doors for a playful exhibition about animal courtship. The atmospheric walk takes about one-and-a-half hours and includes an aperitif. It’s destined for singles as well as couples with speed dating sessions laid on. Warning: time slots are filling up fast! 12-15 February, Koningin Astridplein 20-26, Antwerp 

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

Photos: (main image) ©BRAFA 2025 Bernier/Eliades Gallery ©Emmanuel Crooÿ; La semaine du son: Klankkast - Aurélie Nyirabikali Lierman & Keren Levi ©Guido Bosua; Suso Saiz ©Adriana Roslin; Fairground wonders ©Michiel Devijver