What’s on in April? The Bulletin’s guide to upcoming events in Brussels and beyond

Spring has finally arrived even if the weather has yet to receive the memo. With Easter and school holidays - for some - on the horizon, here’s some agenda highlights for the upcoming month.

FILM

The Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival responds to the financial axe hanging over its head by choosing the theme ‘Life is Beautiful’. With its freaky sci-fi, horror, thriller and grind movies confined this year to one theatre at Brussels Expo, the biggest genre festival of its kind is nevertheless extended over three weekends to boost audience participation. The 44th edition also includes a selection of Spanish films for Europalia Espana, and as usual, the (in)famous Vampire Ball will close the event in style. 3-18 April, Palace 10, Place de la Belgique 1 (Laeken)

Meanwhile, 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

SEASONAL ACTIVITIES

Occupying a heritage castle site on the outskirts of the capital, Floralia is a spring favourite. Millions of colourful seasonal blooms with staggered blossoming periods transform the 14-hectare grounds into a floral extravaganza with pride of place given to tulips, hyacinths and daffodils. Visitors can also admire a 1,000m2 greenhouse, gardens, a flower labyrinth and an indoor flower exhibition that changes weekly. 3 April to 3 May, Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5, Groot-Bijgaarden  (Flemish Brabant) 

The annual magical floral carpet of wild bluebells will soon be in full bloom at Hallerbos. This natural woodland site boasts an ephemeral display of spring blossoms that attracts thousands of admirers each year. The floor of the forest is currently covered by wood anemones and  the bluebell carpet is slowly emerging as temperatures rise. Free shuttle buses from Halle station at weekends and public holidays, plus free bikes available daily from the station’s cycle point. 4 April to 3 May, Hogebermweg, Halle, Flemish Brabant

MUSIC

The popular Brussels’ venue Circle Park reopens for a four month season of music, socialising and outdoor events. Located 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. It kicks off on 18 April with a daytime programme featuring 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)

ART

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, it brings together 139 galleries from 26 countries. If this is a slightly slimmed down version compared to previous years, the fair promises to be a more immersive experience thanks to a redesigned layout. As ever, it is an eminently stylish and cosmopolitan event. 23-26 April, Brussels Expo, Place de la Belgique (Laeken)

FAMILY

You will not only feel like hopping but also spinning, swirling and flying through the air after witnessing the escapades on show during the Hopla! Circus Festival. Free of charge, it brings together all manner of acrobatic artists, whether the focus is on strength, balance, dance or maybe a bit of radical thought. All performances are open-air and in public spaces, so just put together your programme and hop from one to the other. 25 April to 1 May, Brussels-City, Neder-over-Heembeek and Haren

This flagship event, courtesy of theatre companies BRONKS in Brussels, hetpaleis in Antwerp and KOPERGIETERY in Ghent stands out for placing children and youngsters centre stage. Volt FESTIVAL 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

SPORT

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

Photos: (main image) Hopla - Copie de Sanke ©Eduardo B Photohgraphie; courtesy Floralia Brussels; Hallerbos ©Belga; Circle Park ©Diego Crutzen; Art Brussels 25 ©David Plas; Hopla - Theresa Khun - Oblik; courtesy Volt festival; courtesy Brussels Premier Padel