What’s on this week: 19-25 October

The Filem’On International Film Festival is ostensibly aimed at family members aged two to 16, but older youth and parents will also find much to enjoy at this annual event. The movies, which come from across the globe, include every style and genre, from stop-motion and cartoon animations to live action shorts and feature films. There’s comedy, drama and teenage romance, and some short films are without dialogue – perfect for the littler kids. The event also includes workshops and a time machine installation, which promises magic lanterns and talking animals. 24 October to 3 November, across Brussels

Following a summer break, the Apéro Afterwork crew is back hosting drink nights for expats in Brussels. The new season launches on Wednesday at Le Grand Central in the EU quarter. Everyone welcome to have a drink or a bite and mingle with fellow internationals. 24 October from 18.00, Le Grand Central, Rue Belliard 190 (Etterbeek)

Digital media has made our attention spans shorter and shorter, and the dance/theatre production Miniatures plays into that by proposing four short stories rather than one long piece. Does short mean better when it comes to real life? Until 20 October 20.30, Les Brigittines, Petite rue des Brigittines

Want to try your hand at vegan eating, but not sure where to start? Check out the Vegan Potluck Brunch, hosted by the Brussels chapter of vegan lobby group Eva. Anyone can sign up to attend, which requires bringing something vegan to eat for two to three people. That means anything that excludes meat, fish, dairy products, eggs and honey. Everything will be piled on a table for everyone to enjoy. Water is free, and drinks are available to buy. It’s language friendly and has a big garden for kids to play. 21 October 11.00-15.00, GC Elzenhof, Avenue de la Couronne 12 (Ixelles)

For the physically fit, Expat Hiking Brussels is opening up its 24-kilometre autumn walk on Day of the Sonian Forest to everyone. Participants need to have good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. For those looking for a big less of a challenge, Day of the Sonian Forest offers activities for the whole family throughout the forest, which famously cuts through Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia. 21 October, walk is 9.00-18.00, event is 10.00-17.00

After a fantastic double bill two years ago, Alistair Williams and Javier Jarquin are back for English Comedy Brussels. Both are from the UK, though Jarquin originally hails from New Zealand. They are both beloved for their laid-back charms and ability to adapt their material to match the local crowd. 23 October 20.00, The Black Sheep, Chaussée de Boondael 8 (Ixelles)

Brussels painter Theodoor van Loon finally gets his due in an exhibition dedicated to the 17th-century artist’s work. One of the greatest painters of his time, he was – as they all were – overshadowed by Rubens and has thus never been a household name outside of art history circles. Don’t miss the chance to discover his powerful, unique style. Until 13 January, Bozar, Rue Ravenstein 23

Whether it’s a new piece or a revival, every seat is always taken for a performance by Brussels dance troupe Ultima Vez. This time it’s a new production by the company’s world-renowned choreographer, Wim Vandekeybus. Traptown looks at his fascination for the universal quality of ancient cultural myths. An original soundtrack was composed by Trixie Whitley and Phoenician Drive, which together with film and architectural elements, offers a sensational multi-media show. 20-31 October, KVS, Quai aux Pierres de Taille 7

There’s nothing like finding out what the 1920s was all about inside an Art Deco mansion, so take kids six and older who speak French to The Roaring Twenties at Villa Empain for stories and activities all about the decade that changed popular culture as we know it. 21 October 15.00, Villa Empain, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67 (Ixelles)

Whether you know something or nothing about wine, Mega Vino will cater to you. The biggest wine tasting and market in the Benelux, it offers hundreds of wines from across the world to taste and buy. 19-21 October, Brussels Expo, Place de Belgique 1

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Catch the tail end (so to speak) of Namur’s annual International Nature Festival, which features exhibitions, film screenings and all kinds of activities focused on our furry and feathered friends. This weekend you can see the English version of White Wolves: Ghosts of the Arctic and chat with the German director, check out the free workshops at the Citadel or gaze in awe at the photo exhibition featuring wild animals in all their glory. Until 21 October, across Namur

Hasselt’s claim to fame – jenever – is celebrated in style every year during the Jeneverfeesten. Whether you fancy the young or old traditional varieties of the spirit, the fruity or nutty flavours or the more quirky assortments (violet, cactus, endive), you’ll find them all to taste in their trademark little glasses. There’s also an antiques market with only jenever-related merchandise, tours of the city’s Jenever Museum, craftspeople at work, live music, and fresh speculoos, the city’s other speciality.

Photos: Supa Modo, courtesy Filem’on / Vegan Potluck, Getty Images / Traptown ©DannyWillems, courtesy Ultima Vez / Nature Festival ©Karin Van Couwenberg, courtesy festival