What’s on this week: 2-8 October

The multi-disciplinary Artonov Festival bridges old and new in sublime and surprising ways. The ‘Art’ stands for Art Nouveau and Art Deco, two architectural styles abundant and famed in Belgium’s capital. The ‘nov’ refers to newcomers to the arts, from dance to music, breaking ground in the way that architects in Belgium once did. The ‘o’ binds the two, creating a full circle of architecture and culture. This festival, then, takes you into Brussels’ finest examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco homes and other buildings – some not usually open to the public. Inside you’ll find artists presenting a selection of music, fashion, dance, visual arts or theatre. 4-11 October, across Brussels

Freeletics is a global fitness trend where people follow online trainers with app. Brussels has a chapter, and they get together every Thursday evening at Cinquantenaire’s athletic track. Anyone with a fitness goal is invited, regardless of level. Regulars are there to help you out, you only need bring a phone with the app on it, a gym mat and some water. 8 October 18.30-19.30, Avenue de la Renaissance

It’s the first Sunday of the month, and that means that Brussels Vintage Market is back at See U. Racks and racks and more racks of vintage clothing is waiting to be found by men, women and kids. There’s also jewellery, small furniture, toys, decorative objects and even a little vinyl. Along with all the old stuff is a hand-picked selection of new creations by local designers. Free entry. 4 October 11.00-19.00, Avenue de la couronne 227 (Ixelles)

The Brussels Cello Festival brings top international cellists together with young talent for master classes and concerts. This second edition of the biennial is dedicated to Beethoven, this being the German composer’s 250th birthday year. The festival features the complete cycle of Beethoven works for cello and piano. 8-11 October, Royal Conservatory, Rue de la Régence 30

Antwerp artist Argentina Zamora is indeed from Argentina, but the series of paintings that make up Calida Piel (Warm Skin) are an ode to Africa: the people, ancestors, nature, animals, cave drawings, twilight. The colours and personalities of the subjects burst from the canvas, sparking the imagination. 3-23 October, Migratie Museum Migration, Rue des Ateliers (Molenbeek)

The non-profit cycling organisation Cyclo is hosting a second-hand Bike Market at the Bourse over the next two Sundays. Every bike comes with a sheet that details its technical specifications, any repairs that it needs and how much those repairs are estimated to cost. You can also give or sell your bike to Cyclo in the two days before the sale. 4 & 11 October 12.00-17.00, Place de la Bourse

The Adam museum at Heysel is changing its name. Henceforce it will be known as Design Museum Brussels. It is simultaneously opening a new exhibition space that will host a different part of the permanent collection every year. The idea is to show Belgian designers from the museum’s plastic design collection alongside pieces from private collections. The debut show in the new Belgisch Design Belge space pairs early plastic gadgets, like kitchen appliances, with designs made from metal and wood from the King Baudouin Foundation’s collection. Until 3 October 2021, Place de Belgique

The Iselp contemporary art centre is celebrating its 50th birthday this year, so its new show for the autumn season is all about time. Inspire is filled with works that question the way we control and regulate time and explore whether we should strive for a less rational and more natural experience of the phenomenon that controls our rhythms and movements. Until 28 November, Boulevard de Waterloo 31

Many graduates of music schools in Belgium haven’t gotten a chance to join the world of performance because of the corona crisis. Professional orchestras are hesitant to hire, and session musician options have dried up. So Flagey launched the Young Wolves programme to put them in the spotlight one by one. Early evening concerts feature jazz, world and classical musicians – the stars of tomorrow. Until 26 November, Place Sainte-Croix (Ixelles)

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Flemish Brabant’s entry in the regionwide Festival of Flanders – a celebration of classical and new music in the broadest sense – is in fact two events. While the month-long Festival 20ž21 concentrates on a 20th-century repertoire, the two-day Transit focuses on contemporary compositions. The pieces are, the festival boldly states, the classics of tomorrow. The 20ž21 theme this year is Transatlantic Landscapes, with a look at American music in concerts, readings, lectures and film. Festival 20ž21: Until 21 October, Transit: 24-25 October

Fiff, Namur’s film festival dedicated to French-language cinema, is a cavalcade of movies, filmmakers, talks, parties and fringe cultural events. While audience numbers must be scaled back because of coronavirus regulations, the number of activities certainly won’t be. Opening the festival is Une vie démente (A Crazy Life) in its world premiere. The debut feature by Belgian directors Ann Sirot and Raphaël Balboni, it is a funny, touching story of dementia and its effect on the whole family. Also at Fiff is a roving caravan screening short films and a programme for children called Parents Not Allowed. And they mean it. 2-9 October, across Namur

Photos, from top: Courtesy Visit Brussels; courtesy Brussels Vintage Markt; courtesy Migratie Museum Migration; ‘The Overview Effect’, Meessen de Clercq 2019, photo by Philippe De Gobert; Ictus ©Christophe Urbain