What's on this week: 21-27 October

American art collectors Peggy and Solomon Guggenheim were outspoken champions of modernism long before giving their name to the famed New York museum. Indeed, abstract art might never have succeeded if not for the wealthy socialite couple’s sponsorship. Guggenheim - Full Abstraction presents 60 paintings from their personal collections. Spanning two continents, three decades and loads of different styles, these works bear witness to a revolution in European and American art. The exhibition scenography is specially designed to immerse visitors in a different world where moods and colours take precedence over recognisable figures. Pictured is Max Ernst’s “The Antipope” from 1941.
19 October-12 February, ING Art Centre, Brussels

Award-winning Scottish comedian Daniel Sloss returns to Europe with his new stand-up show So? In less than a decade, the baby-faced performer has become an international star, with sold-out shows as far afield as Australia and the United States. He has also proven a particular favourite of American talk-show host Conan O’Brien. Sloss is touring with his long-time friend, erstwhile roommate and frequent support act Kai Humphries, who opens the night with jokes about life in England’s North East.
25 October 20.00, Black Sheep, Brussels

Learning a language is always easier when it’s got a beat. AB’s monthly sing-along series help expats learn Dutch through the great Flemish songbook. Each session has a theme and a set of classic Dutch-language songs to go with. This month it’s friendship as sung by Flemish artists like Louis Neefs, Frank Vanderlinden and Clouseau. The sing-along is led by a professional vocalist and accompanied by a pianist, but participants need not have any training or even talent. It’s all about the spirit of camaraderie and hands-on learning. The event is free but online registration is required.
26 October 20.00, Ancienne Belgique, Brussels

Human rights activist and gynaecologist Dr Denis Mukwege presents his autobiography Plaidoyer pour la vie on Wednesday. For the past 18 years, the charismatic surgeon has been treating women and children mutilated by sexual violence in eastern Congo. In addition to his work at the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, Dr Mukwege is an award-winning speaker and activist. In 2014, he received the EU’s highest human rights award, the Sakharov Prize. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Panzi Foundation.
26 October, 20.00, Wolubilis, Cours Paul-Henri Spaak 1, Brussels

Hidden behind the townhouses that line dusty Chaussée de Haecht is a lovely surprise: the Château Eenens-Terlinden (1826) with its gardens and small eatery. A haven of peace in a bustling neighbourhood, the building is now the home of Schaerbeek's Maison des Arts. Lyon-born Brussels artist Léopoldine Roux has a show called From Brussels with Love which consists of nostalgic 19th century postcards transformed by the artist with nail polish for a surprising effect, as well as a new series of paintings.
22 October-10 December, Maison des Arts, Chausée de Haecht 147, Schaerbeek; free

The Old Masters Museum and the Fin-de-Siècle Museum's Halloween family day won't be providing pumpkins but there will be very scary masks, monsters and spirits of bygone days, mythical monsters and plenty of thrills and chills, plus a special Halloween tea in the Museum Café.
23 October, tours at 14.00, 15.00 and 16.00 for kids and teens (from six to 15 years old). Reservations recommended at reservation@fine-arts-museum.be

One of the world’s most uplifting musicians, Michael Franti is recognised for using his music as a vehicle for positive change, as well as for his unforgettable, high-energy shows with his band, Spearhead.
22 October 21.00, Theatre National, Boulevard Emile Jacqmain 111-115, Brussels

European Space Expo is a free travelling exhibition which makes its final stop in Brussels to highlight the ways in which the EU space programme helps citizens on the ground every day, presenting key information – from satellite navigation to Earth observation – in an engaging and entertaining way.
Until 25 October, Place de la Monnaie, Brussels

Join the grand opening festivities for the new Docks Bruxsel shopping district with its numerous shops, eight movie theatres and adventure park, featuring concerts, dance performances and high-wire acts.
20-22 October, Docks Bruxsel, Boulevard Lambermont 1, Brussels