What’s on this week: 23 to 29 May

Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend transforms the capital into a live musical festival with more than 120 artists performing in free concerts across the city. If the main outdoor hubs are the Grand Place, Place Sainte-Catherine and Place de la Bourse, there’s plenty of action in bars and music venues. The festival offers a diverse programme with soul, electro, world, blues, pop, rap and Latino sounds alongside traditional jazz genres. The line-up includes Adja, Aleph Quintet, Stéphane Galland, Tassin/Hermia/Joris, Bandler Ching, Francesco Turrisi, Vaague, Peter Hertmans, Wajdi Riahi, Amy Gadiaga, Jamilah Barry, Lorenzo Di Maio, Jazz Sanusi and Hélène Casella. 23-25 May, multiple venues

Art afficionados gather in the swanky setting of The Mix for the new art and design fair The Rooms. Occupying dozens of rooms in the 4-star hotel and club, it aims to be a fun and more intimate alternative to traditional salons. Some 36 dealers and galleries each occupy a hotel room, selecting the works on display according to the character of the setting. The event also features a sculpture exhibition, a room designed by Lionel Jadot and his studio Zaventem Ateliers (who were responsible for the modernist building’s transformation) and a series of art talks. Adding to the fun is the presence of Marcolini chocolates and the Aperol drinks brand! Free entrance with mandatory tickets.  22-25 May, Boulevard du Souverain 25 (Watermael-Boitsfort)

The Royal Library (KBR) celebrates its reopening with a festive weekend full of music- and medieval-themed activities. Following closure for renovation work, the institution throws opens its illustrious doors to show off new spaces dedicated to polyphony. On the programme: music performances, readings, concerts, workshops and a DJ (pictured) who will bring to life the world of the Dukes of Burgundy and their polyphonic sounds. 23-25 May, Mont des Arts 28

Although tickets to participate in the Brussels 20km sold out within minutes, it’s now time to cheer on runners and help them raise money for numerous charity initiatives. Last year’s event collected more than €2.5 million for some great causes. DJs and live bands will rock Bois de la Cambre and Cinquantenaire Park, the start and finish sites. Note: Some major routes (and tunnels) in the capital are closed to traffic, including Avenue Louise, Boulevard du Souverain and Rue de la Loi for the duration of the races. Stib is laying on additional public transport services. 25 May from 10.00, Cinquantenaire Park and other locations

As part of Poland’s EU Council presidency cultural programme, the Design Museum stages the new exhibition  Looking Through Objects: Women in Contemporary Polish Design. It highlights the major role played by 16 of the country’s female designers via displays of sculpture, ceramics, mobiles, paintings and land art. From product design to one-off pieces, the creations tell the story of a rich array of singular achievements. The museum’s other temporary shows explore skateboarding with a new exhibition presenting 10 works by Belgian photographers, which exudes the freedom and excitement of the activity in the urban environment. Until 28 September, Place de la Belgique 1 (Laeken)

CIVA’s exhibition Chronograms of Architecture challenges the isms, labels and trends of architecture and its major names. “The history of architecture is a construction of the present, not the past,” explains curator Nikolaus Hirsch. Taking American architect and historian Charles Jencks´ legendary ‘Chronograms’ (evolutionary tree drawings), “we invited eight contemporary architects to develop their history of the now. The result questions universalist representations of the past, showing distinct narratives: feminist, post-colonial, technological, environmental, and – as a special homage to Brussels – a history of circularity by design practice Rotor’s founder engineer/architect Lionel Devlieger.” Until 28 September, Rue de l’Hermitage 55 (Ixelles)

Dog lovers and their canine friends are in for a treat this weekend at the second edition of Woofstock – the capital’s delightful dog festival. A unique space for enthusiasts to connect with dog demonstrations, walks, talks, workshops, food tips and dog photos, your four-legged friends will be in canine heaven with ‘doga’ (dog yoga), dog massage, dog swimming pools and special dog-friendly sport – all washed down with a puppuccino or Snuffi dog beer and topped off with Smoofi ice-cream. 24-25 May, 10.00 to 18.00, Tour & Taxis, Rue Picard 9

Calling all fans of handmade choccie treats! The Chocolate Rally showcases the creativity of the capital’s artisan chocolatiers, equipping participants with a ‘Chocolate Passport’. They can then stroll through the city meeting the chocolate makers, tasting their creations and collecting at each stop the words to a mystery phrase... The fun tour is suitable for all ages. Online tickets: €8; €5 for children 6 to 11. 24 May, location to be confirmed

Zinneke celebrates its 25th anniversary with a free programme of activities on Sunday. Music, creative and innovative workshops, kids’ entertainment, tours and a mini-exhibition all honour the biannual community association parade that will make its next appearance in the Belgian capital in 2026. 25 May, 10.00-22.00, city-centre

Artists from around the world gather mainly in outdoor locations in Saint-Gilles, Etterbeek and Ixelles for the 19th edition of fiEstival MaelstrOm REvolution. Exploring the theme Des îles & des Ailes, spectators can enjoy poetry, slam, dance and music in various forms and for all ages (in Italian, French and English). The highpoint of the festival is the all-night La Traversée de la Nuit on 31 May at Rideau theatre.  28 May to 1 June, multiple locations

A “visually striking work” making a “strong feminist statement” is how The King Baudouin Foundation describes its latest acquisition, the Pop Art painting L’égocentrique 2. Now on display at the Fine Arts Museum, the powerful work by the Namur artist Evelyne Axell (1935-1972) is a reinterpretation of René Magritte's painting Le Pebble, in which the Surrealist master depicts his wife Georgette in an erotic pose. It was purchased with the support of the Isabelle and Philippe Dewez Fund. Rue de la Régence 3

Viewfinders Photography Club of Brussels shows off its work with a photo festival in the city centre. The celebration of photography includes two exhibitions, presentations, workshops and photo walks. Until 8 June, Octopus HeArt Centre, Rue Haute 253

Outside Brussels

Art in Ypres is an annual event when the West Flanders city welcomes art lovers to explore its  museums, institutions, cultural centre and galleries. Guided art walks enable visitors to meet gallery owners and discover artworks. In addition to exhibitions, the hosts also organise events such as workshops, fashion shows and demonstrations. 24-25 May 10.00-18.00, across the city

The Spa-Classic is one of the most popular gatherings at the mythical Ardennes circuit. In addition to the thrilling Endurance Racing events, it stages the Heritage Touring Cup. Expect to see a host of classic saloons and coupes with drivers testing their skills on the legendary hairpin bends and elevated corners of this historic circuit. Off-track activities include exhibitions and boutiques in the paddock area. 23-25 May, Route du Circuit 55, Spa-Francorchamps (Liège province)

Contemporary art takes over the entire port city during the Antwerp Art Weekend. More than 70 locations host a packed programme of exhibitions, performances, activities, workshops, a gallery-hopping tour, auctions and parties. The aim is to show how contemporary art is a valuable and essential part of society. 29-31 May, across Antwerp

Convivial street theatre festival Namur in May sets up camp in the Walloon capital, staging performances in locations all around the city as well as the banks of the Meuse and Sambre rivers. Fairytale lamps suspended above the streets are decorative and colourful by day, festive and magical at night. Carousels, mime artists, jesters, clowns, buskers and cabaret performers fill theatres, streets, big tops and impromptu spaces. Street entertainment is free, while tickets required for shows. Pictured: Les Oubliées by B-side Company. 29-31 May, across the city-centre

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

Photos: (main image) Lotto Jazz Weekend; The Rooms Edji Gallery Studio Lenca; ©KBR; Design Museum - Malwina Konopacka ©Be Culture; CIVA Chronograms of Architecture; L'égocentrique ©SABAM Belgium 2025 Photograph Paul Louis; 2022 Spa Classic mbonnevie; courtesy Antwerp Art Weekend; Namur in May Les Oubliées